Carroll's 55th Street
Carroll's 55th Street
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Deadstein's 35th Anniversary: A Tribute to the Eternal Jam
On October 8, 2025, at Carroll's 55th Street in New York City, Deadstein marked an incredible milestone with their 35th Anniversary Jam - a night aptly titled "Wow Who Could Imagine." This special event commemorated the band's first jam on October 9, 1990, and served as a heartfelt reflection on over three decades of keeping the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive through weekly freestyle jams, camaraderie, and unyielding passion for the music of Jerry Garcia and beyond.
The Origins: From Humble Beginnings in 1990
Deadstein's journey began on October 9, 1990, in a small rehearsal space at 162 Perry Street in New York City. What started as a casual gathering of Grateful Dead enthusiasts - including founding members like Larry G., Kevin, Trister, and others - quickly evolved into a weekly ritual. Inspired by the improvisational magic of the Grateful Dead, the group committed to exploring the band's vast catalog, jamming on classics like "Scarlet Begonias," "Playing in the Band," and "Uncle John's Band." Over the years, they've documented an astonishing 1,415 jams (and counting) on their website, Deadstein.com, complete with setlists, audio recordings, and guestbook entries that capture the raw energy of each session.
In those early days, jams took place in eclectic venues: apartments in Brooklyn, backyards, and even Richie Havens' rehearsal studio. By the mid-1990s, they settled into more consistent spots like Ganesvoort Street and Carroll's 55th Street, which became their spiritual home. Despite pauses in 1993 and challenges like member absences, venue shifts, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, Deadstein's core philosophy remained: "We are not the best at what we do, but at least we do it."
A Legacy of Jams: Highlights from 35 Years
Deadstein's history is a tapestry of memorable moments. From their 13th anniversary jam in 2003, featuring bluegrass influences, to tributes like the 2014 homage to the Grateful Dead's 1979 Springfield show, each gathering has been a celebration of music and community. The band has navigated lineup changes, with a "Core-4" often including Larry, Kevin, Rich, and Alan, expanded by drummers like Scott and Drew, and guests such as Coffee Boy, Andy, and Jason.
- 1990s: The Formative Years - Raw, exploratory sessions building the foundation.
- 2000s: Nomadic Studios and Growth - Moving to SIR Studios and Smash Studios, incorporating multi-track recordings.
- 2010s: Consistency and Tributes - Weekly Tuesdays at Carroll's, anniversary specials, and post-9/11 resilience.
- 2020s: Endurance Through Adversity - Post-COVID reunions, introducing tools like Jamzone, and big six-man lineups.
The 35th Anniversary Jam on October 8, 2025, was a pinnacle, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. Attendees revisited favorites from across the decades, reflecting on how Deadstein has kept the "freaky family" spirit alive. As one guestbook entry from the early days noted: "Quite a page for the world's premiere permanent Grateful Dead Jam."
Tribute: To All the Jams and the Freaky Bunch
As we look back on Deadstein's 35 years, this tribute honors not just the music, but the unbreakable bond of its members and fans. From the first notes struck in 1990 to the electrifying anniversary jam in 2025, Deadstein has embodied the Grateful Dead's ethos: endless exploration, communal joy, and the belief that the music never stops. Here's to the jams past, present, and future - may they continue to freak on for another 35 years!
Check out highlights from recent jams on their YouTube channel, including footage from October 2025 sessions like "Music Never Stopped" from October 22.
For the full history, dive into the complete jam listings and join the conversation on their blog.
Freak Out!