[razmablues]

would anything as far as the groups within the dead circles be different if brent was still with us today?

To me i think that if Brent was around, the dead would still be touring (rip jerry). He's such an integral part and with him bobby phil mickey and billy around, why wouldn't they be together? i guess you could say the same about the people still here today, but i think brent would have been that missing ingredient.

anyone have any thoughts on this?

[strumminsix]

As far as I know Brent suffered from some depression issues similar to Vince. I'd think a huge obstacle to Brent helping to carry it on would be how Jerry's passing would impact him.

[ebick]

Strummin's point taken, I have said the following before here.

We all knew Jerry's days were numbered. Brent was a bit of a shock and he died well before his time (IMO).

Had he not died, I believe the Grateful Dead would have taken a bit of a hiatus and would have then come back with Brent taking the lead role in the band.

The problem with "The Dead" (or any of the other incarnations of the re-org) is that the only surviving members are the rythym section. So you have these "newbies" or "substitutes" stepping into the "lead" roles.......but they are not going to truly lead this band.....thus you are left with the cart leading the horse.

Brent was a melody player who had come into his own with the band. He could have filled that role.

[CountryMile Cadillac]

I don't think they would have carried on as the Grateful Dead if Brent lived through Jerry's passing.

I would guess that Brent and Bob would play together a lot more than the rest of the guys though

[astroman99]

Its a good question, but kind of like asking how America would be differnt if the South had won the civil war
I think If Brent hadn't died, Jerry would have lived, they would have rehabed together, and probably would be playing down the street from me tonite with tickets available at the door.
One thing everone has to realize is all those guys are getting old at this point and don't have much left in the tank,
I saw Phil on Sunday in Syracuse, I will not be a detractor, it was a good show, but really so little of what made Jerry and the boys click was apparent. It was enjoyable, but for $55, I don't know if I'll be going back anytime soon. Even if you just studied the crowd response, I heard more energy from crowds before (GD)shows ever started , so I don't think it was just me.
Anyway Brent was great, and I still have the guitar of mine he played in my room when he sang Mr Fantasy
and something else, I can't remember what else he sang, I suck