Gratefuldeadshop.com Blog — grateful dead bear merchandise

For Deadheads and collectors alike, this April is shaping up to be one for the books. A remarkable collection of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia memorabilia is heading to auction — and the lots are as legendary as the band itself.

The History of the Grateful Dead Dancing Bears Few symbols in rock history are as recognizable as the colorful Grateful Dead Dancing Bears. These playful, marching bears have become a beloved emblem of Deadhead culture, appearing on everything from T-shirts and patches to posters and festival gear. But despite their name, the famous bears were never actually meant to be dancing. The Dancing Bears first appeared in 1973 on the back cover of the album History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear's Choice), a live compilation produced by legendary Grateful Dead sound engineer Owsley Stanley, also known as “Bear.”...