Scorsese to make documentary on Grateful Dead

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese will produce the Grateful Dead documentary to celebrate the rock band's 50th anniversary in 2015.

Amir Bar-Lev has been roped in to direct it, reports contactmusic.com.

"Millions of stories have been told about the Grateful Dead over the years. With our 50th Anniversary coming up, we thought it might just be time to tell one ourselves and Amir is the perfect guy to help us do it," said surviving members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in a joint statement.

"We are humbled to be collaborating with Martin Scorsese. From 'The Last Waltz' to 'George Harrison: Living In The Material World', from Bob Dylan to the Rolling Stones, he has made some of the greatest music documentaries ever with some of our favourite artists and we are honoured to have him involved.

"The 50th will be another monumental milestone to celebrate with our fans and we cannot wait to share this film with them," he added.

Scorsese is also "proud" to be a part of the project.

"The Grateful Dead were more than just a band. They were their own planet, populated by millions of devoted fans. I'm very happy that this picture is being made and proud to be involved," he said.

Meanwhile, Scorsese is planning to direct a biopic of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra, with Leonardo DiCaprio tipped to play the lead.