The Grass Is Dead

Biography

The Grass Is Dead is a Florida-based bluegrass band formed in 1997 (or late 1990s), specializing in reimagining Grateful Dead songs in a high-energy newgrass style, blending bluegrass instrumentation with jam band improvisation. Founded by multi-instrumentalist Billy Gilmore, who plays banjo, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro, guitar, and provides vocals, the band emerged from the South Florida music scene. Gilmore, who began playing banjo at age seven and later mastered multiple string instruments, was inspired by Tim O'Brien's bluegrass covers of Bob Dylan on the album 'Red on Blonde,' which led him to envision Grateful Dead tunes sped up in bluegrass tempo. The band quickly gained traction among Deadheads, releasing three full-length albums, including one distributed through Grateful Dead Merchandising, and becoming festival veterans.

The group's original lineup included Billy Gilmore, bassist Bubba Newton (a founding member who previously played in South Florida's premier Grateful Dead tribute band Crazy Fingers, formed in 1990), and guitarist/vocalist Corey Dwyer (another founding member and multi-instrumentalist). They met through overlapping scenes, with Gilmore from his band Stonehouse connecting with Newton at a Crazy Fingers gig around 1998. Over the years, the band underwent significant lineup changes, with former members including guitarist Josh Foster, mandolinist/vocalist Brent Hopper, and bassist/vocalist Brittany Reilly. The band went inactive around 2005 but reformed with renewed energy after Dwyer's tragic death in 2014, embracing new members like Jack Schueler (guitar, mandolin, vocals).

Known for their positive vibe and extensive touring, The Grass Is Dead draws on bluegrass roots akin to Jerry Garcia's early influences like Bill Monroe, while pioneering Grateful Dead covers in the progressive bluegrass genre. Their music reflects the interplay of traditional bluegrass with jam elements, appealing to jam band and bluegrass audiences alike, and they continue to tour actively.

Fun Facts

• The band traces its origins to a meeting at a Crazy Fingers Grateful Dead tribute gig in Palm Beach around 1998, where Billy Gilmore from Stonehouse connected with Bubba Newton.
• After a decade hiatus, the band reformed post-2014 following Corey Dwyer's death, with members spread across Florida, Colorado, and Ohio, yet maintaining an 'ambitious lineup' for touring.
• Billy Gilmore is a prolific multi-instrumentalist who started banjo at age 7 and has toured worldwide, playing guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro, bass, and pedal steel.
• They released an album through Grateful Dead Merchandising, bridging bluegrass and Deadhead communities.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tim O’Brien - Stylistic inspiration for bluegrass covers of rock songs (Red on Blonde (bluegrass Dylan covers)) [mid-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Bubba Newton - Founding bassist, from Crazy Fingers Grateful Dead tribute (Early albums and tours) [1997-2005+]
• Corey Dwyer - Founding guitarist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist (Early albums and performances) [1997-2014]
• Brent Hopper - Former mandolinist, guitarist, vocalist (Band recordings and tours) [1990s-2005]
• Brittany Reilly - Former bassist, guitarist, vocalist (Later tours and recordings) [2000s-2010s]
• Jack Schueler - Current/former guitarist, mandolinist, vocalist; ex-Cypress and Short Straw Pickers (Reformed band tours) [2015+]

External Links

• Spotify