There is no doubt that The Grateful Dead remains popular within the age range that once listened to them in their prime. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence in teenagers who listened to the once infamous band. The psychedelic sound has been around for much longer than the teens that listen to them though, as The Grateful Dead started building popularity around the mid 1960s to early 70s… which begs the question, what is it about this matured and niche sub culture of American Rock that attracts the youth?

It is not uncommon to see Lake Forest students sporting the “Dancing Bears” tie-dyes or “Steal Your Face” hats that emulate a once good time.

Senior Finley Michael, a known Grateful Dead enthusiast, shared his story about how he first got into the band. 

“I got into The Dead around 8th grade, because my dad was a huge DeadHead, and that kind of resonated with me because of him playing it around the house and in the car,” said Michael. “I saw how firsthand much it meant to him so I tried them out and never looked back!” 

When asked about newer-age alternatives, Michael had plenty of bands. 

“Jam bands that are inspired by them like Goose, Widespread Panic, and Phish are good, but it’s very hard to replicate the impact The Dead made,” said Michael. “However, I think a great way to listen to The Dead as close and well as they used to be would be through cover bands. Some good ones are Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and Dark Star Orchestra.”

To better understand the band’s lasting influence, it’s necessary to look beyond this generation. Longtime DeadHead, and one of the school’s veteran teachers—Stephen Van Nuys has followed The Grateful Dead for decades— and offered a firsthand look at the band’s culture and community. Van Nuys spoke with the kind of calm certainty that only comes from experience, recalling the music, the atmosphere, and the people who made every show unforgettable.

“For the most part, people who followed the dead are chill and friendly. You’ll almost never see a fight at a dead show or any hostility,” said Van Nuys.

When asked, “Would The Dead be the same without Jerry Garcia?” The discussion naturally shifted to artist John Mayer, and how his role in Dead & Company has helped preserve the band’s legacy for a new generation. Van Nuys didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on Mayer’s impact. 

“I’m a big Mayer guy, I think he’s super talented,” said Van Nuys.“It’s definitely not the same because I think he brings a more blues-y element to it, but it’s such a great story because he has never heard a dead song before and now he rips.”

It’s unclear to say whether the trend of listening to The Grateful Dead sticks with young high schoolers, but the dedicated community and deep culture behind the band will forever remain prominent.