Forums
"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
Orpheum Run
The Orpheum shows aren't in the Vault. I'm not sure though whether Betty recorded them and they are a part of the missing stash, or if there's no possibility of their release in the future. If I could change one show from the Box, which seems like a fun game, it would be the '76 show. Not that 10/3 isn't worthy- but there's no '76 release with a classic Help/Slip/Franklins arrangement. 6/14 or 10/1 is my choice for the one show box substitution.
Busted
When the big box announcement finally happened last week I was torn. Lot of cash but I know I'd hate myself if I did not buy one. I spoke with the wife who is not a Deadhead, but understands my love for the Dead. She said no. Too much money, and I am in between jobs so the reality is the box is not affordable at this time. Bummed I was.
Late last Thursday I decide to place an order, or try to place an order. You see my credit card does not have the required funds left on it to make the purchase. But I figure my card will be declined and that will be that. Needless to say the order went through and now I have a confirmation sitting in my in box. In Australian dollars the total comes to around $938. Hopefully the charges drop off before the wife notices. Now I have a few months to come up with the money. Happy I am!
The weekend goes by and everything seems good. Today I'm in the process of getting a couple of home brews going and was having a conversation with the wife about a phone call I received for a job interview tomorrow. I happened to say that the job isn't great but I have a box set to pay for. She gets a Serious look on her face and says, We need to talk about that! Right away I said "You said yourself you need to have available funds or the order won't go through." You know trying to blame the bank, not me. She says; "It shouldn't have gone through but that is not the point. You don't know the amount of time I spent trying to order you that box for your birthday. I tried to do it online and it wouldn't work so I called customer service they said they are having problems with ordering and then listened to him tell me how his sister and husband may be moving to Australia, etc etc. I'm even having it shipped to my mom's so you wouldn't know."
So there you have it. Apparently I now owe her tons of sex.
Chilly....
My jaw is on the floor. I have heard rumors of Things in Australia being backwards to this here... like the toilet swirls down the opposite way. .. Or people actually like vegemite.... haha
But are you telling me, that in Australia if u buy a box set, get busted for doing it by your wife, your punishment is that you owe her tons of sex????
In America, our wives find out we buy a box set surreptitiously, we get our balls chopped off.
totally the opposite.
I'm moving.
My wife.....
Last December found my GD cash stash, I had been saving my pennies from the day the countdown to the 50th started, I'd saved $1,642.00 until she "discovered" it, I didn't really hide it, as the cash envelope was hidden in plain sight. I put in the kitchen cabinet next to the "good" dishes she found it when she had me take the dishes down so she could wash & dry them for Christmas dinner, needless to say she freaked out, she accused me of everything from restarting my drug habit to having an affair with another woman when I told her what it is for it didn't make things easier however her mind was put at ease, to be perfectly honest with you kind folks here on Deadland things just haven't been the same entre nous since that day. Time heals all wounds however it has changed how I do things with my wife. I learned that hiding "things" from the wife shows a certain level of mistrust, especially when I trust my wife implicitly. Due to certain circumstances beyond our control I was NOT able to order "30 Days", however as a result of those circumstances my wife & I have never been closer. She's been thinking up ways for me to order "30 Days" however I told her to not worry about it as our daughter's needs are more important than any box set. She's upset that I wasn't able to purchase one especially when I had the money saved up, Baby girl I love you more than words can tell.
Chilly you owe her more than sex my friend, she too is a GREAT woman NEVER let her go!!!!!
Brent Rulez,('89-'90 4 Lyfe..)
Anyone who has completely written off post-'77 or Brent is missing out big time, I feel bad for them, because they are not getting the full scope of the Dead's amazing evolution. Seriously, start again and listen to "Without a Net", "Dosin' @ the Knick" and "Nightfall of Diamonds", or Disc 2 of DP6, That stuff is totally valid and not to be missed, do yourself a favor.
Brent Rulez,('89-'90 4 Lyfe..)
Anyone who has completely written off post-'77 or Brent is missing out big time, I feel bad for them, because they are not getting the full scope of the Dead's amazing evolution. Seriously, start again and listen to "Without a Net", "Dosin' @ the Knick" and "Nightfall of Diamonds", or Disc 2 of DP6, That stuff is totally valid and not to be missed, do yourself a favor.
DEFINITION OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD
The definition of the Grateful Dead sure put's a new spin on the recent high priced anniversary. I would say throughout the 50 year span the "Hero" and the "Debtor"("Campanion") have changed roles and at least a few occasions.
This time for the WORKINGMAN'S DEAD I sure wish the fans had a low cost choice to enjoy this ride. My vote - single show purchases...
DEFINITION OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD
Alternate title: grateful ghost
grateful dead, in folktales of many cultures, the spirit of a deceased person who bestows benefits on the one responsible for his burial. In the prototypical story, the protagonist is a traveler who encounters the corpse of a debtor, to whom the honour of proper burial has been denied. After the traveler satisfies the debt, or, in some versions, pays for the burial, he goes on his way. In another version of the story, burial is prescribed for religious reasons but prohibited by civil authorities. It is this version that forms the theme of the apocryphal Book of Tobit in the Old Testament.
The hero is soon joined by another traveler (sometimes in the form of an animal, or, in the story of Tobit, an angel), who helps him in a dramatic way. In some stories the companion saves the hero’s life; in others he helps him gain a prize. In many versions, the companion offers to aid the hero, but only on condition that they divide the prize. Then, as the hero is about to comply, the companion reveals himself as the grateful spirit of the deceased whom the hero helped to bury.
E72, 30 trips
Hello again, I purchased the original E72 box when it first was announced, at that time they said that there would never be any others made, then they announced the individual show sales and the music only sales, this made the original box NOT what it was advertised as, a defective product. I guarantee you they will not make that same mistake, there will be no music only box, or single show downloads or sales, if they do, that would also make this box FALSE advertising and a defective product...grounds for any and all not to pay for it. Also, what's up with the taxes? I have never paid tax on a dead product before, now, 50 plus extra bucks for taxes? What gives? What if the state you live in is not on the list of taxed states? How do you get this tax off of your bill?
And the money just keeps on flowing, after this 50 year thing, these guys will never have to perform again.
It's a sad, sad day, Robert Hunter said it best in his blog, one day, this wonderful music will no longer be heard in concert halls and arenas, it will not be out there for all the world to hear and experience the wonder of it all, well folks, this day is upon us.
I miss Jerry and the Grateful Dead. Thank God they were wise enough to record these shows, so future generations can hear what we all experienced, one afternoon, long ago.
defective?
I can't quite agree that if they decided to sell 30 trips as individual shows this would make the box set somehow "defective". Are you saying the box set would lose it's value? Only in relation to the value you place in it, unless you plan to sell it it will retain whatever value you ascribe to it. If you have the Europe 72 trunk with all the bells and whistles that doesn't suddenly become devalued just because you can buy an individual show. The bottom line is this..the music deserves to be heard by all who wish to hear it. Some people can't pay 700 dollars for one box set. Does that mean that we don't deserve to EVER hear those shows because it might make your big box "defective". I can't get down with that kind of thinking. At the end of the day it's about the music being heard not the collectible value of a box set. i am happy to pay for the music and do not expect it to be given away for free but I could care less if they decided to re-release everything they ever put out even if it was supposed to be a limited edition or a one time thing. It makes me sad when I miss out on getting a Dave's pick or can't find a copy of a bonus disc because I just want to hear the music, that's all that matters to me. I have not nor will I ever sell any of my collection so the commercial value means nothing to me. I just want people to be able to listen to this great band.
Opposite Land
Brian, your post about everything being reversed in Australia is one of the funniest things I've ever read on this site. Nice.
I've been reading all this, and uncharacteristically silent. I think the people who've pointed out the difficulty of having great shows (like Lindley) being buried in a 700 dollar box are making a valid point, and I don't really understand why that upset other people. It's not whining, to me, and most even added something like "but I'm sure those who can afford it will love it!"
As the "wife" posts indicate, this is more than an issue of "affording it" - heck, I have the money for it. Problem is, it's not like there aren't many other things that cost money in life (tuition, sports gear for the kids, car issues, home repair, etc). Some people basically accused others of not being farsighted, because they didn't save up for the inevitable big box. Pshaw. One can "have the money" but have trouble with prioritizing this. Some sympathy for your fellows would be nice.
I'm having my own ethical struggles with how to go about purchasing this.
Like Brian said, I should move to Australia - I love my wife dearly, and she's frankly hot as hell. Smoking hot. More sex as "penalty" would be pretty okay with me :) But here in the northern hemisphere....
Kate - welcome back! Where is Cosmic Badger? Angry Jack Straw ... you are a good man. Wissinoming - positive vibes and love to you and your family.
random recommendation of the day
Sleep: Dopesmoker
recently discovered alternative when I need to hear something besides the GD.
gruh gruh GRUH BUH gruh
give yourself an hour and 10 minutes for a change of pace you'll never forget.
missed the point
what I am saying is if they release individual shows, this box will not be as advertised, bait and switch, say one thing, do another, that's like saying I'm only going to make ten of something, charge what ever the market will bear, make a bunch of money, then make a bunch more and sell them for cheaper. If that isn't bait and switch, I don't know what is. Also, there was never taxes before, the shipping charge covered the taxes, now, taxes and free shipping, but if you wait you will be charged shipping and taxes, sounds like double charge to me, but what do I know. I have to pay taxes at the end of the year on all internet purchases, what about this one? double pay?
My comment was never intended to fire anyone up, just an observation. This has happened before. I never planed to sell this box, nor divide it up and sell it or burn copies and sell them, just a loop hole that I have discovered in the advertising of this set, that's all, take it if you need it, or leave it....
I do not agree that this should be a limited edition, I think all should be able to get it all, at whatever cost you can afford, but to say it's a limited edition, then release individual shows is false advertising and can come back to bite Rhino in the butt, that's all I'm saying.
Riding that train, value is a subjective thing, isn't it? I never mentioned value or anything about "my big box" I can't afford this thing anymore than you can. I just see a potential for problems in the future with non payment if they decide to go with releasing shows that are suppose to be "limited". Kind of a lie, don't you think?
Advertising
I have to agree with PTBarnum. When the E'72 box came out, they said it was 7200 offered and then no more. Then they released the "Music only" version. Not fair in a way.
I think you have to read between the lines with Rhino. They say these shows will not be offered individually on cd. So that means they can offer cds in groups, like maybe by each decade or some other grouping? It also means, I think, that eventually downloads will be made available. I want the cds so I don't care if they do offer downloads.
I think they will wait until it sells out. After all, on the Spring 1990 TOO box they offered downloads right away and now they have over 400 boxes on the shelf. I believe Rhino is trying to avoid storing anything.
Some have argued that the cost of storage is minimal. And while that may be true, please remember that they have to pay taxes on inventory and also the longer these things sit in a warehouse, the greater the chance they could be damaged or they might get "lost" and find their way out the back door. Not that I am pointing fingers at any Rhino employees, but we all have to realize that things do tend to happen as time goes on.
Rock on
50th Box ......DAVE PICKS #15
Some have seen me a bit cynical & snide on these boards regarding releases ( and lack there of post-1978)....NO MORE, I could not be happier with the 30 TRIPS box set! Bravo to David L & TPTB for their great selections, especially post-1978. Although the 1972, 1973,1974,1977, and 1978 shows look very stellar & unique also.....that being said I'm always curious & just wondering how DAVE will possibly top this box with DP#15?!?!
....I think the loose rumors are true & Dave and Co. will finally release 5/8/77 as DP#15. If not, then we will probably see 4/26/84 IMHO & research. One last thing, for those bitchers about the 50th Box pricetag: 1) think about how much you're getting for the $700 2) stop d*cking around on these boards & go to work so you can afford this STELLAR Box Set.
Thanks DAVE!
@stoltzfus
Dopesmoker is quite the dirge. Try it on vinyl with on a good set of speakers with nice, defined bottom end. It will definitely shake the house, and you will feel it in your chest cavity, for those who love Phil bombs.
If you haven't heard, I also recommend the album by Fuzz with Ty Segall. Sooooo good, and great guitar tone.
RV3
What research etc do you have on 4-26-84?? I am a HUGE fan of that show and have openly lobbied for it, however, with 10-12-84 in the Box, I believe we have seen the last official 1984 release. Would love to be wrong though and am curious to hear what you base that upon.
affordability
I agree that if they say they will only make a certain number and then go back on it that is false advertising. I just don't think they should say anything about anything in relation to limited quantities or this is your only chance to get this. It just isn't the way it's supposed to be in relation to the Grateful Dead and their music. They ARE different and I just don't see them like I see other things in life. And saying get to work so you can afford this box, I have to laugh. It's not that simple for some of us. I have the money for this box, I could buy 10 of them if I wanted to, but I have a wife and a child and a mortgage and all that other life stuff that you have to pay for and it is not a good idea to plunk down that much cash in one shot for a box set of music. It's just not responsible to me. If they sold these a la carte for 30 bucks each I would eventually buy them all and spend 900 dollars to do it in the long run. I just am not a fan of limited edition anything, it just seems like a cash grab or a way to make people panic buy something because they think they won't be able to get it if they don't or a way to drive up prices on the secondary market. not the GD way to me at least. I mean they weren't even going to tell us what all the shows were until it got leaked. They just wanted us to buy it without even knowing what would be in it and we still don't know how it will be packaged, what the box will actually look like, etc. Think about buying a car or really any major purchase. Would you buy it without even really knowing what it was, takes quite the leap of faith.
@ Stoltz - Death, Taxes, and MAMU
One of my favorite t-shirts of all time... I would buy one now if I could find one, however I am saving up for this ridiculous box. Too big? Yes. Too expensive? Absolutely. Must I have it? Damnit, yes.
Peace
Europe 72 box set sold out in ...
The Europe 72 box set sold out in about 4 days, much more faster than expected. It was then "The Powers That Be" decided to sell the full set of music as "Music Only Edition" and not too long after that, each show was also made for sale individually. And that's the way it still is at least for awhile. I wouldn't mind if that would be the case with this "30 Trips ..." box. Also sell the book as an individual item. The 7" vinyl single and scroll and the housing box are for the lucky ones who bought the box set before it sold out.
Shout out to Brent!!!!
Its gonna be a long long long....crazy night!!!CRAZY NIGHT!
1984 and other thoughts
When Dave's Picks was first announced, and the collage of dates appeared, there were two '84 shows mentioned, neither of which are included with this Box (10/9 and 11/2). While this may be the last we see from '86 and '95, hopefully we're not done with '84. If interested, there are at least 7 shows from the Dave's Picks collage that are included in this box:
9/28/75
10/3/76
5/16/81
10/21/83
9/18/87
10/26/89
10/27/90
I could have sworn that
I could have sworn that 10-12-84 was on that collage.
As for selling the book separately, that would be a good idea but that should be done now for the folks who buy the USB version. I personally did not want all the discs or the packaging that is going to accompany 80 CDs from a storage perspective. But I bought the box because that was the only way to get the book.
agreed
I completely agree with ridingthattrain, this is not the way it's suppose to be. Everything you said I agree with, release the music to the masses and let us purchase what we want when we want it, period. Limited editions is just a marketing tool to get an item sold as quickly as possible. with this release, along with most recently, Rhino wants the money up front before they even think about making this set, why else would they ask you to pony up cash now and release it in mid September? They have nothing to lose, and only massive profit to gain.
You're right, not the way it's suppose to be, but then again, the entire 50th year celebration is not what I supposed it to be.
I had to laugh when I heard Dave's pitch to Rhino about this set, he stated they all perked up when he mentioned this, do you think it was because of all these great shows being released? or was it the prospect of huge rewards? Something to think about.
I heard a rumor that this was the final year of Rhino's contract with the dead and the vault recordings. Hopefully whoever takes over, weather it be Rhino or someone else, will do things a bit differently.
Collage cont'd
On the Dead.net homepage, when Dave's Picks was first announced, there was a series of shifting dates that appeared. You could try using the Wayback Machine on Archive.org, from around maybe September or October 2011. Last time I checked there was only one series of these dates available via the Wayback Machine. The complete list, and what it does or doesn't mean, has been elusive. I do have them written down, at least as many that were captured, and will post them later if interested.
The list
1/20/68 Eureka Municipal Auditorium- Eureka, CA
4/21/69 The Ark- Boston, MA
9/19/70 Fillmore East- New York, NY 11/7/71 Harding Theatre- San Francisco, CA
8/24/72 Berkeley Community Theatre- Berkeley, CA
2/15/73 Dane County Coliseum- Madison, WI
6/15/76 Beacon Theatre- New York, NY
5/18/77 Fox Theatre- Atlanta, GA
1/18/78 Stockton Civic Auditorium, Stockton, CA
1/15/79 Springfield Civic Center Arena- Springfield, MA
10/14/80 Warfield Theatre- San Francisco, CA
5/16/81 Barton Hall, Cornell University- Ithaca, NY
10/21/83 The Centrum- Worcester, MA
10/9/84 The Centrum- Worcester, MA 7/29/88 Laguna Seca Recreation Area- Monterey CA,
10/26/89 Miami Arena- Miami, FL 9/26/91 Boston Garden- Boston, MA 9/13/93 The Spectrum- Philadelphia, PA
9/28/75 Lindley Meadows- Golden Gate Park- San Francisco, CA
6/10/73 RFK Stadium- Washington, DC
6/30/73 Universal Ampitheatre- Universal City, CA
9/11/73 College Of William and Mary- Williamsburg, VA
6/14/76 Beacon Theatre- New York, NY
6/22/91 Soldier Field- Chicago, IL
6/23/74 Jai-Alai Fronton- Miami, FL
1/2/70 Fillmore East- New York, NY
3/29/93 Knickerbocker Arena- Albany, NY
11/2/84 Berkeley Community Theatre- Berkeley, CA
10/27/90 Zenith- Paris, France
5/26/73 Kezar Stadium- San Francisco, CA
5/17/74 PNE Coliseum- Vancouver, British Columbia
1/22/78 McArthur Court- Univ. of Oregon- Eugene, OR
3/9/81 Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
4/23/69 The Ark- Boston, MA
5/19/74 Portland Memorial Coliseum- Portland, OR
5/26/77 Baltimore Civic Center- Baltimore, MD
10/3/76 Cobo Arena- Detroit, MI
11/4/77 Cotterell Gym- Colgate Univ. Hamilton, NY
9/18/87 Madison Square Garden- New York, NY
7/31/74 Dillon Stadium- Hartford, CT
totally
I hope so too, that would be something to celebrate. I know as time goes by more of the older heads that actually saw the band are less and less but the newer generation will discover the dead for themselves and the cycle will continue. My 9 year old daughter LOVES the GD. She can sing all the songs and her favorite song is Fire on the Mountain. She has been hearing them every day since she was born so she really didn't have a choice! But the point is do we really want to make this music exclusive? When the next wave of kids discovers the magic of the GD do we want to limit what is available to them. I say make it ALL available and sell it all. People will keep buying it, trust me, it's never gonna end. The band is too good to ever be forgotten, they will endure forever.
the list - thanks
Thanks for the list, hard to see, found the link
https://web.archive.org/web/20111025005517/http://www.dead.net/?
shows on the list in the box
9/28/75
10/3/76
9/18/77
5/16/81
10/21/83
10/26/89
10/27/90
exclusivity
wasn't exclusivity an unintended part of the dead scene for a long time? i just think back to the beginning of infrared roses and that guy yelling 'he'll give you EVERYTHING HE OWNS for a new years eve ticket!!'. i remember seeing people climbing up 2-3 story fences at rfk stadium to get in to the show; that was their way of skirting the exclusivity; can't afford the ticket? climb the fence.......some people got tickets and some didn't. that's still evident to this day; i'd say the chicago shows are nothing if not exclusive. it may not be what the band intended, but it's the reality - those shows are the definition of exclusive. i think the idea that releasing a box set like this is some how adding exclusivity to the music is just off - it's just an opinion. there is SO much dead out there to be heard. by owning a computer, one is included on so much of the dead's music, it's almost like you'll never run out. the internet gives everyone the ability to climb the fence and get in - no one excluded. folks may not be able to afford this box set, but it's not like they could ever be shut out - sure, you may not have the $700 box set on your shelf, but you still have access to more grateful dead music then you could realistically listen to in a year.....heads in the '70's didn't have that luxury. just offering a bit of perspective.
E72 Box Trunk
Remember how much of a cluster bleep that purchase was at first. I consider the Europe 72 tour the "holy grail" of tours. No question. Placed my order hours after I received the email from dead.net and to my horror found out days later that it sold out in less than 48 hours and I had only received a confirmation of my desire to purchase the box set. Remember Rhino and the boys needed a firm commitment for at least 5000 or so orders before they took upon the project. And since many were still reaping the benefits of selling their copies of the Fillmore 69 box sets on eBay they thought they could also cash in on the Europe 72 box. I remember that weekend seeing on eBay people already selling their advanced copies of E72 trunk for $1000 or more and had secured more than ten copies. Thankfully the people at GDM figured this out and only allowed one order shipped to the same address which got me Trunk #5584
exclusivity
Well I agree with you in that if you want to hear the music it is all there if you can type in archive.org and turn on the computer speakers. I meant being able to hear these shows cleaned up and given the full sonic treatment in all their glory. Some people don't mind listening through tinny computer speakers and I do that a LOT when I want to hear a show I don't have but it makes me want to OWN it that much more. To be able to take it with me wherever i go and enjoy it any time or anywhere I want to.
You are completely right though, this is the best time in history to be a deadhead for strictly having access to the music. It's truly incredible how much is available to hear. I can imagine how it must feel to have been listening to barely audible cassettes back in the day just to hear the band live versus what we have now. we are truly blessed!
Seriously
Making all single 30 shows available would be a major production planning headache: how many 90s shows to produce? How many 70s shows? A limited number edition makes perfect sense. Each disc will cost you ~$9 ea, how can anyone call this a cash grab? To give a perspective, the Complete Duke Ellington RCA box set sold for well over $300 when it came out, and contained only 24 discs(and of course, none of the $ went to either Duke or his sidemen since they were all long dead.)
Also, if they decided to make single shows available for download, it still would not diminish the value of the box as a collectible(the original Beatles cover has not been devalued because it has been reissued a few years ago.)
PT Barnum (and like-minded others) - I am frustrated too,
but, I understand why it has to be this way. Maybe this will help put it in perspective......
You wrote: "Everything you said I agree with, release the music to the masses and let us purchase what we want when we want it, period. Limited editions is just a marketing tool to get an item sold as quickly as possible."
This is the way that they need to do it to 1) make a profit, which they're entitled to, and 2) invest some of that profit into future projects, which provides availability of more shows for Grateful Dead fans in the future (some of which you may approve of).
You also mentioned, "I had to laugh when I heard Dave's pitch to Rhino about this set, he stated they all perked up when he mentioned this, do you think it was because of all these great shows being released? or was it the prospect of huge rewards? Something to think about."
Well I thought about it, and I decided that while it would be nice to pay one flat rate per show for (say 30 dollars) for whichever shows I wanted, it would benefit me, because I wouldn't be stuck with all of the substandard 80s and 90s shows that are included; but I also know that they are a business, and they're not going to take a loss for any customers - no business does this. And that is what would happen if they adhered to your business plan - assuming a sellout of these box sets before September 18th (which is almost a foregone conclusion), they will have sold 195,000 individual shows (6500 x 30) in 3 months by doing it their way. Your alternative idea, is for them to sell 195,000 individual units in 3 months, which is not going to happen, based on past experience. When you look at the numbers sold by other series, such as Road Trips or Spring 90 (The Other One), they're going to end up with a warehouse full of overstock for a long time. Time is of the essence in business; they may as well burn the money.
So, I get your frustration, and believe me, I don't want all 30 shows for $700, I only want 13 for less than half that - but if the alternative is nothing at all - well then I'll just pony up and sell off my overstock on eBay (probably to you), and hopefully pay for my 13 shows with the proceeds - thank you!
corrected list in box
corrected list in box (typo, meant 87 not 77)
shows on the list in the box
9/28/75
10/3/76
5/16/81
10/21/83
9/18/87
10/26/89
10/27/90
Around the sun...
Felt really bad about this at first. Limited to 6500? Couldn't they have given the 80s guys some relief by not making them have to buy ten 70s shows again? For a total of $700?People tearing their box sets apart before even getting them?But now I have ordered it. And it's all good. This is just too exciting. Can't wait for September. With all those single shows being offered here, everyone might get what he wants.
And: A few days ago I realized that the cinema in my Southern German hometown will screen the last Fare Thee Well show on July 6! It won't be live, but anyway. The cinema might sell out quickly because it's rather small, probably a capacity of 50 or so. Never thought I might have the chance to attend such a kind of MUATM here in Germany. They call it "The Grateful Dead In Concert"...
Seriously - Duke Ellington....
Just checked, used copies of the Duke are now going for 400 bucks and new copies are 600. I looked because it sounded like a great set to have. As long as we're talking money, have you seen the prices some want for Pure Jerry disc!
LoveJerry , I will gladly buy those Unwanted 80-90's shows
if you are selling them at $10 bucks a pop. $15 if its your lucky day. Just kidding good luck with those listings.
*Zuckfun thanks for posting the list. A few definetly stick out.
3.9.81 must have been nixed at some point in favor of another show, Could have been a switcheroo for 4.6.82 or RT MSG90 was chosen as the MSG material.
1.2.70 - classic Dark Star and following sequence
6.10.73 - 3 set epic, which a small portion will be featured on Sirius today at 7pm
Most questionable Date on the List is.. 9.11.73
Just for the fact I have heard on record, the Vault Master state the Horns shows would not be released.
Daves 15 my prediction is a selection from 1973 or 1976
A show that will include a few of the following,
Stella Blue
Eyes
Bird Song
Playing in the Band
I will take 6.10.73 or 6.30.73
product sku
081227955892