Grateful Web was born in a basement—well, digitally anyway—in July of 1995, but the idea first sparked in June, driving into New York City from Wyckoff, NJ. Mike and Barney Moran, two wide-eyed, music-loving brothers, hit the bong, turned up the Grateful Dead (specifically March 1st, 1969), and imagined something wild about to happen with this newfangled thing called the internet. When the name "Grateful Web" suddenly popped into conversation, it felt so perfect their legs literally shuddered with excitement. Domain registration wasn't easy back then, but after a few weeks, grateful-web.com was officially theirs. Eventually, the hyphen vanished, but the music never did.

Hitting the web just one month before Jerry Garcia departed this earthly plane, we’ve always seen it as a bittersweet nod from the universe: a cosmic torch passed, urging us to keep the music playing. In another cosmic twist, members of the Grateful Dead themselves held an event titled "Grateful Web" at the Warfield Theater in the winter of 1995, leaving both Moran brothers utterly amazed and proud that the name had resonated so quickly—even if they weren't sure the band knew about their fledgling site.

Truth be told, we had no idea what we were doing in those early, dial-up days. Our humble site began as a rambling collection of thoughts, show reviews, and blurry photographs of ticket stubs, hosted on servers that often crashed more frequently than a jam band drummer changing tempos. We stumbled, we learned, and Grateful Web slowly transformed into a colorful playground for fans who, like us, find life and spirit in music.

It’s wild to think that this summer marks 30 years online! We’ve never struck gold or gotten rich, but who cares? Our currency is in media passes, cherished conversations, front-row seats to sonic magic, and the chance to support the artists who soundtrack our days. We’ve evolved through countless iterations—sometimes gracefully, sometimes like a slow-moving turtle who’s had a little too much backstage fun. Yet here we are, finally making real progress with a brand-new website launching this summer. Even a turtle eventually crosses the finish line!

Heartfelt thanks to our tireless crew who have braved the heat, the rain, and even the porta-potties to bring back stories and snapshots from the road. Special thanks to Aaron Dietrich, our trusted guru since 1998, whose wizardry behind the scenes kept the site humming through server meltdowns and digital hiccups—we owe you big time, Aaron!

Extra gratitude to our writing family, the lifeblood of Grateful Web: Jamie Huenefeld with her camera magic; loads of acknowledgment goes out to Jake Cudek, a full-time emergency room RN, devoted father and husband, who somehow still manages to craft detailed five-page, ten-page, and sometimes even fifteen-page masterpieces covering events like RockyGrass, Billy Strings, Phish, and many others. Gabriel David Barkin, whose passionate words keep us connected in San Fran; thoughtful, patient Phil Emma, who brings his teacher’s heart and insightful reviews to every piece; June Jameson, who tirelessly coordinates media passes, interviews musicians, and contributes thoughtful reviews; and Alan Sheckter, whose stunning photography and eloquent words have graced our site for years. And this is just a tiny sample of all the talented and dedicated writers and photographers who've contributed their hearts and creativity over the years. To each and every one of you, our deepest, heartfelt thanks—without your passion, Grateful Web simply wouldn't exist.

Yet, the true alchemist behind Grateful Web is Mike Moran, tirelessly publishing 99% of what you see, securing media passes, and charming PR folks—Mike, you are the engine, the maestro, and the heart of this crazy little ride.

Thanks to every fan and friend who’s ever clicked, read, shared, or smiled along with us. Grateful Web is, above all, a labor of love—music as our mission, not dollars and cents. After all, we’re just stewards of this groove until the next generation picks up the beat.

So here’s to three decades of love, laughter, and music. Thank you for being part of our tribe, and remember—the music never stops. Here's to another 30!