Watch Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead

Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead is a concert film that captures the essence of a live performance by the iconic American rock band, the Grateful Dead. The film was directed by Len Dell'Amico and was shot over two nights in October 1980, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The film features the original lineup of the Grateful Dead, including Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir, and showcases some of their classic tracks.

The opening shot of the film is of the marquee of Radio City Music Hall, with the words "Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead" flashing across the screen. As the camera pans across the audience, we see a sea of tie-dye shirts, long hair, and smiling faces – a testament to the enduring popularity of the Grateful Dead among their fans.

The film kicks off with a rousing rendition of "Bertha", one of the band's most beloved songs. The camera cuts between shots of the band members – Jerry Garcia on lead guitar, Phil Lesh on bass, and Bob Weir on rhythm guitar – and shots of the crowd, who are swaying and dancing to the music.

Throughout the film, there are candid interviews with members of the band, interspersed with footage of the concert. The interviews offer a fascinating insight into the creative process of the Grateful Dead and the close bond between the band members.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the lighting and visual effects. The stage is set against a backdrop of glowing stars, and the lighting changes with each song, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

One of the highlights of the film is a rendition of "Ripple", a song that has become an anthem for the Grateful Dead community. As the band plays the song, the cameras cut between shots of the band members and shots of the crowd singing along with every word.

Another standout moment in the film is a solo performance by Jerry Garcia, who plays an acoustic version of "Deep Elem Blues". The performance is both haunting and beautiful, and showcases Garcia's immense talent as a musician.

Throughout the film, there are moments of levity, such as when Tom Davis and Al Franken – two comedians and longtime friends of the band – make a cameo appearance as a pair of security guards. Their deadpan humor provides a welcome contrast to the high-energy music.

In addition to the concert footage, the film also features behind-the-scenes footage of the band's rehearsals, soundchecks, and even some candid moments backstage. These moments offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and friendship that existed between the band members.

Overall, Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead is a must-see film for fans of the Grateful Dead, as well as anyone who appreciates great music and stunning visuals. The film captures both the energy and the spirit of a live Grateful Dead performance, and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic American band.

Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead is a 1981 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.