Grateful Dead Inducted Into MSG Walk Of Fame

Earlier today the Grateful Dead finally received an honor they were originally scheduled to receive 20 years ago as the band was inducted into the Madison Square Garden Walk Of Fame in New York City. Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann were on hand to receive the honor at MSG along with Trixie Garcia, the daughter of Jerry Garcia and Reya Hart, the daughter of Mickey Hart.

[All photos by Scott Harris]

Along with the Dead, Hockey Hall Of Fame goaltender Eddie Giacomin, Basketball Hall Of Fame forward Harry Gallatin and photographer George Kalinsky were also inducted into the famed venue’s Walk Of Fame today. Madison Square Garden established the Walk Of Fame in 1992 to recognize athletes, artists, announcers and coaches for their extraordinary achievements and memorable performances at the venue. The Grateful Dead played 52 sold out concerts at Madison Square Garden between 1979 and 1994, which puts them at #3 on the list of artists to perform the most concerts at MSG behind Elton John and Billy Joel. Garcia’s untimely death in 1995 came just as the band was set to be inducted into the Walk Of Fame leading to a postponement that lasted until today.

The Grateful Dead were inducted into the Walk Of Fame last at Monday’s ceremony. Radio DJ Jim Kerr gave a speech discussing what the band had accomplished and the many memorable shows they played at MSG. Trixie Garcia was the first of the Dead-related guests on stage to speak about the honor and she thanked those who made the honor possible. Reya Hart then told a story about her experience as a 16-year-old during the Dead’s last run of shows at MSG in 1994. She sat directly behind her father’s massive drum setup and was blown away by the experience of watching her dad perform at The Garden as the stage swayed dramatically throughout the evening.

Kreutzmann said he had many incredible memories of performing at MSG over the years and felt the band always took it up a notch when playing the venue. Bob Weir spoke for the longest of any of the Grateful Dead guests as he explained how the crowd that attended the band’s shows at MSG played a major role in making each performance special. “This place was both horrifying and titillating with an audience that was discerning but ravenous. We had to rise to the occasion every time,” Weir said. Both Billy and Bobby were asked by journalists whether the members of the Dead would be performing in New York City any time soon and both men shied away from giving a firm answer one way or the other.

The Grateful Dead’s plaque will soon be installed at the entrance to Madison Square Garden. Check out our playlist of incredible songs recorded live at MSG. Here’s more photos from the ceremony thanks to Scott Harris: