Further

Further is a Grateful Dead offshoot band that was formed in 2009 by former members of the Dead, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. The band also includes Jeff Chimenti, John Kadlecik, Joe Russo, and Sunshine Becker. The band was named after Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters' touring bus. 

The band was formed in order to continue the legacy of the Grateful Dead, and to bring the music to new audiences. The members of Further are all veterans of the jam band scene, and they bring a wealth of experience and talent to the group. The band's sound is a blend of rock, folk, blues, and jazz, and they are known for their extended improvisational jams.

The first incarnation of Further began in 2009, when Weir and Lesh decided to collaborate on a series of concerts. They recruited Chimenti, Kadlecik, and Russo to join them, and the band played their first show on September 18, 2009, at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, California. The show was a success, and the band went on to play a series of concerts in California, as well as a few shows in the Northeast.

In 2010, Further embarked on a full-scale tour, playing shows all across the United States. The band's performances were well-received, and they quickly gained a devoted fan base. The band's shows were characterized by their long, improvisational jams, which often stretched out to 20 minutes or more.

In addition to their live shows, Further also released a number of live albums and DVDs, including "So Many Roads" and "Live at the Greek Theatre." These recordings captured the energy and spirit of the band's live shows, and they remain popular among fans of the Grateful Dead and jam band music.

One of the things that sets Further apart from other jam bands is their use of technology. The band uses a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting rig, which allows them to create a unique and immersive concert experience. The band also employs a team of video and audio engineers, who capture and archive every show.

Despite the band's success, there have been some bumps in the road. In 2011, Weir suffered a serious injury while touring with Further, and was forced to cancel a number of shows. The band continued on without him, playing shows with a variety of guest guitarists, including Steve Kimock and Mark Karan.

In 2014, Further announced that they would be taking an indefinite hiatus. The members of the band cited a desire to focus on their individual projects, and to explore new musical directions. However, they left the door open for future collaborations, and fans continue to hope that the band will eventually reunite.