Grateful Dead

It just goes to show you Once in a while you get shown the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake

Today as I was starting a new job, I was having lunch in the employee cafeteria and everyone one at athe table had left except 1 guy. After a while I went up and said are you Thom? Yes. Thom _____, Yes. I introduced myself and he seemed to be in shock. He is my old friends brother in law, a little older than us, and he had seen Zappa, Jimi, Clapton etc. all back in the day.In 1977 we all lived together (with others too ) in a house in WPB Fl. I had sold enough lp's at the beach (at night) to buy tickets to 2 Dead shows, Lakeland and Pembroke pines.To the point, it was both my friends and Thoms first dead show 5/22/77 which later became a Dicks picks (wharf rat>terrapin>morning dew ending).We had 4th row center seats and I remember at one point they both had tears in their eyes.After the show we hung out behind the venue and Phil was playin with the barbeque jokin about a fire.It was probably Thoms only Dead show ever and he said something about them being genius. I was just thinking thanks guys for layin it on my friends.Time flies- 31 years later, what a small world!

I had driven down to Mount Gambier, South Australia from my home in Adelaide to install some equipment in the hospital there. Its a 5 hour drive (always good to put on the cruise control and listen to a couple of full shows at volume, and just flow), half-way to Melbourne, and in the middle of bloody nowhere. Anyway, as I'm checking into the motel, I notice the guy in front of me in the queue has an American accent. This is novel enough in SA to strike up a conversation; where you from, what brings you here,etc. Tuns out he had come from the Bay Area to perform some kind of environment audit for the local forestry groups. Of course I asked the question :What kind of music do you listen to? Turns out he's a deadhead too. BLEW ME AWAY! You don't find alot of us here. To cut to the chase, we went out to my car, shared a bowl, and listened to a couple of the opening tracks from the Halloween '83 show at Marin County Civic Center (a gret "Drumz", by the way; 17 minutes with Airto sittin' in), and a smokin' Dear Mister Fantasy from Phil and Friends at Red Rocks in 2001. A great end to what had started out as a pretty average day. Just goes to show you...

One summer in the 80's I had jumped on tour on the east coast and after 20-odd shows found myself in Ventura. The last night of Ventura was the end of the line, and I would be heading home. A friend's vehicle and my pack were back among the horse stalls, and I was wandering around, kind of half looking for the car and half not wanting to find it, not ready to say goodbye to the summer. An early 60's Olds with doors open and nobody around rang with the sounds of Dylan playing "Don't Think Twice It's Alright." I started dancing a little bit, drawn to the tune, when I turned to see a woman standing and staring at me, a large slice of watermelon at her lips. Dancers out there remember how in the search for good space it was not uncommon to connect with the same group of people show after show, venue after venue. The gal with the watermelon and I had danced near each other and together at maybe every show that summer. We always smiled at each other and I thought that she seemed someone I should know. We even played with a little country swing and space contact improv mirror dancing, etc... like we were old friends or even lovers. We never exchanged a word, though, as we never crossed paths except when the music played. So there she was, eating watermelon. I walked up thinking I should say something - maybe thank her for the good vibes. As I approached I noticed tears streaming down her face. We looked into each others eyes, and she held out the watermelon for me to bite. We stood, face to face, speechless, taking turns eating from the watermelon, now both with tears glistening off our cheeks. When there was nothing left but the rind, we hugged long and hard. Then she pranced away and I never saw her again. No words spoken, but much communicated.

Thats a great story spindancer,It just goes to show the kindnes and love that gets passed around at the shows.At the PENN. show in P.A. in the lot I was dying of thirst and couldnt find anything but booze, I didnt want to drive drunk home to Ohio,so I searched the lot for water or something. Turns out I ran into a head named Shane who I had not seen since the Grateful Fest in 06. He gave me his full gatorade and I gave him a huge hug.I hope to see him at the Philly shows. The good vibes will never die! Phatmoye P.S.-If anyones going to the shows, make sure you bring plenty of water!!

that is an awesome story. Thanks for telling it.

great story. And fitting song to be playing at the time; "we never did too much talkin' anyway, don't think twice...."

My hub and I came down to SF from Seattle for the Phil and Bobby show on NYE. The day of the show, we stopped in our hotel's Starbucks for a warm beverage before heading out to play tourist. While we're waiting, I decide to make conversation with a guy sitting nearby, who's wearing a Dead shirt, naturally. I ask him where he's from and he tells me Chicago. "What part?", says I, as I grew up in southern WI and know the area . He tells me and I tell him that I'm originally from Kenosha. He replies that he grew up in Keno, too. "Hmm...where'd you go to high school?", I ask, and he tells me Tremper, which is where I went, as well. "Okay, what year did you graduate?" " '81", he says, and by now I'm not effing believing this. "Dude (I'm not actually certain I said "Dude", but it sounds good)", I blurt out, WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" He probably thinks I'm totally mad, this redhead in a purple cape and ginormous fur cap. But he says, "Bosko", and I almost freak out. I graduated from high school with this guy! We haven't seen, heard from or thought about each other in nearly 30 years! Well, not entirely true...I heard him give his name to the barista for his coffee order and fleetingly recalled that I knew someone by that name in high school. In and out of my head, just like that. It's nice to know that someone I went to school with became a Deadhead! Maybe I'll even go to the reunion next time around!

1974, I hitchike to go out of Québec city. I wear my only GD tee-shirt (Foot under rainbow). I am on the main street to go to the bridge I have to pass to return in Montréal. Suddenly, a Winnabago stop and the door open. A young guy (16?) wave me to come in. My english speaking was very bad at that time, so he makes me understand why they stop showing me HIS GD shirt ! Chat as we can over the language, they bring me over the bridge. MAGIC. Iam woking as second-Head electrician for the Opéra de Montréal. One of my duties is to take care of the Maestro in the orchestra pit. Ten days ago, minutes before the Premiere, he tell me he is from Mass, and ask if I did pass by. I tell him that the last time it was to go to Portland, Maine to buy new GD shirts. ``Àre you a Deadhead`? he ask me and tell me that a lot of his friends are too. In the orchestra pit, seconds before the opening of MACBETH, we share a big smile!

Everybody meets stranger on the net now?

I have seen the Dead many times and met the sweetest folks on tour! I am settled in to my place on the River in Minnesota and looking for that kind lady to join me. We'll take in some shows, tend to the garden, and host some sweet gatherings. This story is about who I am going to meet not who I have met! I have two Tickets for May 4 2009 Chicago Dead ... I need to sell them or find a beauty to join me!Peace, Jonny

i just got home from a 10 day family vacation in hilton head. the excuse for going was a cousin's wedding- the rehearsal dinner was on a 'round the island cruise, the wedding was oceanside. so, we go into harbour town to board the cruise, and i see a grateful dead flag wavin in the breeze. when i find the boat, i see the most beautiful sailboat- huge, shiny, awesome. never got to meet the owner(s). no one knew whose boat it was- but it was a frequent visitor they all said... anyway, someone is out there with a gorgeous craft and the perfect flag... caroline

Tell me have ya seen her Talked about so many things Trippy hippy chick girl Dressed in scarves and rings Maybe it was the acid Maybe it was the vibe But for the better part of last night Damn we were alive I know she's out here somewhere Walking through the stalls Looking for seashells and tapestries To hang upon her walls Strange girl smelled of incense Rocked my fucking world Whirling like a dervish Have you seen this girl

I should preface this by saying that my car, a venerable Subaru that figured prominently in a car theft drama last year, used to belong to David Gans, and that the DMV was somewhat puzzled that I wanted to keep someone else's personalized plates on the car. But the plates say TNX JER, after all. And normally they attract no attention, either. This is Oakland, after all. But today I was out doing errands and stopped at a light when the guy next to me starts gesticulating frantically. I roll down my window. He commends me on my plates. I say thanks. He says he is at that moment playing 5-8-77 on his car stereo and is feeling most thankful to Jer. The light changed. We waved again and went our separate ways.

afterall.....we ARE everywhere.....!

it's a miracle you got that fine dog hair collection back, along with the car.

My kids play Challenger baseball, a division of little league that's for kids with disabilities. To put this in context we live in a very conservative area and I often feel out of step around here. Anyway, when we went to the game tonight I wore the Grateful Dad shirt I got recently. There is one Dad there that I've seen for several years and he seemed "pretty local" to me. He came up to me this evening and said "Hey man, how many GD shows did you see?" I replied, "Unfortunately only 8". He said "I went to 70!" I was totally shocked. Didn't get to talk much more tonight as we both had kids to tend to but I'm looking forward to sharing stories with him when we get the chance! Who'd "a thunk it"!

you don't ever know!

NO SEX SINCE 1955 A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of young, idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major and asked, 'Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very Serious man. Is something bothering you?' 'Negative, ma'am. Just serious by nature.' The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, ''It looks like you have seen a lot of action.'' ''Yes, ma'am, a lot of action.' The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, 'You know, you should lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself.' The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, 'You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?' '1955,' he replied. 'Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need To chill out! I mean, no sex since 1955! She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to 'relax' him. Afterwards, she leaned against his bare chest and Said, 'Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955.' The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, 'I hope not; it's only 2130 now.' (Gotta love military time)

jeez, ted...........but i must say, being retired navy ya unnerstan'.....that's freakin' FUNNY..heeheeeheeee!!!

Being a bit handicapped, I have some trouble getting around at shows....and I would just like to take the time to thank to thank the very pretty girl who took my arm on the outside deck of the convention center and helped me get back inside. Besides being the nicest jesture from a complete stranger I have experienced, it is proof that most folks are very kind and want to help others in need. So, whoever you are I would just like to send a very heartfelt "Thank You".

I'll be driving from Portland to Bremerton next weekend (14th): Suggest a tavern to stop at and I'll find it. Gig Harbor? I'm thinking 12:30 Saturday afternoon will be a good time to find an IPA.

Around the middle of last month (It takes me awhile to digest reality and spit it out, mannn!) I spotted a Winnebago in the Safeway parking lot in Gallup.Nice row of dancing bears on the back windows, a mural of Jerry on the side. I was walking to work and a little late, so I didn't get a chance to shoot the s#1t with the driver. Had to just wave instead and go on my merry way, to my not so merry slave gig.

Back in the 80's when me and my ex were living in Hawaii, we went to Hanama Bay for some fun and sun. During that time, we met a young tourist couple from Germany who said they had to find a ride back to Honolulu. We told them we would be glad to take them there on our way home. So, we got in the convertible and they sat in the back. As I put the top down and was checking my music repertoire, I asked them what kind of music they were into which, based on their age and nationality, expected them to say some metal band. Well to our surprise, this young couple said almost in unison with a thick German accent, "The Grateful Dead"!! Well, the maxells came out then and we spent the next few days with them taking them to all our hippie hangouts. A good time was had by all!

i want to now if i could be izzys v.i.p. at the midwest shows i now every train track,ditch,river,reservations,highway,cornfield,i fourshow get aroundin the midwest i'm ready to bounc fourshow and probaly already now the many woulds to find. lets just rockit one thing 1995 i just been in my studio since i can finally can take a breath inbetween hits heard it said coconuts are freedom thax much luv marye

i can't stop laughin i think i'meven crin

that's cool!