Photo Credit: Jay Blakesberg

Continuing the Relix presents 2024 live video series in partnership with SKULL & Roses, watch a pro-shot video from last year’s festivities featuring Dark Star Orchestra’s interpretation of the Grateful Dead classics, “Eyes of the World” paired with “The Music Never Stops.” The new video previews what to expect from this year’s event, slated to take place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds from April 19 through 21. 

The new video stretches past the 20-minute mark and starts with recognizable instrumentation for many fans of the Dead-adjacent project. Cosmic guitar riffs, sliding keys, and a consistent backbeat from dueling drummers Rob Koritz and Dino English open the band’s presentation of the Wake of the Flood originator. 

Lyrically led by guitarist Jeff Mattson to begin with, a sizable jam section creates an instrumental amalgamation out of the pair of choice songs, as “Eyes of the World” shifts into party-starter, “The Music Never Stops,” which, in turn, is helmed by Rob Eaton, who gives his best Bobby Weir impression on the Blues From Allah cut. 

The merged covers hit on the essence of SKULL & Roses 2024 with adaptations of beloved Grateful Dead material performed by some of the jam scene’s favorite ensembles. The impending artist lineup includes the Golden Gate Wingmen: Dead & Company’s Jeff Chimenti and Jay Lane, Dark Star Orchestra’s John Kadlecik, and Billy & the Kids’ Reed Mathis. 

Fellow headliners Sages & Spirits, with Melvin Seals, Rob Eaton, Skip Vangelas, Rob Barraco, Lane, and Kadlecik, will lead the lineup on Saturday, April 20. Dark Star Orchestra will hold down the final headlining slot on Sunday, April 21, delivering two back-to-back sets. 

Tickets for the 2024 edition of SKULL & ROSES are on sale now. 

Watch Dark Star Orchestra’s adaptation of “Eyes of the World” into “The Music Never Stops” below.