Chloë Sevigny’s New Documentary Explores the Deadhead Experience

Chloë Sevigny, a long-time fan of the Grateful Dead, is executive producing a new documentary titled *Summer Tour*, directed by Mischa Richter. The film focuses on the passionate community of Deadheads who followed Dead & Company during their final tour in 2023. Unlike previous films about the band, *Summer Tour* centers on a young couple's love story set against the backdrop of the tour, emphasizing the cultural significance of the Deadhead experience rather than featuring the band itself.

Rolling Stone

Richter's documentary stands out due to its unique access to venues and the Deadhead community. Sevigny notes that the film captures the essence of what it means to follow the band, showcasing various perspectives from different generations of fans. The production team, consisting of Richter and a small crew, utilized a 16-millimeter camera to document the tour, gaining permission from Dead & Company management to film inside venues and in parking lots, areas often overlooked in other documentaries.

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Sevigny has attended numerous Grateful Dead shows and has a deep personal connection to the music and culture surrounding the band. She recalls her experiences with various iterations of the band after Jerry Garcia's passing and her fondness for cover bands like Dark Star Orchestra. Despite her sensory sensitivities to modern concert lighting, she expresses a love for the immersive experience of live music and the joy it brings to fans.

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The passing of Grateful Dead co-founder Bobby Weir has left a significant void in the community, which Sevigny acknowledges as a profound loss. She reflects on the impact of this loss, noting that it has not received as much attention in the media as it perhaps should. Despite this, she observes a resurgence of interest in the Grateful Dead among younger generations, with ticket sales reportedly higher than ever.

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Sevigny highlights a shift in cultural perception regarding the Grateful Dead, noting that younger audiences are embracing the band more than ever. She expresses optimism about the future of the Deadhead community and the potential for new generations to connect with the band's legacy. Sevigny also shares her experiences introducing her young son to the music, indicating a desire to pass on the cultural significance of the Grateful Dead to future generations.

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• “It’s also a love letter to America, and some of the things that we can still say are good about the country [laughs].” — Chloë Sevigny

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• “It’s just a void now.” — Chloë Sevigny

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• “I love the joy of the fans and just how immersive it is as an experience.” — Chloë Sevigny

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• “I’m still sitting with it.” — Chloë Sevigny

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Sevigny's documentary *Summer Tour* aims to capture the essence of the Deadhead experience, reflecting on the cultural significance of the Grateful Dead while addressing the community's ongoing evolution and resilience.

Rolling Stone