Billy Strings Joins Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park
Billy Strings to mark 60 years of Grateful Dead music with a Golden Gate Park performance!
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Show Announcement
American bluegrass star Billy Strings has just announced he’ll be supporting Dead & Company’s Aug. 1 concert at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The one-off performance marks the band’s salute to six decades of Grateful Dead music under the stars in a city that’s been central to the Dead’s legacy since 1965.
In an Instagram post shared May 20, Billy Strings wrote, “We are beyond grateful to be supporting @deadandcompany on August 1st at Golden Gate Park 🌹 Join us in celebrating 60 Years of the music of The Grateful Dead!” View the full announcement here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7VernJL5A/
Ticket Info
Dead & Company has set presale for their three-day festival-style event beginning Wednesday, May 28 at 10 a.m. PT. Fans can register now at deadandcompany.com to secure early access. General on-sale kicks off Friday, May 30 at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster.
Tickets cover entry to three days of concerts (Aug. 1–3), with Billy Strings joining the lineup on opening night. Golden Gate Park’s massive venue has hosted multiple landmark performances for the Dead’s extended family dating back to the 1970s—making this event both a celebration of past triumphs and a showcase of today’s premier talent.
About Billy Strings
Billy Strings, born William Lee Apostol in 1992, has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying figures in modern bluegrass. A three-time Grammy Award winner, he received Best Bluegrass Album honors in 2019 for Home and was nominated again in 2022 for his album Renewal. His blend of traditional picking, rock-influenced solos and rock-steady rhythm has brought bluegrass to audiences far beyond its usual circles.
Originally from Michigan, Strings moved to Nashville in his teens and quickly found himself headlining festivals like Bonnaroo and Newport Folk. He’s known for marathon sets and improvisational flair—qualities that align seamlessly with the spirit of the Grateful Dead.
Summer Tour Highlights
This summer, Strings has been weaving his own trail across North America. Recent dates include packed shows at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, and headline slots at the Outlaw Music Festival in Wheatland, California. His high-octane performances have become a social media staple, with fans sharing clips under the hashtag #BillyOnTour.
Beyond festival stages, Strings has continued to collaborate with a wide range of artists. This spring he teamed up with Americana singer Margo Price on a benefit single for farm relief, foreshadowing his upcoming participation in Farm Aid 40 this September in Minneapolis.
Why This Matters
The Grateful Dead’s catalog has inspired generations of musicians, and Dead & Company was formed in 2015 to keep that music alive. With original members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann still on stage alongside stars like John Mayer, adding Billy Strings to the mix reinforces a bridge between bluegrass tradition and psychedelic jam culture.
San Francisco has welcomed the Dead through decades of cultural shifts, and this anniversary show promises to honor that history while carving out a new chapter. For Strings, it’s a chance to step into an epicenter of counter-culture music and play alongside peers he’s long admired.
Fans React
Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement. One Instagram user wrote, “Billy Strings opening for Dead & Co? Dream come true!” Another fan tweeted, “Best line-up of the summer—can’t wait for GGPark!” The excitement underscores the enduring appeal of Grateful Dead music and strings-driven improvisation.
Anticipation is building for what could be one of the most talked-about concerts of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard Deadhead, a bluegrass aficionado or just love great live music in a historic setting, this Golden Gate Park show is shaping up as a must-see.
From presale registration on May 28 to general on-sale May 30, run times and set lists will follow. But one thing is certain: with Billy Strings in the opening slot, the first night of Dead & Company’s Golden Gate Park residency is poised to be unforgettable.
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