Massive Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Memorabilia Collection Up for Auction

Over 300 items from the personal archives of Grateful Dead crew and family members will be sold at Julien's Auctions in San Francisco.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 4:00am by Ben Kaplan

More than 300 pieces of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia memorabilia, including instruments, keepsakes, and other personal items, are set to go up for auction in April. The items belong to crew chief and Jerry Garcia Band manager 'Big Steve' Parish, Jerry Garcia's daughter Trixie Garcia, and Grateful Dead head roadie Lawrence 'Ram Rod' Shurtliff, and represent 50 years of memories and experiences with the band.

Why it matters

This auction provides a rare opportunity for Grateful Dead fans and collectors to own a piece of the band's history, with items that have deep personal significance to the Grateful Dead's inner circle. The collection offers a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who were closest to the band during its heyday.

The details

The auction, titled 'Treasures From The Golden Road: Featuring Property From 'Big Steve,' 'Ram Rod' & Trixie Garcia,' will feature several of Jerry Garcia's personal instruments, including a 1939 Gibson Super 400N Archtop guitar, a custom-made 1988 Alvarez Yairi acoustic guitar, and a 1988 Dobro Model 64 'Tree of Life' Resonator guitar. Other items up for auction include amps, effects pedals, a personalized Madison Square Garden tie-dye director's chair, a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat, sketchbooks, a working songbook, and Grateful Dead memorabilia such as speaker cabinets, a dressing room plaque from the Winterland Ballroom, and an RIAA Platinum award for the 1970 album 'Workingman's Dead'.

  • The auction will take place on April 22, 2026 at The Box SF in San Francisco.
  • The items up for auction represent 50 years of memories and experiences with the Grateful Dead.

The players

Big Steve Parish

Crew chief and Jerry Garcia Band manager whose personal archives are part of the auction.

Trixie Garcia

Jerry Garcia's daughter, whose personal items are included in the auction.

Lawrence 'Ram Rod' Shurtliff

Grateful Dead head roadie, whose personal items are part of the auction.

Jerry Garcia

The late lead guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, whose personal instruments and memorabilia are featured in the auction.

Julien's Auctions

The auction house hosting the 'Treasures From The Golden Road' event.

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What they’re saying

“These items represent fifty years of memories and experiences with the Grateful Dead — from the early days to the final shows in Chicago. Each piece tells a story of the music, the journey, and the community that made it all possible.”

— Big Steve Parish, Crew chief and Jerry Garcia Band manager

What’s next

More information about the items up for grabs, as well as how to register for the auction, can be found at JuliensAuctions.com.

The takeaway

This auction offers a unique opportunity for Grateful Dead fans and collectors to own a piece of the band's rich history, with items that have deep personal significance to those closest to the group. The diverse collection provides a glimpse into the lives and experiences of the Grateful Dead's inner circle, making it a must-see event for any devoted fan of the legendary band.