Derek Trucks Plays Jerry Garcia’s $11M Tiger Guitar on “Statesboro Blues” at the Beacon

Tedeschi Trucks Band’s March 13 show at the Beacon Theatre in New York delivered a moment that felt like history walking back onto the stage.

The band launches into the Allman Brothers classic “Statesboro Blues,” but the real jaw dropper is the guitar in Derek Trucks’ hands. Trucks is playing Jerry Garcia’s legendary Tiger, the custom instrument built by luthier Doug Irwin that became one of the most iconic guitars in Grateful Dead history.  Just days ago, Tiger sold at auction for more than $11.5 million as part of the late Jim Irsay’s collection, instantly becoming one of the most expensive guitars ever sold.

Tiger has always meant more than its price tag.  Irwin built the guitar for Garcia in the late 1970s, completing it in 1979. With its layered woods, brass hardware, and the now famous tiger inlay, the instrument quickly became Garcia’s primary guitar throughout the Grateful Dead’s most celebrated touring years.  For fans of the Dead, Tiger carries a lot of emotional weight. The guitar was there for countless legendary shows and was famously played during the band’s final concert with Garcia at Soldier Field in 1995.

That is part of what made this moment at the Beacon feel so special.

Tedeschi Trucks Band sounds locked in from the first note as “Statesboro Blues” takes off. Trucks leans into the fiery slide work that has made him one of the most respected guitarists alive while the band pushes the classic into a high energy jam.  On bass, Brandon Boone holds down the groove, giving the performance a deep pocket as the band stretches the tune and the crowd at the Beacon realizes what they are witnessing.

A legendary guitar built by Doug Irwin.
The spirit of Jerry Garcia.
And Derek Trucks bringing it roaring back to life.

Check out the performance below.