[phreaker]

Just be thankful that the Dead don't sell all they're merch. at wal-mart.

that would be like an itch you get on your soft pallet. you hate it, but you cant do anything about it, so you just kinda let it be.

the dead pulled shows and many people turned on bobby, but at least you dont see a SYF t-shirt as often as you do those "Back in black" t-shirts.

it also sounds like a lot of you get your headiness from your parents. my parents were married for 20 years and just divorced a couple years back. theyre polar opposites. my dad toured with the dead from 1977-1982 (when he met my mom) and then just saw area shows from 82-95. that's my ol man. whereas my mom flaunts her Chicago box set like a trillion dollar bill and watches wife swap whenever a new episode is on.

i just find it funny that so many of our fathers are the roots of our love for the dead.

[confusions_prince]

i just find it funny that so many of our fathers are the roots of our love for the dead.

I agree, man. Nice to see that what was "counterculture" can be accepted to a degree. Not that I was raised to be a head (not by a longshot)

[BigJilm]

I wasn't lucky enough to see the Grateful Dead, but its not like it was my fault, i only had about 4 years to see them b4 Jerry died. But i still consider myself a deadhead. I believe that when it comes to the dead, you either "get it" or u dont. for those of u that do get it (and i have a feeling thats probly most of you), u kno exactly what im talking about. Its about your state of mind, not about how many shows youve seen or how many times uve tripped or how many dyes u have, u dont have to be a stereotype to be a deadhead. (tho i do enjoy myself a good trip)

[Rev_Roach]

I can understand the way you all feel about "posers", but I think its important to note that these people don't need to be alienated or picked on (or at least not all of them), but shown more dead! A lot of the things described before can be the mark of people who are not real deadheads YET.

I've been listening to the dead in some capacity for between 5 and 6 years now. I remember getting a dead shirt at a point where I had heard and liked a handful of shows, and the studio greatest hits. My interest in the band was not as strong as it is now, and my knowledge was far less. When I first seen TOO in 2002 they opened with Viola Lee Blues and I didn't know it. I felt a little sheepish, but asked the guy next to me (I was sat seperate from my older friend who brought me and had been to probably around 100 shows). He was real cool about it and told me, and continued to fill me in on things throughout the show.

The massive GD repetoire can be tough or even overwhelming for a beginner to learn. The next show I went to was The Dead in summer 2003. I'd been listening to the band a lot more, and knew most of the songs played that day, but when they started with Let the Good Times Roll I again didn't know the opener. I knew more than last year, but LTGTR is obviously a less played song than Viola Lee. Again, a kind stranger was able to fill me in.

I feel like thats the way to go, make a new head instead of a alienating them and making them intimidated by the scene, and therefore the music. And as I see it, especially on forums like this, theres no shortage of those willing to share.

Oops I wrote a novel...

[Hazza]

I know the feeling, I feel I know enough that, I can listen to a PLAF show (With Scofield!) and know all or know of all the songs.

But listening to a show from MSG in 91, there is some stuf i'm not as clued in on, but from 69-73 I feel i've got it nailed.

[The Doctor]

Awesome to see that the younger generation is getting into the dead, even without the tour scene.

I don't think that anyone who likes the dead should ever be shunned because of age, knowledge of the band etc. There are already far too many "Hippier-than-thou" jerkoffs running around in patchwork and dyes with 1/2 pound crystals hanging off their necks and "phat glass" in their pockets who are complete tools, and definately not kind at all.

It's not the clothes, or the hair...hell, I have a near crew cut, and am in law school! (Mind you, when I was touring I had hair past my arse and wore a dress for a week straight once, because my pants got jacked by this nut from oregon...but that's another story)

I would welcome anyone into "the fold" as long as their good folk. I mean, the music can't survive if it's just us old folks listening to it!

Oh, and BigJilm...you're a Ween fan, so you're already alright by me! ;D

[b weird]

I would welcome anyone into "the fold" as long as their good folk. I mean, the music can't survive if it's just us old folks listening to it!

Amen!

[james the bassist]

speaking as someone who has listened to the dead for thiertyyears ,welcome. I say anyone who loves the music welcome. after all many people enjoy symphonies hundreds of years after the composer is gone.Quote Phil its just a box of rain etc