New Book ‘Gratefully Tattooed’ Reveals Stories Behind Grateful Dead Ink

The first-ever catalogued and published collection documenting tattoos inspired by Grateful Dead’s iconic imagery, Gratefully Tattooed, is now available to pick up. The 208-page, hardcover coffee table book was produced by acclaimed San Francisco tattoo artist Salem Ofa.

Ofa owns Eye of the Tiger Tattoo in the Grateful Dead’s hometown of San Francisco, but tapped 12 of the country’s top tattoo artists to feature their Dead-inspired work in Gratefully Tattooed: Gordo Dedda, Michael Bartkowiak, Wayne Baechle, Elisa Rose Mountain, Danny Reed, Ben Corn, Emily Hefley, Fernando Lions, Dustin Leach, Daniel Albrigo and Lincoln Rust.

“This book offers a glimpse into our world — the art we create and the fans who entrust us with expressing their devotion to what they love,” Ofa said of Gratefully Tattooed. “It celebrates those who draw inspiration from the music that has touched their souls and changed their lives forever.”

A press release further detailed Gratefully Tattooed:

For the first time ever, the photographic collection on these pages documents a unique subculture where tattoos, music, and the fandom of the Grateful Dead collide. The Grateful Dead’s music has always been the heartbeat of the American counterculture, and now, Gratefully Tattooed tells the story of the fans who carry that rhythm on their skin. A story born from Shakedown Street, this book highlights not only featured artists but also includes a curation of photos taken straight from the “lot,” along with artwork selected from online submissions by fans eager to be part of this historic release.

Check out images from Gratefully Tattooed below: