Vince Welnick R.I. P.

Dicks Pick's, Steppin' Out '72, 100 Year Hall, The 4 cd fillmore 71 shows and some other live commercial releases are great, but there was always more pleasure for me in trading for some obscure gem that some taper unearthed than just buying them from GDM. The Dead pulling their soundboard shows off archive.org made me stop doing business with GDM. That was a greedy move and contrary to the vibe they laid down over the years. I'm sure the live CD's they sell for 25 bucks at the end of the pathetic "The Dead" shows ain't payin' the bills the way touring with Jerry did.

I agree. History rarely ceases to teach us that the holding back the strong forces of capitalism and self-interest are temporary. From Jerry's guitars to soundboards, hippies are as greedy as the rest of us.

What ever happened to Dick's Pick's....

Any 74 partisans out there? 45 minutes of Playin', Seattle 74? Louisville 74?

I think all of the band's phases have their charms. Toronto 77, Donna and all. And it's a hard--hearted person who can despise Donna on "You Ain't Woman Enough" from Madison 73.

Near the top must be the legendary 2/13/70 Darkstar, but I'd not like to forget the Stanley in 79, among a lot of others.

My first show was Cornell 80, missed the great 77 show. But Cornell 81 was very fine, as was Buffalo 81, with a great Playin'/Bertha to open set 2.

I guess I'd be inclined to agree that the band tailed off some as the 80s progressed, though I can remember a very fine Playin/China Doll/High Time (!) from Providence in 84 or so.

Wow, all a ways back! But I'm grateful to all the GD personnel, who brought me, and so many others, a lot of joy.

jmd

'74 was good although it has a unique sound. I think I wore that Louisville tape out in the 80's...nice to have the cd now.

I read Phil's book recently and it gave me a lot of perspective on the music. I recommend it, even to non-believers.