Gillian Welch and David Rawlings to Revisit Grateful Dead's 'Reckoning' Album

The Grammy-winning folk artists will perform songs from the Dead's 1981 live album during a limited tour, including two nights at Oakland's Fox Theater.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Acclaimed Americana musicians Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are set to embark on a special tour celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 1981 live album 'Reckoning'. The duo will perform songs from the acoustic album, including classics like 'It Must Have Been the Roses', 'Dark Hollow', 'Dire Wolf', and 'The Monkey and the Engineer', during a six-date run that includes two shows at Oakland's Fox Theater.

Why it matters

Welch and Rawlings are revered for their mastery of traditional American folk and roots music, and their deep dive into the Grateful Dead's catalog represents a unique collaboration that will appeal to fans of both acts. The 'Reckoning' album is considered one of the Dead's finest acoustic recordings, making this tour a must-see event for Deadheads and folk music enthusiasts alike.

The details

The 'Reckoning' tour will feature Welch and Rawlings performing the Grateful Dead's 1981 live album in its entirety, showcasing their acclaimed harmonies and intricate guitar work. The duo has flirted with the Dead's repertoire over the years, and this tour marks a more focused exploration of the band's acoustic material. The six-date run will include stops at iconic venues like the Capitol Theatre in New York, the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, and the Newport Folk Festival.

  • The 'Reckoning' tour will kick off on April 17 with two shows at Oakland's Fox Theater.
  • The tour will wrap up with an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival this summer.

The players

Gillian Welch

An acclaimed American folk singer-songwriter known for her collaborations with David Rawlings and her mastery of traditional American music forms.

David Rawlings

A Grammy-winning musician and longtime collaborator of Gillian Welch, known for his intricate guitar work and harmonies.

The Grateful Dead

The legendary American rock band whose 1981 live album 'Reckoning' is the focus of Welch and Rawlings' upcoming tour.

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What they’re saying

“The Dead's music is 'a mountain,' and these shows mark a thoughtful excursion deep into favorite territory.”

— Gillian Welch (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

Tickets for Welch and Rawlings' 'Reckoning' tour dates at the Fox Theater in Oakland go on sale on Friday, February 13 at 10 a.m.

The takeaway

This tour represents a unique collaboration between two of the most respected artists in American folk and roots music, as they pay homage to the Grateful Dead's acclaimed acoustic album 'Reckoning'. For fans of both acts, this is a must-see event that promises to deliver an intimate and captivating exploration of the Dead's timeless material.