Will the Grateful Dead return as a trio? Bobby Weir weighs in on 60th-anniversary plans

The Grateful Dead, known for their fused elements of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, and world music, were planning a reunion back in November to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

This reunion would include the four core members of the band: Bill Kreutzmann, drummer; Bob Weir, rhythm guitarist and vocalist; Phil Lesh, bassist and vocalist; and Mickey Hart, drummer.

However, the plans for the reunion were put on hold because of the death of the founding member, Phil Lesh.

Phil died in October 2024. He was 84 years old.

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Might the Grateful Dead return as a trio for their 60th anniversary?

The band that has sung famous tracks such as Truckin, Friends of the Devil, and Touch of Grey is pondering whether to organize a reunion as a trio for their 60th anniversary.

The plans for the reunion were in the making before Phil died. The four members would have come together and performed, for which they had also scheduled time to rehearse.

Recently in an interview with Rolling Stone, Bob opened up about the reunion plans they have for the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. During the interview, he expressed how he felt about the reunion as a trio. He said:

“I think when Phil checked out, so did that notion, because we don’t have a bass player who’s been playing with us for 60 years now. And that was the intriguing prospect.… I think you need somebody holding down the bottom.''

He continued:

''Phil had all kinds of ideas that were pretty much unique to him. I grew up with Phil holding down the bottom in his unique way.”

Further, he spoke about how he thinks that there would still be a possibility of a reunion later this year that will include him, Bill, and Mickey. He said:

“I suppose I could go back out. I wouldn’t put anybody in his place, so it would be a trio at this point. It’d be me and two drummers. I’d have to think about that. I haven’t thought about it — it’s just now occurring to me that it’s a possibility that we could do that, since you asked.… I guess we’ll just see what the three of us can pull together.”

Based on these statements, one may have hope for a Grateful Dead reunion this year to celebrate the band's anniversary.