Drummer Bill Kreutzmann has pulled out of Dead & Company‘s “The Final Tour” this summer. The news was announced in a note on social media credited to Kreutzmann and Dead & Co. bandmates Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and John Mayer.
“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,” began the note from the members of Dead & Company besides keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and bassist Oteil Burbridge. “Bill wants you to know that he is in good spirits, good health and he is not retiring.”
“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,” continued the message. “The final tour will go on as planned with Bill’s full endorsement and support.”
Dead & Company formed in 2015 and embarked on their debut tour that summer. Kreutzmann missed a number of shows in 2021 and 2022 due to health issues, including problems with his back and heart as well as a positive COVID-19 test. Jay Lane replaced Bill The Drummer at the shows he missed. Today’s announcement made no mention of a replacement for the upcoming summer tour, which begins with an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 6.
Bill Kreutzmann will take the stage with his Billy & The Kids ensemble at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre on April 27 for a Fleur De Dead concert. Grammy-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter Molly Tuttle was recently confirmed as special guest for the show.
Read the note from Dead & Co. and scroll below for a full list of tour dates:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CrWCfU6OAw0/
