Grateful Dead

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I got on the bus about 5 years ago and I am a Dead Head. I spend way too much time reading about them or making lists of my favorite cuts to make a "Best of Brent" era show, best of Keith era etc. Lately it is the Wall of Sound shows that is my new obsession. I post here a lot and feel that this group of people are truly friends. The Further show Feb 4th changed my life. The vibe was strong even my wife and daughter spoke about it. The band was so tight. I was close to the stage-- my heroes Phil and Bob were less than 30 feet away and they were rockin. I danced and sang and felt connected with everyone there. I couldn't believe I could dance for 2 hours but I did and laughed and talked with so many great people. It was a very unique feeling. When the first chords of Terrapin Station were played my wife and I looked at each other smiled and hugged- she was so happy they were playing our song. The guy playing lead and singing Jerry is the best . I left there with such a feeling of happiness that I finally know what the Grateful Dead are all about. Thanks Phil and Bobby! And the road goes on forever.... BobbaLee

Thank you Mary E! I've been looking for some Furthur discussion, not limited only to news announcements - the talk tends to get a bit fractured and forgotten that way. There are several threads at Phil Zone, & Ratdog.com, no discussions on furthur.net, but it seems natural for there to be a forum here. Caught my only Furthur show at Cornell. What a beauty. Mellow like the town of Ithaca. The love vibe was ripe that night for v-day. They Love Each Other and Unbroken Chain were my highlights. John was great... still enjoyed the Dead with Warren @ MSG more cuz it was such a killer show. So, who's going on Summer Tour? Guess you Mountain Aire folks will have lots to talk about first. It's Highland Bowl and ArtPark for me =) See you on the road!

Also hittin' Highland bowl and Artpark... welcome Deadheads from near and far!! We are so lucky to be still able to chase the magic after all these years!!

Which is where I saw several killer Grateful Dead shows. The show was the best I've attended in years. Got to go with both my sons and it was a great experience. Really loved the "We Bid you Goodnight" encore. First time I've heard it live! I love this band. Hope to see some of you in Philadelphia on 7/11.

Thanks Marye, I love it. I saw the band grow all this year. First with the 2 shows at the Hammerstein in New York....I hadn't felt that good about a post Jerry band since the older Phil and Friends LIneUps. I remember the amazing feeling of the "It" factor in the music at those shows and every show they've had since the band just grew tighter and tighter. I was supposed to go to the NYE shows, but due to Mom's sickness, I was unable to go, and boy did I miss a doozy. The best part about it, is I rode the "Couch Tour" and listened over the internet. Every show it seemed the band was melding into what they are now....A really tight and amazingly powerful musical entity. As for the neigh sayers of John Kadlecik from DSO, something about a "fake Jerry", are now silent because they understand that he really is a true musician and is channeling Jerry (not being a fake one). No matter who you put in that slot there will always be someone who will say something negative, which is understandable, because we can't replace ((((Jerry)))) ever. SO basically after riding the "Couch Tour" and listening to the band grow, I was able to experience one of the best performances I've seen since 1993 Grateful Dead regarding our family. Chicago March 2nd, and 3rd blew my mind, it was an absolutely epic time. Not only did the band smoke the shows musically, the vibe, the feeling, the energy, and the feeling of being back with the family again was intensely pure. The difference between CHI/NY is astronomical in terms of tightness, which is to be expected with a newly formed band. All I can say is, I haven't felt this way about a band in a long time. And from here they can only get better! Great job Furthur! I can't wait to see yo again @ Mountain Aire! _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

We were fortunate enough to see Furthur in Manchester, Amherst, and at Mohegan Sun, and we love this band! John K is a great addition - he brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm along with his talent. I'm sorry we're losing Jay Lane, but I think the band will still go on strong. Looking forward to seeing them again in Lowell this summer!

Im lucky enough to have the summer tour roll right through my backyard this year!!! The boys are playing at the beautiful Lalaucher ballpark,(Where the triple A Red-Sox/Lowell Spinners) play -Right up the street from my house..WOO-HOO!!!Ive already designed some sweet Lowell Spinners/Dead themed stickers for the occasion...Hope to see you there...All General Admission...Ball-Park...Furthur....I'LL TAKE IT!!!! (~);} peace

I've seen Bobby hit the stage 13 times (Phil 11x) in the last 10 months (5x The Dead, 2x Ratdog, 6x Furthur) and to me the most magical part of those 13 shows has been Furthur, maybe not necessarily the "best" line-up but certainly the most magical. Why? Well it has to be John. Then add in that Phil and Bob are sounding and looking grate, playing loose and happy and with purpose it feels like. Add Jeff who very well may be the best Dead piano/keyboardist and Joe Russo who I thought was just such a strong drummer in the shows I caught and last but not least the ladies background voices = a super tight band radiating energy, love and just a real good time. We'll miss you Jay - good luck man! Finally my favorite part about Furthur is that they are full of surprises, one after another. They are just so much fun to see live... Mountain AIre would be so much fun ... man ... hmm.. Really hope to be able to catch some shows this summer. Come on guys - still plenty of slots open for a late summer 2 night (at least) run at Red Rocks ( ~ ) : } "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

I just noticed your comment was right above mine...Thanx for turning me on to this,Sista!!!...See you at the Ballpark!!!

Jack,Fingers crossed for Red Rocks for you! Twinz, See you in Lowell! (~);}

But dude, Red Rocks would be awesome! Not to Mention a short stint at Alpine Valley, or even helping the folks out down south in Texas, or who knows maybe even a new outdoor venue. I'm hoping everyone gets to see this band. Especially those who have been deprived! _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

So Jay Lane is going to Primus (wohooo in my opinion I love that band) but we are going back to the days of a single drummer here....what do you all think. I really like the idea, but also think Molo would fit perfect here._____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

Interesting subject you bring up, Critter. When it comes to Furthur, everyone focuses on the change in guitarist, but few comment on the changes in the rhythm section. My partner and I were lamenting the thinner sound, like the rug had been pulled out from under many songs that really require the rhythmic power that only Billy & Mickey could provide. Even with Jay, the sound of the band seemed thin compared to two drummers. That sound is so unique and a major part of what I love about the Gdead. What it lacked in consistency they made up for in sheer power. Bobby & Mickey had something really special there. Just adding another drummer, great as Molo or Russo are, may not necessarily work. It takes time to get in synch and some guys are never gonna be able to share that role. It changes the way you approach drumming - you have to play less and intuit more. Tricky. Very few people can pull it off. And I, personally, like B&M's unconventional approach to drumming better than listening to a standard drummer. It just makes the music seem too ordinary to me which is a weird feeling! Also, I miss the Drums>Space part. I know this is no longer the Dead, but it's good to have room for free-form improvisation that is not just jamming out a tune, especially if they're digging up such tricky compositions. Just my opinion! (Though it is a musician's opinion =)

planning to go to lowell:) looking forward indeed.......... hugs family:)

Seems if they wanted to add another drummer that person should be more of a percussionist than what Molo would bring to the table. Not sure him and Russo would be the best pairing. One or the other sure but not together. I think Russo does great and Furthur is its own band not the Grateful Dead so in my opinion they don't always have to try to match the exact GD sound. "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

Well good, cuz I totally agree with you both that having one drummer will be special, and it's a different band and approach. I'm a percussionist as well, and I would love to see the Rythym Devils with Furthur, but I think with this band, the new "fresh" approach" really works. If you go back and listen to the single drummer approach with just Billy (I love Mickey!) it is really unique and powerful in it's own way. So in essence I'm torn between "just copying the GD sound" as jackstraw put it, which I do not at all think they are doing, with two drummers or just expanding that musical horizon with one. I mean if you listen to the Venetta shows....listen to how stretched out and jammy it is with only a single drummer....Awesome. http://www.archive.org/details/gd72-08-27.sbd.braverman.16582.sbefail.s… Also, I really miss drumz/space even if it's somewhat abbreviated...I was always the one who didn't go to the bathroom at this point at a GD show. SO I think one drummer will be awesome with Furthur! _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

Hey Critter - so you're a percussionist, eh? I think between you and me and JackStraw we could add some pretty great sounds in there. Furthur should definitely consider hiring us! P.S. I like Primus too. Go Jay!

You would not I repeat would not want to hear ME play the drums! :-) "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

Nuf said - you just dance the chicken dance, k?

as long as i get to be the dog!!

"Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

In the lull before summer, anyone want to share their favourite winter tour moments to listen to from the archive? I like the Ashes & Glass and Unbroken Chain from Cornell: http://www.archive.org/details/furthur2010-02-14.akg.suraci.sbeok.10607…

But both CO shows were off the charts. The Bertha, Brown-Eyed Women, Looks Like Rain, Estimated Prophet > Lady with a Fan > Terrapin on 3/5 and the Bird Song > Alligator > Bird Song > Dark Star > Time > Dark Star > Morning Dew on 3/6 were out of this world mind boggling good. However I still think nothing beats the 2 New years shows. "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

Rarf? Throws a giant cookie in the air ~~~~~~~~~~~~>>>>> _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

thanx!!!

wagwagwagwagwagwag!

Bertha at Mohegan Sun really blew me away! It's so hard to narrow down a favorites list - top three, five, twelve?? But whatever size the list, Bertha's always one of the top tops for me! I thought the whole show was amazing, with a great set list from start (The Other) to finish (US Blues).Hey, did any one else read the small Furthur article in Rolling Stone? I have to admit that I was a bit taken aback by Bobby's comments that he and Phil were "boldly pursuing new musical directions onstage, and some of the guys weren't picking up on it. Phil and I are way more current." This was said in reference to Bill & Mickey not being a part of Furthur. I thought that was kind of mean spirited, and not really true. It also seemed like such a slam, that I feel like there's little chance of them ever sharing the stage with Bill & Mickey again. Sigh. I think that these comments were better left unsaid to the media, even if that's what he was thinking.

hey Rosa - do you have the link for that interview? Couldn't find it in Rolling Stone's search engine.

For over 45 years. It is understandable that not everyone is on the same page all the time. Think of the people you work with - do you always agree with them? Do they annoy you here and there (or maybe all the time)? Especially after working with them for many years? They are just like us when it comes to the daily grind. It can't always be hugs and flowers there is bound to be disagreements and even hard feelings. Just becasue they are members of the Grateful Dead doesn't mean they are immune from being regular people. Heck really tight family members squabble here and there. It's a normal thing, they are all adults, I doubt Billy and Mickey are going to waste a lot of time sulking and thinking "Bob Weir hurt my feelings". "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

If we're going to compare what is more current in terms of bold, new musical direction... I would have to say that Mickey wins every time. Planet Drum, Mystery Box, sounds of the universe... please! And Bill and Mickey will be touring with Rhythm Devils this summer, which should be all new voodoo...

Gonna be interesting thing when we go to Wanee....a bunch of us are gonna meet up and have SO much fun! The cool thing, guess whos playing besides ABB/Govt Mule???? 7 Walkers Featuring Bill Kreutzmann and Papa Mali then 5 hours later (Friday) Scaring the Children with Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, & Jay Lane!!!....I think they will kiss and make up then. We are a family, we do have our squabbles amongst us, but the love is there. Plus, it's Rolling Stone, how many times have they taken things out of context? Bobby does tend to put his foot in his mouth sometimes, but hey like jstraw said, we are all human. Let's Go Furthur!!!! See you guys in week! Weeeeeeeeeeeee _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

there are plenty of coookies......

BOB! When if ever, will you get the words to Truckin' right? just wondering.... didn't you help write it, for the love of Jerry?

Anyone see the story about Furthur in the new issue of Rolling Stone? I did, and it really rubbed me the wrong way. Bob is quoted as saying he and Phil started Furthur because they are "way more current" than Mickey and Billy, and they were "going in directions that the other guys just couldn't follow onstage." Bob also said that Jerry would have wanted it this way--Bob and Phil ditching the boys that have been there for them for forty years, just to play with a fucking fake Jerry. Yeah, that's what Jerry would have wanted. Just goes to show you what Bob is really made of. Go fuck yourself, Weir.

Thomasrj! "Here's my half a dollar if you dare .. double twist when you hit the air. Look at Julie down below .. the levee doing the dopaso"

Harsh words to Mr. Weir. Let's not get caught up in that. Kind of wish you read this whole thread first before making that statement. #1 No need to go off on Bobby for saying what he said, I don't think we know the whole story here, I'm sure it wasn't his intention to dis Billy and Mickey. Out of context IMHO. #2 Fake Jerry ~ Like I've mention before, John K. is the real deal and a great musician, highly talented player and singer. Sure he's not Jerry, in fact, like I said before NO ONE can replace him. I'm really glad this band didn't start until 2009 because I can't imagine what kind of crap would be slung if it were in the 90's when we were all still grieving . This band is NOT the Grateful Dead. It does have the spirit of the Dead and I truly believe Jerry would be smiling right now to know that they are taking this music Furthur. _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

We're (weir?...heehee) STILL grieving, but i do not think of John as a Jerry clone.....listen closley and you'll realize he is complimenting Jerry, and yet playing far different than him. By putting his own interpretation in the tunes he is continuing the journey.......and mebbe Bob's current foot in mouth affliction will help the shower will dissipate, not that the cookie duster isn't working, of course. Those capri's (clamdiggers?) might be making it easier to chew.

Couldn't agree more that John is way more than a Jerry clone. He is bringing his own ideas to the music. The Rolling stone comments don't sound the greatest but I agree that they're probably taken somewhat out of context. Bob is entitled to his opinion regardless. He's done a hell of a lot to keep the music going over the years and we should cut him a little slack!

I couldn't find the article online, sorry. I read it in the old-fashioned paper version of the magazine. It was just a one-pager, but I'm always excited on the rare occasions they print something about a band I actually care about!I guess one of the downsides of fame and fortune is that when you do have a squabble or harsh words, it becomes media fodder. When I do put my foot in my mouth, I get to do so in relative privacy :)

I stopped purchasing that paper many years ago cuz of all the ad filler and same old tired coverage. But I also appreciate news of Furthur. Thanks for the tip. Sounds like an unfortunate interview! I am such a fan of the drummers, I can't help but feel sympathetic to their cause. I also love Phil and appreciate Bobby, so I'll keep on coming out as long as they keep playing. Boy do I wish the Rhythm Devils were playing anywhere near me, though! (Ontario, Canada) Peace, Kirsten

I agree, it's most likely out of context, and Bobby does have the unfortunate foot-in-mouth gene...it just sets me off whenever I see tension like that between any of the boys. I guess after forty-plus years that's all you can really expect.

Did you say you were going to Lowell?

That was Scottishlass & GratefulTwinz going to Lowell. I'll be truckin up (or down, depending how you look at it) to Buffalo and Rochester. Gotta head south of the border to go FURTHUR>>>>> It'd be nice to dance with you though!

You summed it up very well. I love the music in all its forms. Just hope it keeps on in one form or another!

what tphokie1 said

Gosh I love what they are doing as well. I just saw both Bobby and Billy @ the Wanee Music Festival....they played very, very well. Both of them! I was more impressed with Billy's 7 Walkers feat. Papa Mali, they played flawlessly! Bobby was very, very good and relaxed (it almost seemed like someone dos-ed him b4 the show, hehehehehe) but the set was TOO short IMHO. As far as the Rythym Devils....Check this festival out where they are playing if you are coming down...

Gathering of the Vibes 2010

_____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!