Folk Duo Rawlings and Welch Announce Tour for Grateful Dead's 'Reckoning' 45th Anniversary

The acclaimed musical partners will perform songs from the iconic 1980 acoustic album.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Iconic folk duo David Rawlings and Gillian Welch are going on tour to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 'Reckoning' album. The couple informed fans that while they have briefly incorporated Grateful Dead songs into their partnership over the years, they are now ready to fully embrace the band's acoustic discography with a special concert series.

Why it matters

Rawlings and Welch's acclaimed musical partnership has spanned over 30 years and they have become revered figures in the Americana and folk music scene. Their decision to honor the Grateful Dead's influential 'Reckoning' album highlights the enduring legacy of the iconic jam band and the respect they command from fellow artists.

The details

The Grateful Dead flirted with acoustic music throughout their career, until they released their 'Reckoning' album in 1980. Rawlings and Welch have also incorporated some Grateful Dead songs into their live shows over the years, but this upcoming tour will mark the first time they fully dedicate a concert series to performing the band's acoustic material. The duo plans to 'start up from base camp' in tackling the 'mountain' that is the Grateful Dead's musical catalog.

  • The 45th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 'Reckoning' album is in 2025.
  • The Rawlings and Welch tour will kick off on April 9, 2026 in Port Chester, NY.

The players

David Rawlings

One half of the acclaimed folk duo Rawlings and Welch, known for their bluegrass sound and hauntingly beautiful lyricism.

Gillian Welch

The other half of the folk duo Rawlings and Welch, who have worked together for over 30 years and founded their own independent record label, Acony Records.

Grateful Dead

The iconic American rock band known for their improvisational live performances and influential catalog of psychedelic, folk, and country-influenced music.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Grateful Dead flirted with acoustic music throughout their career, until they released their 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 (Instagram)

What’s next

Tickets for the Rawlings and Welch Grateful Dead 'Reckoning' 45th anniversary tour will be available on the duo's official website.

The takeaway

Rawlings and Welch's decision to honor the Grateful Dead's influential 'Reckoning' album highlights the enduring legacy of the iconic jam band and the respect they command from fellow artists in the Americana and folk music scene.