From the Archives: Grateful Dead rocked Lafayette in 1979

By Kristen Vincent ’26

During the Bicentennial, we will highlight the College’s history each month by sharing a photo or object from College Archives. Want to learn more about a specific piece? Reach out to archives@lafayette.edu for more historical information.

On May 7, 1979, classic rock band Grateful Dead played at Lafayette, holding a 4 1/2-hour concert for students. The concert was held in Kirby Field House, and students enthusiastically flocked to the show. According to The Lafayette newspaper, the band was “at their best, Weir’s visible intensity and showmanship in sharp contrast to Garcia’s laid-back but torrid leads.”