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  • PeggyO
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    Reflections on a Tour
    Well, the Spring Tour 2009 is in the bag and was definitely one for the books! That's for sure. I know a lot of people might think the Dead are dead without certain members, and to be honest, the last couple of tours the Dead have done were great experiences for me, but I always felt like people were "sitting in" to fill some big shoes left behind. Even Warren, in 2004, felt like he was filling in. So I went to the LA Forum show expecting what we got in 04. Oh how wrong I was! That first throat grabbing chord of the show was like the band was saying to everyone in the Forum, "Listen up people! We're not f*#cking around here, we're here to play so let's get down to it!" And then BOOM, right into that unreal VLB groove, with a beat that you just had to move to. I have been doing tours since the late 70's/early 80's and to my ears, this band has never been better. On the one hand, they're tighter, yet they're also looser. I cant explain it, and honestly, that's about the best one can say about the Dead when they're really "on", "well, I cant explain it man, you just have to experience it..." ;) I've been keeping up with the Tour, listening to the shows online as the Tour progressed and the first half was just okay for me. But in LA it felt like something happened that night and everything the boys had been striving for just all fell into place that night. The Forum felt like an old school East Coast indoor arena show, complete with rabid, hardcore heads that were so grateful to be back at the party again. This was not a "best of" tour. This was a "here's who we are now, dig it" tour, and man did I love what I heard on the West Coast leg of this Tour. That night in LA, I realized that Warren and Jeff no longer felt like they were filling in for anyone anymore. The *were* the Dead just as much as Bobby, Phil, Billy or Mickey are. To me, the Dead has always been a band in flux. There have been so many iterations of them I've sort of lost count. So to those who lament a Jerryless Dead, all I can say is, you don't know what you're missing. Sure I miss Jerry and I miss Brent. But the Dead as they are right now? Sound the best I've ever heard them and they're not stale, they're still out there pushing the envelope and really, isn't that what this is all about? So yeah, I no longer get weepy when I hear Brokedown Palace or Ripple or Box of Rain. I just revel in the fact that I get to experience this amazing thing we call The Dead, once again. And I am truly Grateful. One final comment...It felt so great to experience Shakedown once again and the lot scenes in LA and the Gorge were excellent. Like some upthread said, I found my self also saying things, and using expressions that I haven't used in a long time...It felt good to have the tribe back together again, didn't it?!
  • GD GRW
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    right on southerntam
    My sentiments exactly. It was a bittersweet night. Very cool to stay up until 3 am+ listening to the whole show, with great interviews and commentary thrown in during the set break. But it was so great to back out there catching 4 shows, eagerly anticipating seeing the setlists of the shows I didn't catch each morning, listening to the downloads etc. I'm going to miss all that. I'm firmly in the camp that thinks the music has changed/evolved in a great way....new sounds, tunes I never thought I'd get to hear live, Rhythm Devils taking it to new heights each night etc etc. Warren and Jeff are as good as it gets in the post Jerry/Brent/Keith/Pigpen era, which is to say they're both amazing musicians who fit right into the fabric of the band and helped to make the magic each night. Jeff is a monster on the keys and Warren managed to channel the ghosts of Jerry/Brent/Pigpen in his paying and singing while keeping it new and fresh and his own as well. Branford's interview during the set break was spot on: they're older, they've each gone on to do new things are are coming at playing together from a new angle, pushing the boundaries and not just treading the worn path. By the time they got to the Gorge, they seem to have all completely melded musically and got the bugs all worked out. We may not see them out on the road two thirds of the year anymore....at least as The Dead, but I gotta think the fun they seemed to be having along with the embrace of the fans will pull them back for another go around or two down the road. And yes, it was really cool to hear Mickey thank the crew and bring them out onstage for some well deserved applause. I've seen them with Jerry from the early 80's onward, seen Phil and his band, Ratdog, the Dead 2003/4 and I can say I had as good a time at these shows and I've had at any. All different, all excellent and all the music of the Grateful Dead which is what it's all about. Thanks guys!
  • theotherone2
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    GDTS TOO website
    Not sure if this is the appropriate forum to use but I'm sure Marye will let me know. I just went to the GDTS TOO website for the first time in years to see about Ratdog tix and was amazed at what i found. It prompted me to send them the following... Please don't take offense. Just a little constructive criticism. It's been many years since I've visited your site. Back in the day I thought it was the greatest thing ever. The days of calling the hotline every day sometimes multiple times were over, but come on guy's, your site is really quite primitive by today's standards. To my dismay, when I tried to fill out the credit card form I discovered it wasn't interactive. I consider myself a caveman for not having a printer/copier/scanner combo, but times are tough. I don't even know where to find a fax machine. Aren't we supposed to be a paperless society by now? This planet needs all the trees she can produce. The decorative envelopes are still very cool, and should be an option, but how about an online interactive version of the envelope? I'm sure there are thousands of heads out there into web design who would be willing to collaborate and put something together for you. I'm not a designer myself but I'm willing to help wherever I can. Just something to consider. Peace and much thanks for all you do. So this would be a shout out to all of you webmasters out there if they are receptive. I know youre out there, a simple Google search for anything Dead related shows me there's some mad skills out there. I have not recieved a response yet, but when I do I'll post it.
  • fillmore
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    Maybe I should of gone for
    Maybe I should of gone for the CDs too!
  • thor369
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    thanks fillmore
    thor369 - I'm still waiting for my two Chicago show downloads that were ordered May 3rd! Hope your wife is better. she is doing much better. it was an asthma and panic attack type combo, scary stuff. my CD isnt a download, it was a CD i paid for, at the show, they was recording off the mixing boards, and pressing official show CD's on the spot for $25, with show date, and place, on official The Dead CDs. it is why i dont want the download to replace my CD, my puter dont have good speakers, and i only listen to my CDs in my car, or my headset CD player. i cant reburn 1 on my puter, and it isnt the official CD with the printed faces on them.
  • AlpineMike
    Joined:
    Bringing the magic home...
    Chicago was incredible... 20 years since since my love's and mine last show but with one more in tow - our 11 year old son whose favorite song right now is Throwing Stones. All with a different yet better spirit. The magic was back. It does remind me of reading a book where you don't understand the words and you go back later and understand it even more after life experience. I started reading the book long ago and loved it - and It means even more now. The shows brought smiles, healing and joy. Peace Mike P.S. Please Tour again !!!! - You are beautiful together ! Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there
  • marye
    Joined:
    fillmore, and anyone else having issues
    you too
  • marye
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    thor
    pm me the details. We're working on this one.
  • fillmore
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    supertacks
    I feel the same way, could never have said it any better. Great post!
  • fillmore
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    thor369 - I'm still waiting
    thor369 - I'm still waiting for my two Chicago show downloads that were ordered May 3rd! Hope your wife is better. I thought all the shows were just awesome. Thanks guys for giving us the magic again. Sure would be nice to hear the Chicago shows and relive some nice memories again.
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The band says Happy New Year with an announcement of almost twenty shows in April and May.  More details to come!

https://dead.net/dead09

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15 years 10 months
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HEY - I am a west coast transplant living here in PA. I am for certain going to the show at Wilkes Barre but do not know any heads on this side of the country. I would love to chat with folks on line before the date to maybe meet up or pre and post party at the show. when in doubt.....twirl Rebecca
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17 years 5 months
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No offense, but I can't believe u guys moaning about an 8 hour drive to get to a show etc...what about those of us overseas? Man, I used to hitch across the country at the drop of a hat to see the boys, with NO money in my pocket. I always found a way! I even traveled all the way from the south of New Zealand once just to get to do Spring Tour (surely a Deadhead record) arriving around midnight the night before with no idea of where I'd stay, just heading to the lot and seeing what happened. I've even had to be in the States illegally to see shows as I got deported years ago for swinging on the lot. This is what being Deadicated really means! You guys are so lucky, I'm happy for u all, but my heart is breaking at the same time. I don't think I can handle the stress of coming into the States illegally again to see the boys even though I know I'd see a lot of old friends. My best friends, the best u could ever wish for. My family. But with the way the U.S. is like a police state these days the chances of getting caught and put in jail for a year or two just for entering illegally is probably too much for me. Please come to Europe guys... Could everyone PLEASE, PLEASE post asking the guys to tour Europe this year!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you kind?"
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15 years 10 months
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Warren Haynes is a good guitar player and all but I sure wish Steve Kimock was in the line up. When he played with Ratdog in 2007 tour it was some of the best guitar playing I have ever heard. He understands how to achieve that psychedelic sound that was Jerry's trademark. Haynes also inserts some of his own lyrics which bugs me but maybe on this tour he won't sing. Just my humble opinion! "I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines. Come to daddy on an inside straight, well I've got no chance of losing this time"
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15 years 10 months
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whats the deal with ticket pre-sales can all members participate or is there some catch to this??
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15 years 10 months
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Yea, everyone who lives in Greensboro better plan a vacation for that day. It will be crowded. It's a awful place to get into as well. But you know I'll be there. Can't wait till midnight monday to get some tickets. I won't sleep a bit that night. Stay cool guys, spring is around the corner.
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17 years 1 month
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My wife isn't even a fan and she knows how I excited I am and wants to go. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "And if you go no one may follow, That path is for your steps alone..."
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15 years 10 months
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so when do they go on sale, anyone have any inside info?
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15 years 10 months
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TIME TO BLOW THE DUST OFF THE OLD VW AND HIT THE ROAD AGAIN!!!!!! TRUCKIN UP TO BUFFALO OVER TO MSG ACROSS THE BRIDGE TO IZOD!!!! HAPPY TRAVELING& CYA ON THE ROAD
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15 years 10 months
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One positive indicator regarding a summer tour is the fact that the websites for Ratdog and P & F (and Gov't Mule, for that matter) don't list any conflicting dates at this point. Then again, it's pretty early for ANY band to have locked-and-loaded their summer dates. In the meantime, all we can do, my friends, is catch as many of the spring shows as possible and be hopeful for more! Robust ticket sales for the spring dates should motivate any skeptical band members, so to paraphrase Richard Daley: buy early and buy often! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One man gathers what another man spills...
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17 years 2 months
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I have looked everywhere, Has anyone seen any prices for the shows, yet? Thanks and see you in Worcester!T
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15 years 10 months
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Does anyone know which shows will have a general admission floor? gotta have move to room
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15 years 10 months
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This is what it's all about. The whole scene. Its so cool. The Tour. The pre-sale. The on-sale. How many shows? Who got what? How are we getting there? How many miles do we have to go? How are we going to pay for this? Who's the doo-dah man?.This is what makes up the Grateful Dead Vibe. Don't worry gather the Dead Vibe and it will do wonderful things. Beleive that there will be more shows and there will be. Beleive in more tix and there will be. Come on! What do you think? They're just gonna do 20 shows. This is just a warm up. In '03 they were only gonna get together (which was amazing enough)and do a few shows. And then, do a little tour. And then, look what happened. In '04 they played 40 shows jammed in between Allmans and Gov't Mule tours. Even though we like Warren, he is not the only one who can jam with the Dead. I'm sure theyre are a few "other ones" out there. No matter what it's always cool. plus Jerry is always watching. Hey, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. Summertime done come and gone, my oh my. "Oh if a man tried To take his time on earth And prove before he died What one man's life could be worth I wonder what would happen To this world."
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17 years 2 months
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open floorDoes anyone know which shows will have a general admission floor? gotta have move to room I Doubt any. I have been to over a hundred shows(Mostly East Coast) Only 1 Ga floor show, Foxboron 90' Never know, but I doubt any! T
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17 years 5 months
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I've never seen this site so busy. Already hearing negative vibes, please don't bringem to the show! Be happy there is a show to go to!!Peace
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15 years 10 months
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Hallaluyah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And thank you Warren {The Man} Haynes!!!! We will get to make Grateful Dead Music once again it is a blessed day. Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE {PANIC} HOUSER!!!!! Im sure you and Jerry have been doing some amazingjamming Both of your bands are in great hands and alive and well Jimmy an Warren do make it happen! SPRING DEAD TOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great thing!!!!!!!!!! May The Four Winds Blow You Safely Home good people!!!!!!!
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15 years 10 months
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guite917:I saw prices on DCU center web site at $240.00 and up--hope that aint the going rate cuz that'll cut deep into my party $$$$ Garcia inside!!! fuck the money anyway- THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN!!
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15 years 10 months
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Anyone going from Hawaii to West Coast shows?
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15 years 10 months
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yes ladyoftheisland bill kreutzmann is
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15 years 10 months
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You said it perfectly. I, too, am totally enjoying all this pre-show energy. It is true that summertime done come and gone, but the time is always right for sunshine daydreams . . .
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15 years 10 months
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This is gonna be surreal. Two nights in Philly for me and some pals, also possibly going to hit the Wilkes-Barre stop. Too bad for work and school. F*in ball and chain. We made the State College show in October. Was one of the greater experiences I have had except for the cops tryin to run the parking lot. I'm hoping Philly will be a little less restrained. I'm definitely pumped though, and hoping to beat the rush at pre-sale. Do those e-mail alerts work?
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15 years 10 months
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just wondering if anyone knows the time of the presale on the 13th. thanks in advance drew
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17 years 5 months
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but their not talkin!
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16 years 3 months
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I'll be hitting the albany show, then maybe buffalo, but finals week starts that monday for me...ah screw it, who cares? I'll go to however many shows I can get tickets to!!
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15 years 10 months
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Anyone know what happened to JerryGarcia.com? I tried to go order a couple more of the Pure Jerry Concerts and the site says it is down and will be back sometime. Sorry about having to post this here just thought somebody might could give me some info...Would love to be able to get the rest of those live JGB shows. Thanks
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15 years 10 months
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Does anyone know what the $$ will be for the shows?
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15 years 10 months
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wanted to tell anyone worrying to STOP! Have faith!! All good things in all good time. This board has been the most entertaining thing all week. I just started learning html and I'm basically stuck writing code everyday for the next 6 weeks, but man this makes the day go by so well. i mean the energy is SO high here sometimes i get confused in class and have to like...minimize the screen and spiral back down to my chair. Could be new years catching back up with me. But man, I am so fucking ready. Caught both new years shows with my girl (flew from boston, first time in SF.) and by the end of NYE all I could *think* about was when are we going to get the dead. (i'm addicted more so than ever after those two nights) As we were walking out i got handed a little black flyer that I almost threw out until i saw a spiraling stealie and THE DEAD SPRING TOUR 09! Started jumping up and down screaming high-fivin folks and a dude handed me a killer "I MISS JERRY" sticker. Goes nicely with the PHIL IT UP AND GET WEIR'D sticker i got before the show! Gonna try to scan that little flyer and post it. A Really nice mysterious design. Couldn't stop looking at it for the rest of the night. sorry for the ramble guys. i love talking about this beautful part of our human experience. Keeps me grateful. Have Love and Keep It - Patrick
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17 years 5 months
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WAHOO! I am gonna make the two west coast shows for sure!!! ASWAH
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17 years 2 months
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Never had such a good time in my life before I'd like to have it one time more Whoa! One good ride from start to end, I'd like to take that ride again, again!
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15 years 10 months
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.Looking forward to the shows! 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. .
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15 years 10 months
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I have to use up some miles by June. What better place to use them than Palo Alto! I'll be hitting the Charlottesville,VA and Shoreline shows. Already booked my hotel for Shoreline. I hope I can get tix for both on presale next tues. Josh
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16 years 7 months
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I used to only need three days notice to make show within 3000 miles.Its a little tougher travelling from AK. I'm gonna fly down to Cal and catch some shows.I'll spend some quiet time around the Haight,walk it another time...maybe with some luck a cop might shake me down me like old times
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16 years 3 months
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How much will tickets be and what time does the pre-sale start, i want some good seats, Play Dead!!
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17 years 5 months
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Just makes this whole thing even more exciting! I know I said it before but I can't wait to get my twirling skirt and hit the road. Wishing there were more So Cal shows, but so grateful of the two that are scheduled. I love this!!!! Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile!!!
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15 years 10 months
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Does anyone know what the online ticket limit is going to be? 4? 6?
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17 years 5 months
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Looks like Buffalo, Wilkes-Barre, and the Philly shows for me!!!!
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17 years 2 months
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Best line-up yet (IMO). I KNEW when I heard the Obama show that there would be a tour (or many). I actually remember saying they should tour as The Grateful Dead, because, that is what it sounded like. It is an unmistakable sound. "Long train running from coast to coast Bringing home a party when you need it the most Work on the box car, beat on the bell Nothing else shaking so you might just as well." Thank you Boys!!! P.S. (Can you pleeeeease get Hunter to open!!!!!????!!!!!)
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15 years 10 months
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hunter opening would be magical i'd like to see that happen
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17 years 6 months
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that would be really lovely.
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15 years 10 months
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Anyome know where a good place to stay in Buffalo? Where to party before and after the show?
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15 years 10 months
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Yes... yes... yes. I'll be at Shoreline with my mom and dad - my wife, who's never been to a Dead show - and my one year old son. It'll make us three generations deep of Deadheads, and I wouldn't have it any other way. RIP Mr. Garcia
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15 years 10 months
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markinthedark i don't know if any of that will happen but it certainly would be cool