Grateful Dead

Even though the band would play in Europe now and then, I'm not a very lucky person, and they seemed to stay away the three years I lived in Germany. The show at the Greek was my first back in the States. Listing the first 13 Dead shows I attended was really easy, and done with 100% certitude. I was living in Southern California during that time, where I counted myself lucky that the Dead played there even once a year. For all but one of my remaining ten shows (for a total of 23 + two post-Jerry shows would make 25), I was living in the Bay Area, which is a whole other story. The frequency of the Deads local appearances, repeatedly in the same small handful of venues, makes it hard for me to really be sure which ones I attended.

I found my people!!!!

Life-changing on many fronts. Spent the day on line duty with my friend Steve's friend Bennett, who I hardly knew at the time. By the end of the evening we were pals for life. (Bennett, known as rosebody hereabouts, co-founded the Well's Grateful Dead conference with Gans and me.) This is a classic instance where the setlist isn't that much to look at (to me anyway) but the music was incredible. Franklin's Tower, one of my faves then and now, was a straight shot to infinity and beyond. For years Bennett and I used to greet each other with "happy anniversary" on this date. Due to unfortunate world events, we don't dare do this in email any more lest we be branded terrorists.

my second show

My second show and a long time coming to what became my most attended venue. Zippity Do Dah Zippity day My oh my what a Grateful Dead Day.

Watched all three shows at the Greek. Came up from LA to see my girlfriend and went to all three shows. Never slept.