We continue with memories and expectations of readers who are attending the upcoming
GRATEFUL DEAD concerts at Levi’s Stadium (June 27-28) or Soldier Field (July 3-5). The four living members of The Dead -- along with several special guests -- will take the stage on two consecutive weekends for their final concerts together, commemorating the band’s 50th anniversary. Here are three Deadheads sharing their stories.
If you are heading to Santa Clara or Chicago, we would love to hear your stories, as well. Just shoot an e-mail to adamharris@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
ANDREW SALTZMAN
NFHS Network Chief Revenue Officer
*Which Fare Thee Well shows are you attending?
All three shows in Chicago.
*How many Dead shows have you been to?
I only kept count if JERRY GARCIA was playing: 275 Grateful Dead shows in 34 different states and JERRY GARCIA BAND about 75 times.
*Who are you going to the shows with?
My wife AMY, best friends BILL and JEN, and a few thousand of my closest friends.
*What are you hoping for at these final shows?
The feeling, the vibe, the energy that I’ve missed so much for the past 20 years. Plus old faces, and the music, of course.
*Then vs. Now?
Certainly the planning is different. Back in the day, we just figured it out on the fly and next thing you know we are in the Reptile House at the Oklahoma City Zoo because it's the only place to chill out before the show. Now, we are not leaving any detail to chance. It is the final throw-down.
*What will make the show a hit for you?
As long as no one ends up in Rock Med.
*What song(s) do you most want to hear?
Morning Dew.
*Jam session:
There is a ton of anticipation for these shows and we all need to enjoy them for what they are; great music with great people. As Jerry sang so eloquently, "Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile."
BOB YOUNGENTOB
CSN Washington Sports Photographer
*Which Fare Thee Well shows are you attending?
I am attending all five, because I think the energy and the setlists will grow as each show goes on.
*How many Dead shows have you been to?
I stopped counting after 100, but probably over 175 counting all of the different post-Dead configurations. Most recently, "Dead Feat" at New Orleans Jazz Fest featuring BILL KREUTZMANN and members of LITTLE FEAT.
*Who are you going to the shows with?
My wife, and newer Deadhead friends at the Santa Clara shows, and a mix of college friends and DC friends at Soldier Field.
*What are you hoping for at these final shows?
I'm trying to keep my expectations low, but I'm just looking forward to spending time with my wife and friends while listening to music that I love. Even as the core four has gotten older, they are still excellent musicians and I know that JEFF CHIMENTI, BRUCE HORNSBY and TREY ANASTASIO will add an energy that will rock these large venues. I'm kind of old now, too, but I do feel younger while listening and dancing to The Dead.
*Then vs. Now?
We are definitely flying and staying in nice hotels as opposed to the overnight road trips in college.
*What will make the show a hit for you?
I hope everyone has a go-to song in life that gets them fired up whenever they hear it. Mine has always been a PIGPEN (RON MCKERNAN) version of Turn on Your Lovelight. I listen to it prior to important meetings, golf matches or whenever I want to smile. I hope they go way back to the Pigpen days. I have other favorites like Not Fade Away > Going Down The Road Feeling Bad, but most of all, Lovelight.
*Jam session:
My first Dead show was in the spring of 1979 while a freshman in college. In its earliest configurations, The Dead's music represented such an amazing mix of rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass and country that inspired people to think differently and dare to be different. It created a sense of community amongst its followers that was unique in the music world. While many associate The Dead with the acid culture of the late '60s, I did not start listening and enjoying the music until the late '70s. It was the fusion of sounds, the creativity and the improvisational jams that I found so appealing.
JAMIE ZANINOVICH
Pac-12 Deputy Commissioner & COO
*Which Fare Thee Well shows are you attending?
Both shows at Levi's Stadium this weekend.
*How many Dead shows have you been to?
20+
*Who are you going to the shows with?
My brother and grad school friends.
*What are you hoping for at these final shows?
Looking for the group to bring the energy that their final shows deserve. Also interested to see what they choose to play for their last go around, since they have so much to choose from. Lastly, I will be curious to see what kind of multi-generational crowd is represented, as the people watching is always a highlight of the experience.
*Then vs. Now?
VIP seating vs. "needing a miracle."
*What will make the show a hit for you?
Drums/space isn't too, too long.
*What song(s) do you most want to hear?
Terrapin Station, Scarlet-Fire, Brokedown Palace (encore).
*Jam session:
I went to high school in Marin County (Calif.) at a time the Dead were at their peak, so I come by my interest in the music and shows honestly. The band members and the music was really a part of the "neighborhood," which was very cool. When these shows were announced I was very excited Bruce Hornsby was back on keys and Trey A made perfect sense as well. But, I was a little disappointed STEVE KIMOCK (formerly of ZERO) wasn't on lead guitar, so I am going to be curious how many of the traditional Jerry solos are part of the plan and what those sound like with Trey taking the lead.
