Dark Star Orchestra’s Rob Eaton Set To Return For New Year’s Eve Run
The vocalist and rhythm guitarist will be back in the fold to ring in 2026 with shows in Portland, Maine; Philadelphia and Port Chester, New York.
By Scott Bernstein Dec 29, 2025 • 10:51 am PST

Photo by Bob Minkin via Dark Star Orchestra
Dark Star Orchestra vocalist and rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton will rejoin the band for all five nights of their Cosmic New Year’s Run. Eaton has been sidelined since November 26 due to health issues.
The Grateful Dead tribute act’s Bob Weir was diagnosed with the heart condition acute cardio peritonitis a few days before the band embarked on their fall tour. Eaton tried to power through until his health deteriorated, leading him to miss DSO’s annual Thanksgiving Weekend run on Long Island and a four-show swing through Florida earlier this month.
Splintered Sunlight guitarist Michael Kennedy filled in for Eaton in Florida. Rob Eaton took time to rest and recover and now feels reinvigorated and ready for action.
“I’m feeling like myself again,” said Eaton in a statement from DSO announcing Eaton’s return. “There’s no better way to close out this year and kick off a new one than being back on stage with my brothers and sister, playing this music for the fans who mean everything to us. See you all out there.”
Dark Star Orchestra will kick off their New Year’s run tonight, December 29 at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine. The band then hits Philadelphia’s Franklin Music Hall on December 30 before settling in at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York for shows on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), January 2 and 3.
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