In case you missed the news that's thrilling jam-band land, the Grateful Dead confirmed Friday they will tour in 2009.
The band announced a 19-city tour that begins in April and includes one area date: April 21 at Buffalo's HSBC Arena.
It's the Dead's first tour in five years, and will again include primo guitarist Warren Hayenes, plus Jeff Chimenti along with core members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann.
Pre-sale will begin Jan.13 at the Dead's web site, www.deadnet.com. Regular on-sale is Jan.23 at tickets.com.
Billboard reports that Prince will release two CDs in 2009: "MPL Sound" and "Lotus Flower." The former, says the report, is "electro-flavored" with "trippy, experimental pop songs." The latter is more guitar-driven. No release dates were cited. Hopefully, Prince will also hit the road to support them.

