Grateful Dead

As a Father's day present, my wife sent to me to Chicago, where I needed to be on Monday, early. I hooked up with a friend and co-worker and went to venerable Soldier Field where the monstors of the midway play. James Cotton was fantastic. The show closer and encore Gloria, phenomenal. I could almost use the Comic Book Guy quote and say: Best Show Ever. However, who can say. The next day we headed to the other sports shrine in Chi-Town, Wrigley Field, where we sat in the bleacher's for a Father's day in the sun. A 40 something African American gent was there with his dad and son next to us - warm and fuzzy, americana, three gen! I did my best to ingratiate myself with the locals by putting on my Chicago accent - you know - nasaly - and proceeded to get very drunk. Long about the seventh inning streetch I was toasted in more ways than one, when my buddy asked those in our vicinity for sunscreen. I was greeted with several bottles being chucked at my head. I deserved it. Afterwards, we headed to a nearby sports bar to watch the Jordan threepeat against Barkley and the Suns, with yours truly loudly rooting for the opposition at my own peril. My buddy hauled my ass quickly out the door at game's end before the crowd got me, and we jumped into a camp that just happened to be racing by. The driver was very doosed, but managed to get us to the Fairmont off the Lake safely, and me and my bud drained the mini-bar while we watched the riots on TV. It was a gas until I woke up on Monday and had to head to work. I realized I had forgotten a toothbrush and a razor. I will survive.

last show of the tour for me and my family. We started in St Louis at the Riverport Amphitheatre. This tour was bizzare. I took my youngest son, Patrick and Fran met us there as did Joe. Grace was there but we never did see her. Katie was in St Louis very pregnant so didn't make it to this one. It felt awesome to have done so many shows...so grateful to have had the opportunity to have time off work, the money for tickets and the presence of mind to remember it all!

First time in the Windy City - 1st time into OHare - 1st time on the L - 1st time to Soldier Field - Never had such a good time....See my show reviews for the rest...

we took our friend Jermy who had never been to a show and well it was and experience we never forgot.. Jermy was coverd in hickys when we found him! oh the good ole days how do I miss theeeee

Howdy folks, I saw 1993 soldier field, and the "last ones" in 95. Unbeknownst, at the time; in 95 during the US blues encore, I mean Garcia just blew it, and I mean bad. They even had the teleprompters by this point. I mean , I'm not going to really be harsh becuase as a musician myself I know how difficult it is to remember lyrics, and Garcia probaly knew over 2000 plus songs w/ lyrics and chord changes. That's quite a accomplishment. But, I remember saying to myself "how much longer can it go on like this" That summer tour of 95 was really , really painstaking. I mean the riot at Deer Creek after dire wolf , the place went nuts becuase everybody knew that the "dark star" was coming that night or the scheduled night after. Also, the deaths from a campground deck collapse from the previous run of shows before soldier field really hit the scene hard too; you just don't think of that kind of risk when hanging out with friends. The feel on tour was different, the young crowd of "tree hungers and extremists" was really , really tough to take, and not all of them were young, but most of the folks in riot were young. Rebellion is a great cuase, but you've got to have a cuase. There was no doubt that the scene would change forever. Ursa Minor I wish that for just one time, You could stand inside my shoes, and for just that one moment, I could be you - Bob Dylan, Positively 4th St.

Since we live in near Chicago we went to all the Chicago shows... Earlier that summer we were at my Mom and Dad's place (Buffalo, NY) as we did every summer with all the sisters and brother. One morning my old man wakes up and says did you hear, remember this is June of 95 two months before Jerry would pass... He said did you hear...?... Hear what...?... On the radio last night late... What did you hear... ?... Jerry died... What,,,?... Ya, I heard it on the radio... Unreal, we found out that he must have been having a dream or something... Two months later that's what he wakes up to... This is true, wish it wasn't...

First saw The Dead in April 84! Was taken back by the unbelievable music and vibe. That is what started my journey. I living in Chicago at the time and in my work stage of life. Not being able to travel anymore to see The Dead, I looked forward to the visit to Chicago every year. The first night we went with a crew of about 8, the second night I was only with my girlfriend for her first show. I was able to get her up front and when the show started, I didn't speak to my girlfriend till after the show and she couldn't believe what she was missing for all those years. Till this day she is hooked. Even able to name two children with Ryder and Delilah. Peace, Love & Jerry

It was my first, but not my last. It began a journey for me that lasted for 3 years. I do have to say those were some of the best years. It introduced me to a whole nother world.

You who choose to lead must followBut if you fall, you fall alone If you should stand, then who's to guide you? If I knew the way, I would take you home God your missed! Hope your playing away in heaven with the best!

Every since 1992 when I was 8, I would spend every summer with my dad. My dad was a deadhead and follwed the Dead most of the time. My first Grateful Dead show was June 25, 1992 @ Solider Field in Chicago. Though I seen the Grateful Dead for the last time as the first place I seen them, they have never left me. You guys are in my heart and soul forever! Our Love Is Real Not Fade Away!

My last show: 7-8-95....Miss your face Jer-bear....Sure would be nice to have Furthur back in town this summer....Charter One Pavilion? Alpine Valley in August? UIC? somethin...anything....jonesin! Enough of the bi-coastal love already...c'mon boys, come on back to Sweet Home Chicago! (~):=}