5552 comments
sort by
Recent
Reset
Items displayed
  • Default Avatar
    hightimeloser
    9 years 4 months ago
    @fedrd
    It's good to get a cross section of opions regarding Fare Thee Well. I went to Chicago to pay tribute to a band's music that has given me immense pleasure and great enjoyment for the last 45 years. I did not set the bar high and was pleasantly surprised and delighted by the overall experience. I thought the band played the best they could, the shows were well organized by the promoters, the atmosphere was magic and the city was buzzing for the whole weekend. I went to the MAX and hit the Guinness hard and enjoyed every minute! I agree with your comment about the Other Ones 12-31-2002 show. It is indeed an excellent show. Jimmy Herring is quite superb, tremendous set list, a great high energy show altogether. To make comparisons to the present day is both futile and obsolete, as stated in an earlier response on this post. I also disagree with your statement that Built to Last and West LA Fadeaway are weak songs? All I know, it was an incredible experience and a privilege to be part of the scene at GD shows when Jerry was blowing it away night after night. Although Chicago may not be a fitting end for some, it was fine for me!!
  • Default Avatar
    _
    9 years 4 months ago
    @Fedrd redux
    It's all good...yes the music matters...and correct it was not the best performance I experienced but memorable.....peace And whoaaaa Listen to the music....all the time..... mmmmbop bop, bop bop
  • Default Avatar
    Fedrd
    9 years 4 months ago
    Response
    You guys are correct. So much of life and especially in regards to them is experiential. I can play the shows repeatedly and pick apart each nuance, but I am approaching the event differently.In truth, my only interest was the music. As heinous as it must sound, I found the crowds annoying. I embrace all the values and openness,but once I was in my early 20's I valued room. I made many friends throughout my years, but I was either blessed or cursed having made a bunch of money young. I would buy tickets as business expenses and had "brokers" who would get my friends and I first 3 rows for ridiculous amounts of money. Arguably, not the hippie ideal, but a great ride while it lasted. Life caught up with me, so I remember a certain time of life with great fondness.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 8 months
Body Block
<? // pull in news from "50th Anniversary" feature type taxonomy $news = views_embed_view('story_lists', 'block_50news'); echo $news; ?>

Grateful Dead Original Members Add Two Dates To Final Concerts

April 10, 2015

The original members of Grateful Dead have announced two additional shows at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on June 27th and 28th, as part of their “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead” run. Along with the three shows at Chicago's Soldier Field on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, the run will mark the original members' last-ever performances toget

Custom Sidebar

Shop the 50th Store»

,

Facebook

body .rhinoSocialWidget .rhinoWidgetInner { padding:0; } body .rhinoSocialWidget { margin:0; } body .rhinoSocialWidget .rhinoWidgetInner .posting { padding:0; } ,

Free Grateful Dead Art

Check in throughout the year for new additions!

Display on homepage featured list
Off

dead comment

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

I have a room for July 3rd and 4th, but can't make the shows. It's within walking distance (Holiday Inn Express Magnificent Mile). I got a non-refundable rate so am trying to find someone who needs a room. Message me if interested.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

12 years 4 months
Permalink

@Eyes, @TruckinE, @Klang So happy for you guys!!!! I had reported I got mine on 06/13, I got the email saying they were printed and in the mail on 06/15.... Just too funny! NOW! Can't wait to head on out there! scott
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

12 years 4 months
Permalink

@Klangstone I would love to hear Franklin's Tower. Most of my favorites are Jerry lead vocals, so not sure if they will do any of them. So not really thinking I'll hear Morning Dew. scott
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

Wharf Rat is a must hear in the Bay Area!!! Don't care when... just need to hear it!!
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

Have a safe trip!!10 days from right now we are all dancin!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

12 years 4 months
Permalink

@Eyes, Yep, can't wait for the 28th to get here. Take care, scott
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

@scottfry I have a feeling we'll be hearing plenty of Jerry tunes. Bruce sings the Jerry tunes real well (I'm thinking Sugaree, China Cat, Jack Straw (Jerry's part), Scarlet, and more, maybe even a Dylan tune like Visions of Johanna), and Trey might be good for something like Terrapin, or even Stella Blue. I heard him sing Bertha not too long ago, and he was great. I'm guessing if we hear Wharf Rat, Bruce will sing, and should we be so lucky as to hear a good Help!>Slip>Franklin's, I'm thinking Trey on Help!, and Bruce on Franklin's. So many roads they could take. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat... Songs I could do with out, for what it's worth: the Mickey rap version of Fire (but would love to hear him do Down the Road), and Loose Lucy (I don't know, that one just bugs). Anything else, and I'm all smiles.
user picture

Member for

9 years 8 months
Permalink

FREE DEAD TAPESMostly Soundboards One per Head Kind of catches the eye, doesn’t it? I finally figured out what to do with all the Dead cassettes I no longer listen to. I’m sure not going to toss them after all the love and work and fun that went into the recording, and I figure there’s gonna be more deadheads at Santa Clara than any place I’m likely to be very soon — I hope. Most of them still sound fine. The coolest thing would be to have a boombox and a set of headphones so people can preview the tape and see if they want it. Nothing’s more frustrating than dropping that 4/15/70 you’ve been waiting for so long (my “on the bus” show) into the deck and finding out that your idea of “a nice, crispy soundboard” is not his idea of a NCS! I feel honored that "Shakedown Street will be allowed to take shape in the outer parking lot" and especially appreciate the implication that if Mr. Schapiro had not allowed this, it would not happen. Thank you mightily, Mr. Klangstone, el jefe. It was while I was playing around with an idea in one of your posts, along the lines of giving back (to the Dead community, to the band…) and I started thinking about what I could bring to give away. It wasn’t a big leap while sitting in a room with hundreds of hours of good, listenable concert tapes on cassette. A digger koan: When comes the time To leave this world someday What you get to keep Is what you gave away
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

I reckon Truckin' will be first. It's upbeat (essential), Bob's vocal, and has mention of 'The Long Strange Trip' and many more resonances ("back where I belong", "CHICAGO, New York, Detroit and it's all on the same street".
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

You are able to get all or some of your money back because you got tickets that aren't what you originally wanted. Treat this as a late "rejection" - you didn't get tickets and you can get your money back.
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

"Dark Star Orchestra, a tribute band that performs set lists from historic Dead shows and has played more concerts than the Dead did." I REALLY doubt that DSO have played more shows than the dead. Come on, WSJ!
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

From what I read (and this may have changed) but there will be no Shakedown in Santa Clara. Tailgating yes, vending no. Chicago is a different story altogether. Chicago and Soldier field seem to be embracing this whole spectacle. And I don't think it has anything to do with Shapiro or the dead, it is Levi's putting a stop to it. Anal and paranoid, they are (new stadium and all)...
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

I have a cassette player and a turntable on my home system (I hold onto old tech) I also have about 20 live dead cassettes. Most are not very good sound quality, copies of copies of copies etc. Mostly non-SB recordings.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

How about One More Saturday Night for the last Saturday night in California. Hmmm, the last Saturday night...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 9 months
Permalink

thanks, i was hoping for cable because our internet freezes a lot hate to get stuck in the middle of a song, i will check it out, if anyone hears about time warner cable please let me know. PS i would love to see more release containing acoustics set, some of my favorite tapes come from those first set acoustic shows.
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

I love me some good quality audience tapes. Sometimes I pop one in that's good just to relive a little bit of being in the crowd.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

Everybody just relax I've got you all month long
user picture

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

Best bet for those sojourning from the North: the Mountain View Light Rail Station is a great option. The Southbound Caltrain stops at the Mountain View Light Rail Station hourly from SF. Parking-Paid Located at the CalTrain parking lot. You must pay the daily fee at kiosks located next to the train tracks. Please note there is a Farmers Market on Sunday and the parking is not available until after 2:00 PM. Parking-Free Plenty off street neighborhood parking with-in walking distance. There are numerous free lots located just off Castro Street. Light Rail There will be Light Rail employees in green fluorescent vests walking around to help with the ticket vending machines. Buy a Day Pass ($5.00). Failure to show a ticket to Transit Police is a $385.00 ticket. The Transit cars are small, holding about (30) people per car about 6-8 cars per train. That is why it is best to get on at Mountain View. The Light rail goes about 20 MPH so the journey to Levi will have about 10 stops and will be slow. Leaving Levi Be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes to 1hr to get on a Light Rail car. The lines are organized BUT it is a crush. Be on the lookout for buses parked just outside the station fence located on the street. These buses go directly to Mountain View with no stops. After concert Mountain View has numerous pubs and eateries open until 2:00AM on Castro with-in a five minute walk.
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

You can't stop a moving train. My guess is that there will be a Shakedown Street somewhereat SC.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 9 months
Permalink

I am 66 yo - I have been following the Dead since the mid-60s. I grew up close to the Bay Area so I hung around the Haight when the 60's music was coming alive. My point being that I am a long, longtime fan of the GD.Like everyone, I scrambled when I heard about the Chicago shows - though I did not even hear about them until Jan. 20th - but I still managed to get everything postmarked by the 20th. Again like everyone I waited for the anticipated email saying we were in. On 2/26 I received an email telling me I was selected!! I was on cloud 9! My submittal was to see all 3 shows in the $199.50 sections. After reading this blog(?), I even traced the money orders on 2/27. Nothing. But I had no reason to think that I was not going to receive what I had selected. So I immediately raced to secure lodging and airfare. It was crowded out there - but I got the reservations. I had to pre-pay everything upfront - non-refundable. Okay, so far. A little further down the road, I did receive notice that all 3 of my MOs were cashed on 3/2. I was golden. Then the wait begun. Four long, long months. I have seen the anger expressed on this blog at not receiving acceptance emails or rejection emails. Especially after the Santa Clara shows were announced. I just kept telling myself that I had received a confirming email. You had better believe that the past four months created a lot of angst for this old fan. Angst like going to the PO once a day - twice a day - and even more. The other day I came across the promoters "apology" statement issued a couple of weeks ago. What? Bait and switch? Refunds if you don't get the seats you paid for? Today, in Seattle WA, I received our tickets for the shows - less than 2 weeks before we fly out. Please do not misunderstand - I am not whining - I am very "grateful" - my angst is over. But I am very angry how sleazy people like a Shapiro can get away with a bait and switch. We wound up with seats all in the upper 300 levels - $79.50 tickets. Sure, they SAY they will refund the difference in pricing - but why didn't they tell us this a couple of months ago? No, I believe was a calculated deception so they could cash the MOs. Just as was adding the Santa Clara shows. Just as was adding the PPV. I cannot - I will not let this diminish my experience any further. I am going to Chicago - this will be full-circle for me. I have never asked for a "miracle" in my life - I did not this time either. But I truly believe I did receive a "miracle". Whether that is true or not, that is what I am going to believe. Brothers and sisters, if you are still waiting for tickets, I really don't know what to tell you - but I do know what you are going through. Chinook "Miss ya Jerry"
user picture

Member for

13 years
Permalink

Thanks so much for all the helpful information. Quick question: how would you suggest getting to the stadium from the west, i.e., from El Camino Real. Bus? Taxi? Uber? Or is it better to just have a long walk? Take care!
user picture

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

Got on the bus in the early 70's and it has been a long strange trip. Got my tickets today from GDTSTOO and all I can say is Thank You, job well done. The most beautiful tickets ever and since they're for Sunday, I mean that in more ways than one. I'm hoping the rest of you get yours today/tomorrow. FYI, my email number was 356 and I don't know if they sent them out in order but just posting to let you know. Seats are in the 200 section so I'm not unhappy at all. Just happen to have the Pineapple Express pull in right before I went to the mailbox so gonna be a great night! Peace - Be Kind
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

12 years 5 months
Permalink

@chinoook, others: is there a simple online method to see if postal money order were cashed? I found this link... https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm ... but it does not recognized my MO serial numbers. I did indeed get the positive email from GDTSTOO but have not received any tickets so getting a little nervous (and I am not normally one to worry!). Air & hotel already paid for, nonrefundable. Thanks! John
user picture

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

Walking is out of the question. The bus schedule is limited on Saturday and Sunday unless major routes. Check the Santa Clara Valley Transit bus schedule for routes to Great America which is located next to Levi. The Light Rail will run until all are abroad from Levi. If you are in Sunnyvale > Mountain View > El Camino you can back track to Mountain View on bus 22 to Castro > Mountain View walk through downtown for 5-10 minutes to station. Taxi and Uber will be ok to the stadium BUT on the way back could be a hassle.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 9 months
Permalink

John, That on-line system does nothing that I could find - as reiterated by many on this continuing thread. The solution, again I learned on this thread, is to go to the post office and file a tracer. It costs $6.10 per mo. I got an early letter telling it had not been cashed. Then I received another letter within a couple of days of the checks being cashed. I understand you position - sounds exactly like mine was up to a couple of hours ago. A little nervous? I was a wreck! Btw - there is relief on my end - but I have friends that are going with me and they are in the same abyss. I wish you the best John - all I can say is that if you got the congratulatory email, you should be good. At this point in time I questioned it myself. I will think good thoughts for you - let me know. Chinook [Still miss ya Jerry]
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

I miss Jerry Garcia. I'm aware that he did not like the nickname "captain trips" so I apologize for the subject matter but still......I miss Captain Trips!
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

This is from dead50.net.....looks like very little parking lot scene will be allowed!! Originally it said the parking lots opened at 1:00....not now!! http://www.dead50.net/santa-clara/ What time will the parking lots open? Levi’s® Stadium parking lots open at 3:00PM on Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday. No overnight parking will be permitted. Every ticket holder who plans to park at the stadium needs to secure a prepaid parking pass prior to arriving to the show. No parking passes will be available onsite. Those without passes will need to arrange alternate transportation plans. Additional information on purchasing advance parking will be made available to ticket holders after the on-sale is completed. Car Rate: $60 per car, per day Bus and RV Rate: $180 per Bus/RV, per day Is tailgating allowed? Tailgating is defined as; the use of any item (including tables, chairs, free-standing canopies or umbrellas, awnings attached to recreational vehicles, coolers, barbeques, grills, games, generators, televisions, sound systems, food or drink, food or drink preparation or serving equipment, or other items as identified by the City Manager or designee) for the purpose of an outdoor gathering by one or more people prior to, during or after a scheduled stadium event. Tailgating will cease after the show starts. All guests must be in possession of a valid event ticket or credential. Amplified sound is prohibited. Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Tailgating cannot impede vehicle or foot traffic. Tailgating is limited to the area directly in front of or behind your vehicle only. Empty spaces may not be reserved or used for the purpose of tailgating. Tents or canopies exceeding an 8’ x 8’ footprint are not permitted. Appropriate receptacles must be used for the disposal of hot coals. All Guest Code of Conduct and parking policies are in effect.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

We finally received our Santa Clara tickets from Stubhub today! (Thursday the 18th) After having been shutout of everything, we finally have Santa Clara tickets in our hands. The wait is over! After reading Eyes Of Rocklin's message about the parking lots opening 2 hours later than originally announced, I must admit that I am tired of all the changes. So now Shakedown will be limited to just 2 hours before the gates open? What's next, we get inside and find out that the Dead have been replaced with a cover band?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

I have two hotel rooms in Chicago for 7/3 - 7/6. One at the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel and one at the Courtyard Chicago Downtown/River North. One is a king bed and the other is a king bed with sleeper sofa. Email me if you want them and we can figure out how to switch them to your name. I would prefer the rooms go to someone worthy in need versus the "I am a bigger dead head than you" crowd. chrismanuel@hotmail.com
user picture

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

So the Santa Clara shows are just over a week away. Other than the early reports, any word of them actually rehearsing? I hope they aren't planning on just phoning it in.
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

@Eyes of Rocklin Yep that's the general idea for Levi's and I wouldn't blame the dead for it. I believe (IMO) it is the city of Santa Clara and Levi's stadium administration responsible for the lack of kindness regarding the parking lot scene. So it would appear that in this case, Shakedown street = Pat-down lot
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

I completely agree!... Great America is next door and opened both days, so I do believe it is the City of SC. The Griswalds meet The Heads!! Should make for an interesting lot scene.... an army of guys in yellow shirts on bikes?? I also wonder about people dancing in the concourse etc...."Hey Twirlers get back to your seats!!" We will see!! Hope to see you there!!
user picture

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

John -If it helps I remember reading that GDTS TOO would be working on the chicago tix until June 19th so it's quite possible yours would come in a couple days.also that they are arranging a will call for any mixups where people don't get them in time. contact GDTS if you don't have them by early next week. good luck jeff
user picture

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

a horde of vehicles show up at 1:00. Because as far as I know, when i bought the pass the lot advertised open at one and I intend to show up at 1:00.
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

I hear you!! Most people will still think it opens at 1:00! It should be very interesting!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 9 months
Permalink

just got mail order tix in Wendell NC email batch was 191. section 241, 313, 212 at the 199.50 price for Chicago, so they are still showing up. these mailed out on 6/16/15
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

I don't think so. Too many cars, too many parking lots and too many people to be shut out of the parking lots. Some lots allow tailgating and some do not. Conjecture: have to think that at the very least the tailgating lots will be open at 1:00. There is no way they can get everyone into all the lots and not cause a traffic clusterfuck if they wait until 3:00. (Just IMHO) Everyone shows up at 1:00 and if they don't let people in, they are gonna regret that decision. I guess they will have to live with the repercussions of their actions if they stick with this and enforce it.
user picture

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

I don't think so. Too many cars, too many parking lots and too many people to be shut out of the parking lots. Some lots allow tailgating and some do not. Conjecture: have to think that at the very least the tailgating lots will be open at 1:00. There is no way they can get everyone into all the lots and not cause a traffic clusterfuck if they wait until 3:00. (Just IMHO) Everyone shows up at 1:00 and if they don't let people in, they are gonna regret that decision. I guess they will have to live with the repercussions of their actions if they stick with this and enforce it.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 10 months
Permalink

Just an FYI... If anyone is still looking for just get me inside SC tickets, Stubhub has some listings as low as $28 for Sat 6/27 and $25 for Sun 6/28. Some tickets with a view at less than face also. With 2nd day UPS shipping they can still get to you in time. BTW, still over 13,000 total tickets listed on Stubhub for the 2 days at SC. Might be a lot of empty seats.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

After anxiously checking the mailbox for the past few weeks MO tickets arrived for Chicago! E-mail #99, post mark 6/15, delivered to Severna Park, MD in case anyone cares. Paid for the first tier $199.50 got 2 tix in 312, 219, and 113 for each day. Wifey and I will be at the Friday and Sunday shows and Saturday is going to my Deadheads Aunt and Uncle. Looking forward to dancing in the streets of Chicago with everyone! Positive Vibes!!
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

I ordered GA floor seats last Thursday to upgrade my section 406 Lottery tix for SUN 6/28 SC. They came in the mail just now! Very excited that my wife and I are now able to share this experience with our 18 year old son and his best bud who both just graduated from high school!! One week to go!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

Blow the horn and tap the tambourine! Chicago tickets just arrived in Key West, FL today. Looks like from the same batch as Ukcats. Sec. 239, 313, 212. Postmarked 6/16 also. Keep the faith!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

I am so sorry I do not have the answers to all of your questions Look within yourself Hear the music Shake your bones Feel it Peace
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 9 months
Permalink

But kind sir I thought that Gob knows all?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

I provide the pieces for all to live peacefully and meaningfully The outcome depends on you Special chemicals and earthly herbs can aid in the outcome and are sometimes needed A mortal man once sang "What is a man Deep down inside But a raging beast With nothing to hide"
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 9 months
Permalink

uhhhhhuh.... See you in Chicago...Reese's Oreos or S'moreos or both? 7/4 noon...Buckingham Fountain...but being Gob I bet you knew that already.... Carry on my wayward Gob! ;-)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

Caution at the fountain where evil lurks I am everywhere and will be there You are safe I will make it so Peaces and pieces of Reeses for all Let there be songs to fill the air
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

The truth is in the air Look See Smell Beyond the limits of columns rows and cells Breathe deep and see me