Bearly Dead

Bearly Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute from Boston, delivers high‑energy performances that explore the full spectrum of the Dead’s catalog from early gems to psychedelic epics. This band isn’t just covers it’s a Bearly Dead Grateful Dead tribute experience, bringing danceable energy, improvisation, and cosmic jams to each show

Formed in 2015, Bearly Dead quickly rose to regional prominence through their Wednesday night residency at Boston’s Church of Boston. Their unpredictability on stage drop‑in guests, gear quirks, surprise jams earned multiple Boston Music Award nominations for “Live Music Residency of the Year”

Unlike typical cover bands, Bearly Dead honors every era of the Grateful Dead, performing classics, B‑sides, deep cuts, and extended improvisational jams. Their catalog spans over 250 songs, making each concert a unique journey through the Dead’s legacy.

By 2020, the tribute band expanded beyond Boston, playing premier venues like Paradise Rock Club, House of Blues Boston, MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and Worcester Palladium. This transition marked them as a rising national favorite.

In October 2022, Bearly Dead launched their debut west coast tour—“Up To Paradise Tour”—bringing their improvisational spirit to venues from Seattle to Redwood City, showcasing their growing reach as a Grateful Dead tribute act

The band’s lineup includes Tyler Brooks (drums/vocals), Michael Butler (vocals/percussion), Sarah Elaz (bass), Nick Swift (guitar/vocals), and Kris Yunker (keys/vocals). Their chemistry and technical skills make each performance a testament to musicianship and communal spirit.

Bearly Dead’s live shows often feature special guests—from Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) to members of Slightly Stoopid, Phil Lesh & Friends, and Tedeschi Trucks Band—delighting fans with unexpected collaborations.

A standout event occurred in August 2018, when Bearly Dead performed at Fenway Park on Grateful Dead Tribute Night. That same summer, Jerry Garcia’s famed “Wolf” guitar was played onstage during their residency, marking a momentous occasion.

Recent 2025 performances include their show at Park City Music Hall in Connecticut, capturing their electric live energy in video format for fans who can’t attend in person.