The Grateful Dead have decided to disband, the group announced yesterday. After 30 years of free-form shows that were never the same twice, the San Francisco band that incarnated psychedelic rock will retire. Its lead guitarist and main songwriter, Jerry Garcia, died on Aug. 9.

After four months of heartfelt consideration," the group said in a statement on Friday, "the remaining members of the band met yesterday and came to the conclusion that the 'long strange trip' of the uniquely wonderful beast known as the Grateful Dead is over. Although individually and in various combinations they will undoubtedly continue to make music, whatever the future holds will be something different in name and structure."

The band's statement also urged their "partners," the committed fans known as the Deadheads, to remember that "the music, the values and the spirit of this marvelous shared journey endure."

The Grateful Dead's business operation is to continue at its longtime headquarters in San Rafael, Calif.