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

https://dead.net/dead09

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Let me begin by saying my blood pressure went through the roof a few minutes ago. I am having a very difficult time breathing - for real!!!! I have taken 4 hits of albuterol in the last 10 minuites - I am so damn happy. GDTSTOO!!!! Priority mail - Shoreline Amphitheatre section 102 row CC!!!!!!! Somebody hug me phuleeeeeeezzzzzz!!!!!! For all the bad vibes for GDTSTOO - I got plenty of love to share!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
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I will be bringing 2 decorated banners on tour. Both banners are being designed by talented artists. I will be at every show with them(except the second shoreline) and already have plans to meet up with lots of people from this site to get them signed. I am trying to get as many signatures as possible! I will also be taking fun pics with them at scenic locations like haight/ashbury corner... times square and everything in between! If you would like to make arrangements to meet up and sign, please email me at jphilipedwards@yahoo.comHope to see you at the show! Peace 42% of all statistics are made up.
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15 years 10 months
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Sounds pretty cool about the banners, i'll sign it in Philly, save me one of those homemade beers too bro., i'll return the favor in the lot.Phatmoye
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congrats! Those are very, very fine tickets (and I am all the more happy to see them go to someone for regular price). I got mine yesterday too. We're in the 201s. I'm happy. I can't speak for GDTSTOO, but they do not normally deal with credit cards at all, so I suspect there were a few infrastructure issues adjusting to the sudden new reality. Anyway, thank you ticket ladies!!!
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They started taking credit card orders as Ruby was retiring and Francie was coming in, we did credit card for last fall ratdog, and GDTS TOO and ladies rock, even Elvis over there!!!
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see, someone usually knows more than I do!
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17 years 5 months
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PRESALE TICKETS HAVE ARRIVED!!!!! But then again, my only show is Greensboro, so I should be among the first to get them? This waiting is making me crazy!
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17 years 6 months
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there's a charity auction benefiting Rex, Unbroken Chain and Further Foundations for "the best seats in the house"--details are here: http://www.rexfoundation.org/deadtour_09.html Other than that, I dunno, particularly the 3 a.m. part. I can't find anything about it on the Shoreline site (shorelineamp.com).
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15 years 11 months
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oops..didnt mean to type Charlotte earlier...we realized this concert is on easter so we will be unable to attend..I have 2 tickets in section 234 row F....just wanna get face value back. if anyone interested giarc8371@yahoo.com is how i can be reached...
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17 years 5 months
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Just being looking at the e-mailed rehearsal and inauguration videos.Come on guys,how about one last European tour and make one old Brit very happy.Neary six years since Ratdog last visited us and its been too bloody long.
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I'm bummed The Dead didn't put the Hampton Coliseum in the schedule. Would have brought back some fine memories...
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15 years 10 months
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im thrilled, albany is the forth (?) gig of the tour too, so hopefully theyll the settled in to a nice groove by then
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17 years 5 months
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warm up the band for you northerners down here in the Carolinas!!!
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15 years 11 months
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Marye-Is there any way we can list our other shows on our "Attended shows" list? ie: JGB-RD-Further Fest-Other ones-Phil&Friends etc......
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17 years 6 months
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I'll pass this request along to the tech folks. The short answer is I Dunno! But I'll see what I can find out.
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I could use some advice please. I will be bringing 2 decorated banners on tour. Both banners are being designed by talented artists. I will be at every show with them(except the second shoreline) and already have plans to meet up with lots of people from this site to get them signed. I am trying to get as many signatures as possible! I will also be taking fun pics with them at scenic locations like haight/ashbury corner... times square and everything in between! My question is this....what is a good way to get the banners to the band so they can sign? I tried a letter to David Gans and he informed me he wont be on this tour or in contact with the band. I have asked everyone I know for ideas and have gotten some good ones but I am still looking for a way, if anyone can help. Feel free to email me at jphilipedwards@yahoo.com Peace.
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15 years 11 months
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UnkleSam-Thanks for posting that because it brings up something Ive been thinking about lately-We know the Government is hurting right now and all the cities & towns need $$,bad- So dont be surprised if some of these cities that our happy little freak show is visiting dont have it in they're minds to make alot of easy money by busting and fining Deadheads. Im just urging everyone(especially the ones doing the whole tour) Be VERY careful this time- I strongly feel that evil minds are planning evil things. Dont mean to sound so dark- But to me it only makes sense that some people will take advantage of unsuspecting people just out to have a good time-Dont let them piss on our parade-Keep your stash real small, Dont deal ♪♪♪ "The heat come round and busted me for smilin' on a cloudy day!"♪♪♪♪Peace
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"DON'T NEED DOPE TO DANCE" I couldn't have put it any better. The music should suffice for this kid. "When it comes to humility, I'm the greatest!" - Bullwinkle Moose
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17 years 4 months
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Test me .........test me.........why?
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There is definitely a shooting-fish-in-a-barrel quality about this for the thuggier side of law enforcement, so watch each card you play and play it slow. Sadly, the trouble with visibility is that it attracts people wanting to exploit and abuse you, in addition to more benign sorts.
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Hey Everyone! Sign up now to receive updates on the official Dead '09 Spring Tour Charity Auction benefitting the Rex Foundation, Furthur Foundation, and the Unbroken Chain Foundation. Check out www.charityfolks.com and click on The Dead '09 Tour picture to sign-up!!
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15 years 11 months
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TILL THE PHILLY RUN!!!! Good look on the extra caution Unlcle Sam."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
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15 years 9 months
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I have tickets for the concert at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA ... they sent me some information about a dead threadz event. I guess they're asking fans to make a quilt piece so they can put it together and present it to the band? It seems like a pretty cool idea... any suggestions on what I should put on it?
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17 years 4 months
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my sugestion is put on your favorite show...close your eyes and whatever you see is what you should make let your life proceed by its own design
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15 years 11 months
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Yeah I heard about that too- I think you should visualize an image from one of your favorite songs and run with it--About the HEAT at the Dead shows- I have an old friend who's a local cop and he heard Mass. State Troopers will be targeting vehicles with Dead stickers on the highway in and around the Worcester area. Stay low-key guys-They need money and we are easy pickin's. Not trying to freak anyone out-Just tryin' to make sure everyone can have a great time with minimal hassels!!--Noonie-nice CASSIDY quote-see ya in WORC!!!!!!
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17 years 6 months
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tj crowley well....DSO have announced their n.e. tour and i'll be able to get to 4 shows instead of one(1) GD....never thought i'd see the day (or nite)
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15 years 11 months
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Is it FACES??? Looks like a blurred out pink floyd cover.'things are gonna get stranger, so lets get on with show' "You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
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17 years 5 months
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I dont know what the hell it is, I have seen something like that before during mind altering state This is def getting weider!!! and I like it!!
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15 years 11 months
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Only 35 more dayz till showtime!!!!! ♪♪♪"March Winds Gonna Blow All My Troubles Away!!"♪♪♪
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15 years 11 months
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Batcavejoe/Phatmoye!!! Tell the sicko to pull up his or her pants and get off the copy machine!! I'm needin' to hear some US Blues on this tour amongst many other tunes....... Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
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15 years 11 months
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I definately need my THE ELEVEN fix!! Hope I get to hear it in Philly."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
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15 years 11 months
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Yeah Bro-Just read the tour schedule myself-2 shows at Hampton Beach,NH, 6/12-13!! Just so happens im up there w/my fam that week on vacay!! How sweet it is! Nice to dig on some LIVE DEAD music w/out breakin' the bank!! Whoever's in the area-you should go-Hampton ROCKS for concerts-Right on the beach-cool bars-cold drinks-warm nights-Deadheads dancing!!!Bring it on,baby!!!BTW-does PHIL still play that six stringer?? Thing's a BEAST!!
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15 years 11 months
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Id be happy to get Scarlet/Fire or Cassidy/Deal or China/Cat---Love those combos!!! Lots of memories.....
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15 years 11 months
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Meant to say CHINA/RIDER my bad....
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15 years 11 months
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Would be in my personal opinion DARKSTAR/CHINA CAT/THE ELEVEN, that would make my night. The only version I know of that is on the 1st box set. If anyone knows of another version like that, feel free to PM me with the date and year."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
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15 years 11 months
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Casidy/Deal for sure!!! I've always liked to dance to Tennesse Jed as well - I needs ta hear my theme song too!!!! LOL! Me & My Uncle plus Big Boss Man would be a bone shaker too!!! Why do the days to show time have to go by so slooooow! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
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15 years 9 months
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Yo, Anyone truckin up to the chicago show from Rochester, NY area? Lemme know we should ride together and save gas/the world. peace
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17 years 6 months
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Has anyone who did the faxing in mail order had their credit card charged yet? Or received tickets? I did the faxing in for the second Shoreline, on the day they went on sale. I know the fax went through, yet I am a little worried my card has not been charged, or no hold on the money yet. Thanks, Sunny sunnydrop73@gmail.com "The bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began.." http://sunnydrop73.blogspot.com/
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Awesome venue i seen alot of shows there....the night jerry passed there was a drumcircle on the beach till sunrise after the rat dog show....last time i was there my wife and i were in a phsycadelic state of mind...she looks at me and says i want to have kids..wholy shit i love you and all but i am barely sane....so our second one is due oct 2nd
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15 years 11 months
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Here's a bit of reading about getting busted for Led Zeppelin and other bumper stickers in Illinois: SPRINGFIELD, IL - With the state legislature's passage of a bill last week allowing police officers to cite Led Zeppelin bumper stickers as probable cause for a vehicular search, Illinois became the 13th state to recognize classic-rock-related automobile decorations as grounds for waiver of a warrant. "We've known for years that there was a direct correlation between the presence of a Led Zeppelin bumper sticker and the likelihood of that vehicle containing a controlled substance like marijuana," said DeKalb County Sheriff Ronald Bauer. "However, it wasn't until last Thursday that it was within our power to act on this knowledge to make a drug-possession arrest." Illinois' action comes on the heels of the recent Supreme Court decision that the Fourth Amendment guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure does not require police to obtain a warrant if there is sufficient cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband. Following the top court's ruling, a number of states, including Utah, North Carolina and Wisconsin, moved to specifically name Led Zeppelin bumper stickers as a factor in determining whether to conduct searches. The decision, says Bauer, is supported by extensive data. Illinois state records show that in 1998, there were 362 cases in which a traffic-violation-related search of a Led Zeppelin-logo-adorned vehicle was found to contain illegal drugs or such drug paraphernalia as rolling papers, plastic baggies and metal pipes bearing a row of four cryptic symbols. Yet before the passage of HB 1921, ill-defined definitions of probable cause have meant that an officer acting on this knowledge was entering risky legal territory. "This is exactly what policemen have been asking for for years," said Bauer, who said the new law will precipitate a "considerable increase" in the frequency of drug-related arrests of motorists by Illinois police, especially in rural areas. "It used to be that if we spotted a car with that crazy-looking wizard on it, we had to just drive right past unless the longhairs inside were specifically doing something illegal." Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan applauded passage of the bill. "After the Supreme Court decision, it was just a matter of fine-tuning our interpretation of 'probable cause,'" Ryan said. "We've found that Led Zeppelin bumper stickers - or, for that matter, just the sound of "The Immigrant Song" or "Livin' Lovin' Maid" coming from an open window - is exactly the sort of smoking gun local authorities needed to establish a baseline for assessing that probable cause." Ryan continued: "When it comes right down to it, though, prudent officers have always, to a great degree, relied on common sense. If a vehicle, especially a late 1970s American-made sedan with a vinyl top and some rust, also bears a Led Zeppelin sticker, what are the odds the driver is not in frequent possession of drugs or alcohol?" Preliminary data seems to indicate that this logic is sound. In a Monday-afternoon field test, state troopers detained 100 Peoria-area motorists under the new Criminal Code 861.4/Section 8 (Probable Cause/ZOSO). Nearly 60 percent of the vehicles contained alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia, and nearly all contained suspected alcohol or drug abusers. Rockford resident Doug Wojcek, charged Tuesday with possession of a quarter-ounce of marijuana, was among those arrested under the new law. "I was minding my own business when some policeman pulls me over and searches my glove compartment," said Wojcek, 36. "It was just like when Robert Plant gets hassled by the cops in that one song 'Misty Mountain Hop.' Hey, what could I do?" "This is bullshit," he added. "What about the kids with those Nine Inch Nails stickers? No one is going after them." Despite such complaints, Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan spoke out in support of the law and advocated widening its scope. "We might have to add provisions for the search of vehicles bearing the Pink Floyd rainbow-and-black-prism, the Blue Oyster Cult symbol, or maybe even the word Ozzy," said Gov. Ryan, noting that many other states had already made these changes. "We cannot allow this law to become discriminatory in practice. It must serve everyone equally." Talk about gettin' busted for smilin' on a cloudy day! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
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Ryan hasn't been governor for years, in fact he's in jail as I recall. That said, there ARE benighted states where the courts have found that a Dead sticker constitutes probable cause, so don't be a test case.
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15 years 11 months
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I assume this search is happening AFTER being pulled over for a traffic infraction? Which is bad enough... but being pulled over just for having a sticker I'd be getting a lawyer. "When the smoke has cleared she said, that's what she said to me. You're gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy"
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17 years 6 months
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having the sticker is probable cause for pulling you over, and yeah, I agree, that's bogus.
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15 years 11 months
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Sheesh! how can we find out which states carry out this atrocity? "When the smoke has cleared she said, that's what she said to me. You're gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy"
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Yes Marye! That is from the Onion I think it 07.03.08. Sorry for posting such an old story - but it is interesting to see just how twisted the since of reasoning is in our gov! I'll proably get a ticket myself for bein' short, fat & ugly!!! Hey now! You can never take yourself too seriously! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen