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"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 USB Owners "So Far"
Galvinized / Florida dallanW /
ToddWCorey70/
What shall we call ourselves now that Michael Bolten fans are the bolt heads?
When I Was A Young Man I Needed Good Luck....
Come on Honey Let Me Sing Your Blues Away
I too have streamed the 72 show.
As wjonjd said, the Dark Star is something else. It is just so interstellar, and out of this world, and will sound immaculate when the CD comes in as it flawlessly transitions into Chinacat. In the months leading up to this release, I have really resisted looking back at any setlists, trying to forget any knowledge i had of shows so i could experience as much surprise as possible. SEPTEMBER 72 IS SUCH A STRONG MONTH. What i find so great is that there are now so many officially released Dark Stars within such a short amount of time, but they are all so unique that listening to one could not prepare you for the next. DP 11, DP 36, are nothing like this. Nor is Veneta, the BCT Stars, Boston Music Hall, Palladium... It is a wonderful time to be a head.
I really would like to hold of most listening for when The Box comes, but i have been jumping around lots, and did end up listening to the 83 show in full. VERY satisfied with this pick. I may just stream it yet again. I thought i was going to do things in chronological order like most, but i feel instinct has kicked in and has picked out what i wanted to hear most.
11/14/73 from boxzilla; also Kate's bolt head solution
Yes, obviously Here Comes Sunshine.
But, listen to this Cumberland Blues. Go listen. Yes, of course right now. ...... You couldn't turn it off without hearing the Row Jimmy also, right?
Edit: Can there possibly be a more perfect answer to the usb group name than Kate's answer: the Deadbolts?? No, there isn't
Dead.net/Rhino fullfilment center?
https://youtu.be/uVD3KPUnKHk
Thanks KiethFan ;)
Deadbolts
Deadbolts works for me, and I'm definitely one. I don't even miss the goodies, the PDF book is fine. I just hope that we get a little box that will fit on a book shelf or CD raack, otherwise I will surely misplace it.
Curious if anyone else plans to restore back to WAV for listening (I will copy all as WAV to another stick for playback).
Hey there, Galvinized
more facetious than sarcastic I hope.
Just as long as you understand that you're comparing apples and lemons there with the MP3 comment.
Though admittedly I'd be hard pressed to discern between a 320Kbps MP3 and a lossless, and much less likely to detect anything between lossless files of varying bit rates amongst each other.
But the important thing is that we've got this amazing music headed our way.
Cheers, brother, enjoy!
Redundancy
Ziffle, having lost $100s of dollars in lost files due to whatever (crashed c drive)I I will copy to several hard drives, several disks and duplicate 128 usb, this Deadbolt may fail someday, and I' not gonna kick myself for not being prepared."Never could reach it, it just slips away"
Good plan, Galvinized
Even with the CD version, I copy to 2 internal HDDs (2 separate computers), as well as an external HDD.
You just never know. And as they say...better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
How I'll listen
First of all, I was sure I wouldn't sample the streams but after reading Keithfan's posts the other day I went ahead and listened to some of the '95 show. I thought I might never get around to this one (probably haven't listened to a '95 show since '96 or '97) but it's actually pretty enjoyable. Maybe I'm one of the few, but I always liked Broken Arrow. And I honestly don't remember Vince sounding this good--funny how the memory works.
Originally, I planned to listen in chronological order but now plan to jump right into 11-14-73 when the discs arrive. This is the one I'm most looking forward to (with 75, 72, 74 and 76 close behind) and was VERY disappointed when someone pointed out that the show is broken up and not in order. A short fourth disc like some of the Europe '72 releases would have been nice but I'll make the best of it and plan to rip '73 immediately and listen to my copies right away (in proper order on four discs, of course). After that I'll attempt to listen chronologically but am making no promises.
There's so much to love in this box! The 79 and 87 shows are probably my two favorite unreleased Brent shows. So actually, a chronological listen seems less likely with every passing minute.
Dammit, Wjonjd
I previewed some of the shows, skipping around a lot, but didn't listen to the '72 Dark Star...now I feel compelled to after reading your post ;)
Edit: OK, this is a great DS indeed...I liked how at ~13.4 mins in they were poised to do the Dew, but quickly changed course, "Abort! Abort!" and found some other interesting mellow grooves...still listening, thanks!
Edit2: Goddamn, bro, the post-meltdown/post-drums section was unexpected...and fantastic. And then the China Cat, wow!
Redundancy
Galvanized, I store everything in my iTunes library as ALAC, it's automatically backed up to a second drive, and I replace the drives every two years or so. I don't listen to higher resolution recordings in a compressed format. I store them and back up that way.
I meant, put the lightening bolt on a second stick as uncompressed WAV for listening. I use an OPPO 105D for digital music. Just plug the stick into one of the USB inputs ...
All kidding aside...
Ok all you Deadbolts, we each are one of One Thousand! This will be passed down as the family Hierloom. Not only are are you brilliant enough to recognize, and enjoy some of the greatest classic music to date, you have invested in an item of some monetary value, that will be an investment not of monetary value, but that of historical value that will never fade away.When I check out this music will be listened to to, danced to, and just enjoyed by, my decendance for perhaps, an "Eternity"
Ziffle
Saving up for that Oppo 105 Darby Edition I started with the first show reminded me of the vintage Dead album with the ripple bottle on the cover, only cleaner, no pops, or crackles. A few songs in, and I finally know all the fine lyrics to "He Was A Friend Of Mine" Sweet!
80's/90's from this box
If you could keep just 3 of the 80's/90's shows from 30 Trips, which 3 would they be?
Make your choices as if your life depended on it, and that if you tried to keep more than 3 you would end up buried in a hole in your back yard that you yourself dug...hypothetically speaking, of course.
Bolten heads
Laughing at the Michael Bolton comment...A couple years ago my sister was making fun of him and I said it's too bad, remember when he was cool? She was shocked but her husband agreed with me. "I had his first album on vinyl, don't you remember?"
Upon further review, though, it was mostly formulaic crap but the sentimental portion of my brain still likes it a little. It's worth a laugh if nothing else.
Can only keep 3 80's/90's shows
Well. I haven't heard them all yet, and those that I have heard, I haven't heard in a long time and not in officially remastered form.
That being said, as of now I would go with:
5/16/81 - my high school best friend's first show. Plus, it's Cornell in May!!
7/31/82 - the only show in the box I was at. Plus, it's a damn fine show!!
10/26/89 - the only 80's/90's show in the box from multi-track. Plus, you can use it to scare the shit out of people!!
I may revisit this question Furthur down the trip.
plasma center
Ha, Fla-Bob, maybe they were trying to earn money for the USB before it sells out.
11/14/1973
I'm continuing to violate my initial plan of not streaming 30 Trips... 11/14/73 is the first and only show I've listened to completely.
The 11/14/1973 show is a damn monster! Of course, I expected it to be a monster, but apparently I was not prepared for the actual "monster level" of this killer show! The second set is classic jazzy space typical of '73, and the Other One may be a top five version (in my opinion, of course). This entire show ranks among one of the best of the spectacular year. We now have the consecutive shows of 11/11 - 11/14 - 11/17. In fact, I'd rank 11/14 as high as 11/11, and 11/11 is perhaps my favorite show of 1973 (or is it 12/2 or 10/19, I can't remember). Anyway, those of you not streaming are in for a tasty treat. I can't wait to hear the high-quality version of this show coming in the box...among all the shows).
Thanks to those folks commenting on 9/24/1972. I will be streaming this show tomorrow. I have no idea why I selected to stream 11/14/73 before 9/24/72. Prior to receiving the 30 Trips shows, I knew these two shows would be the first two I listened to, but I didn't know the order I would choose. Anyway, I'm very anxious to experience this Dark Star (among other tunes), as I've heard that it's another spectacular version in a month (and year) full of masterpieces. I mean, is there anything better than Fall 1972? Now that I think about it, why didn't I listen to this show first?
I also listened to parts of 10/12/1984. This is a fine show...lots of energy throughout, and the band (especially Garcia) are totally on. This will be the show I grab when I want to listen to classic mid-80s GD.
Nighty night.
Might As Well listen
Checked out 1967 then 1966 at work Friday.Amazing!
Now just exploring:
Estimated from 1st set 1977
Dew from 1987
Dark Star 1972
Johanna 1995
That's the beauty of this stream, Listen to a show or poke around.
Comments about each show remind me of the Dicks picks booklet.
Booklet came near the end of the series and had notes on every release.
Just dip a toe in and Listen
huh
I can't for the life of me figure out how to look at the book without signing up for something. But that's fine, I'll get the actual book in a few weeks. I'm glad to hear it's being shared, though. The Box is sold out so I hope everyone who is interested is able to get access.
Listening to Maggie's Farm from '92 right now--love this version.
"I do my very best
to be just like I am
but everyone wants me
to be just like them,"
if i had to keep 3 80s/90s shows
no-brainers: 9/18/87, 9/10/91, and 10/26/89. Although I'd want to keep the '84 show too.
My top 10 so far (I've listened in snippets)
1. 11/10/67 (EASY)
2. 9/24/72
3. 4/15/70
4. 11/14/73
5. 9/18/74
6. 9/18/87
7. 9/28/75
8. 2/22/69
9. 10/27/79
10. 7/3/66 (just so novel!
Planets are in alignment!
Nice the way the disc art reflects each show's date in the positions of the planets.
The box lid is of course 12/4/65.
The book
I just finished the pdf, it's really well done and the fan art is great. The main essay by Nick Meriwether is a fanatstic overview of the period and the only error I caught was they played California Earthquake twice, not just once as he mentions.
Dave's notes on the shows are nice and really got me psyched for when the CDs arrive.
The scroll is at the end of the pdf.
WOOHOO.
The scroll?
"a visual representation of the band's evolution" -- I didn't see that in the PDF.
Not talking about the song chronology are we?
Hoping the actual scroll is something a bit... more.
Wow... so much candy!
It was really great to open this box of chocolate and taste 1 from the top level, then skip down to the next row and taste the dark chocolate with Carmel, then take the corner piece with solid milk chocolate... you get the idea!I jumped all over the place and there is not one piece where I stuck my finger in and didn't like what I saw and left it there... I ate every piece I touched and loved every bite!
CANT WAIT FOR THIS BOX!! Yahooo!
A CHRONOLOGY OF GRATEFUL DEAD COMPOSITIONS & SELECTED COVER SONG
I would have to say the scroll is the last couple pages of the pdf. While not what I imagined, it is a chronological list of when GD songs came and went in the setlists, though the cover tunes are not covered extensively.
The Scroll
The notice doesn't say anything about the scroll being pre-released. Just the streaming links, the book and a "few digital extras" which I imagine are the 2 songs from the vinyl single.
The scroll
I respectfully disagree and guess we'll have to wait to see, but the pdf is for the USB version, so I think it's the scroll mentioned above.
"Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years."
I think a chronological list of when songs came and went in the rotation would qualify as a visual representation ;)
Unfortunately you may be
Unfortunately you may be right ("unfortunately" because I think this "Scroll" is quite lame given the description, not because I'm afraid of being wrong). The Credits within the PDF list "Scroll Text" so, somewhere in this thing, there's a Scroll, and in all likelihood it's the Song Chronology section.
Oh well. Music is great.
Grateful Dead app
My friend just told me about this, and I downloaded it on my iPhone and iPad. Pretty cool. Anyone else use it?
Scroll Text
Hmmm...it does say "Scroll Text: Jesse Jarnow" in the credits. The "song chronology" section starting on page 161 is written by Jarnow so that must be what it's referring to.
But it would seem that's just the text of the scroll, not the scroll itself?
1968 at the Greek
wjonjd, your comment on the '72 Dark Star has me so psyched. I think I'll wait for the CDs to put that one on. I'm in tune with your sentiments on Dark Star - how the heck did they come up with something new and awesome on so many nights? I mean, it's incredible how unique they all are. Aside from the main Dark Star them, Tighten Up, and Feelin' Groovy melodies, I can't think of any theme they've played in multiple performances.
The Greek show is one that I was really looking forward to. Just re-listened to Dark Star => St. Steven => The Eleven, which is probably my favorite piece of primal Dead music, and it does not disappoint (well, Dark Star and The Eleven could have been longer:-) Jerry has some great chops in Dark Star; the William Tell section of St. Steven is super good here - there's just an intensity and cohesion within the instrumentation and vocals that rocks face-melting intensive; Pigpen has nice chops in the Eleven jam (as does Jerry). I can't wait to get the CD and listen on the headphones and in the car at full blast (and to hear Bob Weir - hard to pick him out of the mix here at my desk at work at low volume).
Listening party
Have we ever been hit with such a treasure trove all at once like this? I think not!
As others have said, I was going to hold off until Boxzilla made touch down, but what the heck? I will certainly listen to the cds when they arrive, so why deprive myself the enjoyment this stream affords me? After all, I am not getting any younger and who knows when someone may crash into me head on and ruin my ears? Lol.
I have only listened to the first show, 1966, and it is awesome. The sound is really good and Pig is shining through.
The one thing I have been REALLY, REALLY happy to read here, is that several people, who don't usually listen to the late era, have commented very favorably on the '95 show, and Vince is particular. I was hoping that Boxzilla might open up some minds & ears and that is exactly what appears to be happening already. That is great news for all of us. Maybe some of the crazy arguments here about whose opinion is correct and whose is not, might finally be laid to rest. ALL Dead is GOOD Dead!
Peace out & rock on Dead Land. We are living the good life for sure.
Re: Listening Party etc.
Agree hbob..
..but being a licensed PHD Psychologist (scratch that) being an expert in deductive reasoning (scratch that) being a whimsical observer that hopefully no one takes to seriously..
I can image all of you as kids.. its the week before the holidays (Christmas or equiv.) and you discover where your parents are hiding the presents and booty.
Now fast forward to Christmas day, I can tell you who peeked and played with their presents for the last week and who was truly surprised... (I bet half of you are looking down at the ground right now, hands in your pockets with a feeling of guilty pleasure - you know who you are).
I am no forensic doc, but here's a JGB gem from '77. Jerry looks every bit as happy as those of you who opened your presents the night before Christmas. The video is black and white and a bit dark and grainy, but the sound is excellent. Worth the price of admission.
JGB 07/09/77 Late - Convention Hall, Ashbury Park NJ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glq7yzbfy-o
listening/struggling
Jim and others:
I am struggling. I was always a kid that did not open presents at Christmas even when I found them. I am now struggling; do I put my toe in to hear some of the streaming? Reading all the comments from the last few days, it is killing me. What if this is the year I get my drum set (or even earlier a telephone for my room or even roller skates), I do not want to ruin the surprise!
Re: Keithfan
Santa's elves sometimes make special trips with small presents the week leading up to Christmas, but only for good boys and girls.
After adolescence, you might recognize these same elves gathered around in a circle in the hallway at dead shows playing drums.
Good people, the elves. Never met one I did not like.
..and Gary. I am struggling too. I am not so sure I will make it. That's why I posted the 77 JGB link. Its like a dose of sonic methadone to us junkies that are trying to abstain. ..but like a piece of Nicorette gum. sometimes it simply does not work.
All Wrapped Up
I remember finding the Christmas presents one year, and I spliced open the wrapping paper to find out what's inside. Then I re-wrapped the presents in an attempt to conceal my crimes. This unfortunately did not work, though my exquisite splicing techniques did land me a job at Rhino's warehouse. Every silver lining...
Re: Wrapped up.
..that creates quite the visual, cracked me up.
I expect Dr. Rhino is sending three of his finest goons your way. Good time to take a little road trip, Zuck.
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