Playin' Dead is a Boston, MA based Grateful Dead tribute featuring former members of Dark Star Orchestra, Slipknot!, and Uncle John's Band. Their marathon sets feature music and jams from the entire Grateful Dead catalog. They have played many of the top venues in Massachusetts including House of Blues, Regent Theater, Showcase Live, Hard Rock Cafe, The Middle East, and Johnny D's. Let there be songs to fill the air!
Definitely better than the rest. Even Dark Star Orchestra should watch out.
Response from Playin' Dead:
Thanks for the fine compliment!
We had Playin' Dead for our wedding. These guys are are total pros. They got there on time and got everything set up according to plan. The set list and show they put together was unbelievable. Our guests (many of whom are not dead fans) absolutely loved it. I can't recommend these guys enough.
This band was exceptional and we were glad to have them perform at my son's wedding. They're local (Boston Area) and the # 1 Grateful Dead Tribute Band in the area. What a surprise for the Bride & Groom and all the guests. They truly enjoyed this grateful experience.
Thank You,
Chuck & Sue Belisle
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 90 - 210 minutes
Playin' Dead faithfully recreates the experience of a live Grateful Dead concert. The music of The Grateful Dead is a complex stew of different styles of music including rock, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass and more. Their improvisational style and large repertoire guaranteed that every musical performance would be unique. Every Playin' Dead show is equally unique featuring different set lists each night and exciting improvisational jams. You can find plenty of YouTube videos that you can watch to check out Playin' Dead.
The quote below from a fan in a "Ticket Master Review" sums it up:
"Playin' Dead, Boston's Grateful Dead tribute band, is awesome. I've been to hundreds of dead shows through the 70's 80's and 90's,and at times i feel like i could close my eyes and not know the difference. This band rocks-I encourage any dead head to go see them!
(especially the closed-minded ones who frown on "cover bands" and to them i say -- Jerry would want you to go and enjoy the music so get your head out of your butt and go see them !)"
| September 03, 2017–September 04, 2017 • 8:00pm - 12:00am | Wedding Reception |
| July 22, 2017 • 9:00pm - 11:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| October 23, 2016 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
Playin' Dead has a song list of over 200 songs spanning the Grateful Dead's entire 30 year career. Playin' Dead can play almost any song played by The Grateful Dead from their originals to covers they did of Dylan, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and more! Every show is unique and includes inspired improvisational jams that the Grateful Dead were known for. Lead guitarist Vic DeRobertis captures the tone and style of Jerry Garcia's guitar perfectly. Rhythm guitarist Jim Harris toured with Dark Star Orchestra and his voice is extremely similar to the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir. Keyboardist Mark Munzer performs great recreations of Pigpen classics. Brian Epstein and Tony Ryon provide that 2 drummer sound pioneered by Bill Kreutzman and Mickey Hart. Bassist Scott Kenton lays down the jazzy funky bass lines of Phil Lesh with precision. Together the members of Playin' Dead recreate an authentic Grateful Dead musical experience!
| Vic DeRobertis | Lead Guitar / Vocals |
| Jim Harris | Rhythm Guitar / Vocals |
| Mark Munzer | Keyboards / Vocals |
| Brian Epstein | Drums |
| Tony Ryon | Drums |
| Dave Olson | Bass |
The Grateful Dead
Raleigh, NC 
Classic Rock Band
11 Verified Bookings Susan G. said “The gentlemen showed up on time, set up and did a fantastic show. The members at the Yacht club enjoyed the show and I have gotten nothing but positive…”
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