We examine Ripple, the timeless cosmic hymn leading off Side B of American Beauty, written during what Robert Hunter called a peak experience, and take a close look at the Dead’s very own softball team, with guests Bob Weir, David Grisman, Ned Lagin, and many more, including Ripple chorale performer Sam Cutler.
Comment
Grateful Dead Ringers vs Jefferson Giraffes
Fantastic episode on Ripple! I've always been curious about the Dead vs. Airplane softball game that supposedly reunited Garcia and Grisman and led to Dawg's playing on Ripple. Mostly, I've always wondered what positions everyone played, and whether they were any good.
Weir I always figured would be pretty good, and it turns out he was and he played first. Rex was really good and played third, Garcia left, Ned Lagin in center, Lesh in right field. Pigpen umped. Other positions apparently manned by the eponymous ringers, which were good players Rex knew from back in Pendleton. Surprised there was no mention of Micky or BK: you'd kind of expect the drummers to be decent athletes. Bill had to be strong as ox, considering he could play drums for those three hour plus shows. Maybe Micky wasn't around at that time?
It was also interesting to learn that Gracie's position was "obscene cheerleader," although she apparently also got to bat. Great stuff!
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Fantastic episode on Ripple! I've always been curious about the Dead vs. Airplane softball game that supposedly reunited Garcia and Grisman and led to Dawg's playing on Ripple. Mostly, I've always wondered what positions everyone played, and whether they were any good.
Weir I always figured would be pretty good, and it turns out he was and he played first. Rex was really good and played third, Garcia left, Ned Lagin in center, Lesh in right field. Pigpen umped. Other positions apparently manned by the eponymous ringers, which were good players Rex knew from back in Pendleton. Surprised there was no mention of Micky or BK: you'd kind of expect the drummers to be decent athletes. Bill had to be strong as ox, considering he could play drums for those three hour plus shows. Maybe Micky wasn't around at that time?
It was also interesting to learn that Gracie's position was "obscene cheerleader," although she apparently also got to bat. Great stuff!