Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Announce 'Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' Tour

The acclaimed folk duo will perform Grateful Dead songs in an acoustic setting across the U.S. this spring.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Acclaimed folk musicians Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have announced a tour celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 'Reckoning' album. The 'Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Play Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' tour will feature the duo performing acoustic renditions of classic Dead songs across six dates in April, including three shows at Port Chester, NY's The Capitol Theatre, two dates at Oakland, CA's Fox Theater, and one show at New Orleans, LA's Saenger Theatre. Welch and Rawlings will also bring the 'Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' to the Newport Folk Festival in July.

Why it matters

Welch and Rawlings have long been admirers of the Grateful Dead's music, and this tour allows them to pay tribute to the band's legacy in an intimate, acoustic setting. The shows will give fans a fresh take on classic Dead songs, highlighting the folk and Americana influences that have always been present in the band's music.

The details

The tour dates were announced by Welch, who said, 'The Grateful Dead flirted with acoustic music throughout their career, until they released the Reckoning album, 45 years ago. We have flirted with Grateful Dead music throughout our career, until this anniversary was suggested as a good reason to book these shows. We know the Dead's music is a mountain, and we're hoping to start up from base camp this Spring in celebration of their legacy.' Tickets for the new headlining dates will go on sale on Friday, February 13 at 10am local time.

  • The 'Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Play Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' tour will take place in April 2026.
  • Welch and Rawlings will also perform the 'Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' at the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 2026.

The players

Gillian Welch

An acclaimed American folk singer-songwriter who has collaborated extensively with David Rawlings.

David Rawlings

An American musician who has been Welch's longtime musical partner, co-writer, and producer.

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What they’re saying

“The Grateful Dead flirted with acoustic music throughout their career, until they released the Reckoning album, 45 years ago. We have flirted with Grateful Dead music throughout our career, until this anniversary was suggested as a good reason to book these shows. We know the Dead's music is a mountain, and we're hoping to start up from base camp this Spring in celebration of their legacy.”

— Gillian Welch (glidemagazine.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Play Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' tour will go on sale on Friday, February 13 at 10am local time.

The takeaway

Welch and Rawlings' 'Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning' tour offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the iconic band's music in a stripped-down, folk-inspired setting, highlighting the enduring influence of the Grateful Dead's catalog on contemporary Americana and roots music.