Grateful Dead

I second the 72 NRPS Veneta CD, they played just before the Dead. Its quite good and it looks like you can get it on Amazon and the NRPS website. They probably get a couple extra bucks if you order it right from them. Here is the link. http://www.nrps.net/musicandvid.html oh.. btw.. I have said this on these threads several times over the last few years.. if you ever get the chance to see the New Riders, take the plunge. The ticket prices are extremely reasonable as are the musicians themselves and they still tear it up. David Nelson is a living legend in my book and Hunter has assumed the songwriting of late. Oh.. speaking of meeting people I got to meet the band at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas WV the last time they played there. Good fun, great show. See these guys, they are always touring.

Hmmm, kind of met on some of these - you be the judge. 1991, Rush Roll The Bones Tour at the Spectrum. My brother worked for Spectacor at the time, so he had access to the entire facility. We watched the sound check from one of the first level doorways, then headed down to the section that overlooked the tunnel to the dressing room so that we could catch them coming off the stage. We missed Neil, but said Hi to Geddy and Alex from about 10 feet away. My brother said something like "We're big fans, will be at the show tonight. I risked my job to come say hi. Alex was cool and said hi. Geddy goes "Well hi then" looking ultimately annoyed that we were there. Hey man, I hope you enjoy your nice lifestyle I helped pay for. 1994 Yes Talk Tour. Was listening to Chris Squire and Trevor Rabin in the WMMR studio the afternoon of (I was 22, so no job to speak of). I used to dial up and request songs all the time in those days, so I impulsively dialed (thinking nobody's going to answer, which happened about half the time anyway). The DJ picked up in one ring (I don't recall who, but not Pierre); so I was really caught off guard, having thought nobody would answer. I said "Hi, can I speak to Chris Squire?" He said sure, hold on. Now let me just say, Yes had been one of 4 favorite bands who I had seen every tour since '84, and had all of their records, so I was thinking, "shit, what do I say." Chris Squire said hello - definitely him => really weird hearing the British voice I'd heard on a million interviews right there on the phone, and I said some perfunctory shit about being a big fan, and then I mentioned that I had loved his solo album, Fish Out of Water (this was released in 1975, his only solo album, and out of print since 1976). Well, let me just tell you - the way to get a famous musician to start talking is to mention the work they're most proud of, their lone solo album that only sold 10K copies. Jibber jabbered with him for about 5 minutes before closing the loop on the discussion. The last thing I said was that I would be there at the show that night in the second row (I'd spent a small bundle with a ticket agent to get the tickets); his reply: "Great, wear something sexy." I tried to say hi to Trevor, but he was listening to the Yes song they were playing on the radio at the moment on headphones, so he couldn't speak. Musicians. I played poker every week with L.J. Smith for 3 years, if you count him as famous (he did have a touchdown reception in a Super Bowl). P.S. - lol, I forgot to mention - when I told my wife the Yes story, and how I wasn't able to speak to Trevor, she goes "oh, he was too busy admiring his own work to say hello?" Wives. P.P.S. - oh yeah, slapped 5 with Carl Palmer and Keith Emerson from front row at ELP / Yes show.

Deadco cincy is a week away. Can't wait to hear the new songs they have in the rotation this tour. Thought I read somewhere bobby was hoping to have passenger ready. Will be interesting to see where Johnny can take that to. Would love to see a reappearance stuck inside of a mobile too. Not sure when they played that last but I don't recall any recently. And of course there is Day Job. Bring it back already we can handle it . Lol

When you played football against King Crimson, who was the bass player at the time, Boz Burrell or John Wetton?

I think we met on the train back from the 2nd night of Santa Clara. I remember your story about jumping in your seat on Downhill From Here. I was one of the 3 scottish guys. And here you are: https://youtu.be/OekWK7LorMw?t=11m59s

DaveRock, If you're looking for sets by support bands, there is always "Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972" by the New Riders (on Kufala Records - now defunct I believe), their set before the Dead's "Sunshine Daydream" performance. Fame? I once played in an impromptu 4-a-side football match (OK, soccer to you ex-colonials) against King Crimson before their gig at Bournemouth Winter Gardens in the early '70s. Odd pairings... Yes as support to Iron Butterfly, also in the early '70s. Most of Yes joined the Butterfly for a mega-jam at the end of the show. "Metamorphosis" was their current album at the time. A fine disc. Captain Beefheart in '72... Saw him at Bickershaw. Also began with an amazing bass solo. One of the most memorable performances I have ever been privileged to witness. To have seen the New Riders and the Dead that same weekend made it special - as did the weather.

MetGrace Slick at a painting exhibit she was hosting of her work, she is still beautiful and those eyes, wonderful lady. Met Frank Zappa at a hotel, him and his big Samoan body guard and his cute little hippy chick on his arm. Met Randy California and Ed Cassidy several times, once they were eating dinner at the table right next to me, didn't bother them then, they were hungry, right before the gig, also at Brassy's in Coco Beach, Fla. My wife at the time had gained access back stage and was sitting on Ed's lap, she was a dancer and he had his eye on her, the look on his face when I walked up and introduced my self was priceless, that guy had one hell of a grip, same night smoked a joint with Randy backstage, he was a really cool dude that would talk to you about anything, and loved talking music. Met Joe Walsh back in 69, another down to earth guy. Got Chris Squire and Alan White to sign a classis Yes cd back in the 90's. Met Jon Anderson that year also, wow, that guy was a real trip. He talked just like he sang, like an angel. Shook hands with Robert Hunter in 03, he was checking out Dylan's set with the Dead and he was standing right next to me. Backstage with Dire Straits in 79, but that's another story.

Funny.. I read this just as the closing harmonies were being sung from the We Bid You Goodnight from this show. It was today's featured noon concert on SiriusXm radio. Pretty cool coincidence.

17 minutes of Franklin's Tower? Yes please! Philly Beer Week is almost over. Drink and be merry.

I was driving Stephen King's car to the parking garage (I was a valet at a fancy hotel in Portland) and I got into a minor accident. I had to explain to Mr. King what had happened while the hotel staff worked out insurance stuff. He was pretty chill about it all. And speaking of kings, at the same hotel I rode in an elevator with BB King, and I carried his guitar case. He didn't tip, but I didn't mind. And once I had to escort Shari Lewis to an engagement, as she was terrified of being recognized by fans. You might remember her as the voice (and hand) behind Lambchop. That lady was nuts.