Officially licensed by the University of Michigan and Grateful Dead. Available Exclusively through Class Trip. The Grateful Dead's relationship with the University of Michigan is rooted in their performances at Crisler Arena, particularly their 1989 concert, which became a defining moment for the Ann Arbor campus. The Dead’s improvisational, free-spirited music resonated deeply with Michigan students, who were known for their activism, creativity, and intellectual exploration. The band’s presence reinforced the university’s countercultural ethos of the 1960s and 1970s, aligning with a spirit of social change and open-mindedness. Their shows fostered a sense of community among students and local Deadheads, leaving a lasting cultural impact on the university and its musical legacy.