Grateful Dead Music Forum

strawman wrote: Another crazy thing was that when we played that gig last Sat, it was actually pretty f'n good. I think all the tension/anger actually came through as transformed into some pretty sick and very interactive jams--not that I'd want that to be a habit, but, as much as I would have thought it would suck because of all that anger, it actually was a pretty good show for the most part.
I really appreciate all you RUKINDERS you know.....

It's funny how that works!

Dozin wrote:

strawman wrote: Another crazy thing was that when we played that gig last Sat, it was actually pretty f'n good. I think all the tension/anger actually came through as transformed into some pretty sick and very interactive jams--not that I'd want that to be a habit, but, as much as I would have thought it would suck because of all that anger, it actually was a pretty good show for the most part.
I really appreciate all you RUKINDERS you know.....

It's funny how that works!

If you can leverage all that energy into something productive it can make for a good show - certainly not sustainable for the long haul. Good luck!

Dozin wrote:

strawman wrote: Another crazy thing was that when we played that gig last Sat, it was actually pretty f'n good. I think all the tension/anger actually came through as transformed into some pretty sick and very interactive jams--not that I'd want that to be a habit, but, as much as I would have thought it would suck because of all that anger, it actually was a pretty good show for the most part.
I really appreciate all you RUKINDERS you know.....

It's funny how that works!

There's a Miles Davis CD from the early 60's or so called Live at the Plugged Nickel. Miles told the band right before they went on that the show was a benefit and they weren't getting paid, and so they wanted to kill him - but the show is amazing! Fast, tight, crazy energy.


Back on topic - I'm completely amazed that it's the bass player who is this uptight!

Wow. Just wow.

I'm pretty sure it was Johnny Rotten who sang "Anger is an energy" and there is something to be said for it. I have had the experience a few times on stage where players were just about ready to kill each other but the music still came out fine.

I don't really think this type of energy is really in spirit of a Dead style band though. (From probably the only poster here who doesn't actually play in a Dead cover band). My take on the Dead's music is that it should be presented with a peaceful, cheerful vibe. I dunno, maybe I'm just a silly old hippie.

Charlie wrote:I'm pretty sure it was Johnny Rotten who sang "Anger is an energy" and there is something to be said for it. I have had the experience a few times on stage where players were just about ready to kill each other but the music still came out fine.

I don't really think this type of energy is really in spirit of a Dead style band though. (From probably the only poster here who doesn't actually play in a Dead cover band). My take on the Dead's music is that it should be presented with a peaceful, cheerful vibe. I dunno, maybe I'm just a silly old hippie.

Work with the energy you got I remember seeing a Frost show in '87 and Jerry seemed pissed at Healy or someone on the tech crew for something. Gave an ugly look pulled his low E string and let it go for a minute, shook his head then let out a ripping solo. I would say that that kind of energy is not sustainable for the long term and getting along with the folks you play with is a much healthier space to be in - but the occasional heated musical exchange can work. Music to me is about the conversation - sometimes conversations are arguments and can work. I don't suggest going the Johnny Rotten (who I share a birthday with) route for playing Dead music unless you play in Punk is Dead