Fifty years ago, the Grateful Dead took the stage at the Boston Music Hall and delivered a show that Deadheads have never stopped talking about. On June 11, 2026, the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame and Rhino Records are bringing that night back to life at the very same venue, now the Boch Center Wang Theatre, with Shakedown at Boston Music Hall: Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary Celebration 6/11/76 – 6/11/26. Tickets are on sale now at FolkAmericanaRootsHallofFame.org.
The 6/11/76 concert was the fifth show of the Dead’s comeback tour, packed with fresh arrangements of classics from their early catalog. Grateful Dead historian David Lemieux said of the performance, “The perfection they achieved on this tour is on full display on June 11, 1976, in Boston.” That’s the show Playing Dead will recreate, performing the Dead’s full second set featuring “Sugar Magnolia,” “St. Stephen,” “Stella Blue,” and more.
Playing Dead brings serious credentials to the task. The tribute act features former members of Dark Star Orchestra, Slipknot!, and Uncle John’s Band, known for marathon sets that draw from the entire Dead catalog. Their sets are improvised and unique each night, faithful to the spirit of what made a Grateful Dead concert unlike anything else.
“The Dead played here more than a dozen times, but this show, 50 years ago, stands out as one of the absolute highlights of the Wang Theatre’s 100-year history,” said Casey Soward, President and CEO of the Boch Center. The theatre itself is celebrating its centennial this year, making the timing of this event that much more significant.
Rhino Records recently released the 6/11/76 performance as a special 5LP Record Store Day offering, and the evening will feature special merchandise tied to that release. Dogfish Head Brewery brings Grateful Dead Citrus Daydream and Juicy Pale Ale to the event, alongside Dead-themed food, a commemorative poster, and a curated exhibit from the David Bieber Archives tracing the Dead’s history in Boston.
VIP packages are available, including early access, a backstage theatre tour, photo opportunities, and a commemorative lanyard. Tickets are limited.