[Henry]

I believe it was a unique formula that all the "players" involved had a part that without any of these parts it would have been dramatically different.

That being said, I feel the only absolutely essential player was Jerry. Everyone else was replaceable including Hunter, Wier, Pigpen etc. But it would have changed the dymanics in such a way that it is impossible to predict longevity.

It's hard for me to think of Weir as replaceable. His personality was a very important element. Being a quite unique and recognizable player and singer he was just as essential to the Dead's overall sound as Jerry IMO. The frequent alternating between Bob songs and Jerry songs is one of the crucial elements of every Dead show. Also, I just cannot imagine they would ever have found another genius songwriter like Hunter. He is truly one of a kind. Had they ever replaced Weir and Hunter, I think it would have turned into more or less another version of the Jerry Garcia Band instead of the Dead.

[Tennessee Jedi]

This was a great topic.
Of course the Dead are the Dead.
All the members contributed.
Even Donna.
Happy Halloween

[Django]

Just the fact that the Dead employed a songwriter was pretty unique for rock bands at the time. Bernie Taupin with Elton John comes to mind and they wrote some fine songs. Plenty of rock bands wrote the simple sex, drugs, and rock and roll songs, not to mention the songs about being rock stars (which I particularly loathe) to get the job done. I think Hunter transcended that and wrote lyrics that you take to heart.

[ronster]

True, in the mid-80s to the end Jerry was the draw. But prior I think it was a pretty even mix, IMO.

Got to disagree with that comment. I was listening to the Dead throughout the 70's and every head I knew back then would say it was all about Jerry. Sure he relied on the entire band including Hunter to get that sound that was unlike any other band but he was the one with the special gift. I would agree that the 70's sound was more a sum of all parts then later on as Bob and Keith could be heard better in the mix but if Jerry was on the show was on.

From the mid eighties on you would find a number of younger heads going to shows because of Brent where as in the 70's nobody went to a show because of Keith, they might of like his playing but nobody went to see Keith. That most likely was the case in the 60's when pig was singing.

[Shaggy]

Call me strange but I went to see the Grateful Dead, never just one or two members. The whole package, the music and the songs.

[CountryMile Cadillac]

Call me strange but I went to see the Grateful Dead, never just one or two members. The whole package, the music and the songs.

Shaggy,

I was on that bus as well

[jackr]

Call me strange .

As you wish:

You are strange!

[Shaggy]

Thank you sir!

[krzykat]

Do we forget that Hunter was in the wildwood boys with Jerry before Mother McCrees was even started? Jerry new Hunter before any of the other members of the dead. They meet right after Jerry was discharged from the army and living in his car behind Keplers in Palo Alto.

Hunter was the most prolific song writer of his time. the imagry in his songs is so powerful. I think that even if the grateful dead was never formed that Jerry Garcia would have been singing lyrics written by Robert Hunter.

people call me a dead head i tell them that I am just a good old fashioned Jery Head. I loved goignto JGB shows, and went to see the Dead because Jerry was in the band. Don't get me wrong I love the Dead but It was all about jerry. Pig was the front man because Jerry didn't want to be