BERTHA: Grateful Drag Drops 1st Live Album ‘Slayin’ In The Band Vol. 1’

Out today from BERTHA: Grateful Drag is Slayin’ in the Band Vol. 1, the all-drag Grateful Dead tribute act’s first-ever live album. The set collects 19 tracks featuring standout moments from recent shows.

The septet was formed in Tennessee in 2023 for what was intended to be a one-off charity concert to stand tall against anti-drag legislation. After the debut show sold out, BERTHA: Grateful Dead decided to bring the show on the road, where they’ve spent the past two years delighting Deadheads nationwide.

Fittingly, Slayin’ in the Band Vol. 1 arrives on the 55th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s debut live “Bertha” performance on this date in 1971 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. Each show the band played has included a fundraising component, a tradition that will extend to their new record. BERTHA: Grateful Drag will donate a portion of proceeds from the album to Trans Aid Nashville.

The band issued remarks about the new release, stating:

“To celebrate our first two years of touring, BERTHA: Grateful Drag is proud to present our own version of a two-set, two-and-a-half hour Grateful Dead concert. Though you’ll have to imagine the looks we slayed on stage, we invite the discerning head to close their eyes, tune in, and turn on to the echo of rhinestones and heels through the roar of each glitter-tinged crowd. These live recordings have been remixed, mastered, and blessed with queer magic, and a portion of proceeds will benefit Trans Aid Nashville.”

BERTHA: Grateful Dead has an active slate of live performances scheduled through June. Scroll below for a complete list of the band’s upcoming tour dates.