Bill Kreutzmann will release his memoir Deal: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams and Drugs with the Grateful Dead on May 5. The founding Grateful Dead drummer teamed up with writer (and frequent Relix contributor) Benjy Eisen for the book, which covers everything from the Acid Tests to Woodstock, Altamont and beyond.

A description from the memoir’s press release reads:

Bill Kreutzmann — a founding member and drummer for every one of their over 2,300 concerts-has written an unflinching and wild account of playing in the greatest improvisational band of all time. Everything a rock music fan would expect is here, but what sets this apart is Kreutzmann’s incredible life of adventure that was at the heart of the Grateful Dead experience. This was a band that knew no limits and he lived life to the fullest, pushing the boundaries of drugs, drums and high times, through devastating tragedy and remarkable triumph. But DEAL’s beating heart is the music — both that of the Grateful Dead, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, as well as their influences and contemporaries. Some of the greatest musicians and concerts were a part of the Grateful Dead’s career, from sharing the stage with Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and The Who, to playing in the Acid Tests, The Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock and Altamont. Kreutzmann’s life is a chronicle of American music and pop culture history and his epic personal journey is one of sonic discovery and thrilling experiences.
 
A rare insider’s account into the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential and beloved bands, DEAL delivers a tale of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll that’s as outrageous as it is legendary.

An excerpt from the book will appear in the April_May issue of Relix.

As previously reported, Kreutzmann has announced a few gigs with his new band Billy & The Kids. The group will head to the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on March 27 for a “Europe Seventy 2.0” show with special guest Robert Randolph. A “Spring ’90 Revisited” show with special guests Dominic Lalli and Jason Hann is also scheduled for April 20.