Article Contributed by Dennis McNally
Published on 2026-03-30
Susana Millman - Photo by Rosie McGee
Philadelphia, PA – March 20, 2026 — Retroactv, the platform redefining music merchandise through exclusive, artist-curated collections and immersive storytelling, today announced the debut of its Susana Millman Collection, honoring a photographer and cultural archivist whose work captures music history from the inside out, including her intimate documentation of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
Millman’s life has been deeply intertwined with the Grateful Dead community. She is married to author and longtime Grateful Dead publicist Dennis McNally, and in a reflection of her place within that world, Jerry Garcia himself walked her down the aisle at her wedding.
Unlike traditional photographers who document from a distance, Millman operated from within the living, breathing world of her subjects. Her work offers something rarer than access—it offers presence. This collection brings that perspective to life through a curated range of fine art photography spanning her decades behind the camera.
“This collection is about stepping inside the moment, not just looking back at it,” said Martin Bispels, Co-Founder and CEO of Retroactv. “Susana didn’t just photograph history—she lived in it, and you can feel that in every image.”
“I’ve always thought of myself as a documentarian of moments that are both seen and felt—the light onstage, yes, but also what’s happening inside people,” said Susana Millman. “Being around the Grateful Dead was never just about the music; it was about a community built on inclusivity, love, abundance, and fun. What I tried to capture with my camera was that sense of being inside something alive. This collection is a way to keep that spirit going—to remind people that these moments, and that culture, are still very much alive.”
At the core of the collection are Millman’s photographs, capturing moments from the Greek Theatre, New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Grateful Dead’s final show at Soldier Field, and other defining scenes. Offered as premium aluminum prints, each piece is designed to preserve these moments with lasting clarity and is shipped in recycled packaging for a more sustainable delivery.
The Susana Millman Collection is now available exclusively at www.retroactv.com. The site also features an exclusive interview with Susana Millman conducted by Chris McCutcheon, offering deeper insight into her work, experiences, and the moments behind the lens.
Retroactv’s officially licensed artist collections also include Jerry Garcia, Big Steve Parish, Elliott Landy, Sound City Studios, Dick Boak, Gary Grimshaw, and Robin Milling, each offering high-quality merchandise drawn from their archives, celebrating their lasting legacies.
Every purchase supports music education through Retroactv’s official charity partner, TeachRock, helping bring music, history, and creativity into classrooms across the country.
About Susana Millman
Susana Millman is a photographer and cultural archivist who documented Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead from within their inner circle beginning in the late 1970s. Known for her intimate, behind-the-scenes perspective, her work captures the human moments behind the music—offering a rare, unfiltered window into one of the most influential creative communities in modern history.
About Retroactv
Founded in 2025, Retroactv is an e-commerce platform combining video storytelling with curated, artist-driven merchandise. Led by Co-Founder & CEO Martin Bispels and backed by Geoff Schneider of Cava Capital and a handful of individual investors, the company launched on August 1, 2025—Jerry Garcia’s birthday—underscoring its focus on music legacy.
Retroactv partners with artists, estates, and rights holders to produce officially licensed, highly curated collections rooted in authentic storytelling. With a full-service, artist-first approach, the company manages design, production, and fulfillment while enabling fans to own meaningful pieces of cultural history. Proceeds from select collections support music education and related charitable initiatives.
About Martin Bispels
Martin Bispels is Co-Founder and CEO of Retroactv, bringing more than 25 years of experience in eCommerce, marketing, and business development. He previously spent two decades at QVC, where he held senior executive roles leading U.S. sales and corporate development. Over the past 12 years, he has focused on building and scaling startups. A lifelong Deadhead, Martin lives in Phoenixville, PA with his wife and three children.
