Our Story
Not just another Grateful Dead cover band. A cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours. The band delivers a full-spectrum concert experience filled with danceable energy and world-class musicianship. Each and every Grateful Dead member is honored through a collection of classics, b-sides, deep cuts, and exploratory jams. Holding true to the spirit of the music, Bearly Dead frequently adds to their 250+ song catalog and continues to showcase authentic, spontaneous improvisation – live and in-person – making each show a wildly unique Grateful Dead experience you do not want to miss.
Bearly Dead played their first show at Church of Boston, in 2015, marking the beginning of its hallowed Wednesday Night Residency. Over the next 5 years the phrase “Never Miss A Wednesday Show” became ubiquitous around Boston and Bearly Dead was nominated multiple times for Boston Music Awards Live Music Residency of the Year. Fans really never knew what might happen, the band never knew what might happen! Bearly Dead shows have featured notable appearances by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), Steve Molitz (Particle/Phil Lesh & Friends), Kebbi Williams (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Rob Compa (Dopapod), Hayley Jane (Hayley Jane & The Primates), Richard James (Neighbor), and Johnny Trama (Dub Apocalypse) — and even a surprise appearance by Jerry Garcia’s “Wolf” guitar in 2018 on Jerry Garcia’s birthday!
In 2020, Bearly Dead began performing at other prestigious Massachusetts venues, including headline shows at Paradise Rock Club, Sinclair, Worcester Palladium, MGM Music Hall Fenway, and House of Blues Boston. After becoming a staple in the Northeast US festival community with multiple appearances at Camp Creek, Jerry Jam, Strangecreek, Wormtown, and many more, it was only a matter of time before Bearly Dead shows were being requested in all corners of the country. In October 2022, the band saddled up a new van and began touring nationally, performing their interpretation of the catalog across the United States and growing the Bearly Dead Family all along the way.
Bearly Dead is Tyler Brooks (Drums, Vocals), Owen Finley (Bass), Nick Swift (Guitar, Vocals), Kris Yunker (Keys/Organ/Synth, Vocals), and Michael Butler (Vocals, Percussion).