Grateful Dead

As much as I don't like this mail order ticket situation it's what I love about being a deadhead. All of us stressing and struggling to have one more chance to dance and have fun. I feel a tshirt design coming to mind for the shows this summer. Waiting at the mailbox for my tickets.

Made the walk before lunch and survived another day without MO rejection. Fingers crossed!

me neither......

Is anyone considering the travel package(s) from CID? I was planning on the cancelled presale, but now that it's down to just Ticketmaster I'm thinking (considering the price of hotels at this point close enough to walk or shuttle over) the bigger price might be worth biting the bullet for. Am I alone in that?

East Coast Update: Friends in NH VT ME NY PA NC MA DC CT some have received rejections with MO's returned. Still looking good for me on the cape and islands... I have never dreaded going to the PO before> Have fingers crossed!!

for the reality check. When I first heard about this event, I was ecstatic. It became my dream for my husband and me to bring our teenage sons--since it's the closest they're ever going to get. Somehow, magically, in the last few years, we realized that the Dead was the only music that brought complete happiness to all passengers in our family car. (No Barney tapes were played for these boys:). In other words, I HAD TO GET TICKETS. So, I dropped everything to get an envelope in the mail in time and send $800-something out the ether. Then, I made the mistake of sleuthing online to try and figure out what's happening with the tickets, and the more I read, the more I got caught up in the anxiety and the dread of the mailbox. And (although my teenagers would like to go), it struck me as funny that so many quite young (seeming) people have jumped on this bandwagon. I've always thought of myself as kind of a young deadhead, and I'm, well, let's just say, I'm over 29. So, now I've decided that it's kind of becoming this "It" concert, fueled by the hard-to-get factor, and I'm not quite sure it's really going to feel like a Dead concert at all. And I've come back down to earth about the ticket thing...If it happens, it happens, but if not, I'll listen to it and read about it from afar. That said, I do hope it's an amazing experience for all involved. I'm just glad to have found my own peace about it. Sending only positive vibes and a gentle hint to breathe...

No, I will spend the money for this one.....

I too had a really, really good pavilion ticket for the second night at Deer Creek that never happened in '95. I did however get to see the last chow in Chicago. I'm hoping maybe I get some good karma going and get a ticket for one of these 50th shows since I lost out on that Deer Creek one, but who knows how that stuff works anyway. :-)

Had good pavilion at Deer Creek 95 as well...Was at last Soldier 95 as well... Might like to ride it one more time, might as well....

Let's assume for all 3 shows about 200,000 tix available. Let's assume an average of 5 tix requested per envelope. Let's assume they make half of tix available for mail order, so 100,000 tix. In this scenario 20,000 envelopes would get tickets, so out of 60,000 sent in 1 in 3 would get tickets. Let's assume my assumptions are optimistic, so prob 1 in 4 or one in 5 envelopes get tix. Good luck everyone!!!

First, your envelope is selectedthen, your envelope is inspected then, your envelope is rejected. Phil is not a drummer, lol Gonna be a lot of phishheads there, just not gonna be my kinda crowd went to see phish in 99, new years eve, at Big Cypress in the swamp that is the everglades, three days of phish... three days of cell phones going off all the time three days of overflowing portalets three days of phish noodling, once for 7 straight hours three days of phishheads three days of fireworks going off at all hours (guess phishheads don't need sleep) Told myself as we were leaving, "who ever said these guys were anything like the dead is a liar" and have never heard the Grateful Dead, never experienced the love and never will. Folks, face it, those days are gone and this show will be three days of: cell phones ringing overflowing toilets tray noodling (wasn't that good in 99 and I'm sure it hasn't improved with age) phishheads everywhere no parking no place to camp no place to lay your head cops and rent a pigs and undercover narks everywhere gate crashers just waiting for their big moment space is noise? man, you don't get it at all, Space and Drums is where music is created right in front of you, they were making it up as they went along, noise? obviously you don't quite understand the creative process but that's how songs are made, at least by real musicians. by the posts I've read, sounds to me like top age attending will be about 30 - 40 maybe. Have tried, can't relate to those young'uns. All us deadheads will not be attending, you all that will be there, have a good time. 10,000 cops can't be wrong, come to Chicago and sing that jailhouse song. This is sounding more and more like the biggest setup in history, they have been wanting to get us all together for a long time and now here's their big opportunity, don't think for a minute that they won't take this "dead show" (I write that very loosely) to try out some new riot gear or tear gas or mace or dog or whatever they have in their arsenal to disperse crowds. I have decided not to attend this fiasco and all my old touring buddies feel the same way, not for us. ps, don't forget your helmet :)

I have been reading your posts among all the others - don't remember them but when I read this one I recognized you from an earlier post and I remembered how much I appreciated your optimism. Hearing you write about your father is a gift to us all. I have been a Deadhead for 29 years since I saw my first show in 1986 a week or so before Jerry's coma induced by the heat and and humidity of the RFK show in DC, my first. I was 14 years old. My parents trusted me and my love for the Dead. They let me go West from Virginia my junior year of high school for New Year's run and Spring Break my senior year we went down South to Greensboro and I made it to the rail. As the scene grew even bigger in 90s I became bitter and lost my way, stopped going to shows and saw my last in Chicago in early 90s. Had a blast. I started back into scene with Ratdog around 2000 and loved how it felt to be back. Never went on road since then but back in the fold. I am still holding out hope that my envelope for July 4th will yield tix for my me, my 16 year old daughter, the godfather of my 12 year old/father of my godson and my deadhead friend I grew up with and haven't seen since 2003. I want to thank you for your optimism and your belief in the the goodness and power of family and music. I have read all of the posts on this and terrapin nation and Ratdog message amd here and I vote you as the true carrier of the flame of the spirit even if you never heard Jerry live. Thank you.

Every time I read a negative post I am just going to think of Marley's lyrics. I deleted my original reply to Unkle Sam because I refuse to get sucked into the negativity. I hope that everyone that is there whether they are Deadheads, Phish heads, spectators, old or young are there because they want to be there and can contribute to a beautiful experience.

News flash- if your not going to the shows...... Who cares???? Please don't go. Nobody gives two s#*ts about what shows you went to in the day. You're probably the same SOB that used to show up to shows with no money saying "I need a miracle" .... Not because you can't get a ticket, but because you were BROKE!!!! "Spare change for gas money to the next town"!!! If you didn't mail order then you didn't want to go..... Who thought this wouldn't be a highly sought after ticket???? As far as people saying that only kids/phish heads/trustafarians will be there, F*#k OFF. The only ones that will be there are the people that are SMART ENOUGH TO REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET YOUR LITTLE DUCKIES IN A ROW IN ORDER TO GO TO SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO GO TO!!!!!!!!! P.S. Mail order worked back in the day because when the tour was announced, you ordered shows for your area, and there were multiple tours, multiple decades..... Now it's anyone who ever heard of the dead wanting to go to one last event........... Kinda big difference huh???? Idiots...... And Bologna on those of you saying all my mail orders worked the other times, this is too expensive, I'm not going..... If you cant afford it now that you're a FULL GROWN ASS MOTHER F*#KER, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT WE BELIEVE THAT YOU COULD BACK IN THE GOOD OL DAYS???? By the way, Im not a phish head, rich, or terribly young, just a BROKE ASS SINGLE FATHER OF 4 WHO WOULNT MISS IT FOR THE WORLD. IF YOUR NOT THERE ....YOU DIDNT TRY! I can say with confidence( even if it's with a rubber hanging out of me bum because I'll have to break down and pay whatever the secondary market asks) SEE YOU IN CHICAGO!!!

johnny rotten. Enough said.

ooo, get her.

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LOL! I have to laugh at all the complaining and unfounded predictions of disaster, and laugh even more at so many so called deadheads seeming to know so little about Phish, phish heads, and Trey. It's comical. A majority of the bad things I saw in my 100 plus dead shows with Jerry had nothing to do with the Dead or it's real fans, and the majority of bad things I've seen during my 200 plus phish shows had little to do with Phish or real phish fans. The good experiences and good people far outweighed the negative. And I love how people somehow separate deadheads from phish heads when a large majority of phish heads are deadheads. The music is different, and need not be compared except that they are the two biggest improvisational jam bands. Copy and paste of a comment I posted on CID: "Wow. So much bitterness and negativity on the web. If any band, or members of a legendary band, deserve to go out on their own terms, it's the remaining members of the Grateful Dead. I don't think any other band has given back soooo much to their fan base in such an honest and open-minded fashion while at the same time having such a profound effect on American culture... let alone the positive effect on millions of people throughout the world. No matter what they did or where they played someone would be unhappy. Is Soldier Field in Chicago, the prices of everything, and the other musicians chosen to play in this tribute to the Grateful Dead perfect? Yes, because it's their choice. They've earned it. Either go to celebrate and create the best memories possible, or stay home and whine. Better yet if you don't like the details of this celebration, stay home and celebrate in way that makes you happy. Throw in Lyceum '72 or Colgate '77 or your favorite show and have your own private party. Even though I'm going to Chicago, I'm still going to plan another event to celebrate in my town. I'm just grateful that 20 years after my last GD show and the loss of Jerry that the core four are able to celebrate one last time. And for those of you complaining about Trey Anastasio, you're uneducated. He is a guitar virtuoso that is going to put his heart and soul into this tribute. It's no mistake that the boys picked Trey. It's going to be awesome, and it should be a downright joyous occasion. If you can't see that, you've probably lost the essence of what it means to be a deadhead." Idaho. 1/20 postmark. 2 highest priced tickets for each night. No rejection yet. Good luck to all those still without a rejection yet, and good luck getting tickets to those who didn't get mail order.

IF I have to I will spend the money if I strike out with ticket master I have to have plane tickets & hotel payed for IF any one has extra willing to pay 250

I'm a new Head so some folks are probably thinking I don't deserve a ticket. Maybe I don't but this music can change you at any age. I just got on the bus in December and the music has touched me in a way I cannot spit out in proper words. It has brought me closer to my 2 brothers lost too young. Given me introspection about my own attitudes toward life and what success really means. I have found a group of souls that live with love and grace. It makes me want to be a better person. To think of giving before receiving. To look for joy even in darkness. Maybe I will get my rejection tomorrow and I will be sad but I will not give up. Not on the music, the boys, or myself. As disappointing as it will be not to see my first show, I know the light will not go out. Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.

Checks you signed with a "love and kisses"Later come back signed "insufficient funds"

have fingers crossed for mail order...no news is good news. I really never gave it much thought in "the day" as I never missed a show I wanted to see. Now 37 years after my first show I am way nervous and checking that mail box every day. Have a room booked and a old road trip friend joining me for the 11hour drive to Chicago. There seems to be some major whining about the venue, phish heads, mail order. Really..if it was on west coast I would fly..Chicago I drive but the point is to be a part of...if I don't get tickets from mail order I don't...it's just going to be a little more complicated but I will be there. As always missing JerrySee ya in Chicago

Never to late to catch a ride... You know something? One of the nicest compliments you can give, is that someone, or something, or an idea, or a way of life can ignite that spark in you and make you want to be a better person. I'm saddened that you lost your brothers at too young an age, but am joyful that you have caught the message the Boys have have so eloquently shared on stage through song and this community has shared in words online. Whether you are new to the scene, or have waded but not swam much in this vast sea of songs, or dove in deep from the very beginning some 50 years ago, it matters not; for to look for joy in sadness, and light in the darkness tis a good way to live and will bring you peace. Best wishes for all good things, but especially a real pretty set of tickets.

I had been rushing home every day checking the mailbox but decided not to today. I wanted to enjoy the weekend, and since they would not have sent actual tickets at this point, the only thing that could be in there would be bad news. Instead I'll perpetuate my sunshine daydream until Monday, and enjoy the weekend! I think it is human nature to feel as though some of us have more of an "ownership" of the Grateful Dead...like maybe we have seen more shows than the average bear, or feel like our hippy ethics are more pure. It's bull$hit...if you love the music and you are not a total ass, then chances are we are all a lot alike. I was lucky to have spent the time on this planet in my youth (although I am a second generation deadhead) enjoying the boys and being touched by the music to my very core. All I am looking for is to have this chance to dig deep down into my soul and feel that special feeling again one more time. We'll never get Jerry back on stage, but he'll be in our hearts. He would be so turned off by these negative holier than thou folks who think THEY know who should be on stage and who shouldn't. Jerry just wanted to play music, with anyone that would jam with him. Anyway, hope I see some of you there! I have my hotel booked, so even if I have to walk the streets of Chicago - or maybe go into a dive bar and listen to some blues - I wouldn't miss this experience for anything.

Survived another day <3

Unkle Sam It is going to be fun....that is what it is about. Old, young....Phish or dead....fun fun fun. Chicago...parking lot....bubble guitar music.....friends.....bars....hotels....fun fun fun.

I'm a teacher and I taught a program at a High School for Seriously Emotionally Disturbed students for 12 years. Really tough kids. They would often argue about who had it worse....and I would try and convince them that when push comes to shove, there is always someone out there who has had it worse. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay em down. We all play the hand were dealt...some of us don't ante up, some of us fold and some of us get beat by an inside straight. In the end we're just playin in the band....

If you are tired of checking the mail box and want up to the minute status...google USPS money order status...check your number on money order...enter it in box...if cashed...let the music fill the air...if no info...you are still in the running and hurry up and wait!Good Vibes to all in our quest to see the boys one last time and seek that joy that only the dead could give us...Jerry would be proud! Pause and remember...its always been about the music! I'm grateful for the opportunity we have been given once again :)

To get the chance to see them one last time. It'll be a serious financial strain, especially if I have to go reserved. My wife (she was 11 when Jerry died and never heard of the Dead until she met me) insists that we do it, even if the ticket is $200, She'll stay home with the kids while I have one last show. I saw Phish once. I liked half the show, the other half bored me to tears. But, if the boys want Trey to play lead (I'd prefer Kimock), who am I to question their judgement. I found the mail order system to be fair and random. I first got on the mailing list in 1973. When I started doing mail orders, I never decorated the envelope as I have zero artistic talent. The first few years I always got my requests. I would cover all my bases and usually score tickets, sometimes missing a show on a 2 night stand in one city. After In The Dark came out it started to get a little spotty but I still got most of my requests until 1990. Even then, I would still get some shows for every tour. I don't think I am any more entitled to mail order tickets than the commenter who got on the bus in December. On a somewhat related note, Matthew Garcia R. was born on 1/15, joining his 2 year old brother Aaron Jerome R. as my living tribute to Jerry. What a way to celebrate my 60th birthday. Good luck to all who want to go.

this whole process for tickets is ridiculous. whomever convinced them any of this was a good idea should be fired. And the limiting of ticket options, specifically the raising of already posted prices because of unexpected demand is shameful. I love the music and can listen to Jerry play and sing all day long- but I am not so infatuated with anyone to know when they are not exactly what they portray. The notion that they are doing this to celebrate or give back to their fans is BS- they have proven through actions that they are doing this for money. I don't shop at the store who doubles the price of shovels the day of a massive snowstorm...and that's exactly what they have done. A small part of me would like to get off the bus. Peace out

How could they possibly raise ticket prices after they got 60,000 envelopes full of money orders? It's just sheer numbers. Most people are not going to get a ticket. It's ok. Dont panic.

if any musicians out there end up getting an extra ticket or two, I've got an original Mutron III (still in the box with no corrosion) and a Boss Turbo OverDrive (Vintage Japanese model) that could be yours! You guys should know what these two can do pretty well if your a deadhead!

I have a Yairi GY-1 Garcia model acoustic guitar. I bought it on craigslist about 7 years ago and after bringing it home and researching it a little, discovered that it was a Garcia model and that Weir has a Yairi model as well. Great guitar. And I ain't giving it up :D

"No tickets for you!"

2/27/77 Sugar Magnolia2/26/77 show 10/15/76 disc three

No tix for me, but what the hey, more room for somebody else unless a miracle happens...

Survived another day Jensen beach florida. No Mail Sunday is fine by me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR_G_Wv_qN4 just does

No way. The boys are generous. They walk the talk and live the life for the community to flourish. Scrooge and Marley very funny, but not the boys lol.......

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Door bell rings......Me: who is it..... Listen: this is your mailman. can you come down........ Me: tickets, tickets, TICKETS are here. Yes, YES. TICKETS. Send wife downstairs (4 floors), to emotional right now. OMG I hit, I hit it big...... Wife: No tickets. Mailman wanted to know if this was yours. Me: what. Bill for ER. Heart is beating normal again. No mail from the boys, is good mail. Still waiting and chilling in NYC.......

Apparently http://www.gdtstoo.com/ was updated today, but I'm not seeing where. Anyone got a clue? Received the pink slip yesterday (in Portland, OR). Asked for 4 pit tickets for each night. A friend in Portland has yet to receive his pink slip; not exactly sure what he mailed for. On to Plan B

Uh-oh! Today's round of ticket roulette at my PO box will be my last – just blew my head clean off!!! . . . Okay, okay . . . Now for Plan B or C or D or. . . . maybe a miracle? Gotta remind myself that the reason for all the glorious festivities this year is to celebrate the fact that "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED!!!" Onward everybody!

Dang, JS, bummer....best reject post so far, tho...best wishes for success on Plan B, C, etc...peace. G

Where O Where is my lowly little barely decorated envelope in the vase ocean of requests? Waiting anxiously for my Ship of Fools to come in... or not. My deepest condolences to those who struck out of Round One but keep the faith! Meanwhile, if anyone ends up with a relatively economical hotel reservation near the venue that they won't be using, please let me or others know before you cancel! I'm sure many of us are in the same boat.

Sent money orders for all possible seat options for each night. Said I would take anything. Post marked on the 20th and decorated the envelope. Everything was just exactly perfect. Not mad but definitely sad...good luck to the rest of you.

y'all be cool

Good form Jeff Smith... Good form man!! Hope I'm as graceful when its my turn to get the slip. May Ticketmaster favor your connection

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