Grateful Dead

The band goes into Berkeley's Fantasy Studios in February to record, but nothing much comes of it. Contrarily, the band's concert sound is at a peak. Speakers made by John Meyer's Meyer Sound Labs are run by Ultra Sound, which is owned by two ex-Hot Tuna roadies, Don Pearson and Howard Danchik. It has become an essential part of the Dead's musical evolution. Directed by Dan Healy, the tradition of the Wall endures, on a less-is-more basis. On June 21st, the Dead performs its first international benefit, playing in Toronto on behalf of Seva, an organization founded by the Hog Farm to fight blindness in the third world. The show is broadcast nationwide. In June, the band returns to the stage to perform 'Dark Star' as an encore. As they walk out, a shooting star crosses the sky. The first official tapers' section is established during an October run at the Berkeley Community Theatre, another modest beginning to a far-reaching tradition.