Grateful Dead star Bill Kreutzmann has inked a deal to release a memoir ahead of the legendary band's 50th anniversary tour this summer (15).

Drummer Kreutzmann, along with fellow founding members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart are reuniting to headline three shows at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois in July (15) to celebrate the milestone event.

On 5 May (15), Kreutzmann will release an autobiography titled Deal: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams, and Drugs with the Grateful Dead, a book including rare photos from his days in the band.

The memoir is described as an "unflinching and wild account of playing in the greatest improvisational band of all time," as told by the rocker who "lived life to the fullest, pushing the boundaries of drugs, drums and high times, through devastating tragedy and remarkable triumph."

In addition to his memoir and anniversary gigs, the band's career will be the focus of a forthcoming documentary produced by Martin Scorsese.