On a very special bonus episode, we check in with Mickey Hart about his latest drones and hear high tales of Grateful Dead madness, from frying bacon onstage to using firearms as percussion, plus stories about his handcrafted instrument, the Beam, and a look into the Barn, his recording “crucible” in Novato and one of the great and oft-forgotten studios of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
By Jesse Jarnow
In 1970, Mickey Hart began renting land from the City of Novato for $250 a month. The Barn would become a site for Grateful Dead meetings, rehearsals, photo shoots, and more, and Hart would transform into what he called a recording “crucible.” It was one of the great and oft-forgotten studios of the ‘70s and ‘80s, hosting sessions that included Robert Hunter solo albums, the soundtrack for Apocalypse Now, Ned Lagin’s Seastones, the Good Ol’ Boys’ Pistol Packin’ Mama, jams with David Crosby, and more.
The Grateful Dead posed in front of the Barn for their American Beauty-era publicity photo, used on the album’s rare poster, banned when it was suspected Jerry Garcia just might be enjoying a joint.
Since the late ‘70s, Mickey Hart has played an instrument of his own construction. Inspired by seeing Francisco Lupica perform on his Cosmic Beam in Golden Gate Park, Mickey Hart built what he called a “747 version” at the Barn. First appearing onstage with the Dead in 1980, the Beam continued to evolve over the years, to the current version he plays with Dead & Co.
Here’s Francisco Lupica performing his Cosmic Beam Experience on the Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder, probably around the time Mickey and Dan Healy encountered him in Golden Gate Park.
Comment
Mickey Hart special episode
Found the Mickey Hart episode and the famous Barn pix. Didn’t know the background when had it in my room in college. Now understand it’s rare. Probably got trashed in one of many moves. Yeah you can see Garcia enjoying a smoke. Memories
New Life for Hunter and Keith and Donna
Just heard the bonus talk with Mickey and there is mention of Hunter's albums as well as Keith and Donna album, will they ever be released, perhaps with bonus tracks?
outstanding episodes
my favorite episode so far, along with the Bear Drops. Thanks!
my favorite episode so far, along with the Bear Drops. Thanks!
Just heard the bonus talk with Mickey and there is mention of Hunter's albums as well as Keith and Donna album, will they ever be released, perhaps with bonus tracks?
Found the Mickey Hart episode and the famous Barn pix. Didn’t know the background when had it in my room in college. Now understand it’s rare. Probably got trashed in one of many moves. Yeah you can see Garcia enjoying a smoke. Memories