Stanford University

Officially licensed by Stanford University and the Grateful Dead – available exclusively through Class Trip.

The Grateful Dead’s roots run deep in Palo Alto. In July 1964, future members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Ron “Pigpen” McKernan performed as Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions at The Top of the Tangent, a coffeehouse on University Avenue. Stanford students recorded these performances, which were later broadcast on campus radio station KZSU .  The band’s first official performance at Stanford was on February 9, 1973, at Maples Pavilion. This show served as a trial run for the Alembic sound system that would eventually evolve into the legendary Wall of Sound.  From 1982 to 1989, the Dead played 14 shows at the Frost Amphitheater, turning it into a beloved venue for fans. Notably, the performances on April 27 and 28, 1985, were later released as “Dave’s Picks Volume 49,” highlighting the band’s enduring connection to Stanford. This collection pays homage to the enduring bond between the Grateful Dead and the Stanford community. Featuring exclusive graphics and officially licensed apparel, it’s a tribute to the timeless groove that continues to resonate on campus and beyond.