Grateful Web Interview with BERTHA - Grateful Drag

Article Contributed by Rich Gastwirt | Published on Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Bertha: Grateful Drag | Newport, RI | July 24th, 2024 - photos by Rich Gastwirt

BERTHA: Grateful Drag, the world's first all-drag Grateful Dead tribute band, recently played their first festival—the 2024 Newport Folk Festival. Grateful Web had the opportunity to learn more about them.

GW: How did you come up with the idea?

Bertha: Melody and Caitlin, our two singers, originally conceived the idea of an all-female Dead covers project a few years ago. They were both seeking a project that would be fun and a departure from their previous bands and current musical endeavors. This was around the time Tennessee enacted a ban on drag shows in public spaces as part of the ongoing attack on LGBTQ rights in America. I've played music with Melody for many years and wanted to be part of the project, so we decided to turn it into an all-drag band!

GW: Tell me about your typical audience—does it differ from typical Dead cover band crowds?

Bertha: We've only played seven shows so far, but our audience has mostly consisted of Grateful Dead fans. However, we've also attracted drag fans who might not be familiar with the Grateful Dead. The most exciting aspect is the community of queer Deadheads that has come out in support of Bertha. It's a much larger community than we anticipated.

GW: How long does it take to get everyone made up?

Bertha: We allocate four hours for makeup, and it takes every second of that and sometimes more. Those of us in the group who are not as familiar with makeup, especially drag makeup—which is more intricate than regular makeup—are practicing and learning how to do it ourselves so we don't need as much help.

GW: Tell me about how you were approached to play Newport Folk—did you think you were being pranked?

Bertha: When they reached out, we didn't even have a website yet, and the band had only played two gigs. They contacted us through our Instagram page, and yes... we were honestly unsure if it was a scam at first. We were all extremely surprised... and still are!

GW: I noticed in "Touch of Grey" that you changed the lyrics to "Touch of Gay." Are there any other fun lyrical changes?

Bertha: Haha, yes! In "Touch of Grey (Gay)," we're still singing "We will get by," but in our heads, and on some T-shirts we made, it says "We will get Bi!"

GW: Amazing. Do you have any upcoming shows?