After sitting out some of the band’s fall tour, Dark Star Orchestra guitarist Rob Eaton will return from the injured reserve for the band’s five-show, three-city 2025–2026 Cosmic New Year’s Run. The rhythm guitarist missed six shows over the past month as he recovered from acute cardio peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal tissue.

“I’m feeling like myself again,” Eaton said in a press release. “There’s no better way to close out this year and kick off a new one than being back on stage with my brothers and sister, playing this music for the fans who mean everything to us. See you all out there.”

The guitarist, who plays the Bob Weir role in the Grateful Dead tribute band, began his leave of absence with DSO’s November 28th show in Huntington, NY. Ahead of the fall tour, Eaton was diagnosed with cardio peritonitis and—against his doctor’s advice—played through the pain for two weeks. After 11 shows, however, Eaton concluded, “At the end of the day health is the most important thing,” and decided to sit out the rest of the tour. Zen Tricksters’ Tom Circosta filled in for Eaton on November 28th in Huntington, before Splintered Sunlight’s Michael Kennedy stepped in for DSO’s snowbird run of December shows through Florida. Check out a review of the Clearwater show here, complete with photos.

Related: Dark Star Orchestra & Michael Kennedy Go Where The Climate Suits Their Clothes [Photos]

With Rob Eaton on the road again, Dark Star Orchestra will kick off its 2025–2026 New Year’s run on Monday, December 29th at Portland, ME’s State Theatre. After continuing on to Philadelphia’s Franklin Music Hall on Tuesday, DSO will set up shop at Port Chester, NY’s The Capitol Theatre for three shows on New Year’s Eve, January 2nd, and January 3rd.

“Rob and the entire band extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our fans, for the outpouring of love and patience shown during Rob’s recovery,” DSO wrote in a statement. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the new year together and continuing [our] mission of keeping the Grateful Dead’s musical legacy alive in 2026 and beyond!

Find tickets for the 2025–2026 Dark Star Orchestra New Year’s run here.