Speaking for myself…the first time I saw The Dead live I looked around at all the people, felt the energy in the room, felt the vibes from the band, and understood immediately, I have found my tribe in this world. These are my people. Once you feel that in your core it becomes more than music, it becomes life. A Dead show was a communal celebration in its purest sense. Like Church. Once you really taste that feeling you can’t help but want to taste it again, over and over.
As other's have said every show was unique, some were flat out duds, most were great, and every now and then pure magic. Also it wasn't like just going to a concert, more like a family reunion, with a really big, wild, fun family.
My major issue with reactors is that no one pays enough attention to the lyrics. Your quote above is one of my favorites ever, but Perry really named the band with The Music Never Stopped: They're a band beyond description like Jehova's favorite choir People join in hand in hand While the music plays the band Lord, they're settin' us on fire. "the music plays the band" is such a perfect description of the Dead!
The boys were in the musical transportation business, and anybody was welcomed with open arms on the bus, because all of us contributed to the overall success of the show. You go to a show with your friends and kick back and laugh and enjoy the company and you listen and pretty soon you are tapping your toes, and then start swaying, then start dancing and pretty soon Jerry has you crying over a Stella Blue after ripping your face off with a Other One. It was a trip in every sense, and a long strange one at that. You never knew where you were going but knew you were goung to have a good time getting there and then have Jerry bring you home safely
Going to a Grateful Dead show was a complete experience. Imagine a nice sunny summer day at an outdoor venue. Hundreds of vendors were set up with their tents selling paraphernalia, tie-dye, scented candles, and others walking around with a variety of mind altering substances. Everyone is happy. The concert starts and you start feeling the music and getting into a groove and the band is jamming and you stand up and start dancing in your own way. You’re watching, many of the women, that I called twirlers, start going around in circles with their tie-dye dresses, spreading out. People, smiling and grooving love and happiness in the air. It was a total happy and beautiful experience. No two songs are the same. The band constantly tried to compose in real time while they were playing to come up with new grooves and new sounds. They are the only group that did not put an album out and then tour to support the album. They did it in reverse. they would tour and work songs into their Setlist and then, almost as an afterthought, they would put out an album. They were not the greatest studio band. They were absolutely magical live.
I got to get behind the amps in 1971 after I asked Jerry if I could sit behind the amps and he let me . I went through the first opening I came to and the first person I found was Bear dropping liquid acid on the back of people’s hands and then they licked it off. I stuck my hand out and he put 4 big drops on the back of my hand and I licked it off. I asked him if I could get more and he hooked me up with his local dealer and I did and the a dude and his wife were really nice people . I got involved with raising money for The Wall Of Sound, which was masterpiece . I went to two shows with the Wall. I always did acid at a show. I met my wife at a show. I’m living in the only non gated community and there are there are at least ten people that are Deadheads. These people are wealthy but nonetheless they love the band . Thanks and stay healthy again Thanks , Grateful Dead. WALK Together little children we don’t have to worry if we love one and other, .m😢⚡️🎸⚡️ till make it to the promised land LSD JUST ADDED EVEN MORE MAGIC.
One thing that sets the Dead apart from others is that they were artists rather than performers they didn't have a set list they just played what felt good at any given time. The magic didn't always happen but when it did there was nothing else like them. People would go to shows and just accept what happened - if it was good you were happy you were there and if it wasn't so good you were still happy you were there!
In the early 90's I saw Pink Floyd at Foxboro Stadium and the next year at the Carrier Dome. Same songs, same sets, same show note for note. Only difference was the outdoor and indoor light show. Same years I saw the Dead at the Knickerbocker four times in a week, the next year five at the Boston Garden. Never saw the same show twice.
Check out a great Jazzy version of "Eyes of the World" with Branford Marsalis playing saxophone from the 1990 album Without a Net. Depending upon when you saw them, there would be elements of Rock, Folk, Funk, Jazz, Country and Blues within their songs. They melded all these styles into what is uniquely Grateful Dead music. On stage the heavy improvisation kept it interesting for the band and the audience. Each show you saw was different, and you didn't want to miss what could be a transformational show.
❤️⚡️💙⚡️❤️ The reason they were the most followed live band was because people who LOVE to party & dance felt completely at home at Dead shows in a way that no place else on earth feels like home. Comfy-cozy, get the funk on, and space your face! It’s a vibe. People loved the vibe so much, they just went on tour with the band and LIVED it. Pure bliss. ❤️⚡️💙⚡️❤️
Someone suggest a great live version of Estimated Prophet!! Guys, they have so many great songs and so many great live versions it’s mind boggling, I don’t know where to begin, but Estimated Prophet is one of my favorites live.
What makes the Grateful Dead special to me is that sometimes the music plays it can become magical. I got lifted away and didn't realize it until the music ended and I felt I was released from something. The music can lift you to a level you've never experienced before. It is a shame that you aren't able to see them in concert. But Deadheads know what I am talking about.
Yes exactly they took risks which can inevitably lead to mistakes and the whole thing rolling off the tracks. But it also opens the door to magic which they could reach consistently. You even start to enjoy and appreciate the mistakes because of how human and imperfect it is. Imperfect yet beautiful.
You are correct in saying there was a different version for any given song, however, each show typically featured a different set of songs each night. If they played Franklin's Tower the first night, that meant it was almost certain they would not play it again for their remaining shows. Each show was a one-of-a-kind experience. It was definitely worth going to all their shows whenever they came to town.
Several reasons they were number one live band--- working repertoire of 150-200 songs, could go 6-8 shows without repeating even 1 tune (despite 3-4 hr shows), always played tunes differently (constantly rearranging), superb sound systems, super tight and loose at same time, and they BOOGIE woogie--chill but also energetic! Nothing like a GD show... the best chill fans in history
" super tight and loose at same time" Right? And deeply grounded while often being way out in space. A band of contradictions, but it all made its own kind of sense
It wasn't just the music, although that is the main thing of course. It was a whole culture. It was the embodiment of hippie culture, living on well past the late 60s. This was not just fans showing up in that town to watch them. They had a whole following, that travelled to every show. Others, would try to make it to 3 or 4 different cities maybe, on a tour. They were bringing their own audience with them, from venue to venue.
I’m a brother that saw the Dead as far back as the 70s. Jerry Garcia is a guitar virtuoso that fashions his style of music as an electric version of bebop. Go listen to Charlie Parker go listen to John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie and then listen to Jerry’s solos. You’ll be amazed! Jerry is playing bebop solos in an essentially country rock framework, but with. James Brown rhythm section ! Just like James Brown they have two drummers to keep the bottom down, and then Phil Lessh on Bass…. There’s nothing I can say about that, you hear him being the Bootsy Collins of the genre…
The answer to che’s question- google the Jerry Garcia -licorice quote..You have to listen to Help > Slip > Franklins from Great American Music Hall on From the Vault Vol.1 in its entirety.. the reason they are followed is every show is different, people chase songs, cities, and venues.. the music sounds different and is shaped by the environment and crowd - indoor vs outdoor, east coast vs. west coast etc.. as the song states -if you get confused listen to the music play..
I always recommend listening to these (Help/Slip/Franklins) together for the great jamming and the way they segue seamlessly into each other-those “between” parts are a thing unto themselves.
Going to Dead shows were 3 hour (or more) long peasant skirt 😉 dance parties. Bill and Mickey laid the rhythm foundation with their pocket strewn drums. Phil joined with his bass, Bob with rhythm guitar, the keyboardist and Jerry with his lead. Jerry’s ethereal playing ligh-heartingly took everyone on a musical journey. Band members typically look their cues with highlighted solos as Jerry backed off and/or played some rhythm too. As the song progressed multiple players very much in the groove went off on their side instrumental excursions. As the “Roll Away the Dew” chorus the band would return to the center only to exit and morph into an another jam.
Their music was rhythmic, jazzy, danceable and joyous, yet chill. Crowd was on their feet, moving or dancing and this wonderful, loving communal spirit typically brought everyone’s best out. Dancing and talking to friends, strangers, and whoever in the celebration of life!
As a confirmed Dead Head, it is easy to know why we always followed The Dead. Every show was different, and in general, it was more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Everything flowed from Jerry Garcia's Guitar, and his persona. You HAD to be there. Not to mention, he was an amazing guitar player, and his singing was just fine. The rest of the band members were also EXCELLENT musicians, and it all blended together seamlessly. They were all doing something different, and yet it all worked together perfectly. In concert, "Franklin's Tower" was usually preceded by the songs "Help On The Way>Slipknot". Check out the version on "One From The Vault", including the intro by Promoter Bill Graham. Worth it.
The boys on a great night were off the charts!!! The warfield Jerry shows were The high Church! I was an atheist, and after a bunch of sober shows, i believed in the Divine because i knew the Divine played thru them, because it took me so high, and touched something way beyond description. This was a semi common thing for the dead on a rippin night! nothing like them!!!
I'll tell why they were the most followed. I'll tell you exactly why. Because they were the best fucking dance party on planet earth. Starting with Family Dog, the Matrix, Fillmore.....and onward. And a whole bunch of people finally figured it out.
Jerry once in a while stumbling on lyrics was all the more endearing to us... he was a real human... they were authentic... no pretenses...no polish... amazing musicians but human imperfection too... we *loved* that about them. They were a band and people who confirmed to us that it was not a requirement (or even feasible) to be perfect...
They were so followed live because for your ticket you got a 3-4 hour concert, and it was never the same. The April 1975 and the August 1975 and the March 1992 were all different. Every show had a different version of every song. Also, they toured doing at least a couple hundred shows a year for around 40 years, and when a member passed it went from Grateful Dead to Ratdog to Dead and Company etc. It’s a one of a kind thing for every one of thousands of shows. They have “the vault” which is recordings of every show and it was worth it when it’s all unique. If it was all exactly like the studio it’s like “what’s the point” to people, but jam bands are different, and they are the Rolls Royce of jam bands lol 😂❤
Happy to say i was lucky enough to be at the May 1977 Cornell University (Barton Hall) show. Also at 15th anniversary in Boulder June 1980. Also in Rochester NY and Morgantown WV. Great stuff
Most bands take a “show” on the road and repeat nightly. The Dead took their whole catalog (quite extensive!) on the road and spun the wheel every night!
Great reaction. There was a set with Grateful Dead where Etta James and Tower of Power joined. Etta said, GD is the best American blues band… but how’d you get that name? Actually they are their own genre or every genre. Just an amazing experience live.
The story of the "Grateful Dead" is actually a very old folk tale from mediaeval times or before. In a version of the story I read, several brothers are sent by their father, the King, on a Quest to determine the heir. As they ride from the castle that pass an old man dying by the side of the road. All rode past except the youngest brother, who took the man to an inn, hired a doctor to tend his wounds and illness, stayed with him until he passed, and paid for a proper burial. He then proceeded on the Quest, and although he was far behind his brothers at every challenge or obstacle he received unlikely help of guidance, from a bird, a deer, a stranger, or even the wind itself. As he returned home, with a beautiful bride and the first to complete the Quest, it was revealed that he had been aided at every step by the spirit of the man he had helped pass peacefully, the Grateful Dead.
Passing doobs, balloons, flowers and love, Especially love. That was the crowd sculpture. I met a lot of different kinds along the way, it was almost an illusion because there hasn't been much like it since. A drop here and a puddle there and it's a wonderful storyline for the campfire at the end of each show. The music never stopped.
Their jamming and almost everyone is boogieing, you have to, the music comes in through your ears and you have to dance it out, constantly, it was like being plugged in electronically, and YES we were tripping on good old clean LSD, freaking magical, best times of my life. Lucky I saw them 36 times from 85 to 95, mostly Alpine, Milwaukee and Chicago but others as well ✌️😎
Hmmm, what was it about them that made people follow them? In one word…EVERYTHING. It as the fact that you could see three shows in a row and not see the same show. It was the fact that you would see all your friends at every show and you could always find new ones along the way. It was the fact that you might see some of the most kind, amazing, and beautiful acts of brotherly and sisterly love. It was the fact that you can always find what you need at the Shakedown scene, food-drink-heady consumables. It was all that and a million other things that goes unmentioned.
So funny you mentioned keeping them on during the whole party! They were the house band for the acid tests in the SF Bay area when it was still legal. Out in the park, beautiful. "Always live, Always dead". Unlimited devotion!
Now we're getting somewhere. My favorite Jerry Garcia description of what he feels the Dead does live on stage is basically the band starts off building a platform. Each song adds something to the platform, stability, height, whatever. At a certain point they have this solid, tall, secure platform they've created with the music, then they jump off of it. Seeing that moment when they "jump off the platform" was one of the reasons I toured with them for the last 17 years of their career.
☮ (~);} Love all my felllow dead heads! I love these videos! Brings light and Joy to my heart! Truly amazing seing the music being heard for the first time its such an experience to get to share with someone..thank you for the videos! ❤ ☮ (~);}
Your very insightful question about "why the Grateful Dead?" and then "did that cut or something?" are actually perfectly related! Every night at a live show as part of the audience you were listening to, and a part of, a musical conversation. Sometimes quite frankly it was an awful train wreck. LOL Other times, it was sublime! And no matter what, it was beautiful to behold. What you asked about was one of the band asking a musical question, and not necessarily getting the answer they wanted. LOL
Hey guys. A couple of my favorites if you’d like to react to them: “Ripple” and “Brokedown Palace”. They were the ultimate jam band. My first boyfriend was a dead head and travelled the country seeing them live. And yes, it involved a lot of weed and acid. ❤😂
The GD were not an event to go to. They were a lifestyle. When one tour was over, everyone only talked about how they were getting to the next tour opener and what they were doing in between. It was a lifestyle. I cant explain it any other way. It was your job, your social life, your adventure, its where your friends were. It was everything. When you left tour and went back home you felt alone. I cant describe this any better. Seeing dead shows was what you did. It was like being a plumber or being a lawyer. It wasnt like going to see a concert or a ballgame. It was who you were. Its honestly who I am still at age 60 and I live in Thailand and want nothing to do with America now. I will always be a dead head until I die though.
Bless up. The concerts aren’t normal concert’s. They’re crazy lit party’s. Like to the extreme.. People come hours early to start partying. Almost everyone is getting lose on something. Tons of psychedelic’s. The next day, you think to yourself “ the music was great, but overall that was the funnest time I’ve ever had in my life”. Glad y’all are digging it. Bless up Nipsey. Love the pic in background. Grateful Dead, and Nip. You my guys right here
Look up wall of sound, Greatful Dead. Outstanding sound for 1973 - 1974 origin. This is one reason they sounded so very great live. That and excellent musicians.
The reason for that ending is because you jumped into the middle of a Help on the Way>Slipknot>Franklin's Tower song progression, and the ending harkens back to Help on the Way.
Jerry Garcia used to say that at their core the Grateful Dead were a dance band. 😊 He said one time that the government should commission the Grateful Dead to go out and play where people need to get high! Like a public service gig, a mission.
I fell in love with a beautiful woman, at a show, when this song played. She twirled around me, and I would catch her eyes and shiny smile. She was laughing and the acid kicked in, and she and I began seeing each others thoughts. She sent my mind flowers and patchouli. Her dress fanned outward as she spun around. Her beads flung around her neck. She reached out her hand, and touched mine, and I fell in love.
As others have said,, they never played the set list, or a song the same way. However, the band will be the first to admit that they often failed. But that's part of their brilliance. They were always ready to take a chance, they often succeeded
same thing as Pink Floyd. I saw Eric Clapton at MSG in the late 80s. fucking awesome show. love everything Clapton. later that week trucked up to Hartford to see him again. what a bummer. same set list. same riffs. same jams. same encore. thats what sets the Dead apart. never the same. sometimes better. sometimes worse but always different
I've loved your reactions to the Dead so far! I see you're in Sacramento; there's an amazing Grateful Dead tribute group called Joe Russo's Almost Dead that is playing at Frost Amphitheater in Stanford. If you guys are able to make it down I'd love to cover the show for you. Always trying to spread the love and passion for the Dead.
Cool thing about the Dead, which reminds me of jazz, they're very adept players, very confident in their playing but not cocky, it's an ensemble performance and they trust each other on another level, so professional but so laid back too
They created the template that the jam bands all followed. Extensive touring. Built their rep on the road, not the studio. Multiple lead vocalists. Double drummer. Two sets and an encore. Extensive group improvisation. Loooong jams. More exploratory/psychedelic second sets for when people are tripping balls. Encouraging taping and trading of their live shows. Direct contact and ticket sales with fans. Dope artwork. They are a singular band and phenomenon. They weren’t a jam band; they birthed the genre. I think they can make a rightful claim to greatest American rock band. Their catalog of originals is unmatched and their influence is major. I think they are actually underrated by the public at large because people form opinions about them based on all the extraneous bullshit around them and don’t actually give their prime music (1967-81 imo) a fair listen.
Used to listen to all their music because my older bro was a mad deadhead. I went adiff direction around 15 after I heard Black Sabbath lol it’s nice to go back now and appreciate them. Tx fellas !
@@treydog317 of course! Always good to check out the OG. Should also probably be familiar with the Beatles Eleanor Rigby to have a full appreciation for the genius required to put them together!
The hours upon hours I have played this around the house, doing chores, house projects, lawn work during spring and fall I wear them out all the time! Love them. Pass the doobie!
I subscribed because you react to 2 of my favorite artists, who are very different.. Steely Dan, who were studio perfectionists, and the Grateful Dead, who, as you said take risks with their live performances. They truly did never play the same song the same way twice, for that matter they never played the same setlist twice. They had over 500 songs they could play at anytime. That being said they didn't always succeed in every performance. The band is the first to admit that. Please don't be discouraged if you come across a bad performance, and keep exploring their live music.
The Grateful Dead were the highest grossing concert band for years upon years. Because those who loved them were faithful and knew that any given night might bring the magic, you just couldn’t know which night.
There absolutely was nothing like a Grateful Dead show. One night while dancing/spinning around I knocked a beer out of someone's hand. I spun back around, ready to pay for it and saw it was a member of the Hell's Angels. I apologized and went to hand him some money. He just looked at me and said, "It's cool, dance on". Paul Kantner (from Jefferson Airplane) once said that the Grateful Dead were the only band who, if they didn't show up for a concert, the crowd would still have a great time.
The music was the magic. They jammed, and never played the song exactly the same. They didn’t have one set list for every show, so you’d (try to) see them every night they were in town. And on top of that, you had the crowd all vibing to the groove. Now add the acid. What a trip! It was the last bastion of the ‘69’s vibe for a very long time. Their entire catalogue is worth a listen. Love your reactions. ✌️❤️🎶
One of the things that attracted so many of us to them was that they were not a packaged shoved down your throat by corporate America commodity. They were unique, real, and represented what I think so many people are looking for, genuine. If you "got it" you never wanted to miss a minute of it. It was where community met art in a place where you could just be. A good friend of mine said once that the saddest part of Jerry passing was that he would never get to meet all those new friends out there that he would have had the band still been around.
Great stuff! I saw The Who and the Dead at the Oakland Coliseum for one of the "Day On The Green" shows back in 1976...just magical! I think it was October 9 or 10...about 47 years ago to the day!
The Dead and the Allman Brothers basically invented "jam bands". They'd take a song and stretch it out 10, 12, 18 minutes. They'd play tight and melodic, drift along, and eventually hit a point where everyone sorta drifts apart and plays their own lines. They'd go polyrhythmic, weave in and out among each other, jazzing along. Then they'd eventually come to a point where the whole band would just snap back together, boom! and they'd be back to the base song and carry on. The other thing is that it was never canned. They'd improvise, solos would change, or someone would quote a guitar solo from another song entirely. The set list was fluid. If you go see the Stones on tour they basically play the same set every night. They might drop in a different song once in a while, but basically its the same show. Not the Dead.
You ask the right question for someone just discovering the Dead. It’s much more than being a great jam band. Listen to a show all the way through from beginning to end. Then you’ll get it.
Kinda hard to describe what the Dead does except when they get you you get it. Love their reach for higher. They play as one when at their best. I loved the concerts in the early seventies up until my last one in '89 at Alpine Valley. Sublime. Everyone is part of the show.
The Grateful Dead is more than a band we are a family, a community, a spirit,😊❤
NFA!!! (~):} 💜✌🎶
Of p a g ans
Tons of Christian imagery and references in their songs
Amen That!
☮ ❤ (~);} GDF
Speaking for myself…the first time I saw The Dead live I looked around at all the people, felt the energy in the room, felt the vibes from the band, and understood immediately, I have found my tribe in this world. These are my people. Once you feel that in your core it becomes more than music, it becomes life. A Dead show was a communal celebration in its purest sense. Like Church. Once you really taste that feeling you can’t help but want to taste it again, over and over.
YEP!
My first show was 8/12/81 at the Salt Palace.
I saw them 17 times with Jerry RIP, and a half dozen or so after.
@@mikemaricle9941What a show that was…!
As other's have said every show was unique, some were flat out duds, most were great, and every now and then pure magic. Also it wasn't like just going to a concert, more like a family reunion, with a really big, wild, fun family.
Spoken like a true Deadhead 😂😂🤙
You guys are getting into the DEAD music! I am 70 years old and still rocking scene 1972!
You can't explain the Dead until you've experienced a show. Then you either get it or you don't. Most of us got it 👌
I have to take a minute to point out Robert Hunter’s lyrics - he was magical. “If you plant ice, you’re gonna harvest wind.”
One of many favorite lines ever!
Hunter is a freaking genius.
My major issue with reactors is that no one pays enough attention to the lyrics.
Your quote above is one of my favorites ever, but Perry really named the band with The Music Never Stopped:
They're a band beyond description
like Jehova's favorite choir
People join in hand in hand
While the music plays the band
Lord, they're settin' us on fire.
"the music plays the band" is such a perfect description of the Dead!
"if you get confused listen to the music play" ...simple but I love that one
The boys were in the musical transportation business, and anybody was welcomed with open arms on the bus, because all of us contributed to the overall success of the show.
You go to a show with your friends and kick back and laugh and enjoy the company and you listen and pretty soon you are tapping your toes, and then start swaying, then start dancing and pretty soon Jerry has you crying over a Stella Blue after ripping your face off with a Other One. It was a trip in every sense, and a long strange one at that. You never knew where you were going but knew you were goung to have a good time getting there and then have Jerry bring you home safely
Going to a Grateful Dead show was a complete experience. Imagine a nice sunny summer day at an outdoor venue. Hundreds of vendors were set up with their tents selling paraphernalia, tie-dye, scented candles, and others walking around with a variety of mind altering substances. Everyone is happy. The concert starts and you start feeling the music and getting into a groove and the band is jamming and you stand up and start dancing in your own way. You’re watching, many of the women, that I called twirlers, start going around in circles with their tie-dye dresses, spreading out. People, smiling and grooving love and happiness in the air. It was a total happy and beautiful experience. No two songs are the same. The band constantly tried to compose in real time while they were playing to come up with new grooves and new sounds. They are the only group that did not put an album out and then tour to support the album. They did it in reverse. they would tour and work songs into their Setlist and then, almost as an afterthought, they would put out an album. They were not the greatest studio band. They were absolutely magical live.
You nailed it brother...
We went to see the Grateful Dead
We were hungry
We got fed
Then we went back the next night for seconds.
Falafel or peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches? ☮💟
@@crazyfingers19 Bagel and cream cheese only a dollar! what the f#ck - it's only a buck! make a hippie happy!
That’s right! @@vetstadiumastroturf5756
"Toast on stick" was a good one, and "nothing for a buck" was always a sell-out
I got to get behind the amps in 1971 after I
asked Jerry if I could sit behind the amps and he let me . I went through the first opening I came to and the first person I found was Bear dropping liquid acid on the back of people’s hands and then they licked it off. I stuck my hand out and he put 4 big drops on the back of my hand and I licked it off. I asked him if I could get more and he hooked me up with his local dealer and I did and the a dude and his wife were really nice people . I got involved with raising money for The Wall Of Sound, which was masterpiece . I went to two shows with the Wall. I always did acid at a show. I met my wife at a show. I’m living in the only non gated community and there are there are at least ten people that are Deadheads. These people are wealthy but nonetheless they love the band . Thanks and stay healthy again Thanks , Grateful Dead. WALK Together little children we don’t have to worry if we love one and other, .m😢⚡️🎸⚡️ till make it to the promised land LSD JUST ADDED EVEN MORE MAGIC.
One thing that sets the Dead apart from others is that they were artists rather than performers they didn't have a set list they just played what felt good at any given time. The magic didn't always happen but when it did there was nothing else like them. People would go to shows and just accept what happened - if it was good you were happy you were there and if it wasn't so good you were still happy you were there!
Deadhead for life i am 70 yrs old and still have good memories went to all concert since 67
In the early 90's I saw Pink Floyd at Foxboro Stadium and the next year at the Carrier Dome. Same songs, same sets, same show note for note. Only difference was the outdoor and indoor light show.
Same years I saw the Dead at the Knickerbocker four times in a week, the next year five at the Boston Garden. Never saw the same show twice.
Probably only saw a couple of songs twice in all those shows too. Different setlists every night.
@@JB-Deadskins Yup, and a new T-shirt with the setlist printed by the next day by the Heads.
Check out a great Jazzy version of "Eyes of the World" with Branford Marsalis playing saxophone from the 1990 album Without a Net. Depending upon when you saw them, there would be elements of Rock, Folk, Funk, Jazz, Country and Blues within their songs. They melded all these styles into what is uniquely Grateful Dead music. On stage the heavy improvisation kept it interesting for the band and the audience. Each show you saw was different, and you didn't want to miss what could be a transformational show.
I did that whole Nassau run - spring of ‘90 = 🔥
I'm going to double down on this comment....this should be the next one y'all listen to.
I was there too. And 23 + other times. 89-93
You have to listen to Help is on the way> Slipnot> Franklins always in order.
They're not wrong
There's nothing wrong with a Half Step > Franklins
@@jimbattista1120 Or Stranger > Franklin's
My first show was Dancing in the streets > Franklins
During a Boston show they did Help->Slip->Fire... I learned that recently... Pretty unusual, no ?
❤️⚡️💙⚡️❤️ The reason they were the most followed live band was because people who LOVE to party & dance felt completely at home at Dead shows in a way that no place else on earth feels like home. Comfy-cozy, get the funk on, and space your face! It’s a vibe. People loved the vibe so much, they just went on tour with the band and LIVED it. Pure bliss.
❤️⚡️💙⚡️❤️
Someone suggest a great live version of Estimated Prophet!! Guys, they have so many great songs and so many great live versions it’s mind boggling, I don’t know where to begin, but Estimated Prophet is one of my favorites live.
Pembroke pines March 77. Take a listen
Here is one Estimated Prophet/Eyes of the World/Warf Rat!
ua-cam.com/video/AGF_Sffgs8w/v-deo.html
What makes the Grateful Dead special to me is that sometimes the music plays it can become magical. I got lifted away and didn't realize it until the music ended and I felt I was released from something. The music can lift you to a level you've never experienced before. It is a shame that you aren't able to see them in concert. But Deadheads know what I am talking about.
we've all been lifted. the boys took you places.
being lifted was a rare occurrence but I know what you mean. it happens. like being lifted up by a magic cloud.
Yes exactly they took risks which can inevitably lead to mistakes and the whole thing rolling off the tracks. But it also opens the door to magic which they could reach consistently. You even start to enjoy and appreciate the mistakes because of how human and imperfect it is. Imperfect yet beautiful.
Known for having the largest sound system, ever..The Wall of Sound
You are correct in saying there was a different version for any given song, however, each show typically featured a different set of songs each night. If they played Franklin's Tower the first night, that meant it was almost certain they would not play it again for their remaining shows. Each show was a one-of-a-kind experience. It was definitely worth going to all their shows whenever they came to town.
They were followed because it gave everyone a renewed sense of humanity. And it was fun.
For the freedom!
Rare Earth live in concert 1971. Trust me you'll love it.
I had the same thought 10 seconds before I saw your comment, specifically (as he said)... are you ready for 20 or 30 minutes of "Get Ready?"
Several reasons they were number one live band--- working repertoire of 150-200 songs, could go 6-8 shows without repeating even 1 tune (despite 3-4 hr shows), always played tunes differently (constantly rearranging), superb sound systems, super tight and loose at same time, and they BOOGIE woogie--chill but also energetic! Nothing like a GD show... the best chill fans in history
" super tight and loose at same time" Right? And deeply grounded while often being way out in space. A band of contradictions, but it all made its own kind of sense
@@johnharkness7114 *a band beyond description...
It wasn't just the music, although that is the main thing of course. It was a whole culture. It was the embodiment of hippie culture, living on well past the late 60s. This was not just fans showing up in that town to watch them. They had a whole following, that travelled to every show. Others, would try to make it to 3 or 4 different cities maybe, on a tour. They were bringing their own audience with them, from venue to venue.
Gonna be a good day! 🌞
You have an example of why people loved them right there - Jerry forgets the words but it doesn't really matter!
Grateful Dead: When you absolutely positively have to be there EVERY NIGHT
I saw the Dead in St. Louis 1976, all of 15 years old. It was an eyeopening experience for a young man. The contact high was unavoidable.
I’m a brother that saw the Dead as far back as the 70s. Jerry Garcia is a guitar virtuoso that fashions his style of music as an electric version of bebop. Go listen to Charlie Parker go listen to John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie and then listen to Jerry’s solos. You’ll be amazed! Jerry is playing bebop solos in an essentially country rock framework, but with. James Brown rhythm section !
Just like James Brown they have two drummers to keep the bottom down, and then Phil Lessh on Bass…. There’s nothing I can say about that, you hear him being the Bootsy Collins of the genre…
The answer to che’s question- google the Jerry Garcia -licorice quote..You have to listen to Help > Slip > Franklins from Great American Music Hall on From the Vault Vol.1 in its entirety.. the reason they are followed is every show is different, people chase songs, cities, and venues.. the music sounds different and is shaped by the environment and crowd - indoor vs outdoor, east coast vs. west coast etc.. as the song states -if you get confused listen to the music play..
I always recommend listening to these (Help/Slip/Franklins) together for the great jamming and the way they segue seamlessly into each other-those “between” parts are a thing unto themselves.
It’s the most digestible version to start someone off with, that still hits all the spots ..
I make time to listen to one from the vault at least once a week. "will you welcome, please, the Grateful Dead" gives me chills just typing it.
Help>Slipknot>Franklin's is always awesome!
I went to a Grateful Dead concert and the song they played was good!
Two drummers, keyboard, two guitar players , bass player all superb musicians.
Going to Dead shows were 3 hour (or more) long peasant skirt 😉 dance parties. Bill and Mickey laid the rhythm foundation with their pocket strewn drums. Phil joined with his bass, Bob with rhythm guitar, the keyboardist and Jerry with his lead. Jerry’s ethereal playing ligh-heartingly took everyone on a musical journey. Band members typically look their cues with highlighted solos as Jerry backed off and/or played some rhythm too. As the song progressed multiple players very much in the groove went off on their side instrumental excursions. As the “Roll Away the Dew” chorus the band would return to the center only to exit and morph into an another jam.
Their music was rhythmic, jazzy, danceable and joyous, yet chill. Crowd was on their feet, moving or dancing and this wonderful, loving communal spirit typically brought everyone’s best out. Dancing and talking to friends, strangers, and whoever in the celebration of life!
Musically they would regularly screw up individual notes but the whole of the musical spirit remained in tact. Pure joy attending their shows!
As a confirmed Dead Head, it is easy to know why we always followed The Dead. Every show was different, and in general, it was more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Everything flowed from Jerry Garcia's Guitar, and his persona. You HAD to be there. Not to mention, he was an amazing guitar player, and his singing was just fine. The rest of the band members were also EXCELLENT musicians, and it all blended together seamlessly. They were all doing something different, and yet it all worked together perfectly. In concert, "Franklin's Tower" was usually preceded by the songs "Help On The Way>Slipknot". Check out the version on "One From The Vault", including the intro by Promoter Bill Graham. Worth it.
The boys on a great night were off the charts!!! The warfield Jerry shows were The high Church! I was an atheist, and after a bunch of sober shows, i believed in the Divine because i knew the Divine played thru them, because it took me so high, and touched something way beyond description. This was a semi common thing for the dead on a rippin night! nothing like them!!!
I'll tell why they were the most followed. I'll tell you exactly why. Because they were the best fucking dance party on planet earth. Starting with Family Dog, the Matrix, Fillmore.....and onward. And a whole bunch of people finally figured it out.
Jerry once in a while stumbling on lyrics was all the more endearing to us... he was a real human... they were authentic... no pretenses...no polish... amazing musicians but human imperfection too... we *loved* that about them. They were a band and people who confirmed to us that it was not a requirement (or even feasible) to be perfect...
They were so followed live because for your ticket you got a 3-4 hour concert, and it was never the same. The April 1975 and the August 1975 and the March 1992 were all different. Every show had a different version of every song. Also, they toured doing at least a couple hundred shows a year for around 40 years, and when a member passed it went from Grateful Dead to Ratdog to Dead and Company etc. It’s a one of a kind thing for every one of thousands of shows. They have “the vault” which is recordings of every show and it was worth it when it’s all unique.
If it was all exactly like the studio it’s like “what’s the point” to people, but jam bands are different, and they are the Rolls Royce of jam bands lol 😂❤
Happy to say i was lucky enough to be at the May 1977 Cornell University (Barton Hall) show. Also at 15th anniversary in Boulder June 1980. Also in Rochester NY and Morgantown WV. Great stuff
La & Chi Dead fans now!!!! That closing jam to finish the song is epic! Love it guys, great reaction!
“ May the four winds blow you safely home”. I tell that to my kids always.
Most bands take a “show” on the road and repeat nightly. The Dead took their whole catalog (quite extensive!) on the road and spun the wheel every night!
Great reaction. There was a set with Grateful Dead where Etta James and Tower of Power joined. Etta said, GD is the best American blues band… but how’d you get that name? Actually they are their own genre or every genre. Just an amazing experience live.
Tell momma!!!
12/31/82
The story of the "Grateful Dead" is actually a very old folk tale from mediaeval times or before. In a version of the story I read, several brothers are sent by their father, the King, on a Quest to determine the heir. As they ride from the castle that pass an old man dying by the side of the road. All rode past except the youngest brother, who took the man to an inn, hired a doctor to tend his wounds and illness, stayed with him until he passed, and paid for a proper burial. He then proceeded on the Quest, and although he was far behind his brothers at every challenge or obstacle he received unlikely help of guidance, from a bird, a deer, a stranger, or even the wind itself. As he returned home, with a beautiful bride and the first to complete the Quest, it was revealed that he had been aided at every step by the spirit of the man he had helped pass peacefully, the Grateful Dead.
@@rick063092thanks!
Besides all the words of greatness, the word “freewheeling “ always creeps into my head.
"They're a band beyond description..."
🌹... If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind...🌹
Passing doobs, balloons, flowers and love, Especially love. That was the crowd sculpture. I met a lot of different kinds along the way, it was almost an illusion because there hasn't been much like it since. A drop here and a puddle there and it's a wonderful storyline for the campfire at the end of each show. The music never stopped.
Listening to Jerry's guitar is always uplifting to me.
Their jamming and almost everyone is boogieing, you have to, the music comes in through your ears and you have to dance it out, constantly, it was like being plugged in electronically, and YES we were tripping on good old clean LSD, freaking magical, best times of my life. Lucky I saw them 36 times from 85 to 95, mostly Alpine, Milwaukee and Chicago but others as well ✌️😎
La and Che, hands down my favorite reaction to date . You two grooved properly.
Hmmm, what was it about them that made people follow them? In one word…EVERYTHING. It as the fact that you could see three shows in a row and not see the same show. It was the fact that you would see all your friends at every show and you could always find new ones along the way. It was the fact that you might see some of the most kind, amazing, and beautiful acts of brotherly and sisterly love. It was the fact that you can always find what you need at the Shakedown scene, food-drink-heady consumables. It was all that and a million other things that goes unmentioned.
So funny you mentioned keeping them on during the whole party! They were the house band for the acid tests in the SF Bay area when it was still legal. Out in the park, beautiful. "Always live, Always dead". Unlimited devotion!
Now we're getting somewhere. My favorite Jerry Garcia description of what he feels the Dead does live on stage is basically the band starts off building a platform. Each song adds something to the platform, stability, height, whatever. At a certain point they have this solid, tall, secure platform they've created with the music, then they jump off of it. Seeing that moment when they "jump off the platform" was one of the reasons I toured with them for the last 17 years of their career.
☮ (~);} Love all my felllow dead heads! I love these videos! Brings light and Joy to my heart! Truly amazing seing the music being heard for the first time its such an experience to get to share with someone..thank you for the videos! ❤ ☮ (~);}
Your very insightful question about "why the Grateful Dead?" and then "did that cut or something?" are actually perfectly related! Every night at a live show as part of the audience you were listening to, and a part of, a musical conversation. Sometimes quite frankly it was an awful train wreck. LOL Other times, it was sublime! And no matter what, it was beautiful to behold. What you asked about was one of the band asking a musical question, and not necessarily getting the answer they wanted. LOL
Hey guys. A couple of my favorites if you’d like to react to them: “Ripple” and “Brokedown Palace”. They were the ultimate jam band. My first boyfriend was a dead head and travelled the country seeing them live. And yes, it involved a lot of weed and acid. ❤😂
As others have said, EVERY show could be different in the way a song was played along with different solos.
The GD were not an event to go to. They were a lifestyle. When one tour was over, everyone only talked about how they were getting to the next tour opener and what they were doing in between. It was a lifestyle. I cant explain it any other way. It was your job, your social life, your adventure, its where your friends were. It was everything. When you left tour and went back home you felt alone. I cant describe this any better. Seeing dead shows was what you did. It was like being a plumber or being a lawyer. It wasnt like going to see a concert or a ballgame. It was who you were. Its honestly who I am still at age 60 and I live in Thailand and want nothing to do with America now. I will always be a dead head until I die though.
They were the perfect soundtrack for every trip I took.
You guys are so smart and insightful.
Bless up. The concerts aren’t normal concert’s. They’re crazy lit party’s. Like to the extreme.. People come hours early to start partying. Almost everyone is getting lose on something. Tons of psychedelic’s. The next day, you think to yourself “ the music was great, but overall that was the funnest time I’ve ever had in my life”. Glad y’all are digging it. Bless up Nipsey. Love the pic in background. Grateful Dead, and Nip. You my guys right here
Look up wall of sound, Greatful Dead. Outstanding sound for 1973 - 1974 origin. This is one reason they sounded so very great live. That and excellent musicians.
First time I saw them I think they played 10 songs in 4 hours.
The reason for that ending is because you jumped into the middle of a Help on the Way>Slipknot>Franklin's Tower song progression, and the ending harkens back to Help on the Way.
Great reaction to a great song by a great band. Appreciate you fellas 🙏 ❤
Jerry Garcia used to say that at their core the Grateful Dead were a dance band. 😊 He said one time that the government should commission the Grateful Dead to go out and play where people need to get high! Like a public service gig, a mission.
Just like Jerry said "a dance band" a serious, personal dance.
I fell in love with a beautiful woman, at a show, when this song played. She twirled around me, and I would catch her eyes and shiny smile. She was laughing and the acid kicked in, and she and I began seeing each others thoughts. She sent my mind flowers and patchouli. Her dress fanned outward as she spun around. Her beads flung around her neck. She reached out her hand, and touched mine, and I fell in love.
You continue to delight
As others have said,, they never played the set list, or a song the same way. However, the band will be the first to admit that they often failed. But that's part of their brilliance. They were always ready to take a chance, they often succeeded
“Everyone’s soloin’” Yup and they did it so well together.
Fun relaxation all day long...
same thing as Pink Floyd. I saw Eric Clapton at MSG in the late 80s. fucking awesome show. love everything Clapton. later that week trucked up to Hartford to see him again. what a bummer. same set list. same riffs. same jams. same encore. thats what sets the Dead apart. never the same. sometimes better. sometimes worse but always different
I've loved your reactions to the Dead so far! I see you're in Sacramento; there's an amazing Grateful Dead tribute group called Joe Russo's Almost Dead that is playing at Frost Amphitheater in Stanford. If you guys are able to make it down I'd love to cover the show for you. Always trying to spread the love and passion for the Dead.
Cool thing about the Dead, which reminds me of jazz, they're very adept players, very confident in their playing but not cocky, it's an ensemble performance and they trust each other on another level, so professional but so laid back too
One of The Best Versions!!Thanks Brothers!!
They created the template that the jam bands all followed. Extensive touring. Built their rep on the road, not the studio. Multiple lead vocalists. Double drummer. Two sets and an encore. Extensive group improvisation. Loooong jams. More exploratory/psychedelic second sets for when people are tripping balls. Encouraging taping and trading of their live shows. Direct contact and ticket sales with fans. Dope artwork. They are a singular band and phenomenon. They weren’t a jam band; they birthed the genre. I think they can make a rightful claim to greatest American rock band. Their catalog of originals is unmatched and their influence is major. I think they are actually underrated by the public at large because people form opinions about them based on all the extraneous bullshit around them and don’t actually give their prime music (1967-81 imo) a fair listen.
"Nothings bad about them", Amen
Used to listen to all their music because my older bro was a mad deadhead. I went adiff direction around 15 after I heard Black Sabbath lol it’s nice to go back now and appreciate them. Tx fellas !
Welcome to the Deadhead fam. We've been waiting for you!
You really need to hear the Jerry Band playing After Midnight/Elanor Rigby/After Midnight 3/8/80. you'll thank me.
Those AM/ER/AM jams from ‘80 are legendary!! ua-cam.com/video/JW3BrH1kxuc/v-deo.htmlsi=ykDr8Hql0H2pLfjT
I’m a big fan of that recommendation, but would also recommend JJ Cale - “After Midnight “ at Paradise studios.
@@treydog317 of course! Always good to check out the OG. Should also probably be familiar with the Beatles Eleanor Rigby to have a full appreciation for the genius required to put them together!
The hours upon hours I have played this around the house, doing chores, house projects, lawn work during spring and fall I wear them out all the time! Love them. Pass the doobie!
I subscribed because you react to 2 of my favorite artists, who are very different.. Steely Dan, who were studio perfectionists, and the Grateful Dead, who, as you said take risks with their live performances. They truly did never play the same song the same way twice, for that matter they never played the same setlist twice. They had over 500 songs they could play at anytime. That being said they didn't always succeed in every performance. The band is the first to admit that. Please don't be discouraged if you come across a bad performance, and keep exploring their live music.
The Grateful Dead were the highest grossing concert band for years upon years. Because those who loved them were faithful and knew that any given night might bring the magic, you just couldn’t know which night.
Really enjoyed this reaction guys.... do the studio of Terrapin Station...YOU WILL LOSE YOUR MIND,!
“They jammin’” 😂❤
"The tree", that was funny as hell La. I have never heard it called that. 😎
There absolutely was nothing like a Grateful Dead show. One night while dancing/spinning around I knocked a beer out of someone's hand. I spun back around, ready to pay for it and saw it was a member of the Hell's Angels. I apologized and went to hand him some money. He just looked at me and said, "It's cool, dance on". Paul Kantner (from Jefferson Airplane) once said that the Grateful Dead were the only band who, if they didn't show up for a concert, the crowd would still have a great time.
The music was the magic. They jammed, and never played the song exactly the same. They didn’t have one set list for every show, so you’d (try to) see them every night they were in town. And on top of that, you had the crowd all vibing to the groove. Now add the acid. What a trip! It was the last bastion of the ‘69’s vibe for a very long time. Their entire catalogue is worth a listen. Love your reactions. ✌️❤️🎶
The DEAD have such a rich history 😅
One of the things that attracted so many of us to them was that they were not a packaged shoved down your throat by corporate America commodity. They were unique, real, and represented what I think so many people are looking for, genuine. If you "got it" you never wanted to miss a minute of it. It was where community met art in a place where you could just be. A good friend of mine said once that the saddest part of Jerry passing was that he would never get to meet all those new friends out there that he would have had the band still been around.
I caught 70+ shows in the 80s and 90s. EVERY show was a dance show. Virtually no one sat. Dough knees, indeed.
Such a joyful song!!! How can it Not make you happy?
Great stuff! I saw The Who and the Dead at the Oakland Coliseum for one of the "Day On The Green" shows back in 1976...just magical! I think it was October 9 or 10...about 47 years ago to the day!
The Dead and the Allman Brothers basically invented "jam bands". They'd take a song and stretch it out 10, 12, 18 minutes. They'd play tight and melodic, drift along, and eventually hit a point where everyone sorta drifts apart and plays their own lines. They'd go polyrhythmic, weave in and out among each other, jazzing along. Then they'd eventually come to a point where the whole band would just snap back together, boom! and they'd be back to the base song and carry on.
The other thing is that it was never canned. They'd improvise, solos would change, or someone would quote a guitar solo from another song entirely. The set list was fluid. If you go see the Stones on tour they basically play the same set every night. They might drop in a different song once in a while, but basically its the same show. Not the Dead.
The only difference is that Allman sets were extremely static song wise ..
Nice gentlemen. Been to 2 Dead parties and at both most of the front seats got shoved out and a dance floor of trippers would be grooving.
I love The Roots comparison. My two favorite bands of all time. The Legendary Roots Crew and The Good ol’ Grateful Dead
The Dead is always best listened to on live versions.
You ask the right question for someone just discovering the Dead. It’s much more than being a great jam band. Listen to a show all the way through from beginning to end. Then you’ll get it.
Kinda hard to describe what the Dead does except when they get you you get it. Love their reach for higher. They play as one when at their best. I loved the concerts in the early seventies up until my last one in '89 at Alpine Valley. Sublime. Everyone is part of the show.