Featured Image: Peter Morning
For the first time ever, legendary band the Grateful Dead is bringing its music to the forefront of the action sports world. While skiers have named the Dead as their soundtrack of choice since the band began playing in the mid-1960s, it’s just now that the Dead is weaving its music into an action sports film project, appropriately titled, Fire on the Mountain. Prepare to take a psychedelic, thought-provoking ride into the mountains when the film releases for free online on December 13, 2019.
The passion project, spearheaded by professional skier Chris Benchetler and filmmaker Tyler Hamlet, melds the world of music, skiing, surfing and snowboarding in ways we’ve never witnessed before—and it’s all set to a soundtrack that’s been hand-selected by renowned Dead archivist, David Lemiuex. Narrated by Hall of Fame basketball player and longtime television announcer, Bill Walton, the movie carries its viewers through a journey reminiscent of a Grateful Dead show, tying together the stories of Benchetler, fellow skier Michelle Parker, surf legend Rob Machado, snowboarders Jeremy Jones and Danny Davis and others, in dreamlike fashion.
“Grateful Dead and action sports have always been kindred spirits, both celebrating life and the beauty of experimental improvisation,” commented Rhino President Mark Pinkus, who helps oversee Grateful Dead Properties, in a recent press release. “It’s exhilarating to see these worlds come to life together on screen in Fire On The Mountain. Add in Bill Walton’s iconic voice on commentary and you have a one-of-a-kind experience, not unlike going to a Grateful Dead live show.”
Fire on the Mountain is a visual adventure that blends action sports, art and music into a short film inspired by the Grateful Dead’s improvisational tapestry, and it looks to be one of the most unique movies the outdoor industry has ever seen.
