The Grateful Dead begin their Fare Thee Well dates tomorrow June 27 in Santa Clara, California; and we have not only an inside look at how the rehearsals are going but also the chance for UK readers to see the Dead’s final show broadcast in UK cinemas.

The Fare Thee Well shows will celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary; but critically, these are the last shows to feature the four living original members of the band – bassist Phil Lesh, guitarist Bob Weir and percussionists Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann.

Advertisement

They will be joined by Phish’s Trey Anastasio along with pianist Bruce Hornsby and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.

The full list of dates is June 27 and 28 in Santa Clara; followed by Chicago’s Soldier Field on July 3, 4 and 5.

Click here to listen to an exclusive, unreleased version of “Viola Lee Blues”

Advertisement

The Dead‘s final Fare Thee Well show will be shown in 250 cinemas across the UK on July 6 thanks to CinemaLive.

In conjunction with CinemaLive, we’re delighted to be able to offer 5 pairs tickets.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair, just tell us:

What is the title of the first track on the Dead’s self-titled debut album?

Send your answers to uncutcomp@timeinc.com along with your name, address and preferred choice of cinema (the full list is on the CinemaLive site) by noon, June 30, 2015.

And now, here’s a sneak peek inside the Dead’s rehearsals courtest of Jeff Chimenti…

UNCUT: How are the rehearsals going?
CHIMENTI: Rehearsals are going just fine!… Long busy days but well worth the effort!… My behind is a little sore from all the sitting though!… Haha!

Are there many differences between this time and when you’ve played with these guys in the past?
Musically it feels just as good as in past but, for me personally, it is a blast to be able to share the keyboard role with Bruce!…He is awesome both musically and as a person!…

Has there been an extra emotional awareness that this really is the last time?
I think emotions will be more in play as shows are coming to a close!… As stated, rehearsals are very busy as lot’s to cover, so it’s more of a focus situation on that!…

How’s Trey Anastasio fitting in?
Trey has been kicking a**!!…He has worked hard and is evidenced in his performance, besides the “position” in the band that he has to deal with so to speak… I’m sure you know what i mean!…

What are your general feelings, as the shows approach?
I personally feel good and am just ready for the shows to get going and feel all are on the same page!… It’s been quite some time of anticipation to reach this point and glad it’s finally arrived!… Here we go!…

The History Of Rock – a brand new monthly magazine from the makers of Uncut – goes on sale in the UK on July 9. Click here for more details.

Meanwhile, the August 2015 issue of Uncut is in shops now – featuring David Byrne, Sly & The Family Stone, BB King and the death of the blues, The Monkees, Neil Young, Merle Haggard and more.

Uncut: the spiritual home of great rock music.