Drummer Bill Kreutzmann, one of the founders of the Grateful Dead and a member of spinoff group Dead and Company, will not be a part of the latter group’s farewell tour this summer, the band …
, will not be a part of the latter group’s farewell tour this summer, the band announced in a social media post Saturday. Although fans might assume his exit could be health-related, since he has had to sit out some Dead and Company shows in recent years, the group declared that was not the case in its post, and added that he is not retiring from music.
Rather, the statement said, Kreutzmann’s departure was due to a “shift in creative direction.” No further explanation of what that might mean was forthcoming in the statement. “Dear Deadheads,” the announcement began, “Every day, things change. After many long discussions and some good old-fashioned soul searching, we are letting you know that our brother Bill Kreutzmann will not be joining us on our final summer tour. Bill wants you to know that he is in good spirits, good health and he is not retiring.” The statement continued, “This is the culmination of a shift in creative direction as we keep these songs alive and breathing in ways that we each feel is best to continue to honor the legacy of the Grateful Dead. The final tour will go on as planned with Bill’s full endorsement and support.” The post concluded with a friendly “See you at Jazz Fest!” and was signed by Dead and Company’s Bob Weir, John Mayer, Mickey Hart and Kreutzmann. That New Orleans festival appearance marks the kickoff of the final tour on May 6.This doesn’t mean that Kreutzmann won’t be playing in New Orleans soon, however — just not with Dead and Company. As of now, his other group, Billy & the Kids, is still being listed as headlining a “Fleur De Dead” concert in that city’s Saenger Theatre on April 27. Kreutzmann had to pass on some Dead and Company shows in 2021 and 2022, including one at the Hollywood Bowl which he departed midway through, as well as the band’s Playing in the Sand festival in Mexico. Back and heart issues have been cited for some of his past missed shows.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Igloo's Trippy Grateful Dead Coolers Just Got Restocked for SummerIgloo has restocked its Grateful Dead collab, with portable coolers, backpacks and accessories inspired by the band's most iconic motifs. RSRecommends
Read more »
Foo Fighters announce first album since death of drummer Taylor HawkinsThe Foo Fighters' next album “But Here We Are” is described as “a brutally honest and emotionally raw response' to the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Read more »
Fire Up the Router: Grateful Dead Join TikTok on 4/20Iconic OG jam band debuted with a trippy compilation clip cued to “St. Stephen.”
Read more »
Lily Sullivan Is the New Horror Queen to WatchActress Lily Sullivan broke out in the 2012 film “Mental,” costarring Toni Colette, Liev Schreiber, and Anthony LaPaglia, which she booked off an open casting call within two weeks of her drama school program.
Read more »
After 7 hours of testimony, Ohio GOP bill sponsor agrees to modify controversial education billAfter a seven-hour hearing on Wednesday for controversial legislation to overhaul the college education system in Ohio, the bill sponsor agreed to make some changes and clarifications.
Read more »
Dead and Company Announce Bill Kreutzmann Won't Join Them for Final Tour“This is the culmination of a shift in creative direction as we keep these songs alive” Grateful Dead members and John Mayer say in statement
Read more »