The Dead Guise formerly known by the name Ded Guise pronounced "dead guys" came about during a discussion from founding members; Ken Younger, Bill DeSmit, Dan Albers and Dan Cuervo- on what to name the band. "Since we're a bunch of guys who play Dead music, let's call us Dead Guys" exclaimed Ken. Dan noted that to be really "out there" and provide a more original approach that it should spelled the "Ded Guise."

The band came about in the Autumn of 1994 when Ken Younger, Bill DeSmit and Dan Albers got together for a friendly jam session. After a 2 hour jam of the Grateful Dead songs "The Other One-Dark Star", a decision was made to form a group. Dan knew a jazz drummer named Dan Cuervo and the early days were spent playing live at Abernathy's in Walnut Creek, California. Cuervo left after a year for other endeavors and after a brief transition the Ded Guise acquired Kenny Meagher. Kenny was a perfect fit and the group thrived for the next few years playing parties and gigs in the East Bay. They routinely hosted the Annual Jerry Garcia Memorials located in San Leandro, Livermore and Hayward, CA. and played various bars and parties in the East Bay.

In the Fall of 99 the most exactly perfect brother Jeff Faust replaced Dan Albers on bass and the band just kept on playing. More interesting gigs came about and the band would play in Santa Cruz (Brookdale Lodge) and Placerville (Grateful Bear Ranch). 2003 brought in some big changes, first Bill DeSmit left to start his own musical project called "Gravity" and was replaced by John Heffernan on lead vocals and guitar. Second, the band has officially changed it's name to "The Dead Guise"

In the fall of 2004 the Guise finally stumbled upon a keyboardist named James Miller who's talents now fill out for the complete "sound". Check the Gigs link to find out about their next performance dates.