1 Topic by Stu Craig (edited by Stu Craig 2008-07-16 08:59:17)

  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Topic: Are you a Deadhead?

If so, I am curious.

I never really "Got it" when it came to the Greatful Dead. I didn't dislike their music, but I found myself mostly indifferent to it. Having such a cult following of die-hard fans though, I do wonder if I am missing something...

My question for the Deadheads here: Was the Dead's music secondary to the overall culture and state-of-mind that comes with being a "Deadhead?" Was it more about being part of the whole experience? Interacting with other Deadheads at shows, the parties, traveling to concerts, driving the VW bus with the Deadhead decal? Or was it the music that truly captivated you? Was it the music first and foremost, regardless of the subculture that surrounded the band? Does the music stand on it's own merit, independent of (or lacking) the notion that it was perceived as "cool" to be a part of that scene?

(Edited for spelling)

  • Registered: 2006-12-28
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

Stu, I grew up in the bay area...wore tie-dyed shirts...but I never cared for their music...but all my other friends were die hards...I passed on every chance to see them...just not for me

Dave

  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I was - then - but not any more. Times change...don't get me wrong, I still love lots of their music and listen to it quite regularly but I'm no longer prepared to spend a soaked and freezing weekend in the mud to see them play, that's the difference.

RIP Iron Man

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  • From: North Essex, England
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

Stu, I've admired them for some time but from a distance. Just couldn't get into it. Sorry.

Geoff

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5 Reply by ken (edited by ken 2008-07-16 10:49:13)

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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I used to be a real headbanger when I was younger, so I never understood the appeal of the Grateful Dead at the time.

Now I'm a little older, and have expanded my musical palette. I like a lot of different kinds of music.

Guess what...I still don't understand the appeal of that music! I'll try listening again in another 20 years and report back... smile

  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I'm sorry to add another voice to the "didn't get into their music" chorus, but...I think the "scene" was as important as the music. I had die-hard tie-dyed friends who would travel far and wide to shows..that seemed to be part of it too. The Dead were one of the first, if not the first, band to be taper friendly. Sharing shows also seemed to be a part of the joy of their fans (sound familiar?). I always wanted to go to a show for the experience, to be a part of that BIG party, but Jerry died before that could happen.

I can never ignore music..there is no such thing as background music to my ears. That was my biggest problem with the Dead..the music was too redundant, few surprises, and no WOW moments for me. I do have songs of theirs that I like, but not an entire CD. My apologies to any avid fans..remember it's just a matter of personal preference.  Cathy

  • Registered: 2006-11-02
  • Posts: 164

Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I never got into them but I like a few of their songs. I saw them with the Allman Brothers in 1973 at RFK. I remember how wild the crowd was and how it scared the heck out of me! It left quite an impression on my young mind and probably is the reason I don't go to big festivals.

I have a friend that's a deadhead. She would go for the party instead of the music. I don't think she ever bought a ticket to see them, just partied with the masses outside the gates.

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  • From: Lake Mary, FL/USA
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I never got into them either.  I knew who they were, but I was never inspired by them and never understood the attraction.  But... different strokes for different folks, I guess hmm

Susan

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  • From: DC
  • Registered: 2006-07-07
  • Posts: 313

Re: Are you a Deadhead?

I'm with you Stu.  Never cared for their music...

No matter how well you know someone, you can only ever guess.  How can you ever really know somebody else? It takes more than a lifetime just to get to know yourself.  Nobody knows the meaning of loneliness.  - Van Morrison

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  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

Stu Craig wrote:

If so, I am curious.

I never really "Got it" when it came to the Greatful Dead. I didn't dislike their music, but I found myself mostly indifferent to it. Having such a cult following of die-hard fans though, I do wonder if I am missing something...

(Edited for spelling)

WORDS FROM MY MOUTH!
Deadhead's "vibe" is exactly what kept me from giving Greatful Dead music a chance. I didn't wanna be associated with that title, or their cult like following...

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  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
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Re: Are you a Deadhead?

See also here - http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=4195

I tried to get some enthusiasm going........................

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • Registered: 2008-04-02
  • Posts: 671

Re: Are you a Deadhead?

Never a huge Dead fan. Lately I've come to appreciate some of the acoustic stuff-its kinda "folky". I like Jerrys approach to music and his playing, but those guys took alot of drugs-severe abusers no doubt. I do not dig the vibe of thier fans Deadheads. Saw Bob Weir and Ratdog on a bill upstate and what I observed were alot of young kids, mostly guys with dredlocks and tyedye shirts, tripping on acid.....I'd bet money that most of them had never even seen the Dead. I guess they just like being around people that like takin drugs, its probally alot easier to score that way.:lol:

My.02
Jack

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  • From: The House Of Rock
  • Registered: 2006-06-18
  • Posts: 760

Re: Are you a Deadhead?

No Stu, never was one of "Jerry's Kid's", and even while imbibing massive quantities of illicit substances, as was the style of the day, I just could never get into them. However, Garcia was a great guitarist. But, the music itself left me, and still does, leave me cold.

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