30 Trips Around The Sun Box & Digital USB

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September 4, 2015 - 10:38am

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admin

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March 9, 2007

"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux

We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.

The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.

The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.

The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.

Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.

(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)

ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.

*Helpful hints for using your USB:

Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.

Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.

To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.

Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text

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June 5, 2015 - 6:51am

#7191

KYTrips

Joined:
August 25, 2012

E72

I've heard a lot of people on here lament the fact that they don't have the cash to buy this new box set. I totally get it... It's a LOT of money. Fortunately, I can afford it, but I even paused to drop $700+ (w/ tax) for this. Don't get me wrong, I think it's totally worth it. I just don't spend that kind of money on much of anything. I've seen at least one person on here reference possibly selling the Europe '72 box set in order to be able to afford this new one. I'm just putting it out there... If there's anyone interested in selling their E72 set, I'm interested. However, it would have to be in very good shape, and include all of the stuff that came in the original package. I'm most interested in the music, but I also like the bells and whistles (plus I think the steamer trunk case is awesome... LOL). I'm not interested in the all-music edition. Heck, I can buy that here (and I still might resort to that). I'm also not interested in paying "Ebay prices." I think you all know what that means. Anyway... I hope all of those that want this new box set come into some surprise cash so you all can afford it. It's a shame that they can't just give it away, but the world doesn't work like that much anymore. At the end of the day, it's a business, first and foremost.
June 5, 2015 - 6:38am

#7192

kirkmc

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Wow, you check all the boxes

Wow, you check all the boxes there. "trying to limit supply, save on production cost while driving up retail prices, and stiffing long time fans?" You don't have to buy them. And, yes, they do have to make a profit. "The 5 shows are impossible to get tickets for and the websites are raping people with horrendous scalp prices." You don't have to go to the concerts. "Lastly, these staggered releases of limited edition box sets or shows is a gimmick to garner early-bird sales -- one of the oldest marketing strategies around." The limited edition is probably because pressing and packing costs make it unfeasible to do a lot of small runs; they save a lot per unit by doing one big run. As for staggering releases, I'm not sure what you mean. You want all the Dave's Picks for a year to drop at the same time, like TV series on Netflix?
June 5, 2015 - 6:35am

#7193

kirkmc

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Tree rings

Think of this box set as tree rings; you look at the tree, and examine each ring to see what happened during a given year.
June 5, 2015 - 6:26am

#7194

wissinomingdeadhead

Joined:
December 17, 2011

@brianhahne

Check your PM, Peace
June 5, 2015 - 6:06am

#7195

MinasMorgul

Joined:
February 4, 2015

petalumaotis

I understand your frustration, but if you think about it, Rhino does not have anything to do with ticket prices, and the Grateful Dead already acknowledged and apologized for the ticket situation, which is part of the reason they added 2 more shows. That covers that. As far as the box set situation, what would you have Rhino do? Lose money? Then no music gets released ever. They are doing what they need to do to make as much money as possible, it's a business. That's never going to change. Heck, I wish they had broken this box set up into two volumes, so that I wouldn't be stuck with a dozen shows featuring Brend Midland, who consistently stinks the place out with his off-key, gravelly vocals, and Play-School piano/keyboard sound effects; but I know they're a business, and they don't want a warehouse full of shows that the market doesn't want as much, so they slap it all together, knowing that they will sell out this way anyway, and that the profit is made. Read Jim In MD's comment #92; he does a great job describing the reason for the business model they've employed. I don't think they're gouging fans at all. The cost of the CDs per unit is standard. And why not put on a couple of shows to celebrate a-momentous-o-ccaision! (Dan Akroyd Closing of Winterland intro). I think you need to rethink things a little bit. It sounds like you're lashing out in anger, perhaps indignant of the high cost, perhaps a little envious of the Grateful Dead themselves, and their Hawaiian homes. The prescription? - put on Disc 3 from 5/25/72 and reconnect with the soothing sounds of the 70s... jayclark - I hear you man, I would only buy '66-'78 if you could buy them individually. But I understand the reason they don't - more profit doing it the way they're doing it. And I shouldn't be so pessimistic - there IS a rhyme and reason here - it's the anniversary year, and a show from each year is a logical way to produce a box set. I mean, can you imagine if they only did '66-'78? The problem is that these bears did it for thirty years....
June 5, 2015 - 6:06am

#7196

rrot

Joined:
October 3, 2009

E72 was a microscope

E72 was a microscope, a detailed view of one tour. Though by itself E72 tells us nothing about the huge issues of what came before and what was to happen later, any serious study of the Grateful Dead would want to use that tool to investigate the band as it negotiated a significant phase of its development. To date, there's been no equivalent tool to investigate the development of the band over its entire career. Now there is one. Not a microscope this time. Something more like a series of core samples, perhaps. A small group of respected scientists have drilled into the geologic record left by the band, bring us perfectly preserved samples taken periodically throught their career. It could be claimed that this box isn't "necessary." Some academics have even asserted that the need for 30Trips is "manufactured" -- it's merely an artifact of marketing. That's true, of course, but it was just as true for the 73 discs of Europe '72. If there is indeed nothing "new" to be found in the 4/25/77 Passaic show (a debatable proposition), that argument cuts against Wigan, 5/7/1972 as well. We don't "need" either one. Or so some academics might say. But we have them. As tools for study of this band (does the Grateful Dead merit serious study?), each set has drawbacks as well as merits. The merit of the new set lies precisely in its broad overview. Every important configuration of the band is present. As with E72, we could have wished for more, certainly. There, as was noted by many at the time, visual documentation could have been provided. Here, we might reasonably ask for a show from each tour, rather than simply one from each year. But the realities of the marketplace are inexorable. So this is what we have. Would one recommend 30Trips to a student, to a person seeking to understand what this band was, what they did, how they changed, and stayed the same? Yes. I don't see why not. If I were a librarian, I would insist on acquring this set. The accompanying texts by Meriwether and Jarnow have the potential to open many areas of discussion. Those cats have got some serious academic chops as well as a demonstrated depth of knowledge about the band. I personally can't wait to see what they've contributed. I said above that there was no such tool before this set. That was false, of course. A mere conceit. We have archive.org. Anyone making an academic investigation into the Grateful Dead has already had, for quite some time, an unparalleled tool for research. There is really very little that the market can add to our understanding at this point. But not nothing. McLuhan has been invoked below, and we can take him seriously rather than letting his words simply wash over us. The medium IS the message. What this box set is telling us is that the age of the commodity is not yet over. Despite the instant availability of Grateful Dead music from every era, at no financial cost to the listener, thousands will still demand physical objects for their own possession. Indeed, we will use the very internet that delivers free Grateful Dead music to us to demand that we be allowed to pay for it! And that's a fine discussion to have, too.
June 5, 2015 - 5:47am

#7197

petalumaotis

Joined:
June 29, 2013

Right on!

And they already have the capability to stream shows over dead.net. Why are they gouging the fans? How many homes must they own in Hawaii or how much dough to you have to leave your kids or entourage when you kick?. No tot be a skeptic or morbid but The Grateful Dead stopped existing 20 years ago and now we have the Dead just making money and putting on mediocre shows with various artists.
June 5, 2015 - 5:39am

#7198

petalumaotis

Joined:
June 29, 2013

What is going on?

Why is the Dead -- Warner/Ryno -- trying to limit supply, save on production cost while driving up retail prices, and stiffing long time fans? The 5 shows are impossible to get tickets for and the websites are raping people with horrendous scalp prices. Lastly, these staggered releases of limited edition box sets or shows is a gimmick to garner early-bird sales -- one of the oldest marketing strategies around. Would you guys have treated your fans this way 20 years ago. JerBear is rolling over in his grave. Shameful.
June 5, 2015 - 5:38am

#7199

jayclark

Joined:
November 24, 2011

Individual Shows

I wish they would just catalog the shows and allow you to purchase just the ones you want. Why package them together and put such a big price tag on the set. It seems to me that most deadheads like certain eras of the bands sound. It would be nice to log on pull up a list of all the available shows and simply purchase the ones that are of interest to you.
June 5, 2015 - 5:27am

#7200

kirkmc

Joined:
June 4, 2007

It's definitely not sold

It's definitely not sold out...

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux

We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.

The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.

The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.

The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.

Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.

(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)

ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.

*Helpful hints for using your USB:

Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.

Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.

To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.

Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text

30 Trips

Each box set now comes with your very own rainbow making machine.All the lost shows are in another box set in a pot at the end of someone's rainbow... ...but which end??? ;-)

Rainbow

Yes that was a real rainbow, complete with the pitter patter of very light rain. And if you looked in the other way, there was that awesome orange cloud formation that I'm sure you have seen pix of. Let's see Chicago pull something gigantic like that off. The more I think of the two SC shows I saw, I am more and more impressed with how Trey stepped up and really was better and better each set. He got it and really worked hard. He totally rocked Sugur Mag. I can't wait to see him rip it in Chicago (I'm watching the stream). It would be so cool if this band toured for a few years....

Death Don't....

....definite highlight from Sunday. Unexpected, and wonderful. Alabama Getaway was a nice surprise too. Let Bruce and Trey sing more Garcia tunes please...oh, and turn up the keys. Bill the Drummer holds it all together. He's like the peanut butter in the sandwich. All in all, a decent warmup?! ...kinda shocked they didn't break out an Estimated. Seemed most fitting....

Santa Clara, Part Deux

I tried. Can't wait for the 30 Trips box. I now return me to Fillmore West 1969.

Man made rainbow or the real thing

Man made rainbows are created with a fire hose. There was a guy here in the southwest who contracted with the Silver City Fire Department for that purpose. Late afternoon with clear sky and low sun angle is needed. I saw that one a few years ago. The kids loved it. The proof of the man made variety is that one distinctly sees the stream from the fire hose. Any witnesses? I might add a friend from Santa Cruz said a rainbow happened around the same time from that area. As for cultural belief I think perhaps I should avoid sharing them so as not to piss off the people I love. Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare.

Conspiracy Theories Never Die

Damn. This rainbow thing is just another obviously on the face of it false conspiracy theory that will never EVER die. One little mention in Billboard, which was then quickly and easily debunked, but even days later people seem unwilling to stop and think about what is wrong with that conspiracy theory, or do some quick research (god bless Snopes). Without even using Snopes or other sites, you can see in pictures the conditions were perfect rainbow conditions. Right after the show, people who attended were posting about the smattering of rain, the way the rainbow gradually formed, etc. Sorry for what is (I hope) an uncharacteristic rant. It's just freaking exhausting. Like the Ancient Aliens crap - people choosing to believe Stonehenge was put there by aliens, without bothering to look at the real history - of thousands of years of gradual evolution at the site, from wooden posts to smaller stones, to what now stands. So, the aliens kept coming back for millenia and gradually adding complexity to Stonehenge? ARGH!!!!! Why the rant? Because I know that years from now, some Grateful Dead-hating fool will be telling me what "frauds they are because they paid to create a fake rainbow." ARGH.

Re: Conspiracy Rainbow

I agree with you claney. We will be hearing about this GD Rainbow for years to come, when its perfectly obvious the Dead had nothing to do with the Rainbow at all. It was made by a highly intelligent Sasquatch.

Santa Clara Rainbow and navigating Chi-town

i am certain a lot of people were indulging in psychedelics that evening,, so there is the human account or rainbows,, but to dose the camera and make it see things,, just for a good shot,, come on guys !! Those poor cameras must have been shocked when it started seeing rainbows in the sky For the people not driving to Chicago,, how is public transit to and from Soldier Field,, I am staying in Grant Park for the majority of the time,, which looks fairly close,, I may have some extra space in my room if anybody needs a place to crash, I am only in Soldier Field for Friday as of now,, heading out tomorw and catching Dark Star Orchestra at the Vic Thursday night.. so two nights of shows and a few extra without, but I will be looking for Sat. and maybe even Sunday ,, "Got up and wandered, wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around.. Space > Wharf Rat https://archive.org/details/gd1979-09-01.sbd.123742.miller.flac16 9.1.79 killer show with some super combos,, (track listing is a little off on certain songs) Space should be #14 and Wharf Rat #15

Rainbow ChemTrails!

"They" have been trying to get us for years now. We're not going any where.

You can walk from Grant Park

You can walk from Grant Park to Soldier Field, no problem.

sweet Syracuse78

walking it is,, Although I am unsure of how my walking skills will hold up after the show,, walking to Soldier Field and taxi or bus to the Vic.. now if i could just stumble into somebody with some purple haze on the way to Soldier Field

Safe Travels, Have fun

Save Travels and Have Fun. Looks like the weather is cooperating.

how many boxes left?

looks like sales hit a wall....

Bolo, exposed...

I got my super, super cool prize just a few minutes ago from Bolo. I'll just say, "Wow!" And thanks! But Bolo inadvertently gave me a key detail to enable us to better understand who he is. The return address label was "Bolo24" -- no surprise. That must be his real name. But under that, it says "CIA." And then the addy of a UPS store in Berkeley. So.....he isn't exactly an "insider" after all. He has gone undercover in the Dead organization and THAT'S how he knows which DP is coming next. Happy to clear that up for y'all. Gotta go, there's a loud knock at my door and I hear the sounds of helicopters overhead. Must be something going on here in the neighborh.....

Bolo24

Its the only way he can get reimbursed for the postage. Not very sophisticated, if you ask me, but that's how bureaucracies work, even at the CIA. Syracuse..if you're reading this, then you're awake the chip has already been implanted. I suggest you rent Enemy of the State and pay close attention to the Gene Hackman character, not the Will Smith character. Say goodbye to your wife and family, we can meet at the agreed upon place at the agreed upon time. Don't drink anything but Gatorade and tequila. Rookie mistake, using your real name and address. I hope for all this fuss, its a Griffin or Kelly/Mouse signed original. Good luck.

Santa Clara

Just got back, fun and nostalgic, and a great way to say goodby and say thank you. Second day, second set best.

Dark Star 12/6/73

A shoutout to JimInMD for turning me on to a most unusual Dark Star from late 1973. This version gets really dark at points. Enter at your own risk if you dare to take in over 40 minutes of deep exploration. It most definitely can serve as the soundtrack to the mysterious doings of Bolo. Kind of glad I picked the wrong opener otherwise I may have been dragged in too deep by giving away my home address to Bolo.

Might as well...

One more contest! Someone leaked the setlists before the Santa Clara shows, so I guess we'll have to come up with something different this time in case that person does the same for Chicago. Rumors are swirling about who might make a guest appearance this weekend, so we're going to have a 2-part contest. The first person to correctly guess how many guests will join the boys onstage during the course of the 3 shows will receive a piece of original Grateful Dead artwork as a prize. Additionally, the first person to correctly guess the name of the first guest appearing onstage will also win a prize. IMPORTANT: Read the Rulez before entering! 1) Only one entry per person, one number and name per entry. An individual's duplicate guesses will be ignored and only the first guess will count 2) Yes, "zero" is a number, and "nobody" is a name 3) Entrant must have a dead.net "joined" date of 6/30/2015 or sooner (to prevent guesses under more than one user name. I know how sneaky y'all can be!) 4) A "guest" is someone not in the announced configuration of the band who appears onstage and sings and/or plays an instrument (yes, a cowbell is an instrument - damn straight!). Guest must be a legitimate, recognizable musician/singer. Guys in the crew banging on stuff behind Billy and Mickey don't count. Politicians/promoters/announcers don't count. 5) Multiple appearances by a guest on a single day counts as ONE. Appearances by a particular guest on 2 or 3 days counts as TWO or THREE, respectively. For example, if Taylor Swift joins the fellas on Friday and Sunday, that counts as 2. If Kenny G is there Friday, Saturday and Sunday, that counts as 3, in which case I might beg the good Lord to call me home on the spot! 6) Only guesses sent to me in a PM will be considered. Anything posted in a forum will be ignored. Oh, yeah...please keep the PMs short and sweet 7) Entries will be accepted from 5:00 PM Pacific time on Thursday, 7/2 through 3 PM Pacific time on Friday, 7/3. Guesses submitted outside those parameters will be ignored 8) First person to guess correctly wins (determined by order of appearance in my inbox) 9) Past winners of prizes will sit this one out so someone new can share the goodies. Those folks are JimJohn, mbarilla, Syracuse78 and Strider88. Thanks for understanding, guys. 10) Yes, OF COURSE the rainbow was real. Sheesh! Disclaimers: Contest is null and void if guests are announced prior to 3 PM Pacific time on 7/3. This contest is not affiliated in any way with dead.net, Rhino, Musictoday, MaryE, band members, the ghost of Pigpen, seagulls hovering above Lemieux, etc. Just little ol' me! Have fun at the shows and good luck!

Syracuse78 what was your art work ?

Funny u mention his address, if I remember correctly the package he sent me was addressed from the Mars Hotel

12/6/73 Dark Star

Funny that you mentioned this one. I just picked up an original copy after several months of humiliating pleas on this message board. Easily the most rare bonus disc - there's been a copy on eBay for $359 for months, but it's just too much for one CD. I finally saw another one go up this week, and was fortunate enough to win the auction for considerably less than $359. The Dark Star is something different alright. I think Phil owns the darkness on this one, as there is much more bass exploration on this one than any other I can recall. It's nice that they launch into Eyes of the World to lift you out of the darkness - you really feel like you've been thrown a life preserver. I like all of the Fare Thee Well commentary. I haven't felt compelled to tune in, so you guys are my source of info. Keep up the good work. Someone put my guest guess into Bolo - I'm going with Donna. Just saw Rush at the Garden. You don't want to miss them on what's surely their farewell tour. The entire second set is a 90 minute encore, and nobody celebrating 40 years sounds this good. Peace

Safe Travels this weekend

I just want to wish all those going to Chicago this weekend that you all have a wonderful and safe journey. I hope for some of you that you find "what your looking for" I think you know what I mean. Do yourself a favor and remember the MUSIC and the Moments you have while listening to this wonderful Music. Enjoy and Be Safe!!

Mars Hotel

It took some time and the internet was no help.. but we finally have what appears to be a good address for the Mars Hotel. We're closing in... Hang tight, Syracuse, there's Help On The Way.

12-06-73 Dark Star

For me,it's the Bitches Brew of Dark Stars.:-)

mbarilla:

It is an original pen and ink drawing by Richard Biffle of a skeleton in a US Blues top hat smoking a hand rolled cigarette. It is very, very cool and will soon be framed and hung next to my several Family Dog and other GD posters in my office. Bolo put a GIANT smile on my face today! It may even carry over into tomorrow! :-) I'm happy to sit the next one out and give y'all a chance to experience the magic and grace of Bolo.

Very nice Syracuse78

That is a sweet score ,, I have a pretty good idea of who this bolo24 character is but I won't spoil the fun, keep the games going bolo24 One contest that would not get spoiled for sure is an over/under for Drums,, all three nights combined time,,, over or under 56 minutes combined time of Drums all 3 nights ?? I say just clocking in right under 56 at around 55 minutes, contest would include seconds as well in case of discrepancy.

Rainbow

I was at the Saturday show in Santa Clara and I can tell you without a doubt the rainbow was real and not a man-made illusion. The radius of the rainbow was easily a few miles. There's no firehouse big enough that I know of that can lay down a fine mist over a few miles, even if you had your 2000 Varilights, or whatever the gag was supposed to be. I'm sure whoever started this rumor is proud of their handi-work.

The Eyes on 12/12/80

Another random post, but the eyes of the world on 12/12/80 helped me through my commute to work today... I know there are tons of better options, but if i was stuck on an island with only 11/28, 11/29, 11/30 and 12/12 1980 i'd consider myself a lucky man (well, until i died of starvation and/or scurvy).

30 box set

Come on dead.net show us what this box set looks like already

Mars Hotel spotter

Boys (and Kate, if she's around), I had the pleasure of securing the Mars Hotel LP in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the summer of 1974, whilst hitchhiking across the country as a 16-yr-old lad. We enjoyed it and that cover was emblazoned on my mind when we left Steamboat for fabled California. My buddy Gary flew into Steamboat (no mean feat), where he knew I lived, but since the people I stayed with had no phone, it was kinda tough to meet him. I said, I'll see ya on the street, downtown, which is small. So we did. We holed up in a motel with a bottle of rum and watched "Satan's School for Girls." When done, around 5pm, we staggered to the curb, about 20 ft away and stuck out our thumbs. Bingo! A station wagon pulled over and the two guys inside were headin' to ... wait for it... California! In time we learned the vehicle had no key (started it with a screw driver under the hood), no reverse, and the windows were down and couldn't be raised. In time our benefactors fell asleep in the back and Gary took the wheel. I used a crutch we found to press the accelerator. We crossed Nevada with our legs sticking out both side windows, Gary at the wheel, me on the accelerator and we were doin' 90 mph across a state that recognized few laws of God or man. (Thank goodness...) We smoked one, we drank a beer, it was around 8am. You can only imagine the grins as we tasted true freedom! Bein' 16, excessively long hair on us both, with an adventurous streak in those days was the epitome of youth... Got to Donner Pass and the old beater threw a rod, began smoking. We got out, thanked our crestfallen friends and moved on. Eventually, Gary hopped a plane back east and I headed to Mt Tamalpais to spend the night. But first I needed a few dollars, so I made it to the Mission District to sell my watch, got $10 for it. And passed the Mars Hotel on my way out. Couldn't miss it. Indelible memory. I moved up to Mt Tam and hiked past the "No Camping" signs and found a perch overlooking the Pacific. The waves looked like grooves on a record. I cracked a bottle of Michelob (I was young!) and said to self, "Man, all that's missing is a joint." I looked down between my crossed legs and found multi-joint stubs! Someone or many had found this exact spot with the same intent. I rerolled a fattie, puffed down and was happy. Slept well and started to hitch back to Colorado, where I caught two of three nights of Roy Buchanan at a small club. By then I'd turned 17, but that's another story.

Is DAVES PICKS #15 4/26/84....hmmmmm?

Here's hoping

@hendrix = 50,000 dollar joints

Great story as usual, Hendrix. Hate to tell you though - those joints that miraculously appeared at your feet were just an illusion created by mischievous Grateful Dead roadies with some Varilites.

Lots 'o illusions...

Hey claney, thanks mon! Yep, I've seen lots of stuff that may or may not have been there! Never really bothered me much, except when I was on the varsity HS tennis team and it made it real hard to follow the ball, which may have actually been there... Downside in '74 was I was on the road and missed some choice GD shows. I had to leave San Fran in September '74 as I was basically penniless and knew no one I could hole up with til the October retirement shows. Oh, plus, school was starting! Before I knew it, I was departing... yet another tale, but not for this forum. As Jer once said, I still check in now and then to see if it's as weird as it used to be. As far as I can tell, the answer is "Yuppers!" Once the Chicago frenzy dies down, but while we're waiting for DaP 15, I'll drop another Watkins Glen pic and story. You were warned...

Hendrix and Breach of Contract...

Don't you mean MY Watkins Glen tale of 'high' adventure? As did J.Peterman with Kramer, I'm gonna appropriate your tour stories as my own...once the deal's inked, I'm afraid you'll have to refrain from these .net virtual campfire stories... peace, K Edit: I note on the Drudge Report those pesky "birthers" are already making an issue of the fact that WG preceded my debut on this planet by 11 years. Just to clarify: I do own a DeLorean (for which parts may have been manufactured in Kenya, but were most definitely assembled in Hawaii).

Outrageous!!

My dear Kate, is your beard gray? Hair salt and pepper? Creases deep enough to make stories from summer '73 even plausible? Do you have sugar cubes in your freezer, still? Are you old enough to know better but too young to stop? (I'm counting on the last item; join the crowd!) All questions, of course, that are irrelevant, because unlike forensicdoc and his incessant "LOL," I actually laughed out loud at your outrageous humor!! Thanks for the grins. The cat has a very odd expression on her face right now. Which I've never understood: how do creatures whose face is covered by hair create an expression? Answer: I should know, like Bobby W must know! Keep it up, sister! Anyway, when I wonder whether one of my true stories is a little much for the crowd at hand (say, a wine and cheese gathering where people wear sweaters with the arms tied around their neck, get the picture?), I usually begin... "You won't believe what a friend of mine told me etc. etc." The same opening I used at the doc's office when discussing ED! Okay, it's Thursday insanity and ya got me!! Aaauugghhhrrrraahhh!! Do we digress? Or is this craziness why we're here???

Kate brings it

Good to see Kate back in action isn't it?I think of her as I fill my Amazon cart with crap I don't need, but buy anyway. Seinfeld Scene It game is a great way to pass a couple hours, best show in the past 30 years easily. It's all about ready to roll and I remember the beginning of this tale with the ticket insanity and all that's gone down and here we go! I'll be in a movie theatre in Florida digging the Sunday finale. So this is it eh? may the party be huge safe memorable and fun for all

Movie(ppv) on Sunday!

Just got a ticket to watch the PPV on Sunday night in my geographically challenged neck-o-the woods! Surprised I can see it here in town in Jackson.The same venue that hosted Jack White a short while back,The Pink Garter Theater,is hooking us mountain freaks up. Awesome. :-) P.S.-Just 2 days ago the closest venue was in SLC.....uuggghhhhh. So you might imagine my sudden happiness.

jrf

hey jrf.. sent a quick mountain related shout out to your pm.

mBarilla please check your PMs!!!

hope u & everyone else made it Chitown safe & sound...and, Brother Brian sorry for the delay, that shipper was nowhere to be found during inventory, but... ...rest assured those 3 bottles of 2006 Caymus have your name on em!! ♤

I Struggled Through Spring '90

What a disappointment. I can't relate. Dark Star Orchestra doing the 70s sounds better. The real tale of the drug addiction and loss of control that took hold of this band is plain to hear in these recordings. One word - travesty. How can I listen to this stuff when I can put on Europe '72 or May '77, or One, Two, or Three from the Vault? Or DP 12 or Fillmore West '69. Or anything from 1973. The re-direction they took in 1979 seems to have begun innocently enough, but as the regulars began losing it in the ensuing decade, they seem to have compensated by turning up the weakest performer in the band and watering down all that was tasty and distinctive. I blame Jerry - he let drugs ruin not only himself, but the entire sound of the band. I understand they all allowed it, but really, he's the only guy who could have stopped it. The ironic thing is that I never saw them in the 70s, and I saw them about 20 times in late 80s / early 90s. The shows were great at the time, I guess because it was loud and I was caught up in the moment, and I'd never heard how good they used to be. Now that all of this material from the 60s and 70s is available, I'm just dumbfounded that there's a market for these shows.

Your second sentence says it...

That's all. Nothin' wrong with it. Timing can be a bitch,so for some of us,'89-'90-some '91 some of us revel in it 'cause it was our time & IT'S FUCKIN' GOOD!My favorites vary for sure,and it's mostly '69->'77,but it's almost all good. We all get the point that we don't always agree. Ain't nothing chisled into stone in this scene.... :-)

Addiction

It's always fun and games at the start. And then the claws grab you.

some of y'all should look in the mirror...

when my brother from space or my cousin rv3 voice their opinions, they get rained down upon...this new dude gets to spit his vit & it's okay... ALL GRATEFUL GODDAMN DEAD IS GOOD!!!!!!!! like Bob said... 'ypocrites! having an opinion is one thing... blatant hate is another... please learn yourselves... ~~~mBarilla check your PMs!

jrf68@hotmail.com & ThreeAceGuy

What are the five best songs or groups of songs from Spring 90? I'll take a closer listen. But really, to say all Grateful Dead is good...well, it's just not true. That goes for any band - they all have their bad spells. I think what you mean to say is that you like all Grateful Dead. I'm trying - really - that's why I keep going back and giving it another spin. I would love to have 15 more years of enjoyable Grateful Dead to listen to.

Must not be going to Chicago...

...I know I wish I could score a last minute ticket...but how many miracles could one ever dream of? Speaking of miracles, I think S'90 is nothing short of awesome (forever Grateful for jrf68, a truly awesome dude). As is the way with the universe, Karma and miracles, a 30 Trips box is coming my way. I'm eternally Grateful for many things in life like generosity, family and friends, and not the least of which being music. Enjoy the shows and holiday this weekend, be Grateful for your family and friends and be safe. ...oh, and if there are any extra tickets floating around, make the drive!

Who cares?

Sorry I stepped on peoples favorite shit. Didn't mean too.Fuck it,I like what I like,you like what you like. I like it all. Whatever circles and circles.... :-( Posted for Morgul,Not Space.... Thanks Space...

word, jrf68...

firmly on your team......hey Space, if there is an extra to be had for Sat or Sunday, can u get here??? got my ear to the ground...

I think what you mean to say...

..is you don't know what I meant to say,even though my post was in clear,consise English.:)

TheeAmazingAce333

It's a three hour drive to Chicago for me and could totally and definitely get there. Thank you! I've been putting the feelers out.

re:Minas

Minas, I mostly agree with you but still find a lot to enjoy from Spring '90 even though I like Summer of '89 better because it's pre-midi. I'm a '70s guy but the late Brent era is still pretty good to my ears, just not my go to era. I was recently turned on to 3-28-90 and it's pretty damned good. Foolish Heart is great as is the breakout of The Weight. Hey Pockey Way is another favorite but if you don't like Brent, forget it. There are at least two Shakedown Streets in that box and both are very good. I'm also a big fan of the Dylan covers like Masterpiece and Queen Jane. IMO there's no question that '68 to '77 is far superior to the years that followed but there's still plenty of good music to enjoy in the later years--just try not to compare it to the prime years. My advice is to put on a Steely Dan album (or something along those lines) to "clear your palette" and then put on 3-28-90 set II and turn it up loud and enjoy it for what it is instead of for what it's not. disclaimer: if you think the Brent years were the best that's fine with me--I'm just stating my personal view.

Spring '90

The shows that I seem to go back to a lot are 3/14/90, 3/21/90 and 4/1/90. 3/28/90 is also a favorite. I gave the first disc of Dicks Picks 12 a listen earlier and forgot how much I like that Jam > China > Rider. Fun stuff. I think the Dead had different strengths in different eras. The 10/21/83 Loser is a testament to Jerry approaching this song that he's played thousands of times before in a way that pushes it to new levels of greatness.

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