Chloë Sevigny on Producing ‘Summer Tour,’ a New Documentary About Deadheads

Chloë Sevigny is bringing her lifelong passion for the Grateful Dead to the screen as an executive producer of Summer Tour, a new documentary that premiered at the Telluride Film Festival last August and was recently acquired by Utopia. The film focuses on the Deadheads who followed Dead & Company’s final tour in 2023, before the band’s subsequent performances at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

A Personal Connection to the Scene

Sevigny’s connection to the Deadhead community dates back to her high school days. “I think it was maybe first the drugs, and then the band,” she joked in a late February interview. This personal experience informed her approach to the project, which she describes as a beautiful and engaging look at a dedicated subculture.

The Making of Summer Tour

The documentary is directed by Mischa Richter, a longtime friend of Sevigny’s. Their shared history began with a mutual love of hip-hop in high school, evolving into a shared passion for the Grateful Dead, with the pair attending shows together starting around 1990. Richter’s own journey led him to the New York City Deadhead scene, inspiring the film’s focus.

Focus on the Fans, Not the Band

Summer Tour distinguishes itself from other Grateful Dead documentaries by centering the experience of the fans. Sevigny emphasized that the film doesn’t feature footage of the band itself, but instead follows a young couple, Jerry and Annie, as they travel with Dead & Company. The film captures their journey, their love story, and the broader culture of Deadheads, portraying them as “complex, self-aware and resourceful members of a wandering commune.”

Access and Authenticity

Richter secured unique access to the Dead & Company tour, filming with a small crew and a 16-millimeter camera, even gaining access to venues and parking lots. This allowed for an intimate and authentic portrayal of the Deadhead experience.

Sevigny’s Continued Fandom

Sevigny’s dedication to the Grateful Dead extends beyond producing Summer Tour. She honored the band at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2024, and has attended numerous shows over the years, including performances by Dead & Co. And cover bands like Dark Star Orchestra and High Time.

Looking Ahead

With the recent passing of Bob Weir, Sevigny reflected on the uncertain future of the Grateful Dead’s musical legacy, while too celebrating the growing interest in the band among younger generations. Summer Tour is slated for a multi-city tour this summer, featuring performances by artists inspired by the band’s music.