Deadheads of the Middle East

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July 5, 2007 - 5:41pm

154 replies

marye

Joined:
May 26, 2007

Who are you? Where are you? What's up in your life? People who attended the Egypt shows are, of course, cordially invited to post their experiences as well!

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July 20, 2007 - 12:26pm

#151

rockyp44

Joined:
July 20, 2007

Israel's best known Deadhead

From http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~billpannifer/band.htm "Uri Lotan, an ex-DJ for the Army Radio Station, had a midnight show once a week for years-- the Dead, Zappa, Lennon, etc. He also did a New Year's Dead Marathon for a couple of years, too. He followed that up with shows on 2 commercial stations that he sort of had to sneak Dead songs on to. He has organized about 5 Dead video nites at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque since summer '95 with a full house almost every time." Besides his radio work, he was a journalist and translator (The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test). Unfortunately, Uri died as the result of an accident in his home a couple of years ago. We miss him! See below for more on Deadheads in Israel. Rocky http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/33034… In a shop in Jerusalem, I was taught about the Dead by jerry stevenson I was one of those late bloomers in finding my love for the famous San Francisco rock band the Grateful Dead. It was 1980, and I was 38. I had opened my store, Mr. T, a couple years earlier in Jerusalem. I suppose I liked mainstream rock ‘n’ roll, but I loved classical music more. Mozart, Schubert, and Handel filled my musical day. Led Zeppelin and Springsteen were there too, but a Verdi opera was always on the tape machine in the store. Then along came Stu. Stu literally came in the store off the Ben Yehuda mall. It was just before Passover. We were playing the Dead, by chance, on our tape player. He heard it and came in. When I told him I knew nothing about the 1960s group, he spent the next 27 years of our lives filling me in. Stu adored and worshipped the Grateful Dead. He was a classic Deadhead: he traveled with them during their early years. He married his wife on the road, had a few kids along the way and followed Jerry Garcia everywhere. In the 1930s or ’40s, Stu would have been considered a hobo, a bum or a drunk. Today, he was just a homeless alcoholic living on the fringes of society. He divorced his wife and left his kids behind. He made his way to Israel and brought hundreds of bootleg Grateful Dead concerts with him. In the many years I was his friend, he lived in doorways on Jaffa Street, shacks in Rachavia, rooftops near the Western Wall, bus benches on King George Street, Independence Park, abandoned buildings near the Old Jerusalem bus station and a few psychiatric hospitals. He drank whatever kind of booze was around, from cheap wine to revolting vodka. Over the years, I tried to help him numerous times. It was always useless. He never listened to my advice, so instead I gave him material items like sleeping bags, blankets, jackets, money and radios. Everything was stolen from him, including his most precious possession, the bootleg tapes he had brought from America. At Mr. T, we wound up listening to the Dead every 45 minutes. It was Stu’s influence. He became the store’s official greeter. He was there when the celebrities came in, and he was there when the down-and-out wandered in. Stu was 10 years younger than me, but he looked 30 years older. As the years went by, he lost most of his teeth. He was always dirty and smelled of booze and urine. His hair was a tangled, matted disaster. I’d give him a shirt and he would wear it for three weeks straight, never taking it off until I gave him a new one. Most of my employees couldn’t stand being near the guy. Tourist families walked in, took one look at him and walked out. But many others came in just to talk to him and be entertained. This was definitely a novel marketing concept. Stu’s presence made the Mr. T store in downtown Jerusalem the Grateful Dead mecca of the Middle East. Deadheads from all over the world would gather, and Stu was there to greet them. This lasted nearly 30 years. Stu died in his sleep, two weeks before I closed Mr. T. He was 55 and his liver was like a sieve. As I write this, I’m listening to the Dead. And, yes, it has been a long strange trip. And yes, I will miss Stu. He certainly made going to work and opening the store every day a fun adventure. Thank you, Stu, for giving me a “real good time.” Jerry Stevenson is a former Bay Area resident and former owner of the Mr. T store in Jerusalem, which recently closed.
July 19, 2007 - 7:01am

#152

KJ7XJ

Joined:
June 16, 2007

Way Cool....

...to see fans from the Middle East! Shalom Eric
July 19, 2007 - 1:11am

#153

Barak

Joined:
June 8, 2007

Israeli Heads

I know that there are quite a few dead heads in Israel, scattered all around.Some of them are americans that moved here, or people that lived in the states for a while, and some are the kids of those people. But there are also many of us that discovered the dead one bright morning on our endless quest for good music. - At least that was the case for me. I was 15 when Jerry died, and discovered the magic only a few years later during my military service, so unfortunately I never had the chance to see the guys live. It would be interesting to see people from neighboring countries in here. I have no doubt that had everybody in the middle east listened to the dead, it would've been a lot more peaceful here... And it's too bad that the dead never came to Israel, especially since they were already so close when they came to Egypt. rawsh-mett (that's dead-head in hebrew).
July 9, 2007 - 3:25am

#154

00

Joined:
June 9, 2007

Middle East

I am not too sure if there would be too many Heads in the Middle East. Maybe in Dubai but for the rest of the Middle East I would not think so as it too conservative. If there are please let me know and prove me wrong. I was in Saudi Arabia (Jedi) and I was scared shitless and as soon as the flight landed they made the announcement to discard of all magazines and papers with the pictures of women without veils etc. The military guys came on the plan and I was the only one pretty much not wearing a Thobe! I had my U.S. passport tucked in my shoe and when I was in customs I took it out of my shoe and after the customs agent stamped it I put it back in my shoe. I have been to many places but this is a place that I felt very uncomfortable in. Jedi is very close to Mecca so you have some hardcore fanatics in the area. I look forward to my trip to Algeria in the fall!!! Man why do i do this to myself. It is too bad that secularism has not been embraced more in Middle Eastern countries as I hear there are many very nice places to visit. Anyway I was listening to the radio the other day in Shanghai and they played an American Rap song called "my hump" or something like that and I thought that this is the American Culture that probably scares the hell out of people and this is the culture that they relate to American culture. Wow I thought as I rebelled and fought this type of garbage most of my life. Baggy pants acting like you’re from the hood and the horrible slang. Maybe this is the American culture they are not accepting and I don’t blame them.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

All Around This World

Who are you? Where are you? What's up in your life? People who attended the Egypt shows are, of course, cordially invited to post their experiences as well!

.Looking forward to the shows! I wonder if they'll do one in Mecca. Just kidding. Imagine that. Go Israel, stay safe! Peace to ALL MidEast Deadheads! absurd thought - God of the Universe says outlaw ALL dancing moving bodies to music must be seen as evil . All real freedom starts with freedom of speech. Without freedom of speech there can be no real freedom. .

Any Deadheads in Istanbul, Turkey

Any Deadheads in Istanbul, Turkey? I go every summer to visit my in-laws and it would be cool to hook up with a Deadhead there. On my last trip I was riding my bike in a fairly remote area and came upon a VW bus - I was praying for a GD sticker!!! No dice...

Iraq

Im getting ready to deploy to Iraq as a medic. I'd love to hook up with some deadheads and jam out over there. later, Doc

snag

safe travels to you. Feel free to tell us your adventures and let us know how you're doing. And bless you for your healing work.

jeeeez, snag

keep yer head down, bro.........from an old squid

Deadheads in UAE (Dubai)

Hey Now, I'm in the UAE for most of Feb and maybe into March, I'm looking for someone to clue me in to some kind of Jam Band scene if it exists. Bike Week(end) was fun. JazzFest is good for a few days but I want a place to hang out. I'm tired of the Philipino cover bands, etc. There has to be some good music in this town if I poke around. Hophead

:)

My name is Lynda I think the Grateful Dead They are the best band ever! My mail is LyndaLynn18@Gmail.com and my Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001188026556

but

are you in the Middle East?

Congratulations sisters and brothers of Egypt !

We have just seen one of the most amazing non-violent freedom protests the world has ever witnessed. Many blessings to you all and may peace be with you.

What a beautiful thing

happened in Egypt! I agree teller :) http://www.ismubarakstillpresident.com/ ********************************** I am not young enough to know everything. Oscar Wilde

Party tonight

govern tomorrow, before the army fills a vacuum.

Grateful Dead at Red Rocks Colliseum Morrison Colorado 8/11/1987

rainbow_trouthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/salmo_gairdneri/page5/

Kuwait dead head

sorry so long, in not getting into the group and discussion, I am a universality deadhead, became a Muslim in the states about 1996, after Jerry death, when in 96 i had an accident and was at brown university hospital and was told by the Doc. if i did not quit drinking, i would be "locked up or covered up" this is what i did in my search for Serenity exploring many of man kinds sciences and paths i choose Islam as the religion that appealed to my intellect, (in a philosophical tree climbing way) to channel the good freethinking vibes, to constructive use after years of tour and travel of the globe I took bible study coursed from various sources , went to the oldest synagogue in america, studied, and studied more , on tour I have been to Naroopa, boulder, an ashram out side goose creek Colorado, Lindisfarne, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, in Marin, lived in Italy considered a heretic,(Masonic) i was not catholic but i took advantage of being near RoME, and studied art history, while there also, reading on the real history of the church, as depicted in paintings. I was raised an American in Naples Italy, (origin of the Funiculì, Funiculà) lived there three different times, total of 13 years, between our trips around the globe, (father was Navy) we lived in mare island Vallejo, California, my great great grandfather is buried in Mount Tamalpais cemetery. so i was more local to the area I was about 1982. then stopped a few other places in the USA, between 1980 to 1984, my family did many road trips across the Usa, what i always could remembering all the cool folks on the roadways of America. various tours; been to the 25 reunion of woodstock in Bethel, New York 94, stayed two weeks and got in on the clean up of that site , the freedom fest and camp arrow head. 94 world unity fest in south rim of grand canyon, black mountain in Arizona, subsequent rainbow gatherings, from 92-96. I was in palm springs, California area may to July 95 I greyhounded to Rhode island from California, stopped in Oklahoma city, two weeks before Jerry un timely death, I was in Newport, Rhode island, and was considering a road trip to NY for the annual gathering at woodstock, then catching the Newport folk fest, that years folk fest was; whew... Now being here in Kuwait for 9 years where gas is cheaper than water per liter. I have the only cars in Kuwait with dead head stickers. 2004 Pajero , with 4 inch dancing bears across the rear bumper, and a titanium syf sticker, as well as a STF sticker on a 2003 honda civic 4 door. ,and a 1982 Maserati quattroporte, If i can figure out how to post the photos here would be cool. I married a wonder full Kuwaiti Woman, with whom i met when she was visiting for seminars at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, in 2001, we met through one of her Kuwaiti relatives I knew from the local mosque in fairfax, Virginia.we have 4 little boys and they demand Jerry in the morning, while driving I have raised them on the dead and may of the few "streams" to get them to listen with me. i wear tie dyes on a regular basis, (you cannot show up at a mosque in a tie-dye) I been to the hajj in mecca in 2002. I have taken my other wise conservative Muslim wife to the haight ashbury street fair in 2007, every place between Vallejo and Monterrey, On 9/11, of which I was TWO KM as the crow flies from the pentagon, after all the interrogations from the secret service, I had a yacht repair business on the Potomac river, servicing the marinas, people threw all the work contracts out the window , because i did not keep it a secret that i was a Muslim long before 9/11, at my core i am an american, well I moved to Kuwait, and started supporting the US Army as a mechanic, body shop, As well as working my own angles with the boating and yachting industry in Kuwait. this is a very conservative society so the only way i introduce musicians here about the dead i let them listen to Garcia/Grisman "Arabia" for some reason the song stirs the Arabian soul ; i try to bring out some musical awareness, so most Arabs think we (deadheads) are christian a cult of the dead in america, this is from from a religious point of view, and first impressions, then if you know names of popular Arabian musician, then they get the idea, the deal is to learn the language, and the society in which you live, they are all different in the gulf region, what goes for one does not for the other. thanks for letting me introduce my self

GD Joint in Amman/Jordan

Hey now .. I hope you're all well and happy.Last time I posted here I was living in Dubai, but now I moved to Amman/ Jordan. I wanted to let everyone know that I have a cool & creative business center & Fine Art Gallery on the main rd. to the DEAD SEA (also the Amman airport rd.). I named it GD (Gallery Docart). If you happen to pass this way please come and visit me and as a member of the "clan" :) I'll make sure you have a good time and try and help with anything you need, beside, The Dead tunes are always playing in the background (i use gdradio). Coffee, Wi-Fi, laptop usage are on the house for Deadheads. In return, if you're coming from the states, please bring me a GD something! anything, a sticker for example ... that would be very kind of you. In addition, if you like to learn more about the place and investigate the potentials of trade for Tie Dye t's, tapestry, beads,..etc. drop me a line, maybe we can do something. You can find more details on Facebook: Smaik Design Center or Gallery Docart or even on my personal page: Nedal Smaik. I really look forward to see you!! THX.. Love+Peace+Happiness

Amman

thanks for the info ikoiko. Last time I was in Amman was 1997... no GD hangout there then I am sure, but I have many happy memories of Jordan. I'll be sure to look you up if I get back there.

hey!

long time no see! Nice to hear from you!

hi Marye

It's good to hear from you too! and just incase you wondered why i disappeared, I was in jail in Dubai then Sharjah/united arab emirates for 13 straight months for smoking a cannabis joint!! originally sentenced for 4 years then got out with a pardon and deported, lost everything i built in 15 years including my business and my wife too! but now im back on my feet again, my wife is back too and i hve a nice business setup in Amman/ Jordan. I look forward to seeing any fellow deadheads visiting Jordan, you all know you have a a friend here. thx again.. Peace

yikes!

well, that's certainly a cautionary tale! glad things are better now! Ay-yi-yi!

Further in the Middle East?!

Hi Marye, I hope you're well. From your experience, do u think there is any chance that Further would consider coming to play here in Jordan or Egypt (again)? if "things" quite down in the region some time in the near future? and if guarantees and precautions on top levels concerning security are provided .. i personally think it would be magical! The Dead Sea, Petra, Pyramids .. we have a couple of fantastic (functional) and ancient amphitheaters. Jordan is a peaceful place that cherishes freedom and thrives for democracy. The whole experience for both sides would be .... historical! just a .. persisting .. thought. Peace

I am SO not the person to ask

about that! You might go over to Furthur.net and post, and see what kind of conversation came about!

im so .. thankful :)

thx for the tip .. i'll do tht when i gather enough ... confidence or something!

Nice dream

They used to have a Jazz Festival at Amman Amphitheatre in the Spring. Do they still do that? Or what about Jerash Amphitheatre? .I saw Fairuz there many years ago. That was quite something.

persisting dream!

thx cosmicbadger for corresponding .. Amman amphitheatres Jazz fest. is still on so as Jerash, wow Fairuz, lucky u :) .. I imagine Wadi rum, deadsea, aqaba, petra would be future potential venues, amazing but not expolited magical places -in my opinion-. com by n visit sometime pls. :) peace

QUESTION: Since The POTUS...

...considers the conflict in Afghanistan to be the "good war", and basically hasn't done anything different than "W" over there, including "murdering brown skinned people", will the "Deadheads for Obama" still vote for him in November?? ANSWER: Of Course They Will !!!!!!!!!

Abu Dhabi Deadhead

Just moved to Abu Dhabi this year and it's a great place. But I haven't met a single head out here! Is there anybody around that wants to get together and play some tunes together or even just swap some music? There's only so much pop music a girl can take!

what brought you

to Abu Dhabi?

I teach here

I came over to help start the newly created special education department in a private non-profit school for local kids (mostly-- there are a few expats in the mix but not many) It's amazing and fulfilling work. The teachers are from all over the world and it's been incredible getting to know everyone. Still, it gets a bit lonely at times not having any heads around to talk to. More than ever I am realizing how much of a unique culture we deadheads have and how it shapes who we are and how we view the world. My friends and colleagues here are quite tolerant of my "crunchiness" in a place that is renown for decadent lifestyles and glamorous ways, but I don't feel that connection that I get when I'm at shows. Luckily, I will have my summers off and can go on tour!

Abu not like the Muslim world?

Are the Muslims in AD "Jack Muslims"? (Backsliders, for want of yet another term). I know they do ridiculous things in the desert like ski in climate controlled warehouse-like buildings. The disconnect from the rest of their culture must be massive.

wish i was there ..

Hey now .. I left the UAE scene last year and i now reside in Amman/Jordan about 1 hr away from the Dead Sea. I still have few friends in Abu Dhabi, non are dead heads :). Enjoy your stay, look at the bright side of things while in this region (if any). If you get a chance pls stop by and visit, you have friends (and fellow deadhead) here. If you come across any trouble while in abu dhabi, pls let me know, I may be able to help. All the best .. Good loving vibes .. nedal smaik (nedal smaik on facebook) IKOIKO

iko!

Nice to see you again.

marye

its always nice to see you too, thanks!

backsliders

hey now Anna, i hope ur well, safe and happy. lol re. "jack muslims" or backslider, i had to dig the meaning from the dictionary: To revert to sin or wrongdoing, especially in religious practice. not all of the muslims my fellow dead head are backsliders, but most of them, just like any other faiths that went astray, i'd say maybe half the population or even more! im a muslim by birth and geographical region .. but i also realize that i'm a child of the universe and all faiths and believes, i appreciate all "the others" and realize myself as any ordinary man, free from all the unnecessary burdens and lies of .. The Backsliders, being muslims or not.. if the "others" show the same sentiments and emit the same vibes as mine, i get along with any "other" ethnic or religious fellow humans, regardless of any discrimination of any type. my motives and beliefs is to see every human live in peace and harmony, no poverty, no wars and no pain for a mother, child or man. share the same goals and concerns, share the wealth that is given to all of us through out the history and the entire globe. we're all one and share the same fears, hopes and desires, we cry and laugh the same way, we love the same love, the one true and only love, but when we hate .. we hate in many ways that were planted by backsliders :) have a grateful day .. love and peace nedal

"Backsliders" in all religions, Nedal

It is quite true. Though I wouldn't agree with the sentiment that it is the backsliders that cause most of the conflict. In fact, it is the true believers who tend to be most intolerant. A cursory examination of all the world's religions would show this to be as true as a generalization can be. Looking at the conflicts in the world today, it seems to be the true believers among the Muslims who are causing a lot of conflict and problems for people on almost every continent. I do also fault the economic designs of industrialized countries for encroaching where they don't belong for some of the problem. Not to open a whole other can of worms here, but I am very close to the Nepali people and their culture. Many of them are servants in the homes of even ordinary people in most Middle Eastern countries and they are treated like dirt by a minority of the families because they are "non-believer" Buddhist and Hindu. Some of the abuses are egregious in the extreme - so graphic I can't go into detail here. I am not impugning your culture or religion in any way. The "True Believers" of every religion all over the world act in much the same way. Do have a grateful day, Nedal

rite on

thnx so mch for ur comment and yes what u reflect is valid regarding "true believers" (but who are the true believers or think they are?!) and being the main cause of conflicts through the entire world. i wish we can discuss this further and exchange views and visions, perhaps some time soon.. kindest thoughts .. nedal

the self appointed true believers

are not necessarily the same ones who walk the talk, in any religion.

Good point

i thought about that while writing my post

thanks Iko!

Just wanted to say thanks for the good wishes. I am having a lovely time here (it helps that my job is amazing) I have been hoping to get out to Jordan next year, so I will certainly try to get in touch if and when I actually get that together ;-)

welcome kind4eye

its great to hear that ur having a lovely time and enjoying your job! travelling to Amman from AD is not costly (400-450Dhs) and there are no complications. Once here (if u come :) we'll visit dead sea (search for some scrolls :), petra and wadi rum, jerash and mt. nibo,..etc. pls keep n touch. :) kind thoughts and peace, nedal

lol re. "jack muslims" or

thanks for sharing

IRAN

Hi deadheads im a 30years old male from Iran im new here Am i the only deadhead from Tehran here? I know many GD fans in Iran its surprising to see many young people listening to more earlier sound of GD here

Dubai

Hi, my name is Sandya and currently living in Dubai with my husband, David. I was curious to know if there were any other Deadheads here in Dubai or relatively close? We just received the Spring 1990 collection and were enjoying listening to the shows and got to thinking there has got to be other deadheads here.... please say there is. :)