WEEKLY ENCORE: Your Must-Read Setlist
Here's a look at this week's top headlines.
Relix Daily
December 06, 2025
December 6, 2025
NEWS
The Grateful Dead have claimed a new title. Today, 60 years after the band performed their first gig, a San Jose Acid Test, under the dictionary-plucked moniker, the psychedelic tripsters have received the Guinness World Records title for the most Top 40 albums charted on the US Billboard 200.
NEWS
Guitarist Steve Cropper, whose influence echoed across the Bible Belt and beyond with impressionistic soul licks rooted in his Memphis legacy, has passed away. He was 84.
GIFT GUIDE
Tinnitus isn't a badge of honor.
Designed with the passion for live music, our first product strikes the perfect balance between protection and immersion and is ideal for the vibrant atmosphere of loud concerts, clubs, and more. EAROS One is a step above traditional earplugs.
WATCH
The next Relix x FreshGrass Session features Kitchen Dwellers, bringing their high-energy picking and cosmic-leaning bluegrass to the Studio 9 stage. Watch the full session out now, exclusively on the Relix YouTube channel.
Before they ride the bus, they ride the Cricket
Before they even need training wheels, Cricket 2 helps young adventurers learn to walk, balance, and ride! This baby walker is comfortable and ergonomic for itty-bitty adventurers and helps develop their motor skills as they master walking and riding. As a retrospec-exclusive bonus, they can now rep their parents’ favorite band with a limited edition design featuring the iconic Grateful Dead bears and Stealie skull to celebrate the band’s 60th anniversary. Cricket 2 will build their confidence on wheels and is the perfect first step toward big-kid bike riding.
NEWS
SPAGA, featuring The Disco Biscuits’ Aron Magner, Cover the Grateful Dead Songbook on SPAGA Plays Dead Relix Exclusive Record
SPAGA have joined forces once again for SPAGA Plays Dead, a new tribute project pressed in partnership with Relix. The Philadelphia-based jam powerhouse’s first full-length release since their 2019 self-titled debut reunites The Disco Biscuits’ keyboardist Aaron Magner, drummer Matt Scarano and upright bassist Jason Fraticelli for masterful takes on six classics and deep cuts from the Grateful Dead’s expansive catalog. The project will be available exclusively as a limited-edition LP from relix.shop.
NEWS
After teasing his Spring Tour on Thanksgiving with the arrival of an after-dinner activity sheet, a crossword puzzle that hinted at the cities and venues on Billy Strings’ April run, the esteemed guitarist has now confirmed the official list. On the road, Strings will kick things off by turning in three nights at The Amp in St. Augustine, Fla., April 2, 3, and 4.
NEWS
Dark Star Orchestra has enlisted Michael Kennedy of Splintered Sunlight to fill in for guitarist Rob Eaton, after the Grateful Dead cover band’s rhythm guitarist and Weir-inspired vocalist announced a break from the road to focus on his health. Initially, Eaton penned a message to fans and followers with the intention of taking minimal time away from the stage. Today, the band delivered an update indicating that Eaton’s absence will extend through December 6.
On rotation in our office and broadcasting to readers worldwide on Spotify. Stay tuned for updates every Friday, and send anything you think we have to hear to [email protected].
FEATURE
As Umphrey’s McGee celebrate the release of their latest album Blueprints, their new drummer opens up on his 20-year journey from The Jammys to the career-defining offer to join one of his favorite bands for “JaJunk.”
NEWS
LCD Soundsystem have announced a return to Chicago in 2026. From March 5-8, the James Murphy-fronted electronica ensemble will deliver four performances at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom as their second multi-night engagement of the new year, following four shows at Aspen, Colo.’s Belly Up from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3.