Sturgill Simpson Pays Tribute to the Grateful Dead with a Cover of ‘Ripple’

Sturgill Simpson Covers Grateful Dead’s “Ripple”

Sturgill Simpson honored the Grateful Dead with an emotional rendition of “Ripple” – check it out below.

Kennedy Center Honors Event

Earlier this month (December 8), the Grateful Dead were celebrated at the newest Kennedy Center Honors, an event hosted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir attended, while Phil Lesh, who passed away in October at 84, was represented by his son Graham. Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995, was represented by his daughter Trixie Garcia.

Sturgill Simpson performed a cover of the band’s “Ripple” during the ceremony, although the recording was not made public until last weekend (December 22), when the event was aired.

Catch a snippet of Sturgill Simpson’s cover of “Ripple” below.

During the event, President Biden remarked about the band: “In the San Francisco Bay Area, at a pivotal moment in history, the Grateful Dead have long transcended the counterculture of the 1960s.”

“Technical virtuosos with a love for their art, they mixed decades and numerous musical styles to forge an entirely new American sound. Experimental, innovative, and daring,” Biden continued.

Biden added, “Look, there are still plenty of Deadheads around,” pointing to himself before adding, “No two performances are alike, but their spirit and joy continue. Tonight we pay tribute to Bobby, Bill, and Mickey.”

Future Plans for Dead & Company

In other news, Dead & Company has announced a 2025 residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. The band includes Bob Weir and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane. They are set to return to the live stage following a successful residency this year, where they performed amidst 240 Sphere musicians’ screens from May to July 2024.

Additionally, Kreutzmann shared in November that plans for a 60th anniversary reunion featuring Lesch were in place before his passing. “I was hoping we could play together again,” he expressed. “That was my sadness… because I know he wanted to join us too.”

“We had a great time,” remarked Dead & Company member Bob Weir. “We were actually planning to meet and release some songs soon.”