The Grateful Dead’s band equipment truck, affectionately named ‘The Dred’ by band members, was formerly owned by Owsley Stanley and featured in Rolling Stone magazine and various other publications. A true piece of rock and roll history, this truck played a role in the legacy of an American band that left a lasting impression on the world.

Formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California, the Grateful Dead became an iconic group, especially among teens and young adults of the era. They emerged during a time of significant social and cultural shifts in America. Their genre is hard to define, as they were known for an eclectic style that infused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, jazz, psychedelia, and space rock.

Owned by Owsley Stanley, the Grateful Dead’s original sound man—an influential figure known for his “outside-the-box” thinking—this 1949 Studebaker was used as the band’s equipment hauler in the 1960s. Known as ‘The Dred’, it was often seen parked outside the Dead’s studio in Novato, California, or the party house at Olympia. Over time, ‘The Dred’ became a legend of its own.

A slow, gas-guzzling workhorse, this truck even hauled the band’s equipment to Los Angeles when they recorded their first album, The Grateful Dead. However, as time went on, ‘The Dred’ was replaced by larger, more modern trucks, as it could not handle the Wall of Sound.

Featured in various publications and magazines worldwide, ‘The Dred’ was specifically mentioned by name in a Rolling Stone magazine feature article on Owsley Stanley in the November 25, 1982 issue.

Today, ‘The Dred’ is presented in its original psychedelic livery. Though this truck has seen better days, its patina is truly a part of its character, helping tell the long and historic story it carries. On the rear of the truck, various California registrations from the ’80s document where ‘The Dred’ likely spent most of its time after retiring as the band’s equipment hauler.

Inside, the bench seat has been well-preserved, thanks to a clear cover. Under the hood, a straight six-cylinder motor is paired with a manual transmission.

The Grateful Dead’s impact on music, culture, and live performance remains significant, securing their place as one of the most iconic and influential bands in history.

Truly a piece of rock and roll history.

The Ron Sturgeon Collection