Gratefully Tattooed, a new coffee table book from acclaimed San Francisco tattoo artist Salem Ofa, owner of Eye of the Tiger Tattoo, documents the dedication of Grateful Dead fans who express their love of the band and what it represents with body art that will “not fade away.”
Like the Grateful Dead, tattoos have seen a cultural resurgence in recent years, and the medium has since become respected as a legitimate form of artistic expression. This new 208-page photo book, produced with help from acclaimed Grateful Dead photographer Jay Blakesberg, highlights the intersection of these two thriving subcultures, showcasing the work of 12 top tattoo artists from across the country, including Salem Ofa, Gordo Dedda, Michael Bartkowiak, Wayne Baechle, Elisa Rose Mountain, Danny Reed, Ben Corn, Emily Hefley, Fernando Lions, Dustin Leach, Daniel Albrigo, and Lincoln Rust.
“The Grateful Dead’s music has always been the heartbeat of the American counterculture, and now, Gratefully Tattooed tells the story of the fans who carry that rhythm on their skin,” a press release for the project reads. “A story born from Shakedown Street, this book highlights not only featured artists but also includes a curation of photos taken straight from the ‘lot,’ along with artwork selected from online submissions by fans eager to be part of this historic release. Gratefully Tattooed takes its readers on a visual journey that explores the depth of the inspiration and commitment of these twelve tattoo artists who have channeled the zeitgeist of the Grateful Dead’s music in their artwork.”
Related: Dead & Company Announce Return To Sphere In 2025
Check out select images from Gratefully Tattooed below and head here to order the book for yourself or someone on your holiday shopping list.
