Grateful Dead Original Members Reunite to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
“Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead" at Chicago’s Soldier Field on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2015
Marks the Grateful Dead Members' Final Performance Together
Event information available at Dead50.net
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Grateful Dead, the four original members — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir — will reunite at Chicago's Soldier Field, nearly 20 years to the day of the last Grateful Dead concert, which took place at the same venue. “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead" will occur over three nights on July 3, 4, and 5, 2015, marking the original members' last-ever performance together. The band will be joined by Trey Anastasio (guitar), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), and Bruce Hornsby (piano). The group will perform two sets of music each night.
Jerry Garcia's daughter Trixie Garcia announced the shows in an exclusive interview. You can check out her announcement here.
Joining the original members of Grateful Dead are three musicians who have embodied the band’s spirit of musical innovation throughout their eclectic careers. Guitarist Trey Anastasio is best known for his work as the principal songwriter and lead guitarist for touring juggernaut Phish, but he has also found time to score and arrange music for orchestras and Broadway productions such as “Best Musical” TONY nominee ‘Hands on a Hardbody.’ Pianist Bruce Hornsby had already won the first of his three Grammy Awards when he first guested with Grateful Dead in 1988. Following the death of the band’s keyboard player Brent Mydland in 1990, Hornsby toured with the group into 1992, and he has maintained a collaborative relationship with its members ever since. Bay Area native and jazz keyboardist Jeff Chimenti joined Bob Weir’s Rat Dog in 1997, and has since worked on projects such as Phil Lesh & Friends, The Other Ones, The Dead, and Furthur.
In the tradition of the original Grateful Dead Ticketing Mail Order, tickets will first be made available via a first-come, first-served mail order system. All additional ticketing information is available at Dead50.net.
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Mail order instructions
From some of the comments I've been seeing, not only here but in faceplace it would appear that MANY are unfamiliar or forgetful. I saw nothing new and self addressed return envelopes are the norm....ah, well...maybe in the next plane of existence...
pre-sale canceled but site still claims ticket packages
TICKET PACKAGESTicket Packages and VIP Experiences include amazing seats and amenities. Let us take care of you for this extraordinary occasion, come and join the party!
Ticket packages go on sale February 11, 2015 at 10AM CST.
Ticket package prices will be available Monday, February 2nd at 10AM ET.
http://www.cidentertainment.com/events/gratefuldead50/vip-experiences/
It's a very good chance these tickets are out of my price range..
BUT just wanted to post for those of you out there that have saved for this occasion since the rumors or that are willing and able to fork out the $
This is going to be a long anxious wait
Any hearsay about Donna? Invited or Declined?
maybe my math stinks
wouldn't 1 env per 30 secs be 2 envs a minute x 60 mins= 120 envs an hour? 19 envs an hour would roughly be 1 every 2 mins. still an extraordinary task. lets hope they have 100 workin on it (~);}
Darn it Strawheart... You're
Darn it Strawheart... You're making me re check my math... :)
If we have 2708 envelopes to be processed each day and 20 sorting staff, who works 7 hours a day, (not including lunch and breaks) that means on average, each staff must process 135 envelopes per day.
So, if 135 envelops / by 7 hours per worker per day = 19.28 envelopes per hour
19.28 / 60 minutes = 3.1 minutes PER envelope.
I stand corrected and thank you for showing me the error of my ways :)
In conclusion, it would take a staff of 20 working 24 business days, 7 hours per day at a rate of 3.1 minutes PER envelopes.
Goodness, my head hurts and I promise not to post any more word problems.
checklist
Hotel for 3 nights near Soldier Field: check
Round trip flight tickets to Chicago: check
Wife's late approval for the trek: check
Wife's bribe for approval: check
Time-off from work reserved: check
Time off from work approved by Super: check
Ditto for Buddy: check
Tickets to the event: uh-oh!
Underthevolcano
Haha!!! What Underthevolcano said. Perfect. I would also add "Badgering my wife constantly about my anxiety over getting tickets: Check"
response to Johnman
I basically agree with you about both west coast for final shows and that it is not up to us. I agree the east coast has received far more attention than the rest of country even adjusting for population, perhaps. I still stand by MY OPINION that this should at the very least a miniature retirement tour with minimum 3 days per venue. They don't really owe us anything legally or realistically but if it came down to respect or fairness 1 stop for 3 nights is not ever gonna be enough unless done on a scale larger than Woodstock or Watkins Glenn. Even if this were limited only to the folks that have been the most dedicated with unlimited devotion whether from 1965 to 1995 or even 2014 Soldier Field is incapable of even starting to bring us in. Add the not so dedicated but have money I could agree if turning them on was the purpose it might slide by as noble. I will never disrespect what I've come to love but if what is advertised is all there is it's clear many of us are on the wrong bus. Not because we got off the one, but they not only changed drivers and directions but sold the whole bus for lunch money. I can only hope the never trust a prankster rings true in that there are unannounced plans and not that we were duped into believing we were believing in the same dream. Want to be hopeful and not negative but we will just have to wait and see.
Want
Of course we all want to go and get into the shows however I see it a bit different. To me I am glad and hope they only put on these 3 shows, why? Because if they only play in one location it not only gives us the chance to see the band but more important to me will be to see all those I toured with back in 82 threw 89. if they were to spread this out on a real tour say then we wouldn't have the chance of being with each other one more time. Meaning by only playing these 3 we can all gather with everyone we had so many good times with years ago. I am for one really interested in hearing how they play that's been gone for me along time when vince was in the band. The Magic stopped for my ears in the late 80's . I still love the music and even listen to a vince show every now and then but nothing peaks my interest as much as when we all followed them around for what might happen next. I hope I can make these 3 shows will be one last great time with all of our friends. Plus most of my touring crew is now sober which is even more of hoot considering how crazy we all were back then.
johnman, sisterearth
couldn't agree more. "please come to Chicago, or else join the other side"
chicago v. touring
I get the both sides of the argument. Home is home and always good to see a show close to home. Then again, I really like that Chicago is an event, not the crass commercialism of a "good bye tour". Done right, it celebrates all that is and ever was right about the band. Done poorly.. we'll regret no tour.
I'm kinda hoping for a few "formerly the warlocks" stealth shows. doubt I'll see on in the suburbs of boston (where I am). Then again.. you just don't ever know.
Check Money Order Status
Someone posted this over at the philzone... Thought never even occurred to me. You can check on the status of your money order and see if its been cashed.
https://mois.usps.com/pls/pmoisnp/mois_external_pk g.main
Another way to obsess or to pass some time
Interesting Read
About some of the changes they made to accommodate more fans.
http://www.gratefulmusic.com/2015/01/editorial-more-tickets-for-fans-wh…
Rejection letter from GDTSTOO....... :(
Just got home from work and found my return envelope with a letter and all my money orders. Letter stated that by the time they got to mine they ran out of tickets so I'm a tad bummed. I tried for the 4th and 5th just two tickets for each night but had six money orders for all levels of tickets just in case. My wife thinks it's because I didn't decorate the envelope but I think she's upset. We did mail order since 89 and not once did I ever decorate an envelope (I just can't draw) and only got shut out once for Deer Creek 95. I guess I'll have to really try on the 28th!! I wish ya'll the best of luck.
Anyone Get an Acceptance Letter?
Really bummed for all the people getting the rejections. Just curious if anyone has gotten confirmation of tickets?
Bummer man
hdrydr
Bummer man... Now I'm afraid to check my mail :( At least you have the money back so hope you score those VIP travel package tickets or hit on the 28th. Keep on...
I sort of thought I was safe feelmorewest....
Heck I even mailed in six separate money orders (one for each price grade) for the last two nights for my wife and I figuring I'd at least get the $97 dollar reserved ones.
I sort of...
Hey now, I feel that angst...sorry man...keep the faith, do what you can on the VIP/Travel option, then the Ticketmaster route...and listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul. You can do it!
acceptance?
I am kinda wondering if they are first sending back the rejections before dealing with actually mailing out tickets. It seems like a logical step.
After all, looking at some of the envelopes posted, and how I interpreted both the video and webpage instructions, some people screwed up simply by not labeling their envelopes correctly.
Dealing with those and later postmarks would actually be a service to those who didn't make the cut to get their MO back and try other means. Could also explain why no one is posting pics of "acceptance" tickets - yet.
Sure hope they don't base on art work. Because I did try and put my heart into it but ours is no where near the talent of others.
And Seth M, if you see this I sure hope I see your grumpy old ass there (been since Red Rocks 83') - "mule"
over 1 million fans
on facebook, over 10 million fans world wide. No tickets to be had, small venue to accommodate all these people that want to say goodbye to our band. Not to mention the 10 million wantabe's that will show up just to say "I was at a dead show". I'm not Kreskin but I can add. Will someone, anyone, please explain to me why they did this? Three shows at a crappy venue in the middle of the country. No home town show, no east coast venue, no real goodbye.
I'm sure everyone can feel our disappointment, we have been let down by our brothers.
Oh well, I'm not owed an explanation, but it sure would be nice to get something from the ptb that will somehow make this all right, but I don't see that happening.
I was young once and the Grateful Dead and Jerry saved my life, without whom I would not be here. Now, I can't feel that wonderful feeling of togetherness that was the whole Grateful Dead experience. Why? old age? They don't get along? Do they plan on making so much off the concerts and the dvd/blueray that will come out after? Will the televised pay per view be enough for them to retire on? They must think so.
The whole thing stinks of corporate greed.
I will never forget the feeling of being transported in time back to the sixties, the peace, love and togetherness that we all felt when we were "one" with the universe and all was right with the world.
I miss Jerry, especially now.
PIt Passes for VIP
Are the floor pit passes even going to be available in the VIP packages now
DeadGeek,I'd imagine if you
DeadGeek,
I'd imagine if you got tickets, they will notify you via email. Otherwise, they'd have to fork over a bunch of money for paper, envelopes and stamps. I have no idea but I'm refreshing my email a couple of times a day. Good luck :)
"That would be something"..
..if the boys decided to play a free show in Golden (road to unlimited devotion) Gate Park on a beautiful (jam) Saturday afternoon sometime in Sept/Oct. What a fine set of bookends to a "Long strange trip' that would be.
RE post by DeadGeek
They would have to fork over no money for postage. Per the directives of mail order you were to include a SASE so they could either mail you your tickets or your rejection letter/money orders back to you. If you didn't include a SASE me thinks your screwed. Sorry to say........
Jerry to the Max
If this Terrapin doesn't get ya EXCITED about the band nothing will. I know many times Jerry got a bad rap for just standing there. Well check out the 28 minute mark of this 28 threw say 32 minute mark. I was here but did not remember seeing Jerry almost pulls a Bobby and run up past the mic stand to front of stage. He doesn't run around but OOOOOOO my does he ever get excited about the end jam of this Terrapin. One of those magic moments , Which is reason we went night after night tour after tour to find this MAGIC moment...Please Please Please check it out. http://youtu.be/mCUr_RPaYsE
feelmorewest...E-mail Notifications...
Thanks! I think you're right! This is making me crazy...Can't believe how hard it must be for long time Heads.
Adjustments made to VIP tickets...
Looks like the pricing was posted for the VIP seating. The "Playing In the Band" VIP looks to be eliminated. Also looks like an option for individual nights was eliminated from the top tier package. IMHO the names of the packages are beyond cheesy.
Giantnerd - General Admission
Hey giant,
Actually, I believe they have turned the entire field into a General Admission area. There will be the pit, and then the rest of the field, whatever that means. Also, I'm not sure how they will handle pricing, etc. Maybe they got an overwhelming request for GA, in which case they will still have enough seats in the stands to fill the expensive tickets, etc.
re: tickets
patsfan I'd say no. not getting a denied letter doesn't mean you'll get tickets.
My guess - and it is a pure guess - is that if you didn't have the correct post mark, outside of the envolope was wrong, wrong kind of money order, wrong amount.. et cetera... GDTSTOO has sent your money back.
Again, a pure guess is that they'll be sorting the orders that are correct over the next few weeks..
GA versus Pit
The GA tickets were not on sale via mail-in, only "the pit" (which is the very front section of GA). In fact only three levels of tickets were available via mail-in: The most expensive reserved - lower sides of bowl plus the front two sections of the floor, The next to cheapest reserved (up in the nosebleeds but not the very tippty top), and the pit. All other tickets were not made available via mail order. Now it appears the arrangement of the floor has changed. If they are going to be making other tickets available to mail order buyers they will have to "make change" because the pricing is different and quite honestly that sounds like such a logistical nightmare that I seriously doubt they will/can do it. So, my thought is they will distribute what they can within the three price ranges available via mail in and all other tickets will go on sale via ticketmaster. Of course I have no actual insight, but sometimes the most logical path is indeed the path taken.
Of course for those that can afford it there are the CID packages...
Good luck to you all!
But when I get there they'll be gone
I'm a 22 year old deadhead who never got to go to a show. I was raised on the dead and have gone to a number of Furthur and Ratdog shows. I don't understand the hostility to younger deadheads who genuinely love the band, and aren't in it for the gimmicks of some of the other heads. I want to keep this lifestyle going for as long as possible, and I don't think all of us are wannabees or whatever. Of course we will never have the same experiences as the older heads who followed them for years, but we admire and respect them and don't want the tribe to die out someday. I want to pass on this music to further generations, and keep the golden road open to all who stumble upon it. Don't exclude us because of our age, you were once there. It was at that age that many of you first discovered the dead, and the same goes for us. I hope Chicago can be a loving blend of old and new, theres no room for the hatred and segregation.
"My strange heroes lead me on, but when I get there they'll be gone."
-Bob Weir
Well Said TerrapinTurtle
Great point. When you were born is something no one has any control of. I was fortunate to have at least gotten to ride the rails with the Dead from 93-95 when I was in high school following them around the Midwest. Some of the best memories and experiences of my life. When I listen to older shows and read about them and listen to other Heads talk about their experiences, I wish I was born sooner. So yea, it's not about when you were born, it's more about how you relate to the music, the fellow Heads, and the entire phenomenon. That will be the true celebration at Soldier this summer. It's people like you TerrapinTurtle that are hope of keeping that spirit alive in the future.
We all know that the inclusive, free-wheelin ride of GD has a mixed bag of fans. Mama's and the Papa's came out with California Dreamin and tons of people flocked to the Haight in the 60s, creating all sorts of havoc. The band and those that experienced that era talk about how 66 was truly the year when it was magical. All of us just try to touch as much of that magic as possible.
I was at the Deer Creek show in 95 when the gate crashers busted the fence. The next show was cancelled. I still have the unused ticket. Unfortunately the scene has some Bad Apples, but the all-inclusiveness is part of it. Jerry talked a lot about not being discriminatory with the fans.
"All good things in all good time"
Last show
It seems to me that this event was ill conceived. Just three shows in Chicago will prevent many people from seeing the band perform. A tour would have been so much better and would have made this much more accessible. Three shows at Soldier's field seems like a perfect opportunity for scalpers to squeeze money out of fans. The website indicated tickets would be available after the mail order offering, but never came to be and now people have to resort to Ticketmaster. Should never have promised people tickets would be available at website. Shameful. Good luck getting a ticket!
Money Orders Returned 2/4/15. No Luck
Mine came back yesterday 2/4. A strange wind blew through the house when the envelope was opened. It was a box of rain. I got skunked.
I sent 3 money orders, I asked for GA for 7/3, and just sent one money order for $462 for the 7/3 date, but I sent 2 money orders for the 7/5 date (462 & 400), so they could give me 4 GA or the $215 reserve tickets if they didn't have GA. I decorated the envelope with a few markers I had.
The reason they gave was that they got too many orders and couldn't fill them all. There was an ink drawing of a big mail sack overflowing with envelopes on the letter they sent me, reminiscent of Shell Silverstein's illustrations. That's it.
Im not giving up yet, but as much as it hurt hand over all that bread for the mail order, I did have some hope. I don't like our chances for the online offering. Then there's the scalpers after that, and after that maybe it's leaving for the shows without a ticket and looking for a miracle when I get there.
I don't know about those vip cid tickets, I really want to get into at least one show, but paying over $500 (that's if I want to go by myself) would make me a sucker wouldn't it?
Good luck people,
I followed the instructions
I followed the instructions to the last detail, and watched the lady at the post office stamp my envelope with a 1/20 post mark. I even decorated the envelope and my artwork wasn't bad. I got my money orders back in the mail yesterday, and no tickets to the shows. But I complied with the instructions, I'm certain of that. I think it's all luck, but you could improve your odds by making your order more flexible and easier to fill. I only requested 2 shows, I should have put in for all of them, and maybe I'd have gotten 1. And I didn't fully increment my money orders so that they could fit me into any of the ticket classes, I shoulda done that too. Also, I wanted 4 seats for each of the shows, 2 might have been the way to go, 1 even better. Hind sight is 20/20 as they say. If you didn't get your stuff back yet at least you're still in the hunt. I'm ass out
I followed the instructions
I followed the instructions to the last detail, and watched the lady at the post office stamp my envelope with a 1/20 post mark. I even decorated the envelope and my artwork wasn't bad. I got my money orders back in the mail yesterday, and no tickets to the shows. But I complied with the instructions, I'm certain of that. I think it's all luck, but you could improve your odds by making your order more flexible and easier to fill. I only requested 2 shows, I should have put in for all of them, and maybe I'd have gotten 1. And I didn't fully increment my money orders so that they could fit me into any of the ticket classes, I shoulda done that too. Also, I wanted 4 seats for each of the shows, 2 might have been the way to go, 1 even better. Hind sight is 20/20 as they say. If you didn't get your stuff back yet at least you're still in the hunt. I'm ass out
I had all three seat options
I had all three seat options and chose any seat... Still didnt matter.. Dont beat yourself up..
Crap Shoot
Just gotta get lucky and hope they hit yours before they ran out
GD shows.
I saw the dead in the 60s when they didn't charge through the nose for a ticket and they played and played and you got your money's worth and then some. This isn't that band, this just another example of pathetic money grubbing capitalism. Jerrys dead and so is the band. Keep your damn tickets and I'll keep listening to real dead in my living room.