Grateful Dead

Having said I would order this book, I am ashamed to say I then forgot about it. So I am pleased to see it referenced again. I have just looked it up online, and read a very brief extract from it. One thing I wondered, though. Is it as clear now, as the author suggests, what a Deadhead is ? It used to be someone who followed the band physically, as indicated, but that has obviously not been possible for 30 years. I still listen most days of the week, but I don't have any interest in Dead and Co. And living in England, I only got to see the band 5 times anyway.
So I wondered, has the meaning of the word and what it refers to changed in the last 30 years ?

I also wonder about the term Christian. It is a definition that seems to have been appropriated by the political right wing - often as a justification for nationalism and at the worst extreme war. I would never want to describe myself in any way that linked myself to people and organisations who did that. That doesn't mean I don't believe in the Gospels, just the interpretations that have been attached to them. In defining myself as a Christian, I wonder if the meaning I attach to the word is different from what may have become the common understanding of it.

I generally feel loathe to attach any label or word to sum up my beliefs or experiences. They are reflected and made coherent by various works of art and religious works - but to attach any one label - Christian, Deadhead or anything else, feels unnecessarily limiting and misleading.

Still looks like a fascinating book, though.

Here is a commentary on that book

religionnews. com/2025/07/17/deadheads-and-christians

On closer examination, this book appears to be more about exploring the links between the Deadhead culture and t early Christians. I wrongly assumed it would be about considering the bands songs and approach to playing. Maybe more about Deadheads than The Dead. The clue is in the title ! I am still going to order it though.

Thanks for this link. I have been curious over the years about the many Christian references in Dead lyrics, and haven't come across any real acknowledgement or appreciation of this. A fascinating and under appreciated dimension of their songs.

From Publisher Wipf and stock "Deadheads-and-christians"

wipfandstock.com/9798385240593/deadheads-and-christians

I am happy you are reading this because I need to get this off my chest..........

I for one, am glad that the 2025 box set is so large. I missed out on past multi show entries over the span of the 30 years. I have been saving my pennies ever since this box was announced.

I can not wait for May 30th....Because I am purchasing this Mega Box

I wish all of you peace.

Northbound Train Headlight
Indianapolis, In.