Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • Sway714
    Joined:
    jonarobb
    Thanks...I am happy for you. I also sent them an email about 15 mins ago. I just want closure one way or another.
  • jonarobb
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Got it at 12:02AM. Subject
    Got it at 12:02AM. Subject says "Roseland Confirmation". Body of email is sparse. Venue instructions, time and location of show, and my name in bold print. Has a link at the bottom for Dead.net complete contest rules.BTW, I sent GDTSTOO a rather direct email about an hour ago telling them what I thought about the whole shebang.
  • Sway714
    Joined:
    jonarobb
    Have a great time. Just curious what time did you receive it? Pst or Est time?
  • AntoniBro
    Joined:
    Confusion about "Guest" - Help Dead.net, need some clarity (^_^)
    I am a winner for Roseland and I did not see any place on my entry form to enter in the name of a guest. My winning email clearly states that "I have been selected to receive (2) tickets" but I do then also see on the email that it says, "The person accompanying them must be the same individual whose name is provided upon entering the ticket giveaway and this person must also provide a valid state-issued PHOTO ID in order to enter." And, my winning email has my name as BOTH the Winner and the Guest! Myself (Winner) and my guest are driving from very far tomorrow for the show, so we hope to get some clarity on this here in the next 12 hours before we hit the road! Boy this is confusing!!! I am praying that this is like how they did it when Phish played at the Filmore and you simply need to show up at the door with your guest (whoever it is) and if your name is on the list (as the winner) for 2 tickets it gets you both in. If someone from Dead.net gets this with any affirmation or clarity on this you can email me a response directly at antonio@dailypassion.com See you on the dance floor! (^_^)
  • jonarobb
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    I can't believe it!
    I just got a confirmation email from GDTSTOO with my name on it. I take back everything bad I said about everybody except George Bush! See you at Roseland!
  • Sway714
    Joined:
    ceo3west
    I have had enough of this waiting...I just sent GDTS an relpy email asking them to clarify their intension. I will post their reply if and when I receive it. Why do I need to go thru this. It should have been cut and dry....Yes..... draw me a map!
  • ceo3west
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Also
    Further evidence that the latter part of the email related to the sweepstake entry on Friday from 6-9 is because this is what the entry form asked for, which is in the fine print of your email: Entrant's First Name Entrant's Last Name Entrant's Email address First Name of Entrant's Guest Last Name of Entrant's Guest
  • ceo3west
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Sway
    This is the email I got. The top portion clearly does not sound like a sweepstakes entry. I took it that I had won. I figured the bottom portion of the email related to the initial entry into the sweepstakes from 6-9pm on Friday. When I get an email stating "You will be sent an email confirmation voucher that you must print and provide for entrance to the event", I take it to mean "You will be sent an email confirmation voucher that you must print and provide for entrance to the event".
  • Sway714
    Joined:
    O.K. Here is the original e-mail I received from GDTS
    In the subject line: The Dead 3/30/09 Roseland Ballroom - you've been selected Hello, You have been selected for the GDTS TOO allotment of tickets for The Dead's performance at the Roseland Ballroom on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 11:00 PM. The intention of this small venue show is to provide an opportunity for fans to see The Dead in an intimate setting for free. Here's the deal.... You must respond to this email by Saturday, March 28 at high noon! Do not phone or email with any questions or you will be disqualified! This offer is non transferable, it is for you only! You and your guest must have a photo ID for entrance into the show. 2 tickets per person limit No tickets will be mailed out. You will be sent an email confirmation voucher that you must print and provide for entrance to the event. Once at the venue all concertgoers will be required to provide photo identification along with a copy of the email voucher which will be checked against our record of your confirmation. Once confirmed you will be allowed entrance into the concert. To avoid long lines; you are strongly encouraged to arrive early. You must enter the venue upon arrival and there are no in/out privileges. Please return this email with an "accept" or "decline" in the subject box. Again, this email must be returned by Saturday at High Noon. I responded "accept" and that was the last I heard from them. Pretty deceiving if you ask me because it was followed by this in much smaller print: Here are the Official Rules: The Sweepstakes may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry. This Sweepstakes is governed exclusively by the laws of the United States. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the United States. You must provide the following: Entrant's First Name Entrant's Last Name Entrant's Email address First Name of Entrant's Guest Last Name of Entrant's Guest All entrants must have a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Only fully completed entry forms are eligible. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor. Start/End Dates. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN March 28, 2009 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Eligibility. Participation open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia who are eighteen (18) years of age or older as of date of entry. Void outside of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the United States or the District of Columbia. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Tickets for the above-mentioned performances are not available to the general public. Tickets to all concerts will be given away free through this or other sweepstakes and other methods. Thus, the total approximate retail value (or "ARV") of all prizes to be awarded is $0.00. All Prizes are non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. All winners are responsible for their own travel and/or transportation to New York City no later than the date of the performance for which they receive tickets. **PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR OF ANY OF THE VENUES FOR THE THREE PERFORMANCES DESCRIBED HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO ANY OF THE VENUES UNLESS YOU ARE A PRIZE WINNER OF THIS SWEEPSTAKES, YOU HAVE RECEIVED E-MAIL CONFIRMATION FROM THE SPONSOR, AND YOU HAVE ADHERED COMPLETELY TO THE PRIZE REDEMPTION PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. THE DEAD AND THE SPONSOR APPRECIATE YOUR RESPECT AND COOPERATION. Notification. Winners will be notified by electronic mail within twenty-four (24) hours prior to the shows. This electronic mail message is sometimes referred to herein as the "E-Mail Prize Notification". Winners will not receive any further confirmation from Sponsor that they have been selected as a Prize winner other than the E-Mail Prize Notification. If you do not receive an E-Mail Prize Notification, then you were not selected as a Prize winner. If Sponsor attempts to send you an E-Mail Prize Notification and such notification is returned as undeliverable or otherwise does not reach you, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Sweepstakes rules and requirements (including, without limitation the Prize Redemption Procedures set forth in paragraph 7 below), such Prize will be forfeited. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given. Prize Redemption Procedures. Each winner shall be solely and personally responsible for adhering to the following applicable procedures in order to redeem their Prize. If any winner is considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time they appear at the relevant Peformance venue to redeem their Prize. Prize Winners for Performance at the Roseland Ballroom - Winner must print out a copy of the E-Mail Prize Notification they receive from Sponsor confirming that they have been selected to receive a Prize. - Winner must bring a copy of such E-Mail Prize Notification, along with a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) to the venue box office no earlier than 5pm on the date of the performance and no later than 11pm on the date of the performance - Once box office personnel verify Winner's identity and status as a Prize winner, Winner will be given two (2) tickets to the Performance. Winner may then present tickets and seek entry into the venue as soon as the venue doors open (at approximately 8pm). - Performance is scheduled to begin at 11pm. ** FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED ABOVE EXACTLY AS SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN WINNER'S INABILITY TO COLLECT PRIZE AND GAIN ENTRY INTO THE VENUE, IN WHICH CASE WINNER SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE FORFIETED ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO THE PRIZE THEY WERE AWARDED. SPONSOR SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD FORFEITED PRIZES TO OTHER SWEEPSTAKES ENTRANTS. Conditions. Any and all federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. Participation in Sweepstakes constitutes each participant's permission for Sponsor to use his/her name, address (city and state), likeness, photograph, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information, and/or any statements made by each participant regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor for any lawful purposes whatsoever, including, without limitation, for advertising and promotional purposes, without notice or additional compensation to the Sweepstakes concerned, except where prohibited by law. All entries become the property of Sponsor. By participating, entrants and winners agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its advertising and promotion agencies and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and for any claims based on publicity rights, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, trademark infringement or any other intellectual property-related cause of action. Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, shall be disqualified. Additional Terms. Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth in Section 1 above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed; robotic or similar means of entry are permitted. Sponsor, its affiliates, partners and promotion and advertising agencies are not responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one's ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor will select the winners from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. **CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
  • ceo3west
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Bamski
    When did you get this?
user picture

Member for

16 years 3 months
Forums

The band says Happy New Year with an announcement of almost twenty shows in April and May.  More details to come!

https://dead.net/dead09

user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Let me begin by saying my blood pressure went through the roof a few minutes ago. I am having a very difficult time breathing - for real!!!! I have taken 4 hits of albuterol in the last 10 minuites - I am so damn happy. GDTSTOO!!!! Priority mail - Shoreline Amphitheatre section 102 row CC!!!!!!! Somebody hug me phuleeeeeeezzzzzz!!!!!! For all the bad vibes for GDTSTOO - I got plenty of love to share!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! THANK YOU GDTSTOO!!!!! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I will be bringing 2 decorated banners on tour. Both banners are being designed by talented artists. I will be at every show with them(except the second shoreline) and already have plans to meet up with lots of people from this site to get them signed. I am trying to get as many signatures as possible! I will also be taking fun pics with them at scenic locations like haight/ashbury corner... times square and everything in between! If you would like to make arrangements to meet up and sign, please email me at jphilipedwards@yahoo.comHope to see you at the show! Peace 42% of all statistics are made up.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

Sounds pretty cool about the banners, i'll sign it in Philly, save me one of those homemade beers too bro., i'll return the favor in the lot.Phatmoye
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

congrats! Those are very, very fine tickets (and I am all the more happy to see them go to someone for regular price). I got mine yesterday too. We're in the 201s. I'm happy. I can't speak for GDTSTOO, but they do not normally deal with credit cards at all, so I suspect there were a few infrastructure issues adjusting to the sudden new reality. Anyway, thank you ticket ladies!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

They started taking credit card orders as Ruby was retiring and Francie was coming in, we did credit card for last fall ratdog, and GDTS TOO and ladies rock, even Elvis over there!!!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

see, someone usually knows more than I do!
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

PRESALE TICKETS HAVE ARRIVED!!!!! But then again, my only show is Greensboro, so I should be among the first to get them? This waiting is making me crazy!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

there's a charity auction benefiting Rex, Unbroken Chain and Further Foundations for "the best seats in the house"--details are here: http://www.rexfoundation.org/deadtour_09.html Other than that, I dunno, particularly the 3 a.m. part. I can't find anything about it on the Shoreline site (shorelineamp.com).
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

oops..didnt mean to type Charlotte earlier...we realized this concert is on easter so we will be unable to attend..I have 2 tickets in section 234 row F....just wanna get face value back. if anyone interested giarc8371@yahoo.com is how i can be reached...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Just being looking at the e-mailed rehearsal and inauguration videos.Come on guys,how about one last European tour and make one old Brit very happy.Neary six years since Ratdog last visited us and its been too bloody long.
user picture
Default Avatar
Permalink

I'm bummed The Dead didn't put the Hampton Coliseum in the schedule. Would have brought back some fine memories...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

im thrilled, albany is the forth (?) gig of the tour too, so hopefully theyll the settled in to a nice groove by then
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

warm up the band for you northerners down here in the Carolinas!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Marye-Is there any way we can list our other shows on our "Attended shows" list? ie: JGB-RD-Further Fest-Other ones-Phil&Friends etc......
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I'll pass this request along to the tech folks. The short answer is I Dunno! But I'll see what I can find out.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I could use some advice please. I will be bringing 2 decorated banners on tour. Both banners are being designed by talented artists. I will be at every show with them(except the second shoreline) and already have plans to meet up with lots of people from this site to get them signed. I am trying to get as many signatures as possible! I will also be taking fun pics with them at scenic locations like haight/ashbury corner... times square and everything in between! My question is this....what is a good way to get the banners to the band so they can sign? I tried a letter to David Gans and he informed me he wont be on this tour or in contact with the band. I have asked everyone I know for ideas and have gotten some good ones but I am still looking for a way, if anyone can help. Feel free to email me at jphilipedwards@yahoo.com Peace.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

UnkleSam-Thanks for posting that because it brings up something Ive been thinking about lately-We know the Government is hurting right now and all the cities & towns need $$,bad- So dont be surprised if some of these cities that our happy little freak show is visiting dont have it in they're minds to make alot of easy money by busting and fining Deadheads. Im just urging everyone(especially the ones doing the whole tour) Be VERY careful this time- I strongly feel that evil minds are planning evil things. Dont mean to sound so dark- But to me it only makes sense that some people will take advantage of unsuspecting people just out to have a good time-Dont let them piss on our parade-Keep your stash real small, Dont deal ♪♪♪ "The heat come round and busted me for smilin' on a cloudy day!"♪♪♪♪Peace
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

"DON'T NEED DOPE TO DANCE" I couldn't have put it any better. The music should suffice for this kid. "When it comes to humility, I'm the greatest!" - Bullwinkle Moose
user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months
Permalink

Test me .........test me.........why?
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

There is definitely a shooting-fish-in-a-barrel quality about this for the thuggier side of law enforcement, so watch each card you play and play it slow. Sadly, the trouble with visibility is that it attracts people wanting to exploit and abuse you, in addition to more benign sorts.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

Hey Everyone! Sign up now to receive updates on the official Dead '09 Spring Tour Charity Auction benefitting the Rex Foundation, Furthur Foundation, and the Unbroken Chain Foundation. Check out www.charityfolks.com and click on The Dead '09 Tour picture to sign-up!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

TILL THE PHILLY RUN!!!! Good look on the extra caution Unlcle Sam."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 9 months
Permalink

I have tickets for the concert at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA ... they sent me some information about a dead threadz event. I guess they're asking fans to make a quilt piece so they can put it together and present it to the band? It seems like a pretty cool idea... any suggestions on what I should put on it?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

my sugestion is put on your favorite show...close your eyes and whatever you see is what you should make let your life proceed by its own design
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Yeah I heard about that too- I think you should visualize an image from one of your favorite songs and run with it--About the HEAT at the Dead shows- I have an old friend who's a local cop and he heard Mass. State Troopers will be targeting vehicles with Dead stickers on the highway in and around the Worcester area. Stay low-key guys-They need money and we are easy pickin's. Not trying to freak anyone out-Just tryin' to make sure everyone can have a great time with minimal hassels!!--Noonie-nice CASSIDY quote-see ya in WORC!!!!!!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

tj crowley well....DSO have announced their n.e. tour and i'll be able to get to 4 shows instead of one(1) GD....never thought i'd see the day (or nite)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

Is it FACES??? Looks like a blurred out pink floyd cover.'things are gonna get stranger, so lets get on with show' "You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I dont know what the hell it is, I have seen something like that before during mind altering state This is def getting weider!!! and I like it!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Only 35 more dayz till showtime!!!!! ♪♪♪"March Winds Gonna Blow All My Troubles Away!!"♪♪♪
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Batcavejoe/Phatmoye!!! Tell the sicko to pull up his or her pants and get off the copy machine!! I'm needin' to hear some US Blues on this tour amongst many other tunes....... Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

I definately need my THE ELEVEN fix!! Hope I get to hear it in Philly."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Yeah Bro-Just read the tour schedule myself-2 shows at Hampton Beach,NH, 6/12-13!! Just so happens im up there w/my fam that week on vacay!! How sweet it is! Nice to dig on some LIVE DEAD music w/out breakin' the bank!! Whoever's in the area-you should go-Hampton ROCKS for concerts-Right on the beach-cool bars-cold drinks-warm nights-Deadheads dancing!!!Bring it on,baby!!!BTW-does PHIL still play that six stringer?? Thing's a BEAST!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Id be happy to get Scarlet/Fire or Cassidy/Deal or China/Cat---Love those combos!!! Lots of memories.....
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Meant to say CHINA/RIDER my bad....
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

Would be in my personal opinion DARKSTAR/CHINA CAT/THE ELEVEN, that would make my night. The only version I know of that is on the 1st box set. If anyone knows of another version like that, feel free to PM me with the date and year."You can never stop learning," Phatmoye
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Casidy/Deal for sure!!! I've always liked to dance to Tennesse Jed as well - I needs ta hear my theme song too!!!! LOL! Me & My Uncle plus Big Boss Man would be a bone shaker too!!! Why do the days to show time have to go by so slooooow! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 9 months
Permalink

Yo, Anyone truckin up to the chicago show from Rochester, NY area? Lemme know we should ride together and save gas/the world. peace
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Has anyone who did the faxing in mail order had their credit card charged yet? Or received tickets? I did the faxing in for the second Shoreline, on the day they went on sale. I know the fax went through, yet I am a little worried my card has not been charged, or no hold on the money yet. Thanks, Sunny sunnydrop73@gmail.com "The bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began.." http://sunnydrop73.blogspot.com/
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Awesome venue i seen alot of shows there....the night jerry passed there was a drumcircle on the beach till sunrise after the rat dog show....last time i was there my wife and i were in a phsycadelic state of mind...she looks at me and says i want to have kids..wholy shit i love you and all but i am barely sane....so our second one is due oct 2nd
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Here's a bit of reading about getting busted for Led Zeppelin and other bumper stickers in Illinois: SPRINGFIELD, IL - With the state legislature's passage of a bill last week allowing police officers to cite Led Zeppelin bumper stickers as probable cause for a vehicular search, Illinois became the 13th state to recognize classic-rock-related automobile decorations as grounds for waiver of a warrant. "We've known for years that there was a direct correlation between the presence of a Led Zeppelin bumper sticker and the likelihood of that vehicle containing a controlled substance like marijuana," said DeKalb County Sheriff Ronald Bauer. "However, it wasn't until last Thursday that it was within our power to act on this knowledge to make a drug-possession arrest." Illinois' action comes on the heels of the recent Supreme Court decision that the Fourth Amendment guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure does not require police to obtain a warrant if there is sufficient cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband. Following the top court's ruling, a number of states, including Utah, North Carolina and Wisconsin, moved to specifically name Led Zeppelin bumper stickers as a factor in determining whether to conduct searches. The decision, says Bauer, is supported by extensive data. Illinois state records show that in 1998, there were 362 cases in which a traffic-violation-related search of a Led Zeppelin-logo-adorned vehicle was found to contain illegal drugs or such drug paraphernalia as rolling papers, plastic baggies and metal pipes bearing a row of four cryptic symbols. Yet before the passage of HB 1921, ill-defined definitions of probable cause have meant that an officer acting on this knowledge was entering risky legal territory. "This is exactly what policemen have been asking for for years," said Bauer, who said the new law will precipitate a "considerable increase" in the frequency of drug-related arrests of motorists by Illinois police, especially in rural areas. "It used to be that if we spotted a car with that crazy-looking wizard on it, we had to just drive right past unless the longhairs inside were specifically doing something illegal." Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan applauded passage of the bill. "After the Supreme Court decision, it was just a matter of fine-tuning our interpretation of 'probable cause,'" Ryan said. "We've found that Led Zeppelin bumper stickers - or, for that matter, just the sound of "The Immigrant Song" or "Livin' Lovin' Maid" coming from an open window - is exactly the sort of smoking gun local authorities needed to establish a baseline for assessing that probable cause." Ryan continued: "When it comes right down to it, though, prudent officers have always, to a great degree, relied on common sense. If a vehicle, especially a late 1970s American-made sedan with a vinyl top and some rust, also bears a Led Zeppelin sticker, what are the odds the driver is not in frequent possession of drugs or alcohol?" Preliminary data seems to indicate that this logic is sound. In a Monday-afternoon field test, state troopers detained 100 Peoria-area motorists under the new Criminal Code 861.4/Section 8 (Probable Cause/ZOSO). Nearly 60 percent of the vehicles contained alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia, and nearly all contained suspected alcohol or drug abusers. Rockford resident Doug Wojcek, charged Tuesday with possession of a quarter-ounce of marijuana, was among those arrested under the new law. "I was minding my own business when some policeman pulls me over and searches my glove compartment," said Wojcek, 36. "It was just like when Robert Plant gets hassled by the cops in that one song 'Misty Mountain Hop.' Hey, what could I do?" "This is bullshit," he added. "What about the kids with those Nine Inch Nails stickers? No one is going after them." Despite such complaints, Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan spoke out in support of the law and advocated widening its scope. "We might have to add provisions for the search of vehicles bearing the Pink Floyd rainbow-and-black-prism, the Blue Oyster Cult symbol, or maybe even the word Ozzy," said Gov. Ryan, noting that many other states had already made these changes. "We cannot allow this law to become discriminatory in practice. It must serve everyone equally." Talk about gettin' busted for smilin' on a cloudy day! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Ryan hasn't been governor for years, in fact he's in jail as I recall. That said, there ARE benighted states where the courts have found that a Dead sticker constitutes probable cause, so don't be a test case.
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I assume this search is happening AFTER being pulled over for a traffic infraction? Which is bad enough... but being pulled over just for having a sticker I'd be getting a lawyer. "When the smoke has cleared she said, that's what she said to me. You're gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy"
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

having the sticker is probable cause for pulling you over, and yeah, I agree, that's bogus.
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Sheesh! how can we find out which states carry out this atrocity? "When the smoke has cleared she said, that's what she said to me. You're gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy"
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Yes Marye! That is from the Onion I think it 07.03.08. Sorry for posting such an old story - but it is interesting to see just how twisted the since of reasoning is in our gov! I'll proably get a ticket myself for bein' short, fat & ugly!!! Hey now! You can never take yourself too seriously! Lady finger, dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day goodbye Peaceful Journey To You All Saint Stephen