Grateful Dead

It may have taken 47 years, but by the time July rolls around, it is going to look like the Hippies have finally won. PS Do have a look at the "Headier Than Thou" video; insight long before the ticket mania had started

It's a copyright violation. Post a few sentences and a link. (And if you're posting someone else's writing, please make that clear.) Thanks!

Totem, IMO, your comment seems to personify what the scene has become. Concert as spectacle, blood sport, bowl game. I'm in, everybody else is a whiner or a loser. 'Let the devil take the hindmost', eh? I've said it before, and it's still true; the scene only succeeds when a percentage of attendees puts more into it than money, But alas, 'If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand.' Best of luck to you. Don't lose your ticket, dude!

I think we can all agree that the days of free concerts from a flatbed in the Haight are only bright memories of times long gone. Sadly the idealism that many of us had in the day has been tempered by the more cleverly merchandized world in which we find ourselves today. It should come as no surprise that the celebration in Chicago will make more than music. But don’t put all the blame on the core four, GDTS, etc. etc. for the materialism that permeates life in the 21st century. The best intentions of the Grateful Dead family were overwhelmed by the deluge of interest in the Soldier Field shows. It’s not surprising that opportunists were waiting and ready in the wings. Will this summer’s concerts be the Grateful Dead? Certainly not! Will anybody on stage be able to channel Jerry? Impossible! Will the cold glare of smart phones replace the warm glow of Bic lighters? Surely. Times change. . . But don’t forget this year is a time for “CELEBRATION”! Celebration of the Grateful Dead’s thirty year career that began fifty years ago and ended when Jerry died. The possibility of one more gathering of the family – the tribe – that’s what is drawing us all together. After all’s said and done, this year is a time to REFLECT AND SMILE AND SAY THANK YOU TO THE GRATEFUL DEAD for adding light and song to our lives. CELEBRATE! Whether it’s at Soldier Field or with a few friends in your living room, it’s the time to refocus on the real reason 2015 means so much to so many. Truckineric’s got the right idea: cue up a good show like Veneta and be grateful for the memories!

Lifelong resident. May I suggest: The Art Institute on Michigan Ave. Fantastic collected of Impressionism, Orientalia, etc. A great, dark place to wander around in on a hot day. You should buy tix in advance. A Wendella Boat ride. Also on Michigan Ave. at the bridge. Cheep fun, fabulous perspective of the city from the Lake. Oak Street Beach. What more need be said? Have fun Brothers and Sisters. And, as Jerry would say, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-14082-ladies-and-gentlemen-not-the… Yes, this article nails it dead on!! The Grateful Dead died when Jerry passed away, which was confirmed when the remaining band members never played under the moniker "Grateful Dead" again. Without Jerry Garcia, there is no Grateful Dead. I hope most of these weasel scalpers get stuck with a pant load of tickets that don't sell. I have been monitoring Ebay and it looks like more and more ads are expiring with no bids or under the reserve bid and have to be reposted. I have even seen many so-called Dead Heads going to the show that got extra tickets selling for these outrageous prices. That is NOT in the spirit of the Grateful Dead. DON'T BUY SCALPER TICKETS.

JeffSmith has the right idea.

Yeah, I really hope all that go enjoy and have a great time. It's great that those who were able to get tickets use them and bring the good vibes with them, but so far with all the BS, this is not a show I'm looking to go to....... too many bad things pointing to a Bad Trip. For thoses that go.... Trip On .........

It saddens me to see people upset about not getting tickets, or by the way it was handled. To me, it's amazing to see the fans coming out of the woodwork to support one last hurrah. Many of the people coming back have staying away since Jerry died, and understandably. Of course the Grateful Dead died when Jerry died. I see people upset who got to see some killer shows, going back to the best of times. My favorite Grateful Dead music is from 1972-1974, sadly, I was born in 1976 and wasn't BLESSED to see shows in my favorite era. I am, however, GRATEFUL for the scene that has allowed me to visit those wonderful shows through the medium of tapes, then cd's, and so on. I have done my best to put myself in some of my favorite shows from that era, and while I can never truly "be there" like many of you fortunate people, I know the spirit of Jerry has run through my body many, many times. So for every fan that missed out on tickets to GD50, there is another fan carrying the torch for future generations of Deadheads. Instead of being upset that you might not get to see these last shows, try focusing on how truly BLESSED you are to have seen the GD in the very best of times... just my .02, believe it if you need it, or leave it if you dare...

Cosofsky - YES. That song, video, and rendition - YES. So funny, plus it sounds good. Totem - I get what you were trying to say. Hopefully everyone who attends IS positive and smiling. It makes sense if people choose not to go. It absolutely makes sense. And if people do choose to go, DO IT. As the two are related, I wonder if Brokedown Hustlers brothers will be at Soldier Field in July? That would be fine. :)

Noted. I thought if cited author and source it wouldn't be an issue. Sorry about that section omitted now.

"..I know the spirit of Jerry has run through my body many, many times.." When you feel it, you know it, doesn't matter when where or how. Forget who did what where how many times. Do you feel it now?

Great video, catchy like the gourds doin gin n juice :-) thanks for the recommendation

Glad you all found the humor in the message. If the Hustlers don't make it to the stage maybe the parking lot or one of the after parties. Really glad I'm still in limbo makes it all easier to hope for the best... Would love for Jimmy Cliff to come out and cover One Love, to unite the opposing forces, a few riffs of Sitting in Limbo could be fun- at that point. And would love to see Santana and Grisman.

Grisman ! Ripple encore !!!

Ticket or no ticket.. or over money or greedy people ..im loving the music the band especially the kind people that follow the band. missing jerry...I believe the band wants us to have fun in chicago and never thought of hurting anyone !patience, love, kindness to every one

I second that emotion.

Thanks so much for the tips. Got Art Institute tix for the 5th and lake and river tour on the 4th at 4:00 PM. Should be a great relaxing way to ease in to the shows with nephews born in 96. Some comments remind me of a dear departed friend Tony Morris who lamented "It's not the Grateful Dead anymore", when Pig Pen passed.

Not Grateful Dead, A celebration of 50 years of Grateful Dead. I suspect there will be related events happening all over the city that weekend. Art shows, music, gatherings etc...Drums in the jungle.

Finally - someone who has gotten a confirmation Email since last Saturday!! Yay!! Maybe there is some light left after all!! Thanks for the good news, friend. Congratulations! Here's hoping (still)...

I finally got my envelope back, with my money orders, no tickets, a week after the whole thing sold out and now scalpers are trying to get 15,000 dollars for a three day pass in the "pit" which is not a pit at all. What? Whoa! This is not the Grateful Dead experience I know and love. For them to say in the envelope, "As in days of old..." What universe are you from? I am in tears. A very sad day. Jerry is rolling over in his grave, and the rest of the band is dancing on top of it. What a way to treat the deadheads. I'm not meaning to put anyone down, I swear. I appreciate the effort. Does it really take a mastermind to figure this out? Oh well. Too late now.

Like Shotgun Rider and TN Dead: thank you for bringing it around again. The shows in Chicago are a bittersweet thing, both for the nature of death and time and impermanence of all things - including the integrity if scenes, and for the finite number of seats and tickets. (Lest we forget the bittersweet/yin-yang inherent in ALL THINGS.) In my limited knowledge and often faulty opinion, I believe we can let that be the truth without qualifying the validity of Fare Thee Well shows vs. the Dear Jerry show, or the merit or genuineness of a fan or a head who will be at one or the other. For us working class fans, I bet some of us would like to be at both. Speaking for myself, I am choosing not to go for both, especially as travel and expenses are concerned, and the other parts of life that take place in a given year. Even just the one "run" in Chicago is a challenge - and one I am taking with love, as I intend to make it there, and still show up for a family wedding, etc. life and stuff ;) The derision and judgements being passed are not what attracted the very first fans nor the newest of us. In fact those things plant seeds of anxiety and separation and a good trip do not make. It's the positivity - the FAITH - which, remember, is needed for the collective group to move further (we are only as strong as the weakest of faith, if I remember the book correctly?) along. So. To those of you who are welcoming, and spreading the encouragements, chills, and good FAMILY VALUES... righteous. Hope to meet you soon :) and all are welcome. From an as of yet, clearly, un-jaded fan.

I dreamt about Jerry the other day. I never dream about him. I thought it was strange and wondered why. Now I know. I'm sure this sounds really really stupid, but I think he was trying to comfort me, because he knew what was coming...no tickets. It was his way of letting me know, everything was okay in the universe. Okay, okay, it could have been my higher self dreaming him up, but I like to think it was really his spirit. So thankful to The Grateful Dead. I'm sure you never intended to cause heartache. We understand your spirit. I hope everyone has such a great experience at the shows and especially for any new heads out there, who never had the chance to see Jerry play. Love to everyone!

I'm looking forward to some great lighting and set design. I hope Candice will be doing it.

Maybe Wavy Gravy will step out on stage in all his tye dye glory before showtime on the first night and tell a fun story about the band way back when. That would be a nice start to Fare Thee Well.

Latest rumor I heard was Promedia is doing the sound and lights. I do not know if Candace was invited, but I sure wish she was the one doing the lights. IMO, there is no one better. When she was in the groove, the lighting became more than intrinsic; it became intuitive, seamless, and absolutely beautiful.

Really trying to resist paying ridiculous prices while waiting for my Email or that dreaded envelope -- brought to mind a dead show that some of you guys may remember. I received two tickets in 1978 (didn't MO for them, they just arrived in the mail) to what was being called a "Deadheads Only" concert at the Capitol Theater in Passaic New Jersey. Third row, left side of stage. The tickets were, literally, gold in color -- not a normal-looking ticket by any stretch (if I remember correctly)...anyway, a good friend of mine at the time offered me $1,000 for my 2 tickets (a lot of money today, crazy money in 1978). But there was no way I was not going to go to that show! Not for any amount of money! The thing was, however, that it really wasn't a great show -- Jerry sounded terrible and the band just seemed "off." It was broadcasted live on WNEW radio in New York -- I could have collected my cash and listened live at home. But, even though it wasn't at all close to one of the better shows I've attended over the years -- I didn't regret for one minute not selling those tickets. I could have made some serious money for an 18 year-old. Didn't matter. I wanted to be there and I'm so glad we went. Anyway, point of my story is, as I sit here a mere 36 years later contemplating whether or not to spend a ton of money to get 2 Chicago tickets, I know if I do "cave" to buy expensive tickets, just like in '78, I won't regret the decision in the least. I'm still holding out for now that we'll find our tickets from a fellow Head who isn't looking to "cash in" so hope remains. To all you lucky ones who will be there -- enjoy every minute!

Same/same ;)

sat still no word here in ky,dont think such a awsome enevolpe could get missed place,startin to get road burn on my body,hangin on tight

It is funny you mention this show. Just saw it on YouTube the other night. The guys from WNEW where doing play by play during the breaks. Pretty cool. If I remember the encore was Johnnie be Good. I thought Jerry was having fun. Cool place for a show. What was also cool I heard the show on my shitty radio way back when. Again thought it was cool and fun show to listen to. THE MEMORIES.

is there an index of when, where, how often songs were played? thought it was on this site but can't find it. especially interested in Unbroken Chain and twist and shout. thanks in advance for any direction.

Unbroken Chain http://www.setlists.net/?search=true&venue=&city=&state=&month=&day=&ye… Twist & Shout http://www.setlists.net/?show_id=0485

Congrats on getting a confirmation email. I know a few have been going out. Did you have a batch # with your email? Just wondering and holding onto hope. I know a local who received the rejection today. Regardless, it's still go time!!! I can't wait for this celebration of the GD and like someone else said, "god bless the grateful dead." I'm thankful for all the wonderful years, adventures, and friends gained from my GD experience. It's going to be a fantastic weekend in Chitown. As far as the Merriweather event, I don't have much interest but I'm glad it'll work out for some people. MPP is a hometown venue for me. I've seen a lot of great shows at MPP. I'm glad they're going to celebrate Jerry's life. That will be nice, but I wouldn't expect a sonically great show with so many artists (24 listed) and a 7pm start time. Seems like it's going to be a mish mash with artists hurrying on and off stage. MPP has a strict 11pm curfew and on some nights 10pm due to it's location. Tickets are rumored to start at $69 for the field and up to $500 for pavilion. If anyone has a Citi credit card there is a presale.

I was going to recommend Deadbase X to Fourwindsblow, but the cheapest available on amazon is over $100. Wow. I took mine off the shelf when these shows were announced. It's been fun to look through, check out shows I attended, etc, etc. I'm glad I kept my Deadbase all these years.

Ticket supply is holding steady and prices are slowly trending down. Keep the boycott going. Raise the main sail, lash the mast.

I agree. If you're going to by on the secondary market, wait until people receive tickets in June. More tickets will become available and prices will drop. I still think there will be chances to get tickets from fans in Chicago and on the lot the day of show.

But they are for Steely Dan at Red Rocks this summer. Sorry SD, you guys are awesome but I just wasn't what I was hoping for in the mail. I live another day in limbo, the suspense grows till Monday. Thanks for the Chicago tips!! I don't live too far (Denver) but I haven't been to windy city in over five years. Looking forward to revisiting it's delights. Has anyone been to a concert at Soldier Field? Thanks

YES! You are gonna love that show, saw them fairly recently out here on the west coast. Fantastic show!

Anyone here tried it? It's abut as hard to get'round here as a pit ticket, but I'll keep trying if anyone here tells me it's a decent beer.

I had a hard time finding That Brew last fall when it was first Introduced. Then when I found it, it was $15.00 per 25.4 fluid oz. tankard. Against my better judgement, I grabbed 10 of 'em. Thought they might make nice Christmas Presents for a few friends. I wound up Drinking them all before that could happen. It's a decent beer 9% abv, but in my opinion, not worth the $15.00. They did change the color of the Dancing Bear from Blue to Red this year, so I grabbed a bottle this year, simply because I have a beer bottle collection. But there's definitely better beer for the money out there. Not sure how you feel about Stouts, but my most recent favorite is a Boulder Brewing company release named Obovoid. It's Deeeelicious. Just my 2cents. Where do you hang your hat? I know of a place here in PA. that has American Beauty.

Funny Story, Svengali, I too loved Deadbase back in the day and used to collect them.I managed to get my name in Deadbase X in the acknowledgements column in the beginning of the book for submitting an Acid Test setlist. It's the show where Pigpen is asking for more power to the stage,..."We need more power!!!" Apparently the boys were having electrical issues that night. The date escapes me now and I don't have the books in front of me, however I believe there was a Hog for you Baby and possibly a King Bee involved in that particular show...It's a bit Fuzzy now that around 20 years have gone by. Thanks for reminding me of that,..I was so happy when I recieved the letter from them telling me I would be listed and thanking me for my help. I couldn't believe the setlist had been absent for all of the previous editions, I had a tape of that show since I was in college...(late 80's)

I picked one up last year and haven't felt the need to go find it again. It's not bad, but I didn't think it was something to write home about. For bobby69, where in PA were you coming across it recently? I'm Western PA and looking for other Dogfish Head to buy. Just curious.

Got 4 bottles in Eataly (NYC). approx. 750 ml - kinda expensive ($16.99 a bottle) Tastes like fat tire Belgium beer. It's pretty good beer - but for sure it's more of a novelty keepsake than a good quality beer...

Thanks for the feedback bobby69 and Kubrick27. Sounds like it's worth it for the bottle if you collect them (which I don't) but not the brew. I had read a pretty positive review somewhere so wanted to try it for an upcoming camping trip (i.e. sitting by a creek drinking and listening to various '70's shows for three days... the good life). booby69, I'm in Santa Cruz. You'd think I'd be able to get it here, but there's a lot of competition for shelf space between the Santa Cruz breweries and all of coastal California breweries.

Thanks for the feedback bobby69 and Kubrick27. Sounds like it's worth it for the bottle if you collect them (which I don't) but not the brew. I had read a pretty positive review somewhere so wanted to try it for an upcoming camping trip (i.e. sitting by a creek drinking and listening to various '70's shows for three days... the good life). booby69, I'm in Santa Cruz. You'd think I'd be able to get it here, but there's a lot of competition for shelf space between the Santa Cruz breweries and all of coastal California breweries.

Great reply to our doom bringer Unkle Sam. Must be tough for someone to dwell in negativity 24/7.Unkle Sam, I'll close this message by sharing my favorite movie quote with you. When Johnny Hooker meets Henry Gondorff in "The Sting", Gondorff greets him by saying something that directly applies to you. "Glad to meet you kid. You're a real horse's ass." Do us all a favor and go away.

I got it recently at "Exit 190 Beer Deli" in Dickson City, PA. They had plenty. It's a six pack shop/bar with an excellent selection. Last year when it came out, I found it there and this year accidentally stumbled upon it, never thinking that Dogfish would Release it a second year. Also grabbed a few bottles of Dogfish's Miles Davis tribute beer "Bitches Brew". It's similarly more of a novelty than a seriously great beer. There is going to be a Dogfish beer tasting at the above mentioned Beer Deli this thursday. Usually these beer tastings are graced by the presence of the brewery's rep. and lot's of free goodies and discount packages. I will most likely be there.

Never been to Santa Cruz....I Did the Oakland Coliseum for Chinese New Year's 3 night run in '91. When they brought Speedway Boogie back to life. I think there was a Rubin and Cherise involved as well...maybe the first one for The Grateful Dead,...Jerry had been doing it for a while. Anyway,..wish you luck on your search. I would love to help you out if I could. Is it possible to ship Beer?

I've been looking for Bitches Brew! Oh well, should've picked it up when I got the American Beauty. Have fun at the tasting.

if you google a site called collectors weekly, bring it up, put grateful dead in the search box, and this site will bring up in various ways, the top 300 or so grateful dead ebay auctions. if you are ever or always looking at ebay for ephemera, this is a great way to do a quick scan of gd auctions, as opposed to looking through all 20 thousand at any given time. i usually always check it out, because most things worth looking at will be on there. tonight, doing my usual sift through them, it looks the same as it has since the TM sell out. in that the top 150+ auctions going on, are all tickets. so i clicked on a few of the highest priced ones, and low and behold one after another, that i checked, has been removed. collectors weekly still has them displayed, because this site works like this...if a grateful dead item is listed and receives at least one bid, it makes it on to the CW's GD page. these listings will stay on the CW's page until its original listing time runs out (i.e. 7 days) even if an item has been ended early or been removed. this doesn't happen very often. but if you go to it right now, almost every auction for fare thee well tickets, has been removed. im assuming this is because of the ebay rule concerning pre sale items, that says the item must be available to be shipped to the buyer within 30 days of auctions end. there are still many tickets available on ebay, but it looks to me, that someone has taken on the task of reporting these listings and ebay has to shut them down. i say great! anything to slow the pace of the secondary market, will lead to scalpers (bears season ticket holders, and many others) getting frustrated, and hopefully this will lead to prices dropping much faster. they are going down. though, on friday, a two ticket CID steal your face vip package sold for $18,000!! insane! and that was just a ticket package, no hotel. anyway, i think this is somewhat good news! taking the massive secondary market that ebay is, out of the ticket scalping picture, will surely lead to prices dropping. sure there are still all the stubhub's, but when all these ebay scalpers go to dump thier tix on those sites, there will be many, many more available. that means prices will continue to fall. hold out folks!! i think we will all be surprised at what tix eventually start going for. peace y'all.