President Barack Obama Fares Grateful Dead Well

On October 13, 2008 the Grateful Dead’s “core four” of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann reunited for the first time since 2004 for a concert in State College, Pennsylvania to support the presidential campaign of Barack Obama. Obama went on to win the election and hasn’t forgotten the support from the members of The Dead. President Obama has shared a message in celebration of the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary in advance of this weekend’s shows.

[Photo via @GlideMag]

“Here’s to fifty years of the Grateful Dead, an iconic American Band that embodies the creativity, passion and ability to bring people together that makes American music so great. Enjoy this weekend’s celebration of your fans and legacy. And as Jerry would say, ‘Let there be songs to fill the air,'” reads the message from President Obama. The message was accompanied by a photo from the members of The Dead and their entourage’s visit to the White House on April 13, 2009.

Tonight marks the first of three Fare Thee Well -Celebrating 50 Years Of Grateful Dead performances at Soldier Field in Chicago that are billed as the final time the “core four” will all share the stage together. There’s plenty of options to watch and listen to this weekend’s shows live from Chicago.