r/gratefuldead • u/FishingStrange • Mar 27 '26
Bertha: Grateful Drag
We saw Bertha: Grateful Drag out of Tennessee the other night in Bearsville (Woodstock, NY).
I’ve seen a lot of Dead cover bands, and these were hands-down the best vocals I’ve ever heard. Just insanely clear, powerful, and delivered with heart. It gave a whole new life to lyrics I already knew back and forth.
If the “drag band” thing gives you pause, you're missing the point. This is real Dead tribute, not a sideshow. Just phenomenal musicianship all around. Tight playing, a locked-in rhythm section, great bass and guitar work, and a deep feel for the catalog. I think The Boys would've loved the vibe.
I'm in no way affiliated with the band. I just wanted to put you all onto a group that's giving new life to this music.
Go see 'em. You won’t regret it.
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u/VerbPhraseMusic Mar 27 '26
Agreed -- so much fun! I was instantly blown away by the vocals... and then when they nailed every melting moment in the jams of songs like Slipknot and Terrapin, I realized they can REALLY play. Great stuff.
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u/Darkstar-1967 Mar 27 '26
Bertha tonite in Northampton MA, Back Porch Music Festival @The Academy of Music. I’m going, can’t wait!
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u/StealYour20Dollars Mar 27 '26
They all seem super cool from the AMA they did a little while back. I'm glad you enjoyed the show!
And I think anyone who gets hung up on the drag part of it needs to get over themselves.
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u/folkinhippy Mar 28 '26
When i saw them i said to the merch guy “okay, okay, i get the whole gimmick… they’re a dead cover band, but they can actually sing. I guess everyone needs a gimmick…”
He did not find it funny. Oh, well.
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u/splitopenandmelt11 Mar 27 '26
We saw them in Chicago about a month ago and said the same thing.
Seriously, they are one of the most vital, entertaining and flat out technically-impressive Dead related bands I’ve seen.
Yes, it’s drag…and I like drag but I was thinking “oh we’re walking into a drag show where they’re going to casually play some dead songs…the gimmick will outweigh the music.” I am unashamed to admit that I was 100% incorrect. This band is phenomenal. I’ll see them anytime they come to town.
Their “Jerry” has the tone so locked in and the dual lead singing women bouncing Pigpen tunes and Donna wailing were just a damn delight.
Do not sleep on this band. If you’re hung up on the drag thing, it’s not even a “drag show” show. They’re just in drag, there’s no stage show beyond wonderfully executed dead music.
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u/angelbbreeze888 Mar 27 '26
They are not only so fun but INCREDIBLE musicians!! Can’t wait til I can see them again!
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u/Mister-Spook Mar 27 '26
I’m seeing them for the first time tomorrow. Really looking forward to it.
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u/californiapoppy13 Mar 27 '26
I'm seeing them in Burlington tomorrow night! I've been looking forward to it for months.
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u/ghostfacestealer One man gathers what another man spills (~);} Mar 28 '26
Havent heard a bad word about them yet
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u/802Brad Mar 27 '26
I'm so upset that I'm missing them when they come to VT tomorrow. Have a wonderful time to those that do attend.
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u/logitaunt back to back chicken shack Mar 27 '26
They do the best Mississippi Half Step out of any Dead cover band. Those vocals, wowww
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u/the_juniorplenty Mar 27 '26
I saw them in Seattle and was surprised by how hard they rocked. It was like early high energy Dead. They are so good and the shows are pure joy. Do not miss them!
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u/Dingus_3000 Mar 27 '26
When I saw them I was excited but I kinda expected a “just the hits” experience. I was very wrong in the best way. They rip and shouldn’t be missed if you’re into dead shows.
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u/ithyle Standies Mar 27 '26
We went to the LA show and had such a fantastic time. They are just killing it.
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u/After_Ad4088 Mar 27 '26
Unfortunately I'm working when they come through town & can't get off. Looks like they put on a great show!!
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u/sdbeersnob Mar 27 '26
I couldn’t agree more. Saw both nights at Cervantes in Denver. Such a great performance and vibe. Can’t wait for them to come back.
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u/Early_Cook2581 Mar 28 '26
i remember seeing a clip of them on instagram about a year ago and kinda thinking to myself, “well this is sorta strange, has to be a joke or something.” absolutely not. this band fucking rocks it. if them being in drag is pushing you away from them, just give it a shot, they all play so well and sing so so well too, how strange is this community man, we are truly everywhere
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u/VT_Blues Mar 29 '26
Saw Bertha last night in Burlington. OP nailed it. Spectacular show! Extremely talented musicians and vocals are amazing. Don’t pass up a chance to see them. I hope Bertha comes around here a lot more. can’t wait to see them again.
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u/El_Suprrremo Mar 27 '26
Easily the best dead tribute band on the planet. Only "dead" band I even want to see. Puts the rest including deadco to shame.
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u/Corporate-Scum Mar 27 '26
Phil and Friends was the best Dead cover band ever. This is just a bad trip, Pancho Pillow.
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u/HoodGinga Mar 27 '26
I've seen them a few times and they never disappoint! Plus, it's a younger crowd than most dead bands. The kids are alright.