Grateful Dead

Jerry sings to Oregon State Penitentiary, one of my favorite recordings of all time. Does anyone know the details behind it? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gwjGO4jj7aM

A friend and I got backstage to meet Frank Zappa at Duke back in 1973. My buddy had a stack of LPs that he wanted Frank to sign. Frank stared at him for a moment, grinned and said, "Pick one and I'll sign it". After some shuffling, he settled on HOT RATS. I talked to Frank briefly about his SG, and he said he loved the sound but had to tune it more than his Fender. I also talked briefly with Jean Luc Ponty, and got to renew that acquaintance when he played NC State a few years later. Oh yeah, I waved at Pigpen at the Fillmore in '70 and he waved back. Wish I had a photo of that shit-eating grin with the cigarette hanging out of his mouth....

Hmmm, kind of met on some of these - you be the judge. 1991, Rush Roll The Bones Tour at the Spectrum. My brother worked for Spectacor at the time, so he had access to the entire facility. We watched the sound check from one of the first level doorways, then headed down to the section that overlooked the tunnel to the dressing room so that we could catch them coming off the stage. We missed Neil, but said Hi to Geddy and Alex from about 10 feet away. My brother said something like "We're big fans, will be at the show tonight. I risked my job to come say hi. Alex was cool and said hi. Geddy goes "Well hi then" looking ultimately annoyed that we were there. Hey man, I hope you enjoy your nice lifestyle I helped pay for. 1994 Yes Talk Tour. Was listening to Chris Squire and Trevor Rabin in the WMMR studio the afternoon of (I was 22, so no job to speak of). I used to dial up and request songs all the time in those days, so I impulsively dialed (thinking nobody's going to answer, which happened about half the time anyway). The DJ picked up in one ring (I don't recall who, but not Pierre); so I was really caught off guard, having thought nobody would answer. I said "Hi, can I speak to Chris Squire?" He said sure, hold on. Now let me just say, Yes had been one of 4 favorite bands who I had seen every tour since '84, and had all of their records, so I was thinking, "shit, what do I say." Chris Squire said hello - definitely him => really weird hearing the British voice I'd heard on a million interviews right there on the phone, and I said some perfunctory shit about being a big fan, and then I mentioned that I had loved his solo album, Fish Out of Water (this was released in 1975, his only solo album, and out of print since 1976). Well, let me just tell you - the way to get a famous musician to start talking is to mention the work they're most proud of, their lone solo album that only sold 10K copies. Jibber jabbered with him for about 5 minutes before closing the loop on the discussion. The last thing I said was that I would be there at the show that night in the second row (I'd spent a small bundle with a ticket agent to get the tickets); his reply: "Great, wear something sexy." I tried to say hi to Trevor, but he was listening to the Yes song they were playing on the radio at the moment on headphones, so he couldn't speak. Musicians. I played poker every week with L.J. Smith for 3 years, if you count him as famous (he did have a touchdown reception in a Super Bowl). P.S. - lol, I forgot to mention - when I told my wife the Yes story, and how I wasn't able to speak to Trevor, she goes "oh, he was too busy admiring his own work to say hello?" Wives. P.P.S. - oh yeah, slapped 5 with Carl Palmer and Keith Emerson from front row at ELP / Yes show.

I really should have asked him if he knew Al Franken did a sketch about him in Dead Ahead. What was I thinking.. I never know what to say to celebrities.. Is there anyone here that hasn't seen that skit? I find it hilarious... youtube it if you haven't seen it.

anybody want a slightly discounted version of the 78 rocks box!? picked up one for myself and my very awesome girlfriend (unknown to me) got me one for my b-day, so i ended up with 2. I'll ship it in the fancy box that dead.net sent it in and everything. only thing is it's no longer in the plastic wrap, but is otherwise mint. discs were never even ripped. let me know.

Yelled at Jim Morrison to move his white van with The Doors on the doors in the Sea Witch parking lot in Hollywood one night in December 1966. Shared a joint with David Crosby on the lawn at Esalen at the Big Sur Folk Festival in August 1969. Was mistaken for Robert Hunter by a beautiful woman while I was sitting on a wall at UCSC. I'll never forget the disappointed look on her face when she saw I was only me.

I bought an interesting cd at a record fair yesterday of Country Joe and The Fish at the Carousel on 14/2/68, when they were supporting The Dead. I think its been out a couple of years, but I had never heard of it until I saw it. Its only about 40 minutes long, and the sound is...okay for the time , I guess. Not a good a recording as the one of The Dead that came out in the Road Trips series-but Barry Meltons stinging lead guitar is recorded to good effect on the last few songs. Its nice to hear it as a complement to The Deads set, and it got me to thinking-it would be interesting to hear the sets of other bands who played with The Dead. I think the only other set I have got by a band supporting them is The Allmans on 13/2/70. There has been talk of a coming release that is going to be a bit different-maybe it will be a box set of something like 26/5/73 or 10/6/73-including the sets by the likes of The Allmans and The Band. Its an idea...not necessarily a good one..but an idea nevertheless. Incidentally, on meeting famous people, I met Country Joe once. I have also met Tom Constanten. Ive bumped into Jimmy Page on 4 separate occasions-he was in a record store in London last month, but I have never spoken to him once. Its always a bit odd when you meet someone famous.

Not to big on them but 2 stand out. My friend John asked me and a couple of friends to work the Dennis McNally wedding at the Oasis back in the late 80's? So I got to meet a lot of people. I think Jerry gave the bride away. Believe it or not my conversation with him involved old b&w movies. But to me the best was John Lee Hooker. In 1989 I took this young guy I worked with (a drummer) to see JLH at the Great American Music Hall. Fast forward to 1995 I haven't seen this guy 8n 4 years and I run into him. Turns out he has gotten into the circle and I end up over the next couple of years going to both of his houses 1 in Redwood City and the other in los Altos. Very coolr

I am curious as to what people would consider the oddest show or pairing of artists that they have seen. Mine would be Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band opening for Jethro Tull in 1972. The show started with the bass player (Roy Estrada, I believe) coming out and doing an amazingly funky bass solo on a dark stage. He then stopped, flicked on a small flashlight, opened his hawaiian shirt, pretended to pull something out from his chest, and said, "this is my one long hair". He then played another solo in the dark and was joined by the Captain, who was wearing a velvet top hat and cape and carrying a soprano saxophone. Beefheart turned around with his back to the audience, and his cape had an image of a large cartoon cloud blowing out its cheeks. "I'm just a big bag of wind", he said, as he launched into a very free saxophone solo worth of Coltrane or Ornette. The band trickled onstage joining in the melee and they were off on a tear! The only title I remember was "I'm gonna booglarize ya, baby". They played for about 45 minutes, enduring boos from some of the local crowd. I don't think that the Fayetteville, NC crowd was ready for the Captain! Jethro Tull followed, putting on one of the most slick, well-performed shows I have ever seen. Their onstage sound was amazing for the time, especially in an arena. I know why they toured together; they shared the same record label. However, it was the most unique pairing that I have ever seen.

http://jgmf.blogspot.com/2014/12/may-5-1982-should-be-june-5-1982.html This is good info, and the "new" date makes a lot of sense. I grew up in Salem, Oregon, and it was always baffling that Jerry played at the prison. The same prison used to have a gift shop, which was stocked with stuff the inmates made. Mostly leather work and jewelry, but still, it was a unique store. I remember when I was younger, my mother would put me on her bike and we'd ride to the prison (there is a stream that runs adjacent to the property), and watch the salmon spawn. Tiny stream, chock full of big silver fish.

I once waited on Jerry Lewis in a Kansas City Steakhouse around 9:30 at night when no one else was around. Just me Jerry and His female assistant and what was cool was that he went into his comedy routine just for me. His assistant was not amused as she had seen him do he routine plenty. For me it was a real treat. Old jokes like "I will take a shot of water and a bowl of whiskey" more alone those lines. He did a few more jokes before his assistant said hey lets order. I had Jerry Lewis credit card in my hands for a few minutes which was interesting. Cool signature when he paid. I also waited on Phil Jackson in Minneapolis. He had the soup and the salad to open at lunch and then the walleye dinner plate at lunch. He was a serious eater. Don Knotts car broke down in front of another place I worked. He tipped me very well for a glass of tea and a soda while they waited. I got to tell him that Barney Fife was one of the greatest sit com characters of all time. People have mentioned Downhill From Here. I am the guy who jumps up on his chair twice after Feel Like A Stranger. Nice to be in a official release of The Band. I have not seen it since the VHS days I need to buy the DVD someday hopefully they did not change the cut. Among the reasons to jump on a chair at a Dead show was that I did not have tickets and will call gave me 3 free tickets 15 minutes before the show. Or I would not have even been inside. I remember when the will call lady finally felt sorry for me and asked how many tickets did I need. I wanted to six or something and then go out and trade for some stuff. Moral Dilemma. But I was honest and said 3 tickets. I need 3 tickets. That's what she gave me and off I went to make my Grateful Dead video debut and see a great show. Those were the days. If I missed the "We bid you goodnight" I would have been super bummed. I did that whole tour except Buffalo with 2 friends in a volkswagon bus. One friend and me sold grilled cheese sandwiches to get by. What a blast.

I was driving Stephen King's car to the parking garage (I was a valet at a fancy hotel in Portland) and I got into a minor accident. I had to explain to Mr. King what had happened while the hotel staff worked out insurance stuff. He was pretty chill about it all. And speaking of kings, at the same hotel I rode in an elevator with BB King, and I carried his guitar case. He didn't tip, but I didn't mind. And once I had to escort Shari Lewis to an engagement, as she was terrified of being recognized by fans. You might remember her as the voice (and hand) behind Lambchop. That lady was nuts.

17 minutes of Franklin's Tower? Yes please! Philly Beer Week is almost over. Drink and be merry.

Funny.. I read this just as the closing harmonies were being sung from the We Bid You Goodnight from this show. It was today's featured noon concert on SiriusXm radio. Pretty cool coincidence.

MetGrace Slick at a painting exhibit she was hosting of her work, she is still beautiful and those eyes, wonderful lady. Met Frank Zappa at a hotel, him and his big Samoan body guard and his cute little hippy chick on his arm. Met Randy California and Ed Cassidy several times, once they were eating dinner at the table right next to me, didn't bother them then, they were hungry, right before the gig, also at Brassy's in Coco Beach, Fla. My wife at the time had gained access back stage and was sitting on Ed's lap, she was a dancer and he had his eye on her, the look on his face when I walked up and introduced my self was priceless, that guy had one hell of a grip, same night smoked a joint with Randy backstage, he was a really cool dude that would talk to you about anything, and loved talking music. Met Joe Walsh back in 69, another down to earth guy. Got Chris Squire and Alan White to sign a classis Yes cd back in the 90's. Met Jon Anderson that year also, wow, that guy was a real trip. He talked just like he sang, like an angel. Shook hands with Robert Hunter in 03, he was checking out Dylan's set with the Dead and he was standing right next to me. Backstage with Dire Straits in 79, but that's another story.

I think we met on the train back from the 2nd night of Santa Clara. I remember your story about jumping in your seat on Downhill From Here. I was one of the 3 scottish guys. And here you are: https://youtu.be/OekWK7LorMw?t=11m59s

DaveRock, If you're looking for sets by support bands, there is always "Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972" by the New Riders (on Kufala Records - now defunct I believe), their set before the Dead's "Sunshine Daydream" performance. Fame? I once played in an impromptu 4-a-side football match (OK, soccer to you ex-colonials) against King Crimson before their gig at Bournemouth Winter Gardens in the early '70s. Odd pairings... Yes as support to Iron Butterfly, also in the early '70s. Most of Yes joined the Butterfly for a mega-jam at the end of the show. "Metamorphosis" was their current album at the time. A fine disc. Captain Beefheart in '72... Saw him at Bickershaw. Also began with an amazing bass solo. One of the most memorable performances I have ever been privileged to witness. To have seen the New Riders and the Dead that same weekend made it special - as did the weather.

When you played football against King Crimson, who was the bass player at the time, Boz Burrell or John Wetton?

Deadco cincy is a week away. Can't wait to hear the new songs they have in the rotation this tour. Thought I read somewhere bobby was hoping to have passenger ready. Will be interesting to see where Johnny can take that to. Would love to see a reappearance stuck inside of a mobile too. Not sure when they played that last but I don't recall any recently. And of course there is Day Job. Bring it back already we can handle it . Lol

Yeah that was me. Small world. There were these three young guys on the bart after the second Santa Clara show and they all had bought new 50 Anniversary Dead Hats. By the way how are the hats doing ? Tell your friends hello. I said to them. You flew all the way from Scotland to see the show. They said yes. I was like and you all bought hats. They were like yup and we talked a bit. I thought that was super cool they got to do that and did it. Nice work with the link I have not seen that since it came out on VHS. If anyone has got the dvd and a nice digital tv and you want to waste some time. That white shirt should read "If you get confused listen to the music play"

I second the 72 NRPS Veneta CD, they played just before the Dead. Its quite good and it looks like you can get it on Amazon and the NRPS website. They probably get a couple extra bucks if you order it right from them. Here is the link. http://www.nrps.net/musicandvid.html oh.. btw.. I have said this on these threads several times over the last few years.. if you ever get the chance to see the New Riders, take the plunge. The ticket prices are extremely reasonable as are the musicians themselves and they still tear it up. David Nelson is a living legend in my book and Hunter has assumed the songwriting of late. Oh.. speaking of meeting people I got to meet the band at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas WV the last time they played there. Good fun, great show. See these guys, they are always touring.

The hats are doing fine thanks. My Dad who was there too bought them for us, he's and old head.I've not been to any official releases but I'll list my Dad's just for fun: All the Europe '72 shows in England, Alexandra Palace '74 (DP 07), Egypt '78, Last year was the 2nd time he's crossed continents to see his favorite band, haha.

That is the coolest story we are gonna hear today. What a small world... You'll have to plan a get together for the 75th anniversary, perhaps in Scotland. Hell.. I might even join, there is little doubt the two of you are a hoot.

I'd have to go with Gordon Haskell. I think Greg Lake had departed for ELP by then, but it was a long time ago and my memory is hazy, to say the least.

Oops, double post...

If any of you are looking for the Garcia Plays Dylan double CD along with the bonus disc "Garcia Plays Dylan Again," PM me. I promise not to be freaked out by a PM. :-)

Thanks for the tip off about the NRPS at Veneta Oregon 1972-I had no idea they had played there, much less been recorded. One of the oddest combination of bands I saw was when Dr Feelgood supported Hawkwind in 1974. There was also quite a lot of different line ups in the late 1970s at English festivals-with punk, reggae and more established rock bands all on the same bill. Jayne-formerly Wayne- County was on at Reading Festival-about 1977, when Thin Lizzy were headlining. He got bottled off, too, which wasn't very open minded!

make a joke btw, what is up with that Mickey Mouse pic - looks like he's been up enjoying 8-balls all night.

Hey MidwayKid: As coincidence has it, I Amazonily acquired the massive 14 DVD set yesterday, and Downhill From Here was my second destination. It went on tonight with my little two-year-old buddy (mama is out with some ladies) and as I was watching I recalled reading your little quip about the chair and The Jumps. This happened to be right as Stranger was ending and sure enough there you were popping up twice directly in front of my eyes. Thats something, Cosmically Something, especially because of the Scottish connection as well Not sure exactly what, but something. Sixtus

it ain't. Hell no, thats Mickey Rat, a genuine Gilbert Shelton character. I still crack up when I read his comix. I have a couple of Fat Freddy's Cat comix that are probably the funniest things I have ever read, and around fifty years later that still holds true. The double post (my first) came about coz I was interrupted by my daughter calling from England on Skype. Thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

but yes 6/09/76 - it has a nice spell. Used to play in a reggae band and backed up the Itals and reasoned (chatted). Opened for Winston Rodney, aka Burning Spear, he of Estimated fame on the "Deadicated" compilation. Eagerly anticipate the '77 Winterland box - have Lakeland going in the car. Dave's 19 - liked 80'sfan's take of Maples or some such. Navigate that Let It Grow, bwoys!

This thread started with released shows that you were at.Not with famous people you met. C'mon guys, stay on point Rock on

....hahaha. hbob, you know how we are....good luck with that idea....

....I actually find the topical morphs fascinating as they so too mimic the ways of the song and head off in some collective direction at times.... - Deep Thoughts with Sixtus

....at live concerts that I was at that were officially released. Zero....

That's one hell of a Venn diagram.

Venn di·a·gram /ˈven ˌdīəˌɡram/ noun noun: Venn diagram; plural noun: Venn diagrams a diagram representing mathematical or logical sets pictorially as circles or closed curves within an enclosing rectangle (the universal set), common elements of the sets being represented by the areas of overlap among the circles. ....Thanks.

Saw Steppenwolf with the Flaming Groovies opening. Sadly, the 'Wolf fans didn't appreciate the retro Groovies Mismatch of a different kind: James Brown playing the Saddle Rack in San Jose...Saddle Rack is similar to Gilley's in Texas, straight out of Urban Cowboy. Staff was not pleasant that night.

I have pleasant memories of reading Gilbert Shelton's Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers back in college...instead of studying.

I'm a big Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers fan.. he did a great job on the Shakedown Street cover too. I cant read the stuff without cracking up myself and I'm sure I have brought the Freak Brothers to these threads a half dozen times or more. yes.. Fat Freddies Cat is the genius. I often tell my gf's 8 year old to be nice to our cat or she will shit in his shoes (it only sort of works). Evidence of a misspent youth.. What a talent.. Rip Off Press.. its good to know I am not alone in my admiration. I lost all my originals over the years, perhaps I should rebuy before they go out of print again.

1973 San Diego Sports Arena 30 Trips Around The Sun only show I was at that has been released. I'll take it. Famous-Bill Walton. I worked at the San Diego Zoo for 36 years and would on occasion run into Bill visiting the apes first thing in the morning and we would chat. And I always run into him at any SoCal Dead related event and say Hi if we cross paths, not that he knows or remembers me. He is an amazing and inspirational person.

I-287...lots of construction there last few months right where 87, 287, and 17 converge...so annoying. Funny you mention it though, last week on 17 south heading back to the city, stopped at a red light, I see this luxury vehicle with dancing bears stickers on it pulled up next to me. I *almost* rolled down my window and asked, "Pardon me, but do you have any '74 Dijon?" Famous people...I have run across many, but when I see them, they ain't exactly in the mood to sign autographs, heh. Even so, I would have to say tbe one I was most impressed with was Busta Rhimes, believe it or not. Dude was so real and down to Earth, shook my hand like a regular guy, and man his hand was like a bear paw...but still very gentle and warm. He just seemed like a good guy to me, for what it's worth. My wife has several celebrity clients, but I'm not allowed to say, not that I would anyway ;) Re: King Crimson, and famous people, so to speak...Robert Fripp once produced an album for the Roaches (three sisters who sang amazing harmony), and coincidentally, one of the Roach sisters (Terre, I think) was a waitress at my grandparents restaurant in Greenwich Village, and wrote a song about my grandfather which appeared on their debut album, the song was called "Mister Sellack." It was my cousin on this side of the family who originally turned me onto the Grateful Dead, and who I went on tour with ;)

3/28/903/29/90 - Branford Marsalis... I think I was also at a 1990 or 91 release at MSG... I was at RFK which ended up as bonus material on VFTV2 (CD and DVD)... Other shows? mmmm I was @ the Pink Floyd (Nassau) shows that were filmed for their live album and video (Momentary Lapse tour) that became Delicate Sound of Thunder... I was at the last David Bowie concert in Giants Stadium... when he was on his Changes Tour... i think the last time he played all his hits. I was at the Blind Melon show @ Numbers, in Houston, TX... when Shannon Hoon died right afterwards. I was at the SRV show at Holmdel NJ where the stage walls fell and crushed his guitars. I was at the Jane's Addiction show in Philly (1991?) that turned into the infamous "Riot show".... had no idea it happened... but as we left, we went one way, the rest of the crowd went the other... and the whole downtown was set on fire and police were called in with riot gear. I was at the Dead show in Atlanta with the double rainbow.. '03? Can't think of others right now.... I saw people listing celebs they met.... too many to list. My brother has interviewed just about everyone you can imagine, so his list is in the hundreds, to thousands, of celebs... but I've gotten to meet (I consider meeting them to be hanging out with... not just a haandshake and 'i'm a fan') a ton myself... Bob Weir, Dennis McNally, all of CRB, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ike Willis, Denny Walley, Al Jourgensen, Paul Barker, Angelo Moore,.... I remember doing a huge interpretive dance with my friends at the first Lollapalooza, for the guys in Blues Traveller with Chris Barron of the spin doctors... but i digress. so who is going to charlotte tomorrow?!?!?!?!

hey, I can't but think that "handshake" comment refers to me, since I'm the only one who mentioned shaking hands. If you only knew ;) The wife is behind the scenes. But who the fk cares who's who, and who's invited where, anyway? They're just people. Not everyone gives a sht and goes to the party, know what I mean?

Well, first show was, of course, Syracuse 5/9/78. They released 5/10 and 5/11, lol. But I did see Buffalo 11/9/79, which was mainly released on the first Road Trips -- really memorable show. And the Cornell '80 show (Road Trips Vol. 3, No 4). Both were (cough cough) road trips from Binghamton, where I was going to college. Also saw a couple of the Nassau Coliseum shows, pieces of which were on Go To Nassau, and 10/30/80 Radio City. I think that's it.

actually my friend, no, i wasn't referring to you.Sorry, I actually only like skimmed the posts before me... and the one that stuck out was someone who said "we're off topic stop saying who you've met". :-) So I was just trying to say to distinguish between paying $500 to stand in a VIP line to get a fake smile-selfie with someone... and saying you "met" them. Some people who are celebs, are stand offish, or guarded, and rightly so.. and will only afford people a handshake. Honestly I talked to Bobby for 5 minutes, so it wasn't much more than a handshake and some idle chat.. before he toppled over into a stack of empty beer cases and crawled up onto a couch. Sorry if I inflamed anyone. I certainly have met some people only via handshake... I was just trying to distinguish between the "oh I saw him at a distance of 500 yards" and people who we've actually met... I'll go back and read your post now. B/c I don't know what it said. ;-)

funny i didn't see your post, it was the one right before me. Busta Rhymes, very cool.. I actually would assume he was a good guy myself... anyway, sorry for the confusion. definitely didn't mmean to offend.

About eight months ago there was a thread on these here boards wherein a mention of GD mixes and compilations was ushered through and I made a passing comment that I had put together some myself. As sometimes happens, I received an outreach from a fellow kind soul (chastason) who expressed an interest in having a listen. One thing led to another and as a result, he has graciously immortalized these picks by offering his own time, artistry, creativity, and most of all server space to bring these to everyone!! I invite you to read below and perhaps take a look at the link. Happy Day to ALL!! ***** A nice fellow over at the Dead boards (Sixtus) put together a six-volume (seven disc) set of stuff he likes. These are bits of jams, complete songs, etc., mostly culled from official releases. I thought it was a good mix (it lived on my ipod for quite a while), and he graciously allowed it to be posted here. I am going to refrain from listing the tracklist (although the songs are tagged), in case you want to dive in and listen blindly (highly recommended!) Of note: today is his birthday (and mine, too), so pretend that you came to a party and this is the soundtrack. ***** http://av-files.com/dead/sixtus/sixtus-picks.html ***** And a massive Happy Birthday shout out and THANK YOU to chastason...and long live 6/10/73, the best birthday suit show any peeps could hope for! Sixtus

Last night I dreamed I met Dick Latvala. He was driving a large green van with the Stealie logo on the side. I surprised to see him as he has, of course, passed from us. I asked him if he brought any tapes that were not in the vault with him. Sadly, he said that he did not. Hey, I tried!! Have a grateful day.

Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers "Omnibus" (620 pages or so) is listed as "Out Of Stock" @ Rip Off Press.