• https://www.dead.net/features/news/general-news/bob-phil-mickey-and-friends-rock-barack-warfield
    Bob, Phil, Mickey and Friends Rock for Barack at the Warfield

    Word began to get out on the afternoon of Friday, February 1st, and quickly spread like a prairie fire: Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bob Weir were getting together to play some music for the first time since 2004, in the service of a common cause: the presidential election campaign of Senator Barack Obama. At 5 o'clock that afternoon, tickets went on sale for Dead Heads for Obama, a benefit concert on Monday the 4th at The Warfield in San Francisco, designed to raise funds and get out the vote for Obama in the Super Tuesday primaries being held across the country on the 5th. Not surprisingly, the show sold out in a few minutes, but Dead Heads who couldn't get to the Warfield could avail themselves of a streaming video feed on iclips.net, or pick up the audio on Sirius Satellite Radio's Grateful Dead Channel.

    PressConference

    Photo: Susana Millman

    Just before the band took the stage, Senator Obama himself appeared in virtual form, in a video message recorded especially for the occasion.

    The Senator's stirring words were immediately followed by music that was no less inspired and uplifting. From the first notes, it was clear that Mickey, Bobby and Phil hadn't lost a bit of their ability to read each other's minds and create a musical language unlike any other (as Mickey noted at the pre-concert press conference, "it's in our DNA"). They were aided by a great supporting cast, including Jackie Greene, Steve Molitz and the mighty, mighty John Molo from Phil's latest touring group of Friends, and the most welcome presence of unannounced guests Mark Karan and Barry Sless on guitar and pedal steel, respectively (alternating on some songs, appearing together on others to create a gorgeously orchestrated ensemble sound.

    Photo: Susana Millman

    We'll have more news and photos from this unforgettable evening soon. For the moment we'll just let you know what they played, and remind you to get out there and VOTE!

    DEAD HEADS FOR OBAMA
    The Warfield
    San Francisco, CA
    February 4, 2008

    I.
    Playing in the Band*>Brown-Eyed Women†, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo†>New Minglewood Blues*, Come Together*

    II. (Acoustic)
    Deep Elem Blues, Friend of the Devil, Deal, Ripple

    III.
    China Cat Sunflower*†>The Wheel*†>The Other One*>Sugaree* Eyes of the World*†>Throwin' Stones*>Iko Iko>*†>Playing reprise*†

    E. U.S. Blues*†%

    Bob Weir, guitar and vocals; Phil Lesh, bass and vocals; Mickey Hart, drums and vocals; John Molo, drums; Jackie Greene, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Steve Molitz, keyboards and vocals.

    * with Mark Karan, guitar; †with Barry Sless, pedal steel guitar; %with Hippie Bill, flag

     

     

    Some Reflections on the Warfield Show…


    By Blair Jackson


    Many fingers in the air looking for tickets as we arrive at the already forming line outside the Warfield around 4:30, an hour and a half before the doors open. One person offers $300 for a single ticket… Cold winds are whipping down Market Street; many people are under-dressed for the chill… A couple of small, noisy pro-Obama marches go past the line a couple of times… With door opening at 6 and literally every person having to go through will-call, the odds do not look good for everyone getting through the ever-lengthening line by the 7:30 showtime… About half an hour before doors they decide to split the line alphabetically, A-J and K-Z, causing much temporary confusion and frustration and re-jockeying for position. We luck out and move ahead about 20 feet when all the K-Z’s in front of us depart… We get in pretty quickly and score an excellent spot on the first level behind the pit with some friends. We are surprised to see large TV cameras in the center spot right off the pit; we’re thinking the webcast could be pretty cool and call my teenage daughter at home to tell her about it…The place fills up very slowly, which could only mean one thing: the line is moving slowwwwwwly, with nerves on the street no doubt fraying as the 7:30 start time approaches…. But 7:30 is just a number, it turns out, and it’s a whole ‘nother hour before the lights finally dim, a screen lurches down in front of the Warfield’s big red curtain, and there’s Barack himself, on his campaign plane, saying howdy and thanking Bobby, Phil and Mickey for putting the event together. Lots of whooping and hollering; it’s a cool moment, though we all laugh when he tells us to sit down and enjoy the concert—obviously never been to a Dead show!


    The curtain rises and it’s a septet onstage, left to right: Steve Molitz, Bob, John Molo, Phil, Mark Karan, Jackie Greene and Mickey. They waste no time launching into “Playing in the Band,” with everyone hitting their marks nicely and a big jam ensuing, driven mostly by Mark Karan, who throughout the evening, is the guy who really pushes the envelope in song after song. So great to have him back, maybe better than ever. Phil is all smiles watching Karan get into it, and the rapport that Mark and Bob have had for years together in RatDog is instantly apparent… “Brown-Eyed Women,” with Jackie on lead vocals, Barry Sless joining the fray on sweet pedal steel, comes next. The sound is still coming together and even standing in front of Jackie’s area, I can’t hear his vocal too well. Karan, is a monster on this song, too…. “Half-Step” gets Phil up to the mic and this version really soars, especially the back half with the solos and the “across the Rio Grande-io” singalong…. After a bluesy Bob-sung “Minglewood” (with Jackie on organ, sounding good), the short first set closes with The Beatles’ “Come Together,” a RatDog staple for a while, but new to Phil and his band. Co-sung by Bob and Mark, it's chunky and snaky, with a nice little jam at the close… All in all, well-played, less tentative than I’d expected. The vibes onstage and in the crowd are good!


    Phil comes out in front of the curtain a few minutes later to talk about how he’s fired up about Obama, and that he represents our chance to really change the direction this country if headed, a sentiment echoed by Bob and Mickey, who also come out briefly to talk about the importance of voting…. I call my daughter and she informs me she couldn’t get the webcast, a complaint, alas, echoed by many… A while later, the curtain rises again and the stage is set up for an acoustic set, with Phil and his stand-up bass looming in the center. Bob leads the band down to the mean streets of “Deep Elem,” then spearheads a spry version of “Friend of the Devil.” Jackie sings a rockin’ acoustic version of “Deal” and then the mini-set concludes with a lovely, poignant “Ripple,” with the Warfield Chorus of 2,000 helping out at the end, of course.


    Set Three turns out to be the Big One, where it all falls together in that magical way we’ve seen so many times before--sound is perfect, everything is clicking… “China Cat” is sparkling and in the jam following the tune, Bob and Mark and Phil really get the thunder going… You can hear “The Wheel” pulling itself together for a long spell before it actually arrives, and this version is great, one of the real highlights of the show, with five guys in the band harmonizing, the playing powerful and precise, the peaks as big as you’d want ’em… That eventually rolls into an extended, heavily jammed-out “Other One,” which finds the guitar army onstage slashing and crashing and building and receding, only to build again, many times. At the close of the second verse, it sounds like they might go into the “Cryptical” reprise, but instead it drops into “Sugaree,” with Jackie on lead, about which I can only say, WOW! This has become one of Mr. Greene’s best tunes in P&F (and he’s been playing it with his own band, as well) and he freakin’ nails it at the Warfield. He and Mark and Steve are all magnificent soloing between the verses—in fact, after one of the last solos, the crowd erupted into a sustained ovation for half a minute or so before the last verse!... I love Barry on the steel for the loping “Eyes of the World.” In fact, I loved Barry on every song he played on; a great addition to the line-up… It seems somehow appropriate that Bob chooses to play “Throwing Stones” at what is ostensibly a political event (“Well, the kids they dance, they shake their bones/While the politicians throwing stones”), although he always said the song was anti-political--so is it ironic, then? Who knows… I totally assume that “Not Fade Away” will follow, but am pleasantly surprised to instead be treated to “Iko-Iko” (the night before the real Mardi Gras.) Mickey barks it with spirit and gusto and the crowd is in deep party mode by that point, clapping and singing along, of course… And then, to close the third set, the music meanders back to where it had started, as the “Playing reprise” emerges from some fascinating, dissonant extrapolations on the “Playing” riff before resolving joyously--as it must!... Encore is “U.S. Blues,” sung by Bob, punctuated by a grey-bearded guy named Hippie Bill running across the back of the stage waving a giant American flag on the first two choruses, and then, to wild cheers, a version of the flag with a peace sign where the stars would be; I think, “Yeah, that’s my flag!”

    We rocked. And I voted...

    Photos by Bob Minkin

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  • Eric Abrahamson
    15 years 4 months ago
    Yes We Can Win, Obama Won!
    Red and whiteBlue suede shoes I'm Uncle Sam How do ya do? Eric Abrahamson Yale University Pierson '71 P.O. Box 1112 Berkeley, CA 94701 510-809-1369 x6149 ericabrahamson@aya.yale.edu ericabrahamson2@horizon.csueastbay.edu ericabrahamso@hotmail.com http://www.EricAbrahamsonsBlog.BlogSpot.Com http://www.h
  • PAPPYPGH
    15 years 5 months ago
    HAHAHAHA!!!
    I was there....I didn't see any shilling. I didn't see much establishment. I saw 4 of my favorite musicians reunite on a stage to create awareness about a guy they all believe in. 3 of them spoke VERY briefly about it. We had to listen to a few people we've never heard of spew a little bit and we got to see a few of the members of the PSU Football squad. Other than that, we got to see Truckin > Jam > US Blues, Playin' > Dark Star, Saint Stephen > Unbroken Chain, The Other One > Throwin' Stones > Playin Reprise, followed by an encore of Touch > NFA. I don't know about you, but I had a great Monday night. Last night I went to a hockey game with my daughter - the Penguins won - and tonight I get to watch our future president debate an old "war hero". I live in America and we need government. That's life. Bohemia doesn't exist. Barack Obama has the right vision for this country. He may not accomplish everything he wants to in 8 years, but he deserves the chance over every one else who's running. ~ Pappy www.theCAUSEjams.com "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
  • Default Avatar
    stewman30
    15 years 5 months ago
    shilling for obama
    im not sure i like seeing my favorite band shill for an ESTABLISHMENT candidate or any candidate for that matter...
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Word began to get out on the afternoon of Friday, February 1st, and quickly spread like a prairie fire: Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bob Weir were getting together to play some music for the first time since 2004, in the service of a common cause: the presidential election campaign of Senator Barack Obama. At 5 o'clock that afternoon, tickets went on sale for Dead Heads for Obama, a benefit concert on Monday the 4th at The Warfield in San Francisco, designed to raise funds and get out the vote for Obama in the Super Tuesday primaries being held across the country on the 5th. Not surprisingly, the show sold out in a few minutes, but Dead Heads who couldn't get to the Warfield could avail themselves of a streaming video feed on iclips.net, or pick up the audio on Sirius Satellite Radio's Grateful Dead Channel.

PressConference

Photo: Susana Millman

Just before the band took the stage, Senator Obama himself appeared in virtual form, in a video message recorded especially for the occasion.

The Senator's stirring words were immediately followed by music that was no less inspired and uplifting. From the first notes, it was clear that Mickey, Bobby and Phil hadn't lost a bit of their ability to read each other's minds and create a musical language unlike any other (as Mickey noted at the pre-concert press conference, "it's in our DNA"). They were aided by a great supporting cast, including Jackie Greene, Steve Molitz and the mighty, mighty John Molo from Phil's latest touring group of Friends, and the most welcome presence of unannounced guests Mark Karan and Barry Sless on guitar and pedal steel, respectively (alternating on some songs, appearing together on others to create a gorgeously orchestrated ensemble sound.

Photo: Susana Millman

We'll have more news and photos from this unforgettable evening soon. For the moment we'll just let you know what they played, and remind you to get out there and VOTE!

DEAD HEADS FOR OBAMA
The Warfield
San Francisco, CA
February 4, 2008

I.
Playing in the Band*>Brown-Eyed Women†, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo†>New Minglewood Blues*, Come Together*

II. (Acoustic)
Deep Elem Blues, Friend of the Devil, Deal, Ripple

III.
China Cat Sunflower*†>The Wheel*†>The Other One*>Sugaree* Eyes of the World*†>Throwin' Stones*>Iko Iko>*†>Playing reprise*†

E. U.S. Blues*†%

Bob Weir, guitar and vocals; Phil Lesh, bass and vocals; Mickey Hart, drums and vocals; John Molo, drums; Jackie Greene, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Steve Molitz, keyboards and vocals.

* with Mark Karan, guitar; †with Barry Sless, pedal steel guitar; %with Hippie Bill, flag

 

 

Some Reflections on the Warfield Show…


By Blair Jackson


Many fingers in the air looking for tickets as we arrive at the already forming line outside the Warfield around 4:30, an hour and a half before the doors open. One person offers $300 for a single ticket… Cold winds are whipping down Market Street; many people are under-dressed for the chill… A couple of small, noisy pro-Obama marches go past the line a couple of times… With door opening at 6 and literally every person having to go through will-call, the odds do not look good for everyone getting through the ever-lengthening line by the 7:30 showtime… About half an hour before doors they decide to split the line alphabetically, A-J and K-Z, causing much temporary confusion and frustration and re-jockeying for position. We luck out and move ahead about 20 feet when all the K-Z’s in front of us depart… We get in pretty quickly and score an excellent spot on the first level behind the pit with some friends. We are surprised to see large TV cameras in the center spot right off the pit; we’re thinking the webcast could be pretty cool and call my teenage daughter at home to tell her about it…The place fills up very slowly, which could only mean one thing: the line is moving slowwwwwwly, with nerves on the street no doubt fraying as the 7:30 start time approaches…. But 7:30 is just a number, it turns out, and it’s a whole ‘nother hour before the lights finally dim, a screen lurches down in front of the Warfield’s big red curtain, and there’s Barack himself, on his campaign plane, saying howdy and thanking Bobby, Phil and Mickey for putting the event together. Lots of whooping and hollering; it’s a cool moment, though we all laugh when he tells us to sit down and enjoy the concert—obviously never been to a Dead show!


The curtain rises and it’s a septet onstage, left to right: Steve Molitz, Bob, John Molo, Phil, Mark Karan, Jackie Greene and Mickey. They waste no time launching into “Playing in the Band,” with everyone hitting their marks nicely and a big jam ensuing, driven mostly by Mark Karan, who throughout the evening, is the guy who really pushes the envelope in song after song. So great to have him back, maybe better than ever. Phil is all smiles watching Karan get into it, and the rapport that Mark and Bob have had for years together in RatDog is instantly apparent… “Brown-Eyed Women,” with Jackie on lead vocals, Barry Sless joining the fray on sweet pedal steel, comes next. The sound is still coming together and even standing in front of Jackie’s area, I can’t hear his vocal too well. Karan, is a monster on this song, too…. “Half-Step” gets Phil up to the mic and this version really soars, especially the back half with the solos and the “across the Rio Grande-io” singalong…. After a bluesy Bob-sung “Minglewood” (with Jackie on organ, sounding good), the short first set closes with The Beatles’ “Come Together,” a RatDog staple for a while, but new to Phil and his band. Co-sung by Bob and Mark, it's chunky and snaky, with a nice little jam at the close… All in all, well-played, less tentative than I’d expected. The vibes onstage and in the crowd are good!


Phil comes out in front of the curtain a few minutes later to talk about how he’s fired up about Obama, and that he represents our chance to really change the direction this country if headed, a sentiment echoed by Bob and Mickey, who also come out briefly to talk about the importance of voting…. I call my daughter and she informs me she couldn’t get the webcast, a complaint, alas, echoed by many… A while later, the curtain rises again and the stage is set up for an acoustic set, with Phil and his stand-up bass looming in the center. Bob leads the band down to the mean streets of “Deep Elem,” then spearheads a spry version of “Friend of the Devil.” Jackie sings a rockin’ acoustic version of “Deal” and then the mini-set concludes with a lovely, poignant “Ripple,” with the Warfield Chorus of 2,000 helping out at the end, of course.


Set Three turns out to be the Big One, where it all falls together in that magical way we’ve seen so many times before--sound is perfect, everything is clicking… “China Cat” is sparkling and in the jam following the tune, Bob and Mark and Phil really get the thunder going… You can hear “The Wheel” pulling itself together for a long spell before it actually arrives, and this version is great, one of the real highlights of the show, with five guys in the band harmonizing, the playing powerful and precise, the peaks as big as you’d want ’em… That eventually rolls into an extended, heavily jammed-out “Other One,” which finds the guitar army onstage slashing and crashing and building and receding, only to build again, many times. At the close of the second verse, it sounds like they might go into the “Cryptical” reprise, but instead it drops into “Sugaree,” with Jackie on lead, about which I can only say, WOW! This has become one of Mr. Greene’s best tunes in P&F (and he’s been playing it with his own band, as well) and he freakin’ nails it at the Warfield. He and Mark and Steve are all magnificent soloing between the verses—in fact, after one of the last solos, the crowd erupted into a sustained ovation for half a minute or so before the last verse!... I love Barry on the steel for the loping “Eyes of the World.” In fact, I loved Barry on every song he played on; a great addition to the line-up… It seems somehow appropriate that Bob chooses to play “Throwing Stones” at what is ostensibly a political event (“Well, the kids they dance, they shake their bones/While the politicians throwing stones”), although he always said the song was anti-political--so is it ironic, then? Who knows… I totally assume that “Not Fade Away” will follow, but am pleasantly surprised to instead be treated to “Iko-Iko” (the night before the real Mardi Gras.) Mickey barks it with spirit and gusto and the crowd is in deep party mode by that point, clapping and singing along, of course… And then, to close the third set, the music meanders back to where it had started, as the “Playing reprise” emerges from some fascinating, dissonant extrapolations on the “Playing” riff before resolving joyously--as it must!... Encore is “U.S. Blues,” sung by Bob, punctuated by a grey-bearded guy named Hippie Bill running across the back of the stage waving a giant American flag on the first two choruses, and then, to wild cheers, a version of the flag with a peace sign where the stars would be; I think, “Yeah, that’s my flag!”

We rocked. And I voted...

Photos by Bob Minkin

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how does the quote go "reports of my death are greatly exaggerated".on CNN.com there is a sweet video clip of i believe the entire playin' opener, without any annoying CNN reporter making stupid comments, just the music, under the title "surviving dead reunite". however, the text accompanying the video refers to "three remaining members of the dead" strangely enough, i couldn't find an obit for billy anywhere on the site
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16 years 9 months
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Esau, the mainstream press never let facts get in the way of a good story!
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16 years 9 months
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so much so I wonder if it's worth starting a topic on the subject...
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Hey, at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday here in Cali. the show is on iclips.net right now, lookin' and sounding really good IMO. Visuals and sound good so far...
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I do not mean to be "unkind," particularly not to any individual. Nor am I interested in censoring anybody for any reason. Nor again, however, am I interested in reading complaints about how the musicians and their corporate affiliates are making decisions that don't square with how any other individual thinks they"should be" behaving. Therefore, I am going to a) quit reading the comments on this site, and b) shut up myself. peace all
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Best show I've seen the boys do in ages - much better ensemble chemistry than 2002, 03 or 04. This group *really* needs to tour! And, more immediately, they need to release this show as a DVD/CD/Shirt package - PRONTO - like this weekend. Get the music out, and give the proceeds to Obama.
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I would love to get a t-shirt from this show. Anyone know if there's going to be any?
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At the show, the T-shirts sold out really quickly. I was bummed I didn't get one...
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I really dug reading your memories from the show. Thank you for you kind words. I think I have a case of "I need to be AT a show Fever" Help Me Boys!!
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Hoping the band - with the help of David Lemieux and Gary Norman - are already in preproduction for the official DVD of this wonderful, amazing show, and that we get a pre-order announcement from Dead.Net by week's end. Peace, love and music, Jackaroses
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Just finished watching this afternoons repeat. That sounded real good! These guys need to tour. If Molo or Mickey cant make it, Im a drummer and available. For free! ;-)
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This was one the best dead shows I have been to post jerry. When New Minglewood was playing I was back at home. If it was a little loose the frist two sets, would you have expected otherwise?, no time to rehearse and they hadn't played together in many years. Plus the mix of Ratdog and P&F was not common. Cheers to the guys for making a statement! All the best to evreryone, hopefully they'll turn it into a DVD so everyone can have a touch of that night. Peace, Brian
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I'm not thrilled with the political endorsement, but "c'est la vie." On the other hand, the music was great/grate. Jackie's Sugaree was amazing!
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Since when do we deadheads support the draft? Did'nt Obama say on Mtv a few nights ago national service is an honor and privledge, and his plan offers $4000 and $1200 a year for college? I noticed Bob and Phil donated money to the Edwards campaign, and Edwards made no secret about his support for national service. National Service Act http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.393: I can not believe the band is endorsing political candidates under the Dead banner. Whats next boys, you gonna start endorsing specific religions? Jerry is rolling in his grave. Why don't you guys have some dignity, spare whats left of your fans any further shame and please just die already.
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And why don't you keep your bilious bad vibes and presumptuous bullshit (like you have ANY idea what Jerry would think about ANYTHING) to yourself, instead of polluting the planet with your vile opinions... You should be ashamed of yourself, bro...
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At first, I couldn't get on iclips.net, but I tried and tried and finally it responded. Then I hooked up my laptop to my big screen LCD tv, and rocked out for the rest of the night. Big fun!
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That's awesome, Woody! I forgot about that one!
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This land is our land!! Love it!! :) I never saw that befaore Thanks Woody!!
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Thanks guys - it was one helluva show. I missed you so much I kept tearing up during the show. Hearing Mickey sing was fantastic!! But why am I still here ? I never wanted to live in a world without Jerry
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I don't think the Coen Brothers would mind if y'all renamed the band to The Little Lebowski Urban Achievers. Just a thought ; - ) "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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Love to see the boys back together. How about a show in Orange County now...?Always Grateful, Dave in HB
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I'm really sorry I missed all the fun. Had my Internet disconnected and didn't catch all the buzz until after. Any chance you can re-broadcast this on Sirius? I mean I'd sit in my car all night long if I needed to...got to get the connection for the house.
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I do not have the ability to get Sirius right now,and did not find out about it till about 2 hours afterwards, with a fellow Deadhead ...I hope this can be either put on the site here, or the AArchive can pick it up...I'd love too hear it. Peace
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Cool story Thanks for sharing :)
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Check out the iclips.net link above every now and then. Who knows, they may re-broadcast it. Thats how I found out they were re-broadcasting it the other day. Hearing it is one thing but seeing it full screen was kick ass. Really made my day. How bout it boys, one more time? Or many more!
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That was funny.Head of Security Dewey Tazem... and Howe! Reminded me of Garcia's actual comment on why they were approached to do the theme music for The New Twilight Zone series, which IIRC went along the lines of "We've been there so long ourselves I guess it only makes sense." Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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I also don't approve of the politics. The Band was never about that.. It was always about the music.. Register to Vote. Make your voice heard. Become an organ donor. Never liked politics preached at me by public personalities.
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I can't believe The Grateful Dead are supporting a politician first of all. Even more sickening is that they are endorsing a presidential candidate who turns his back to our flag. Whatever happened to "wave that flag...wave it wide and high" ? Obama's middle name is "Hussein" for God's sake ! Bobby, I love ya man, but come on now.
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The musicians involved are adults. Really old ones, too. I'm 100% certain that they've earned the right to do whatever they want. And so long as they're playing music, anyone interested can listen. In fact, here is a link to an audience recording: http://tela.sugarmegs.org/_asxtela/DeadheadsForObama2008-02-04SanFranci… and another: http://www.archive.org/details/dfo2008-02-04.dfo2008-02-04.mk41.flac16 | I'm just a, well...porpoise. |
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Yeah, and don't forget about "Don't lend a hand to wave no flag atop no ship of Fools" I think life's a little more complicated than a middle name..
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I always appreciated the Dead's nonpolitical stance, but it's not the Dead anymore for one thing. I do wonder if it makes you outside of the Dead family now if you support Hillary Clinton or even Mcain for that matter?
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I do not think that bands, celebrities, etc should use their clout to back particular political candidates. To back CAUSES is fine, but I feel it is abusive towards your audiences trust and love of your music to tell them who to vote for. And if you are a voter who just votes a certain way because someone, anyone, tells you to, please do not vote. Know the issues, make a decision yourself, or get out of the way.Keep up with the music. Stay out of the politics!
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Even the purest of romantics compromise. It fills me with joy, love and happiness to know that my brothers want to practice their art together...that they might change consciousness with their art in a way they see as positive...wow, how great is that...if you do not like it...well that is how art is...Frankly to suggest that an artist shouldn't be political is to misunderstand art...what you describe is an entertainer...the Dead are artists and at this point in their creative run if they wish to use their art to communicate more directly more power to them.
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long time no see! Welcome back!
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Thanks for the welcome back. I haven't really been that far off, but I've been trying to learn from Ani Difranco who put this lyric together: "I think I communicate best now the less I say." Words to live by! This discussion may now return to its regularly scheduled banter. | I'm just a, well...porpoise. |
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16 years 9 months
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Glad to see the members put aside their differences for a nigh to play a show together. The downer is that it was for promotion of a political candidate. I boycotted Bruce Springsteen during his Rock for Change tour, and will do the same here if it comes my way. Greg SC
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16 years 7 months
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Maybe most of you are to far out west to have heard about this candidate that you are supporting. We here in Indiana forgot it seems (I didn't vote for him) about "Our Man Mitch" being involved in scandal's and now we got the biggest joke of a Governor in our history. Are voters gonna turn their heads and close their minds to the fact that Obama was involved in real estate scandals and causing trouble in Illinois? If so, we mite have a joke of a President. I usually vote straight Democrat, but it looks like I wont this year. Don't let the joke be on us ALL.

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16 years 8 months
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the concert was wonderfull and all but, what about deadheads for Hillary. I just sold all of my Dicks Picks and sent the money to the Clinton cause, you can do what you like, now I'm going back out into space, God Bless..................
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16 years 7 months
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Bravo, unclebearzo!!!!!!!!
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16 years 9 months
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I just listened to parts of the concert on Grateful Dead Hour. Thanks David. I thought the playing was great and agree with Gans that this was the best live Dead music being played for at least the last 15 years. Too bad "the powers that be" wouldn't agree to provide him with the soundboard (what's up with that?), but it was a joy to hear. As far as I am concerned, I never pay any attention to the political views of celebrities, and my decision on who I will be voting for will certainly not be influenced by this concert. I am just glad that Phil, Mickey and Bobby got back together for whatever reason and hope that this group, or something close to it, plays together in the future.
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16 years 9 months
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I was sitting front row upper Balcony....Sweet show....I see Wavy Gravy at each and every show now
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16 years 5 months
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ahh yes the warzone!!my first time in the warfield was the 9 day jerry band shows with dylan,all while the rodney king riots raged outdoors...the tl was lit up!..anyway,the polotics dont belong,and i dont buy the fact obama is here to save our ship of fools..however if they want to play a show for another dopeless hope fiend,then let them! ... moon
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16 years 4 months
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I just read about this for the first time tonight, and I have to say I am really disappointed. Not necessarily because they are involving themselves in politics, but because they chose to support the corrupt two party system. Do the Dead seriously want to be associated with the greedy corporations and the politicians that are their puppets? Republicans.. Democrats.. they are one in the same. If they really want to make a difference and bring about change they should look outside the two major parties. Those are the people that truly care and are not afraid to speak the truth about important issues.
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16 years 9 months
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Would never have happened when Jerry was around. Rob