Grateful Dead

I recall the Long drive from my home in the NY suburbs to Watkins Glen. The day was sunny, warm and humid. The Dead was already playing when we arrived and we had to sit so far from the stage that we barely could see the band. The outdoor sound system was OK, but I wished it was clearer. I had only began to listen to the Dead the previous year when the NY radio stations were playing the LP containing the concerts performed at Bill Graham's Fillmores East and West the month before he closed them. Of course two of the Dead's songs were on the LP as Bill Graham was very fond of the band. As the radio station played the LP, it would play other songs performed by each of the bands found on it. When Live Dead was played, I was sold on the Dead. At Watkins Glen, I was finally able to hear live many of the recorded songs that I had been hearing the past year. The Dead finished it's set sometime in the late afternoon. I believe the Band played next. I went back to my tent to eat and rest. As with all East Coast concerts, it seems, it began to rain. I feel asleep and missed the entire night's sets. My friend, Steve, told me that the Band put on a great show and that the Dead and Band jammed together. He mentioned that Jerry and Robbie Robertson, the Band lead guitarist, sounded terrific together. I missed the best part of the show. However, it was raining for most of the night and I hate rain. Yet, I wish I had been willing to endure the rain in order to see the two groups jam.

Damn, the boys look young too. .... I was 16 at this show....I had to do some real talking to get out of the house that weekend....and stay all weekend! It was wonderful!