Grateful Dead

Three of the four "core" Grateful Dead members have decided that this summer's five "Fare Thee Well" shows weren't the end of their time together after all.

When the Grateful Dead announced their Fare Thee Well shows, they insisted that their July 5 concert would be their last ever. But if drummer Bill Kreutzmann had his way, they would do a few more.

Hoarse and tired, the singer's shaky visage spoke to the health problems that would soon consume him.

Now that the Grateful Dead's 50th anniversary "Fare Thee Well" shows are on the books, it's time to take a look back at — and behind the scenes of — the concert event of the season.

While the Grateful Dead were in the midst of their 50th anniversary Fare Thee Well dates at Chicago's Soldier Field, the band received a once-in-a-lifetime public tribute hundreds of miles away.

The Grateful Dead have announced plans to sell audio and video of their final concerts.

The Grateful Dead have added two additional reunion shows amid a frenzy of interest.

Word to the wise, Chicago residents: Be on the lookout for a marked increase in sleepy-looking Vanagon drivers this Fourth of July weekend.

The venue where scores of memorable live albums and movies were recorded went out in style on Dec. 31, 1978.

Bob Dylan wasn't exactly at the peak of his career when he released 'Dylan & the Dead,' a collaborative live album with the Grateful Dead, on Feb. 6, 1989. In fact, he was pretty close to the bottom of his popularity, influence and creativity. And another live album -- his third in 10 years -- certainly didn't help matters.

So many of these songs had been shaped and defined through appearances in their legendary live sets.

A new Grateful Dead beer will be hitting the market this fall. The band worked with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery to create American Beauty, a "bold pale ale made with 100 percent U.S.-grown ingredients." But it took a suggestion from a fan to get the mix just right.