30 Trips Around The Sun Box & Digital USB

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September 4, 2015 - 10:38am

7,852 replies

admin

Joined:
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 3, 2015 - 5:27pm

#7401

MikeT

Joined:
June 6, 2007

Now I'm stressing.... :)

So yesterday I was stuck in the computer glitch, and wasn't sure I had an actual order. I called Dead.Net (after a few calls where they couldn't tell me anything), and I was told my original order was "canceled" and I should go ahead and place a new order. I placed a new order and it went through like clockwork. Then last night, after I went to sleep, I received an email from an Edward Watson, that most orders did not go through and I should go ahead and place an order (since their issues were fixed). I saw that email this morning, but since I already placed a good order I didn't think much of it. Just an hour ago, in some online forums people are saying that orders they placed orders while the systems were "stuck" actually went through. I get curious, since I really don't want two $700.00 boxes, and I call Dead.net. I talk to a very nice woman, who seems to confirm that I actually do have two good orders and if I didn't call, I would end up getting two boxes. She gives me the order number for the order I never got a confirmation on (the one that was stuck in process for hours before I "gave up"). It seems to be a good order, so I tell her to go ahead and cancel that order, and make sure I only get one box. She puts me on hold and goes and talks to her supervisor, and then she cancels the order I successfully placed online, for which I got a confirmation email; leaving the one order I never got a confirmation email on (since it was never confirmed and was placed while they were having system issues). I tell her why did you cancel my "good" order, and leave the one order I have no confidence is a good order? She tells me that her supervisor said it didn't matter which order she canceled. So now with boxes selling quickly according to what I was told by the woman on the phone, I supposedly have a good order, but no confirmation that said order is a good order. Why did she cancel the one order I knew was a good order? So I am stressing that somehow they may have a list of all these orders that were supposedly in cancel mode yesterday, that somehow are now "good", like the order she left intact for me, and these orders may get canceled as well (since it was the order I tried to place when the systems went FUBAR). I am actually stressed that in the end I get no box, a box I really want. I was told I would get a confirmation email regarding the order she left in place, but it wasn't a priority right now to get them out. UGH... So I really hope I get a box, or I will be very upset at this entire process. Fingers crossed.
June 3, 2015 - 5:24pm

#7402

reijo29

Joined:
June 18, 2012

5150

I agree on all your points. And yes to help generate over 5 mil in sales they could have produced a better video. I'm sure the follow up videos will be informative, fun & above all clear. Perhaps Mr. Norman can work his magic & remaster the current DL promo clip?
June 3, 2015 - 5:20pm

#7403

SAMTHARDMAN

Joined:
September 9, 2012

Minas

I took the plunge this morning? Yourself? If so, I think we will both need extensive tutoring on how to appreciate the many many discs of the Brent era shows; not to mention the last few. If not for subscription, or this comprehensive box, I would be hard pressed to purchase a show from 78-95 a la carte. There are too many dics in this baby for there not to be lots of great music etched inside. I will be ready to dive in. At some point, I will have to come up for air. God willing, with a smile on my face. Sam T
June 3, 2015 - 4:34pm

#7404

WharfratWhitey

Joined:
May 19, 2013

Every Silver Linings Got A Touch Of Grey

"but the music is special to me and takes me places." Ditto WH5150. Let's drink to that!
June 3, 2015 - 4:29pm

#7405

WH5150

Joined:
June 8, 2013

It is a bummer but.......

The cost is a bummer...... a bummer that while 7 CDs more than Europe '72 it is way more pricey....... a true bummer....... had to really think about it instead of it being an immediate purchase. Though in the end, bit the bullet. took some happy hour drinks to make me do it though. I am bummed it was so pricey and there is a bit of gouging going on. but the music is special to me and takes me places. Do I think that was taken advantage of? yes I do. Do I think I will get my money worth out if it? I guess....... but a bummer they took advantage of our love of the music. Peace Roger PS re-tape the video. Its terrible. Unwatchable. WITF! would any company worth its weight in SPAM post that crappy video. Nope. Its not complicated, if it is too windy tape it indoors. Does this really need spelled out? Apparently
June 3, 2015 - 4:05pm

#7406

mayormarionbarry

Joined:
April 4, 2008

1300 left

The number of available boxes are going up! Maybe they found more?
June 3, 2015 - 4:04pm

#7407

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

sound reproduction

I've watched a lot of talk about mp3/flac/cd/hd cd/vinyl. What I see as a few points. I have a top notch stereo (Conrad Johnson tube preamp, threshold statis amp with Magneplanner MG3 speakers), it does sound great. When I bought it the salesman had several words of advice, first you audio collection had to be worth 4 times your system or you pissed money away. Two if all you listened to was FM radio, don't buy this system. Third you will ONLY hear this quality if you sit quiet in the right spot. If your doing the dishes, cleaning the house working in the yard you will NEVER hear what the system is reproducing. I don't sit in front of my stereo much anymore, in fact its been stored for quite awhile since the speakers need a fair amount of room to work right. Most of my listening is in the car, on my computer speakers or some wireless shit I have in the garage and backyard. They all sound fine and you will NEVER hear the difference in source material in this listening environment. I have some nice computer speakers (Bose Companion 5), they attach via a usb port and sound incredible for 400 bucks. The junk in garage and backyard sound great while working on cars or floating in pool or weeding backyard. The car system is the "best" stock Toyota Avalon system, sounds good enough. I also have cheap computer speakers scatter around the house and have a cheap laptop I use as a jukebox to stream the music off my hard drive of my desktop. So on Saturday night when me and the wife are getting ready to go to dinner, I hook laptop to bathroom computer speakers and let fly. Echo in bathroom, think you'll hear the difference in flac/mp3? I don't. Certainly you can hear difference in mp3 levels, most of my music is 320 levels, audiobooks are 128. I have found with audiobooks if people rip at a 64 rate there is a ringing sound. Music I will not even take for free if its under 128. 128 sounds fine on cheap wireless speakers in pool while hanging with friends. Size considerations,,, mp3 320 is a lot smaller that wav or flac. May not matter to some, (some commented about eating up GB's), well I have 500,000 songs, by over 6,000 artist and almost fill a 5 TERRA BYTE drive. So even if flac sounded better while cutting the grass :-) I can't fit a half a million songs on a reasonable amount of space. And don't forget, you need TWICE the space so you can backup collection. I have a 5TB drive for backups that I only attach to machine while backing up, then it's unplugged to protect it. Plus I have copies stored outside the house. It has taken 15 years to get to this point so I am WELL backed up. Also too I'm gonna be 60 in January and even though I swear I got great hearing (still the only person who can hear a toilet running in the house!!:-) I still gotta believe I have some high end loss. So you really need to ask yourself how and where do I listen to music. And really what do I listen to. I don't think Andy Williams needs a 30,000 dollar system to listen to on, nice though his voice is! The Dead definitely can utilize a great sound system, full range and large sound stage. MP3's are very convenient, I know Neil Young is going around complaining about them, but you also know that man gotta be half deaf from standing in front of crazy horse and sonic youth :-) So I'll stick with my 320 level mp3 and be able to carry 50,000 songs on vacation in a player the size of bic lighter or hell, your cell phone. PS - there are differences in mp3 players, the iPhone doesn't sound as good as the Samsung, for a player I use a Cowan Iaudio, have the same one for years now. My buddy uses his Samsung galaxy phone and blue tooths it into his car, sounded fine that last time I was out with him.
June 3, 2015 - 4:04pm

#7408

Syracuse78

Joined:
July 15, 2010

Wow, I just tried watching

Wow, I just tried watching David's video. I usually enjoy those and find his enthusiasm infectious. The first thing he says is how he can't control the wind and some folks don't like it in the videos. Well, I watched two minutes and it was so annoying, I decided it wasn't worth it. I am sure he had interesting comments to make, but it was like listening to a phone conversation that keeps cutting out. I am sure that he is right in that the area he likes to shoot these is inherently windy and he can't stop the wind. But perhaps it might make sense to shoot it somewhere slightly less scenic but a lot quieter. Oh well. I've just been skimming some of these posts. Seems like the usual reaction to a big box. I haven't noticed any comments about the video. Have people watched it? Does the wind/sound issue get less annoying? Hey, this is coming off negatively and other than being disappointed about the video, I think this is a cool release. For all those folks who wanted better representation in the latter years, here's your chance to put your money where your mouth is. For all those who wanted some really early stuff, you should be happy too. For all those who like the late '60s - '77 era, there's more of that! For all those who think music should be free, man, well you're out of luck. lol
June 3, 2015 - 3:50pm

#7409

cheyler196

Joined:
June 20, 2007

filthy

I agree with your first sentence. Wholeheartedly. Didn't what I wrote seem to communicate even the TINIEST bit of sarcasm? Or was it the word 'fucking' that offended you? Not that I really care, just wondering. Your political affiliations are showing... I'd apologize but my apologies would not, in fact, be genuine. Cool boxed set, and completely apolitical too! Almost anyway. Still want to get 2-9-73 Maples and hear JG stepping all over Wavy Gravy's 'not political' announcement at the start of the second set.
June 3, 2015 - 3:44pm

#7410

kevinbrandon

Joined:
February 3, 2011

Hey Cosmicneil-THE OFFER I CANT REFUSE

I am inerested in your offer pm me

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

ouch dave

i know that cannot be fun. Didnt know they can use electrostim or tens to stimulate growth. Wish i could get you some medicine for pain. As Doc would say, here is a cookie. Though I do not have any 1971 lined up.

USB Issues

As a stop-gap solution, they could setup a download site for USB purchasers.... I would have thought it could have been done in a day, even allowing for the size of 24/96 files (Livedownloads.com do it every day, with no problems), and then send on the actual USB at a later date. Maybe they are worried that we would DL and then cancel.If we knew the exact problem, maybe WE could come up with a solution that would satisfy the majority of people.Everytime, it's comes back to ..... BE HONEST with your customers !

My 2 Cents

I've enjoyed the box a lot. So far I've listened to '66-'72 .'85, '87 and found all shows to be worth a listen at the very least. I know I'll go back for repeat listening frequently. Of course '66-'72 bear repeat listenings but '85 is no slouch if for no reason but the 2nd set.

I stand corrected again

I told folks over a month ago to be patient when their boxes weren't showing up as there is too much for anyone to absorb to quickly. I now humbly apologize with the deadbolts. I was certain all would have the music by now. Will think positive thoughts for your shipment. At least no boxcutter problems...

digital book file

@Oswald55, thanks a lot. I found it in my order status :)

outpost

Glad you finally got your Greek tickets! Laugh, those were decent shows, I had a great time. Not sure I could get my butt up those hills today.

Greek Theater

Saw Neil Young there a few weeks ago. Great show, but those seats are absurd! Bench's with numbers where you sit, with enough room for a stick figure! In fact, I can't find a venue that is comfortable enough for my old bones. Standing room only, bench's, bar stools, crowded as hell. Sheesh, where are the elderly friendly venues! Couch at home with video I guess!

USB - download or replace with a box?

I would take either option in a second! My biggest retail regret of the year or maybe the last few is clicking order on the USB back in June. Still don't know why I did it. I wasn't reading carefully, thought I would get all the little goodies and not the bulk of the CDs I guess. I also don't see why we can't just download our stuff and get the little bolt later on. I DL FLAC HD stuff all the time. it's not a big deal.

USB Debacle

It is clear that neither dead.net or Rhino give a shit about this. There are dozens of rants on this board and nothing positive has happened. This is deplorable in terms of customer service. Just tell us when, if ever, we will get the product we paid for long ago. I also don't care about the lightning bolt. Just set this up for download - all I want is the music, the rest of the crap you can keep.

BBB

Sounds like it may be time to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau over these USB's. I really hate to hear about you guys getting a ration of BS when you call. I had to file a complaint against the FTW folks. Long story short, I sent some shirts back to be exchanged. I talked to the agent who assured me they would be back in less then 10 days, I was fine with that. After 2 weeks I started calling. Got the same old excuses at first. Then days turned into weeks, then a month. I called several times, started taking notes. I called, sent emails, did everything I could to simply get my FTW shirts back. I finally registered a complaint with the BBB. The next day I received shipping notice with tracking number. I spent so much time on the phone with the customer service people. Took over a month to get my shirts exchanged. Pathetic service. If enough of you register complaints maybe things will move along. This release was suppose to be a happy occasion, instead its turned into a cluster fug. I really hope you all get your music soon. They could put the files on a 256GB SD card and put it in an envelope. Best of luck. Phil

dead.net customer service is dead on the job

They really don't know what they are doing. Untrained, inexperienced. I get replies from them saying one thing that I know is not true. It's like tech support when I call about a computer issue - more often than not I know more than them.

BBB link

Here is a link to file a complaint with the BBB for dead.net http://www.bbb.org/search/?type=name&input=dead.net&location=&tobid=&fi…

7 inch 45

Has anybody ripped their 45 to mp3 yet? I don't easily have access to a turntable anymore and would like to have these 2 songs in my files. If you ripped them to mp3 (best level) and would be so kind I'd take a copy,,, I'm sure they're small enough to email. dennis

Digital Version of the 7" Gold Vinyl

I second Dennis Wlimot's request for digital versions of the "Caution" and "Box of Rain" that are on the 7" Gold Vinyl in Boxilla. I contacted dead.net, but was told they could not provide downloads. FYI: The "Caution" can be found on "Birth of the Dead", but the "Box of Rain" has not been officially released. I'd love the "Box of Rain" from Chicago 7/9/95 . . . Thanks somebody!

That Box of Rain..

doesn't sound too good. It's really just something to have for a collectible or for nostalgia purposes. I'm not sure you will listen to it more than once if you can get through it at all. It's pretty painful to listen to actually, you kind of start to feel the full weight of things, realizing it is the last song they ever played and how bad it sounds and it just made me sad when I heard it. Don't think I will ever listen to it again.

Box of Rain...

was released on the CD that came with Phil Lesh's book "Searching for the sound".

Still It's Grate Counterpoint

Thanks Simon – you're right the early copies of Phil's book came with a CD. By the time I got my copy, that CD had become scarcer than a Rockin' the Rhein Bonus CD. Anyway, I have heard a soundboard version of that swan song Box of Rain. I'd still love a digital version of its official release. You can definitely hear the accumulation of years, but for me it underscores the bittersweet passing of all those years (I was 12 in 1965). For me, it provides a historic and poignant exclamation point to the amazing arc of the Grateful Dead's career.

The BBB? REALLY?

Surely that's not the way we handle things within this Community! Hey!-- nobody's more PISSED-OFF than I am about being treated like a mushroom as I impatiently wait for $700 worth of long-overdue Music-- SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!-- but since when do we go whining to The Man when something is amiss inside our own "Family"? This clusterfuck will surely be remembered as one of the largest in Dead Merch history but we ARE gonna eventually get our Music-- YOU know that and I know that. There's no danger that Dave or Dr Rhino are gonna pocket our cash and run off to an out-of the-way Country without a U.S. Extradition Treaty or something! And neither Dead dot net nor Rhino are suddenly gonna declare bankruptcy leaving us to watch our hard-earned Cash flushed down a corporate toilet. Be Pissed! Be Let-Down! Be Sad! Vent a little on these Message Boards if you need to but the BBB??? REALLY?!?!?!?

Searching for the sound was such a great read..

really enjoyed Phil's book. I got the paperback so missed out on the CD. Hope to receive Bill's for Christmas this year. I have a bunch of books about the GD at this point. My first one was the inside history of the Grateful Dead, I could not put it down when I got it! I also remember how fascinating the annotated GD lyrics book was to me when I first read it. So much to learn about the long, strange trip!

RE:USB - download or replace with a box?

I thought the same thing too. I thought i would get all the goodies, just not the bulk of the CD's. Come to find out we only get the USB drive? And it still cost $700? That's unreal! You would think that without all the fancy manufacturing the USB would have cost less. That's why I assumed it would still come with the book, the 7", hell... even the box! That looked like some cool shit. And what do the USB people get? NOTHING!!!!

45 and searching for the sound.

Glad someone mentioned where those 2 cuts on the 45 can be found. I have birth of the dead, so that's covered. I have a downloaded audience of last show, so I have Box of Rain. Doesn't sound as good as "official" copy. You're right about will probably never listen to either cut as a cut, but the anal side of me just likes to have things together and in order. Since I only got a used copy of Searchin for the sound, I never got (or even knew) about a cd. What is on it? Anything good? Or is it just stuff that's already out there?

Waiting for physical replacements 30 TRIPS

I have contacted the Folks at CS, and they assured me I would be taken care of. Its been about 2 weeks and nothing, except for the immediate generated generic response "thanks for contacting us.. bla blah" I could have wrote "everything is fine and dandy with my order" and would have got the same generic response.. But really, "NO" everything was not "fine and dandy." Multiple failures in my 30 trips box sets. Over 2 weeks with nothing more than a generic response is unacceptable. I am using the appropriate contacts provided from the website I ordered from, will I get an acceptable resolution in a timely manner ? WTF is going on at the warehouse and other places that Rhino has picked. I have been ordering things, probably since 1998 or 2000. And 2015 is the 1st year I can remember any issues. This is like the 5th order that was screwed up this year for me. And the free shipping LOL, they finally put up a disclaimer, because what they were doing earlier was false advertisement.

@deasos16

The USB people get 24 bit files. The people that got the box get CDs (16 bit files). You're basically paying $700 for a better sounding product. Not sure you can hear the difference but that is why the USB is the same price as the box.

Another complaint - 30 trips

80 CDS and not 1 version of "Ripple"

mojobrojo . . . FAMILY? REALLY?

I agree that this community has a familial aspect to it, but Rhino or Dead.net Customer Service? You've got to be kidding! They are businesses. In America, we expect a certain level of integrity from businesses that we do business with. If you deal with a business that does not deliver integrity, either through their product, service or communications, then we have the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to try to warn our fellow consumers that all is not right with a particular business. Businesses don't want to have a negative report with the BBB. Which should motivate most of them to provide business practices that keep them off the "sh*t list". If you've dealt with Dead.net customer service, you'll know that most of them fall into one of the following categories: (1) don't give a shit, (2) completely stupid, (3) liars, etc. Why do you feel the need to protect them? Are you an employee of one of these companies. If you're not, apparently, you don't mind the goodwill among the GD community being completely taken advantage of here. Does being family mean they have the right to f*ck you up the ass! I expect more from family! As someone pointed out some time back, would anyone accept what is happening here with any other business. Doubtful! I didn't order the USB version, I ordered Boxzilla, and had problem after problem getting attention for resolution of my damaged box. It wasn't until I got marye involved that anything happened at all. It made me f*cking crazy. I just can't imagine what you USB folks are going through. If I lived in the town where Rhino or Dead.net customer service resided, I would feel compelled to show up there and let them know personally that they SUCK! But for those that can't do that, there is the BBB. Hang in there USB folks. And mojobrojo, I don't mean to jump on your sh*t, but your suggestion that it's inappropriate to contact the BBB is seriously questionable.

@mbarilla

I had a major problem with my 30 Trips box. I contacted MaryE (the mod for dead.net) and she contacted Dr. Rhino. Took a couple weeks but I now have a new 30 Trips box, and Dr. Rhino just mailed replacement cases for two shows that had box cutter slices. Honestly, I have had so many bad experiences with Dead.net customer service over the last few years that I didn't expect much, but once I contacted Mary she took care of it. I did call customer service two or three times and got the same type of answers you did. On a side note..I placed an order last night for the Studio Vinyl box, but no greeting card was added. Plus, I never received a memorabilia ticket with my last order. Called customer service and since the order was about to ship they couldn't do anything about it..but I did get free shipping on my next order (after November). edit because of the post below: I think the people a Dead.net do give a shit, but they're just not well informed on what to say. They take the orders and give out refunds. Almost all the other problems are forwarded to Dr. Rhino. I doubt they have any idea what the problem with the USB is. If you feel you need to go after someone, then you should be going after Rhino.

Maybe MaryE can help with the USB

How do we contact her ? Maybe she could get a response from Dead.net that we can rely on ?

Ripple is hard to come by...

They didn't play it very much. I love the version on Ladies and Gentleman, such a beautiful song! The acoustic versions on Dead Reckoning are also very nice indeed.

thanks, The Dude77

it is nice to know that help is on the way. I was just looking through an old GD calender from 1984 and I believe the same Mary you speak of has some photos featured in there. Mickey with a big ol' smile (not sure what Billy's tee shirt says?) Cool Pics :) "Where Drums speak out, Laws hold their tongues." - Thomas Fuller (1608-1661)

agree, Ridin that Train

it would have been a compromise to get that one in. I am glad you mention the Ladies and Gentlemen,, LAG is a Top 10 release for me. I hope the next 71 release has as many gems as that one. Bring on the 1971 Dark Star The Other One NFA > GDTRFB > NFA Good lovin Lovelight Smokestack Lightning

USB issues

I contacted Marye once years ago about my order and got answers real quick. Maybe at least we could get a honest eta

USBBB

At this point, I am pretty well resigned to waiting it out knowing that someday I'll be pleasantly surprised with the USB package on my porch. It is tough going to the mailbox each night and seeing packages from my wife's internet shopping addiction that maybe could possibly be the usb, but are not. It's like when I really wanted Mattel Electronics Football I for X-Mas, thought it was under the tree, but the box contained socks instead. As for the "family" issue, although I have never had a problem with rhino before now, I can't see them as family. While I like their niche and buy just about every dead release, they are, after all, a subsidiary of one of the 4 behemoth music companies, Warner Music Group (according to my brief internet research on Wikipedia). So I think they are well equipped to deal with a few BBB complaints. Since this was supposed to be a birthday gift last July, my mother may want to know what is going on with her gift. The last thing anybody wants is a determined 70ish Quaker retired elementary reading teacher coming after them. Fair warning now given...

Half-Full and Then Some (or Don't Blame the Messenger)

Sounds like gui2i3 had a totally different experience with Customer Service than me. During a year when the Powers-That-Be probably bit off more than they should have, I have received prompt, response each time I have contacted Customer Service. They may not sit on the board at dead.net or Rhino, but they’re obviously (to me at least) not some fly-by-night answering service. I too have gotten frustrated with the delays and lack of communication, but those issues are not the fault of Customer Service. CS may not have been able to always give me the answers I’d hoped for, but they’ve taken the time to provide the correct answer to my questions. I haven’t encountered a single rep that fits any of the categories gui2i3 listed. We all seem to agree that dead.net supply lines have been stretched past their limits this year. Maybe it’s just me, but I appreciate the fact that the PTB weren’t afraid that their reach might exceed their grasp. I am grateful that they aimed high and have been trying to deliver unique musical offerings in exceptionally creative, artistic ways. They could have taken the easy way out – thrown together a few safe cookie-cutter offerings and called it good. Instead they took a chance and have created something worthy of the 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead. Many/most of us may be disappointed in how the PTB (not their proxies in CS) have handled some of the inevitable problems with ambitious, one-of-a-kind efforts. I for one am very thankful that the effort was made to do something special (and risky). I do think of myself as a member of this huge, inclusive FAMILY. As such am willing to share the risk inherent in the amazing efforts made on my/our behalf this year. In a few months, our frustrations with the multiple musical birthings of 2015 will be old memories. Onward!

customer service

i don't blame the people answering the phones, etc and while i agree that we have been given a ton of tunes to listen to this year, etc, the famed PTB can surely be professional and provide honest answers for a very sizable purchase. that's all. (it's not like we are waiting on a $10 SYF Christmas ornament or something) i don't care about the delay. send it whenever its properly ready but a) you can't have my money until you send me a product and b) just tell us why and when. not so hard to be an actual business and explain something to your core backers.

Can't Win for Tryin'

I'd rather they try than not. I'd rather they grow than rot. Rocket science it's not. This place is getting hot. I'm glad Rhino and TPTB have a profit motive to make this music available to me. My empathies to those still waiting for the USB. I sat this one out, but my spidey sense was tingling from the start on the never-done-before USB release. I hate being right, this time. Does anyone know if "Dr. Rhino" has the appropriate credentials to claim such a moniker? Just curious. (Having earned mine the hard way, I get hinky when I think I'm being fleeced. Like when military guys bust a poseur at the shopping mall.) Dr. Rhino has been great to me. If I was waiting on my USB, I'd be busting HIS agates. Happy weekend, Deadlandia! Off to see DSO, first show in 10 years! Where does the time go!?!?

still----

Boxzilla makes me smile everytime i look at itand grab another year to listen, still 8 to go and then start all over again. What a trip , what fine work, thanx Dr Rhino and Dave L.

no

UNBROKEN CHAIN toobut it is on 7/5/15 - heyhey

Venues

Hope your recovery goes well Dave. I hear you on the uncomfortable venues, I recently had surgery and apparently the anesthesia caused nerve damage, which left me basically bedridden the last couple months. I had purchased TAB shows prior to the surgery though, and decided to push myself to go to the shows. I made it to the venues ridiculously early in order to find seats at a bar or wherever available and made it through the Showbox in Seattle, but the Crystal Ballroom was another story, I ended up spending the 2nd set in my car laying there in too much pain. I also noticed that I was being judged for not "moving enough" during the shows, like I was giving people a bummer vibe haha. It's because I was in a personal battle with debilitating pain throughout my entire body people lol. Needless to say I haven't even considered tickets for anything else, I can barely stand for more than about an hour. Was planning on getting Arlo G tickets too, well hopefully they find out what's wrong with me by april.

@JeffSmith

Are you waiting for the USB ?

Outpost...

I don't think customer services are the people you want to be blaming or contacting about the USB screw-up. I've had many problems (2 months to get a pre-paid return for damaged Sunshine Daydream) with them that were obviously their fault, but this is one time when I believe that the people who answer the phone have not been told anything. Some news would have leaked by now if they knew. I feel for you guys/girls on this one, but If I purchased the USB I would be sending mass amounts of e-mails to Rhino or maybe Warner Brothers Music.

TheDude77

Dead.net took my $700 .... they should be providing the solution. But I just sent Dr. Rhino an email, anyways !

Simon/Box of Rain

Dang Simon, you most certainly know your dead. I am constantly amazed!

Catching up...

Bummer for the continued delays on USB, lack of communication makes a bad situation worse. Anyone have a conversation with Dr Rhino on it? My dealings with Dr Rhino have always been positive. Issues I've experienced in the past was always corrected to my satisfaction... Got to see Dead & Co in Worcester, great show. Can't compare to seeing one of my favorite show with Jerry at the helm, but it was enjoyable. Saw two great shows this past week - DSO's 2500 anniversary show - was an elective show - they did an awesome Cumberland Blues. The real treat for me was the Ruben and Cherise in the middle of a Music Never Stopped / Scarlet Begonias sandwich (TMNS>SB>R&C>SB>TMNS) to close first set. Nice Dark Star tease into Dark Star in the second set. Last night saw Steve Hackett at Lynn Memorial Auditorium, another really good show. His singer was a genetic vocal twin to Gabriel for the material they performed. Not sure if Steve plucked him from The Musical Box cover band or not but very spine tingling vocals. The woodwind player was extraordinary as well. Thanks Jim for convincing me to go... Nothing beats live music - highly recommend those three shows. As for the boxzilla sequential listen, up to 77 and still loving it. Have a great weekend!

rbmunkin/Mr.DC

I hear ya on the venues. Where I live they are building a small outdoor stage set up with multiple brewer/beer gardens/restaurants attached. Will hold 1,500-1,800 people for the burgeoning of smaller touring acts say like mule, or DSO, or TTB. Problem no seats. Stand, blanket, take your pick. My old bones just can't do the standing thing for 3 hours anymore. Dang making my athritic knees hurt now.

Guilty as Charged

“Are YOU waiting for the USB ?” You got me there Outpost. I received my box three weeks ago – you’re right, there’s no way I can imagine what it’s like to be one of you BoltHeads waiting in the dark. Empty as it sounds, I truly hope this resolves soon. In my last post, I was hoping to deflect some of the unwarranted heat from the CS folks in the trenches. And, as I said, I don’t think any of us are impressed with the recent lack of communication from TPTB. A lot of the angst could probably have been avoided with a little timely information during the various delays. Still, I’m glad they stuck their necks out and took a chance on doing something special for the 50th. I hope that we’ll soon be able to look back and be grateful for the killer music and that much of the sting of having to wait for months will be left behind.

Searching for the sound limited bonus CD

Dennis Wilmot, you asked what was on the CD that came with Phil's book. As usual, the indispensable Grateful Dead Family Discography site had the answer, thereby saving me the trouble of typing all the info from my copy. http://www.deaddisc.com/disc/Searching_For_The_Sound_Bonus_CD.htm

boblopes

Awesome. Wish Hackett would come this way. DSO2500 bet that was fun. Still have not heard D&C should I be looking for tapes?

Gary Farseer and USB

D&C free live stream from 11/7/15 is on YouTube. No USBs and no info is a disgrace. My guess is that GDM outsourced it all and can only sit back and say WTF. But that is not an excuse for not giving the customers an update, especially since the customers are addicts who buy lots of stuff from dead.net.

BBB is worthless anyway

It is well documented that the BBB is on the take. Money gives a higher rating and if you don't pay, they slam you.

@Ridin that Train; Bill's book

Bill's book is the best Dead book I've read! Loved it.

product sku

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