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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Jerry Celebration
Got that room booked in MD and happy once again! I'm going to have 3 computers going to get tickets! Kinda need that MO back guys. See ya at Merriweather
@Cassaundra
Jam for Jerry! Will make a nice dvd ala Love for Levon....
Enjoy, the lineup looks mighty fine....but how are 19 bands/ artists gonna adequately represent in 3 hours? Just a question, it would make a hell of a 3 day festival though.
@rgegelis
That's exactly what I was thinking! That's a lot of line up for show starting at 7 for one night! I don't know but I just have to shake these bones. Still can't let go of my room in Chicago so hopefully I'll be there too. Just had to say that TM had posted there were tickets for Sat but it was a cruel cruel joke! Damn them because I called a hundred times to no avail. Sent an email of frustration to get an automated response due to inclement weather no one was home. First time through this whole process I was actually angry. Over it and ready to move to another dream
@Cass x2
If you decide to unload a room in Chi town I got a miracle but also an 80 Chevette that they won't let me park...Keep me in mind....I'm good for the $, taking my son for his first experience and his 21st on July 4th......
If not, it's all good!
And we gotta shake them bones, they ain't getting no younger woman. God, do I know.
pit tickets @20k...
pit tickets being resold at 6 to 20 thousand... WOW!
I have an extra pit ticket that I will trade for your first born child...LOL!
my mailbox
Today was the day....mixed in with bills was my returned money order.
Disappointment
It's a bummer to have to read about people getting bad news a month and a half after the fact. Sorry you didn't get a miracle. I started watching the Friday night availability on Stubhub a couple days ago in an effort to sleuth this situation. Tickets available has grown from 1399 to 1639 (17% increase) but prices haven't come down. Honestly, I can't tell whether that is a good thing or a bad thing because it cuts both ways. Still hoping scalpers will get hung out to dry, but who knows.
Sorry Jessegurl
I reread an older article about GDTS and it said they are returning between 2000 and 3000 envelopes a day. Given that they received so many envelopes they probably still have 2 or so weeks left of returns to work on. Still waiting here. The last time I checked my MO's were not cashed so it is probably just a matter of time till mine comes back too, but I'm keeping a very slim ray of hope that maybe, just maybe I'll get good news. I still have reservations at a fabulous little boutique hotel right in the heart of Chicago that I'm holding onto for now. Plan B for me will be to head to Chicago If the weather is good. If there is an event in a park we'll have a lovely dinner at one of the great restaurants around town, grab a good bottle of wine and blanket and enjoy the festivities and fire works. I'm glad you got your tickets from TM. I'm one of the fortunate people that could buy from stubhub w/o hardship but I just can't do it...I won't do it. Have a great time and maybe I'll see you in Chi town! I'll be the girl with the big smile.
Got to be kidding...
^ tickets for $ 20,000 $$$$$ That's insanity, I thought at the 1986 new years show at the Henry J Kaiser a guy willing to trade his 1984 Buick Skylark was crazy. He probably was and still is but my God 20, 000
Spare change anyone?
not sure where to post it so here 4 now
This is a great idea by the boys. To come together and play again is a novel wonderful idea. I bet after all these years you could never of imagined you would have over a million of us who fell in love with you and you music. John here like so many of us back in the early to late 80's substances became more important to me then the values I am lucky to have back in my life today.
My story is one of progression and love of a band that I knew and know very well yet they do not know me on personal level. Yes you understand my soul just not physically knowing my soul. That is not really important anyway because you and your music changed many of us in similar ways back then up to today.
My 1st show was Amherst May 12th 1979. While still in last year of high school was turned on to the Grateful Dead by a neighborhood of dead heads. Fell in love from that very 1st show.
Skipping the early 1st few shows of 1980 , 81 and spring tour 1982 decided to head west and see the band on the beach in Ventura and threw the west to Midwest ending in Kansas city that summer at the wonderful Starlight theater. That did it for me once I came back east I decided next tour in the fall I am off and running till can't run anymore. Fall tour on east coast to spring tour on east coast starting in Hampton in 1983 was on the bus from then on . I happen to love those 1st few summer tours or 82 , 83 and then in fall of 1983 did not miss a show till the Hampton shows in the fall of 1989 the Famous WARLOCKS shows.
Because of the fact that touring life led me to becoming majorly strung out on substances I am very lucky to have lived the life I have. Threw the music and friendships built over the years my life changed for the better. Sober now for may years. I learned how to be kind to one another threw the Grateful Dead touring years. When on the road for so long if I did not learn to adapt I would be dead a long time ago. Touring taught me how to adapt to the times and the people in the times. If not for that knowledge would of been a rather boring life I think.
Many of our touring friends are either dead or in jail why? Because it took a lot to keep up the life style it is not like we on tour for REAL had any type of real job. We had to survive and adapt. I will never forget a fellow head telling me back in the Haight one day that when on tour remember not to stand out and not to make a scene of the scene. I found that advice to be very true. If by chance we were the 1st in the city on any tour we did not stick out as the outsider till many of us were there. Made for great advice and a safe way of not going to jail. God knows we were sure much different then many in each city. I can recall 100 percent my thoughts in the fall of 1984 on tour in Richmond Virginia only 2nd night of the tour, remember looking around wondering where the crowd was when it dawned on me school had started and the normal regional fans wont be here till after 3 o'clock or so. So laid low and waited in the parking lot . Once time came for the show to start had made enough to get to Mass for the next shows and so on and so forth.
That's just the jist of life for me back then.
Some of my VERY BEST Memory's are The late summer tour in 83 Boise was a blast . The cop car plastered with bumper sticks will never be forgotten. Also loved the fall of 83 lake placid always comes to mind. In 84 things got very intense the band was breaking out songs left and right Mr. fantasy in Red Rocks , Battle of new Orleans in Canada Casey jones in Merryweather, Lovelight of Alpine Valley the big break out at the Greek in Dark Star on the Friday the 13th show. . and Ventura's Midnight hour along with I just want to make love to you by Brent. Just to name a few. T that Greek show my friend and I were given tickets a minute before the show started by Calico and told you boys do not to miss this one tonight. Wow she sure was CORRECT.
1985 had many great nights also, loved the weather and city's played that year. For the most part it was a hot weather summer tour. With the exception of the down pour in Hershey. Chula Vista was fantastic , along with fall tour starting in Florida and ending in Long beach month and half later.
1986 we had the Jerry not doing so well situation to deal with along with the Band having to deal with also must of been tough on the band cause I know it was for us we loved you and know you loved us but Jerry came 1st and his health. Had gone to Newark airport to fly to Ventura when told Jerry was ill. What a sad reality check for us all. OMG now what ? ? ? Months later while cutting may family's lawn in October I got a call from a friend who said Jerry is playing this upcoming weekend at the Stone in San Fan. Off to the airport I went and out west a day later loved those 1st two Garcia Band shows. We had been told Jerry Might not remember how to play Guitar again... Well not only had not forgotten but he broke out new songs for the next few months till the Famous Triumphant Return Grateful Dead shows at Oakland Coliseum in December. 15th 16th and 17th. Thank God Jerry is back and the band is well. That was my thinking I was not ready to throw in the towel just yet and go back to real life. 1987 threw 1989 I really started battling my own demons with substance abuse. Lucky for me I was reposed from Haight Ashbury on October 7th 1989 by family members from Cape Cod and off to rehab for 30 days which gave me a chance to clear up and start this chapter of life that I still live to this day. Every morning I wake to sports pages . com and of course Internet Archives to listen to the band I so love and read news papers from around the country I also love very much. So in nut shell that's my story with a lot of details left out for boredom reason that only I would enjoy if recalled here on this form.
sorry if wrong
not sure if we were to post our thoughts and love of the band here or on the main page.
hockey_john
Please be sure to post that story here:http://www.dead.net/grateful-dead-50th-anniversary-submissions
so it doesn't get lost!
No Pinky, No Blues: New Thread
Maybe it is an illusionBut I cling to a hope that those extra 360 tickets will allow GDTSTOO to fill some more requests. Those of us in Limbo could end up as some mighty miracle workers in the end.
So if you are in Limbo and want to share, there is now a thread for us (thank you MaryE).
http://www.dead.net/forum/ticket-limbo-support-group
USPS MO UPDATE
I just got off the phone with someone at the USPS service center and this is what I learned. First of all, you need to file inquiry in person at a post office branch. It cost me $6.10 per order but that was a drop in the bucket compared to what I had tied up already. If you have filed an inquiry they can then tell you if your MO's have been cashed or not. If you have not submitted and inquiry they cannot tell you anything. They are prohibited from giving out information without an inquiry being filed and if they do they will be terminated. Please do not ask the people to risk their jobs so you can find out if your MO has been cashed. It is not fair to them.
Also, if you file the inquiry and it is not cashed in 60 days they will send you a refund. This is what had me worried. I got the golden email but my MO's haven't been cashed and I was worried GDTSTOO wouldn't get around to cashing them until after 60 days. I am told not to worry. USPS MO's are ALWAYS GOOD. They can never be voided or canceled, ever. If you receive a refund check, and then the MO's are cashed, the USPS will bill you for the refund as they will have paid out twice for the same MO.
Hope this helps clarify the MO situation.
@cherie in egr and @graceful_dead
I'll be in Chicago dancing until my feet give out. I have two tickets to Sunday night. I was still hoping my money order would get more tickets for more deserving fans and friends. I'll be looking for your big smile in the windy city!
Also, I have a friend of a friend who just got an email yesterday saying they got tickets. Good luck to everyone out there still in limbo. Hold faith that emails are still going out and not everyone in limbo will get a pinky.
this little boy is movin on
tired of limbo, and don't feel a little light. just wish GDSTOO would just bring closure and get my MOs back to me. All who made it...enjoy and smile smile smile.
this little boy is movin on
tired of limbo, and don't feel a little light. just wish GDSTOO would just bring closure and get my MOs back to me. All who made it...enjoy and smile smile smile.
Boulder weekly article
Interesting take on the whole circus surrounding this event.
Thank you is why I posted it
I am not techy so could get see it post before will try now
hockey john
Great stories, kinda reminds me of me laugh out loud. To me, back in the day, substance abuse and the Grateful Dead kinda went together like peanut butter and jelly. The feelings and sights and hallucinations from those days I will never, never forget. I was also reminded, very gently by my mentor dead head that we are the scene, we protect this wonderful dance party, we make it great, or really bad. If you are cool, the music will be sweet. Some of the best chemicals I ever got, I got at a dead show. In fact, when the Dead came into town, so did the Owsley. It was wonderful, magical, surreal, beautiful, all rolled into one. I would not trade any of it for anything. We are the lucky ones, we out lived out demons. About Jerry fest, this is the one to be at folks, look at that line up, how will they do it in 3 to 4 hours? It's the band, with Hornsby playing with all of these special guests. I can't wait for this one, tickets tomorrow, they will sell out just as fast as this Chicago fiasco. Soooo much closer to the home front, no trey (thank God and the promoters and the bands for that choice) a much better venue, a better line up, sorry folks, but all of you who paid 200.00 plus for no view behind the stage tickets, just got pranked, big time.
As PT Barnum so eloquently stated years ago "There's a sucker born every minute" and "never give a sucker an even break" look out for that sign that says "through these doors...."
"NEVER trust a prankster"
The feelings and sights and
The feelings and sights and hallucinations from those days I will never, never forget. cant forget the smells. whether it be of the arena itself or the car rides while touring or hotel rooms we ruined with our high quality smoking.
50th anniversary, et al.
I've been reading the comments about the shortage of tickets to the Chicago shows this summer along with comments about scalpers and folks coming to shows for reasons other than the music. I had thought myself about trying to make the trip myself for some or all of the shows (from the Cleveland area) but knowing tics were going to go fast, the expense, etc., I decided to pass. I'm just old enough that I caught many shows '90-'95 and feel very blessed that I saw the Dead when I did. Even back then, there were people coming to shows, unfortunately, who were not into the spirit of the music or the scene...if some of you remember, the band at that time was issuing statements about all of the "nonsense" going on in the parking lots, etc. and threatening to stop touring if things didn't change. Unfortunately, Jerry's passing made those issues moot. There were also scalpers back then, too, and folks who were selling copies of shows in the lots, etc., driven by the money. As I mentioned previously, over time the element of folks coming to shows for no other reason than to see how drunk they could get, or how much nitrous they could inhale, began to overshadow the rest of the many good folks who lived simply, loved the music and the spirit of the band, and came for "the right reasons". I was in the crowd at Deer Creek in July '95 when those idiots came up over the back of the venue and crashed the gates, ruining that day's show and forcing the band to cancel the next night's show. I guess my point is, I am thankful for (most of)the experiences I had, the many many kind people I met, and all of the great music. I love the Dead's music from all eras (admittedly I'm a bit more fond of '72-'77)and I am glad to have been a part of it all. I am also very thankful that the core four, GDP, and others have kept the spirit of the music alive over the past twenty years, through dead.net, vault releases, and support of other activities in the music/Dead communities. We are very fortunate in that respect. However, I am content to let others carry the torch forward for the 50th shows, and I hope and pray the crowds this summer for the Chicago shows are peaceful and full of the kindness and love I experienced 20-25 years ago.In the meantime, I'm going to cue up Dave's Picks 13, pop open an ice cold Sam Adams, and reminisce a bit :) Many blessings to all of you
Thank you for all the stories and memories!
I was just being born when my favorite Grateful Dead music was happening... ('73-'74) so thanks to all the good people sharing their stories of a time when I could not be there first hand :) It's been a real treat reading about better times.
I am so glad and lucky I got to see Jerry ever... at least a handful of times... and our teenager was born two weeks after our last '95 show, so he was there too!
Wish we could be at this one to see everyone again, but sadly we struck out on every front to get tickets. Guess we are going to throw our own Fare The Well party on the 4th and hope they'll stream it for the many that won't be inside.
So thankful these guys are getting together one more time to give Deadheads new and old another chance to share the love and magic.
Out of the frying pan....
Well... just checked them mail. Not what I expected. I paid the six bucks to the post office last Friday to check the status of my MOs. The lady at the Post Office seemed a little put out at having to do the check. She filled out this big form and called the hotline. Didn't say much and then said to me something like "no information" which I took to mean not cashed. Keep in mind that I did the phone check that everyone on here did and got "Does not match" for all three big MOs and "Does match" for the three smaller ones, leading me to believe the main ones were cashed. They were. Got a letter from the post office today with a photocopy of the money order I requested an Inquiry on cashed by GDTS TOO. Guess I'm going to Chicago this summer. Hopefully the other people that paid for the inquiry will get some relief. Still no email or pink slip, but unless they stole my money I expect I'm getting tix. I really wish you all the best luck and hope to see you all there. I really know how much this means to so many people. I was at Soldier Field in July of 95 and not sure how I feel about going back there. I also posted this on the other thread. Just want to keep hope alive for some of you.
Sad if true ...
Just came across this. The math seems to work but who knows. Interesting take on the reunion shows from start to now.
http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-14082-ladies-and-gentlemen-not-the…
hello baby, I'm gone, good bye
Just got reminded that my opinion may suck to some of you, sorry for that, but it's an opinion, nothing more, no personal attacks, no sniveling whining, no hate. Just a complete and utter disappointment from the only band (in my opinion) that ever made real quality music right before your eyes. I did not attack anyone on this site, just the concept of this fiasco of a show, the participants who arranged it and the band members for letting it happen, and I never once said hateful things about anyone. So, if you want to attack me, please do it with a pm. I will leave you all now, let the applause begin. To all those that are going to this show, have fun, just be careful.
Chicago "Farewell Shows"
Totally agree with you. I'm almost 50 years old and the GD has been a huge driving force in my life for 40 of those years. I've had a huge hole in my heart for the almost 20 years since Jerry passed. I went to very few GD related shows after Jerry died because they always gave me a feeling of emptiness. When I heard that Phil, Bob, Billy, and Mickey were going to reunite for one last time my GD juices began flowing just like they used to when a new tour was announced back in the day. After all of this excitement, I sent in my mail order just like I always did many years ago and I thought I would get tickets just like I always did. But I was rejected and I am now one of the many fans who had nothing but great memories and feelings about the GD but now feel like I've had the rug pulled out from under me.
Its All over now baby blue...
Well - I am officially out of the hunt for tickets... received my letter today post marked March 6th.. I will sit this one out for sure.. no way am I wasting a summer night watching a pay for view event.. I am sure the shows will be good.. and to all those who found tickets thick and thin.. have fun be safe.. and I hope that Chicago keeps the tickeless people a good distance from the venue - so we dont read anything that went wrong.. nothing against the ticketless - but being at Deercreek for that insane debacle with 20,000 people without tickets.. can you imagine 50 to 100 thousand this go-round..
Safe Travels to all - have a great spring! its finally almost here on the east coast.. and most of all have a Grateful Summer... one of my favorite tour shirts ever from 1988 had Fred Flinstone all hippied out it said Summer Grateful Summer Dead... Dead Head Fred..
You Make a Living By What You Get
You Make a Life But What You Give
Michael B
Events in Chicago
Anyone know of any Dead-themed events or gatherings going on in the City during the shows?
360 Degree Seating in Chicago
PLEASE... Since they sold the extra tickets beside and behind the stage in Chicago, please keep the stage design simple and not hang banners everywhere to block all the views. People have paid lots of money to get these extra seats and will be very upset if there is no view at all! Thanks so much!!!
@BobLoblaw
Check out the posts on "Also in Chicago that weekend..." on this website. Couple of pretty cool events.
Peace out.....
BobLaw
here's the link: http://www.dead.net/forum/also-chicago-weekend
Waaaa
I'm out and so sad! Pinkie arrived today. I won't know what to think about in my spare time now : ) Wishing everyone still in limbo good luck. It sounds like golden emails are still coming so hold on.
For all of you lucky ones out there that already have tickets or emails congratulations! Enjoy every minute!
time to chill
Having alot of mixed emotions about what went down...I think it's a good time to just breathe and see what they decide to do in July about all the people that will not have tickets...I'm thinking the best plan is to see what they decide to do and if their actions seem "kind" We're smart people, have been around the block a few times, and if they try to do something that is low down, I think the Dead Heads will be able to decide for themselves what they want to do.
Out of limbo
Into ticketless hell. What next? I don't know yet as I was all ready to roll with time off taken, room reserved, flight booked and grin in place. I don't think hanging out w/o a ticket will be smart but then again-miracle ticket anyone? Last minute ticket devaluation? Maybe. PPV or local theatre meet-up?
As for after...
I think after these 3 shows are in the record book people will be just as sad and let down as thoughts getting the news of no tickets. Not because the shows wont be up to par but because once the final notes are played it could be over for good. I remember the sinking feeling of last night of any given tour. Rhythm Devils > Space > Other One > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia Encore Brokedown Palace... Out into the parking lot and driving away to head back to the Haight and wait for next tour. That feeling back then stunk but this time it might just be the final time. That will be a sad feeling . Sorry to be a downer just sayin.
I strongly Feel Golden Gate Park for a West Coast venue
They did the concert 7/9/1995 at Soldier Field, that was the Last Official concert, "But", Golden Gate Park in San Francisco was like "our" last big Grateful Dead Reunion for Jerry as well as our tribe as Deadheads,so in my humble opinion they should have a concert for the Orginional homestate fans to have some closure,in our back yard,and use someone else besides Ticketmaster to despence tickets,weve learned from Chicago what happens,we sure could use some vitamin G/D Lately think about it,pray for it to manifest. Be Well Deadhead in Santa Rosa,California
@hockeyjohn
Not a bring down, you're being a realist...everything comes to an end...but all in all I'd rather be there, celebrating and then mourning....closure....good luck to those in limbo....I'm afraid after the Dear Jerry at Merriweather and Chicago....
This may be the Last Time....I don't know!
reposting this.
Does anyone here reading these posts know why back in 1982 at the Portland Cumberland county civic center 9 17 1982 Know why Brent had no microphone that night? Always wondered why after so many years and shows I had not ever witnessed anything like that. Is not like he looked or seemed sick on that tour was at all those shows. Never happened again or before. Maybe not the form to asks this but figure these forums are getting so much attention someone might know answer. Hope so, and good luck to all
My Money Orders Have Been Cashed!!!!!
Found out today that my Western Union Money Order were cashed on 3/5/15. Going all 3 nights with my wife and friends. No extras, but if my friend gets tickets, we will have extras. No scalping b.s., we will be selling the tickets to Deadheads for the same price that we paid for them.
I am so stoked right now.
Thank you, GDTSTOO!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
congrats steampunk!
and thank you giving me a little hope for me. still in limbo but it feels like purgatory
Old Faithful
Great to hear that ticket confirmations are still trickling out from GDTS TOO. Is it too much to ask for a couple more tickets every hour, on the hour?
Enjoy the shows, Steampunk!
Thanks for everybody's well wishes
Please note that I didn't get any email from GDTSTOO. Obviously, they are still sending out emails. I was resigned to the belief that I was not going to these shows. I was as successful as almost everybody else here with the TM and CID fiasco. So happy that I got tickets.
Don't give up on the chance that you may still be at these shows. I hope that everyone that is in limbo meets with the same fate as me. Good luck to everyone. Hope to see you at the shows!
2 tix for all Three Nights!!! Repay Blessings :)
After TM site crashed and reappeared finally found the option I chose directly behind the stage. I JUST WANTED TO BE THERE!!!! Not greedy or choosy on locale man I'll feel the vibe outside of the stadium. I honestly was listening to "Loser" when my 30 plus minute ticketmaster limbo screen popped up to say I scored tix! To repay some of this awesome Karma I directly called a good brother who got shut out on mail order and offered a three day ticket and ride. Let that Lovelight Shine, So Grateful!!!!!!