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  • PeggyO
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    Reflections on a Tour
    Well, the Spring Tour 2009 is in the bag and was definitely one for the books! That's for sure. I know a lot of people might think the Dead are dead without certain members, and to be honest, the last couple of tours the Dead have done were great experiences for me, but I always felt like people were "sitting in" to fill some big shoes left behind. Even Warren, in 2004, felt like he was filling in. So I went to the LA Forum show expecting what we got in 04. Oh how wrong I was! That first throat grabbing chord of the show was like the band was saying to everyone in the Forum, "Listen up people! We're not f*#cking around here, we're here to play so let's get down to it!" And then BOOM, right into that unreal VLB groove, with a beat that you just had to move to. I have been doing tours since the late 70's/early 80's and to my ears, this band has never been better. On the one hand, they're tighter, yet they're also looser. I cant explain it, and honestly, that's about the best one can say about the Dead when they're really "on", "well, I cant explain it man, you just have to experience it..." ;) I've been keeping up with the Tour, listening to the shows online as the Tour progressed and the first half was just okay for me. But in LA it felt like something happened that night and everything the boys had been striving for just all fell into place that night. The Forum felt like an old school East Coast indoor arena show, complete with rabid, hardcore heads that were so grateful to be back at the party again. This was not a "best of" tour. This was a "here's who we are now, dig it" tour, and man did I love what I heard on the West Coast leg of this Tour. That night in LA, I realized that Warren and Jeff no longer felt like they were filling in for anyone anymore. The *were* the Dead just as much as Bobby, Phil, Billy or Mickey are. To me, the Dead has always been a band in flux. There have been so many iterations of them I've sort of lost count. So to those who lament a Jerryless Dead, all I can say is, you don't know what you're missing. Sure I miss Jerry and I miss Brent. But the Dead as they are right now? Sound the best I've ever heard them and they're not stale, they're still out there pushing the envelope and really, isn't that what this is all about? So yeah, I no longer get weepy when I hear Brokedown Palace or Ripple or Box of Rain. I just revel in the fact that I get to experience this amazing thing we call The Dead, once again. And I am truly Grateful. One final comment...It felt so great to experience Shakedown once again and the lot scenes in LA and the Gorge were excellent. Like some upthread said, I found my self also saying things, and using expressions that I haven't used in a long time...It felt good to have the tribe back together again, didn't it?!
  • GD GRW
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    right on southerntam
    My sentiments exactly. It was a bittersweet night. Very cool to stay up until 3 am+ listening to the whole show, with great interviews and commentary thrown in during the set break. But it was so great to back out there catching 4 shows, eagerly anticipating seeing the setlists of the shows I didn't catch each morning, listening to the downloads etc. I'm going to miss all that. I'm firmly in the camp that thinks the music has changed/evolved in a great way....new sounds, tunes I never thought I'd get to hear live, Rhythm Devils taking it to new heights each night etc etc. Warren and Jeff are as good as it gets in the post Jerry/Brent/Keith/Pigpen era, which is to say they're both amazing musicians who fit right into the fabric of the band and helped to make the magic each night. Jeff is a monster on the keys and Warren managed to channel the ghosts of Jerry/Brent/Pigpen in his paying and singing while keeping it new and fresh and his own as well. Branford's interview during the set break was spot on: they're older, they've each gone on to do new things are are coming at playing together from a new angle, pushing the boundaries and not just treading the worn path. By the time they got to the Gorge, they seem to have all completely melded musically and got the bugs all worked out. We may not see them out on the road two thirds of the year anymore....at least as The Dead, but I gotta think the fun they seemed to be having along with the embrace of the fans will pull them back for another go around or two down the road. And yes, it was really cool to hear Mickey thank the crew and bring them out onstage for some well deserved applause. I've seen them with Jerry from the early 80's onward, seen Phil and his band, Ratdog, the Dead 2003/4 and I can say I had as good a time at these shows and I've had at any. All different, all excellent and all the music of the Grateful Dead which is what it's all about. Thanks guys!
  • theotherone2
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    GDTS TOO website
    Not sure if this is the appropriate forum to use but I'm sure Marye will let me know. I just went to the GDTS TOO website for the first time in years to see about Ratdog tix and was amazed at what i found. It prompted me to send them the following... Please don't take offense. Just a little constructive criticism. It's been many years since I've visited your site. Back in the day I thought it was the greatest thing ever. The days of calling the hotline every day sometimes multiple times were over, but come on guy's, your site is really quite primitive by today's standards. To my dismay, when I tried to fill out the credit card form I discovered it wasn't interactive. I consider myself a caveman for not having a printer/copier/scanner combo, but times are tough. I don't even know where to find a fax machine. Aren't we supposed to be a paperless society by now? This planet needs all the trees she can produce. The decorative envelopes are still very cool, and should be an option, but how about an online interactive version of the envelope? I'm sure there are thousands of heads out there into web design who would be willing to collaborate and put something together for you. I'm not a designer myself but I'm willing to help wherever I can. Just something to consider. Peace and much thanks for all you do. So this would be a shout out to all of you webmasters out there if they are receptive. I know youre out there, a simple Google search for anything Dead related shows me there's some mad skills out there. I have not recieved a response yet, but when I do I'll post it.
  • fillmore
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    Maybe I should of gone for
    Maybe I should of gone for the CDs too!
  • thor369
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    thanks fillmore
    thor369 - I'm still waiting for my two Chicago show downloads that were ordered May 3rd! Hope your wife is better. she is doing much better. it was an asthma and panic attack type combo, scary stuff. my CD isnt a download, it was a CD i paid for, at the show, they was recording off the mixing boards, and pressing official show CD's on the spot for $25, with show date, and place, on official The Dead CDs. it is why i dont want the download to replace my CD, my puter dont have good speakers, and i only listen to my CDs in my car, or my headset CD player. i cant reburn 1 on my puter, and it isnt the official CD with the printed faces on them.
  • AlpineMike
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    Bringing the magic home...
    Chicago was incredible... 20 years since since my love's and mine last show but with one more in tow - our 11 year old son whose favorite song right now is Throwing Stones. All with a different yet better spirit. The magic was back. It does remind me of reading a book where you don't understand the words and you go back later and understand it even more after life experience. I started reading the book long ago and loved it - and It means even more now. The shows brought smiles, healing and joy. Peace Mike P.S. Please Tour again !!!! - You are beautiful together ! Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there
  • marye
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    fillmore, and anyone else having issues
    you too
  • marye
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    thor
    pm me the details. We're working on this one.
  • fillmore
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    supertacks
    I feel the same way, could never have said it any better. Great post!
  • fillmore
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    thor369 - I'm still waiting
    thor369 - I'm still waiting for my two Chicago show downloads that were ordered May 3rd! Hope your wife is better. I thought all the shows were just awesome. Thanks guys for giving us the magic again. Sure would be nice to hear the Chicago shows and relive some nice memories again.
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The band says Happy New Year with an announcement of almost twenty shows in April and May.  More details to come!

https://dead.net/dead09

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16 years 6 months
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that Dark Star Orchestra show next month for $30 bones is looking better and better.
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15 years 9 months
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With the high price of tickets nowadays I have limited myself to 1 to 2 shows a year as opposed to about a dozen each year..I would rather got to a small venue that serves adult beverages @ bar prices as opposed to large venues that serve adult beverages at concession prices.. I enjoy going to see the non commercial bands and it is normally only 20.00 to get in and enjoy a great show.. I was anticipating these prices but now I am just hoping Ticket Bastard doesn't add on another 30.00 in fees..I also have to spend on airfare and hotel since Shoreline is the closest venue to Seattle.Does anyone know who is selling the tickets yet ???
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I can see paying $102.00 for good seats on the tour. From what I see I can wind up in nosebleed seats for that price. I looked,the $59.00 seating is behind stage. Most shows I go to have a mid-ground price. I was to try & go to a few show's but now I can only do one. Hey, Bobby & or Phil if you read this. How about a free ticket. Only kidding. Well Maybe.
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I was hoping to hit 2 or 3 shows, despite the strain that such a trip would put on my already overtaxed budget. But $100 a show? Who are they kidding? Now, I'm no fool - I understand the economic realities of putting on a show. It's not the '90s anymore, let alone the '60s. But as others have pointed out, many bands seem to be able to play similar venues at much lower prices. Anyway, I'll be taking a pass this year. Thanks for the memories boys, and do let me know if you're ever interested in playing for the average fan instead of the wealthy elite.
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17 years 4 months
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Starting to feel like I'm the only happy one around here today...where's the love? We all started this thread so happy and excited and now it's turned to negativity because of ticket prices. Really....is this how we're going to do it? I, for one, am still excited and if I have to sit further back because I can't afford front row floor seats, then that's how it has to be and I"ll be just as happy - because I'm there. Again, let's think positive!!!!!
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15 years 9 months
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I was so excited about hitting the Greensboro show, already had the hotel booked and everything (for cheaper than the ticket I might add). Now I don't have enought mone to buy the actual ticket! I am really going to have to sweet talk my husbind on this one. I know it will be worth the money, but coming up with the extra money is the problem. I'm sad that the economy has led everyone to having to put a second mortgage on their homes to see some shows, LOL!! I wish everyone the best of luck getting your tickets!! I'm sending good vibes out to everyone!! ~ Peace
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As for me, I decided I was okay with buying a ticket to a show, one show, regardless of the price. It'll cost me about the same as what all the Grateful Dead tickets cost me when I was going to shows between '76-'84, when you consider what I made an hour then v. now and what the tickets went for then v. now. They may not be the Good Ol' Grateful Dead, but they are the best Dead you'll ever see now. Live music isn't cheap. It never really has been and that's why it's a special night when you can go out and hear your favorite bands play out. Times are tough though and I realize a lot of folks who were hoping to go to a show or two on this tour will have to to think twice about it. I'm only going to one and that's mainly due to the fact that it does cost more money than before and that I need to work extra hard right now to keep up with expenses. But don't blame the band for going for the kind of money that other classic rock and jazz bands have been making for most of the past 10-15 years. It costs a lot to produce an arena tour and any band that takes on this kind of an enterprise will charge as much as it takes to recoup their expenses and to make the kind of money they feel they can reasonably make, given the market If you can go and you want to, make it happen. You only live once. "When it comes to humility, I'm the greatest!" - Bullwinkle Moose
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Okay southerntam, I shall think positive. Our nosebleed seats probably won't be so bad because we will be able to move pretty far up due to the fact that these venues will be half full. How's that for optimism!? I never thought in a million years that I would be disappointed about a Dead show, but I do feel partly disappointed. Good for anyone that can afford these floor prices, but I certainly cannot. I repeat the earlier sentiments about the $30 DSO shows. I am so, so sad right now.
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15 years 9 months
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Money may be tight, ticket prices may be high but I'm so happy to see another show!!! Southerntam I'm still excited as the day I found out. I paid $100 to see the Allman brothers and won't do that again but the Dead, any ticket is a good ticket.
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15 years 9 months
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All the more reason to go see a show.. An evening with the Dead and friends to escape reality for the day is priceless in my book...
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17 years 4 months
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I was really starting to get bummed out...I just want everyone to be as happy and excited as I am. And Mikedun, I love the optimism!!! I have to think it will all work out in the end. I guess we'll find out tomorrow. Good luck everyone and stay positve!!!!
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15 years 9 months
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I agree, it is a lot a money but TOTALLY WORTH IT! Especially for me since I am someone who is too young to have seen them play together. This is my first chance to see them all in their amazing glory. Keeping my fingers crossed that the Hubby will say yes!! He wasn't too happy when I told him the ticket prices so we will see how toinights conversation goes. :P
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17 years 4 months
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You gotta talk the hubby into it...even if you have to get seats up in the nosebleeds, it will be well worth it - trust me! You go girl, work your fairy magic and get him to say yes!!!!
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15 years 9 months
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Well, you did say "YES" to him, didn't you? I'd say he owes you this "YES". "When it comes to humility, I'm the greatest!" - Bullwinkle Moose
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15 years 9 months
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Thanks southerntam! I will do my best! He's not to hard to convince. ;)
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17 years 2 months
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hey southerntam i am with you. Positive vibes brings happiness and joy in to the world......This will be our first family road trip down to nc from upstate new hampshire. i have been dreaming of this since jerry was around (i miss you jerry)...tickets to the show $100 gas to the show $200 hotel $40 (i work for choice hotels) munchies $50 dancing with my family in the hallway PRICELESS
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15 years 9 months
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Planning on flying around the country from Seattle to see the latter 10 shows on the schedule. 6-leg airfare cost: $585 I can't wait!!!
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17 years 4 months
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have they been posted? I am completely willing to go further into debt for the boys, but would like to have some info on how to do so. If prices are as high as people are speculating i might only be able to do a micro tour instead of the mini i was planning. Still can't wait! already booked some hotel rooms--seem to be going fast in the northeast
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15 years 9 months
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Sorry...I am not sure but link won't work...Go to GDTSTOO.Com and click on The Dead-Spring Tour 09 and it will list venues and pricing
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15 years 9 months
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Any news on the presales - I'd rather go online than send in money and not know the reliability of the mail ins
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17 years 4 months
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My predictions: - Despite the claims of half-full arenas, these shows will sell quite well - if they aren't complete sellouts. Tickets won't be hard to come by though. Don't waste your money on scalpers. It's not like the old days when tickets could be impossible to find. If you need tickets, you'll be able to find them. - The crowd will be mostly folks in their 20s-early 30s who mostly never saw the Dead with Jerry. They don't have as many hangups or opinions about The Dead not being as good as when Jerry was in the band. They also never knew a time when tickets were relatively cheap. Big shows have always been expensive to them, so they won't really balk at the price. This is their chance to see The Dead and they're going to jump at it. - Those who attend will have a great time. And that's what it's really all about. As for me personally - I'm most likely going to skip it. I fall into none of the above categories. I was planning on hitting 4-5 shows, but the price is now keeping me away. I'll probably breakdown eventually and go to the DC show, since it's minutes from my house. But I'll probably just buy a cheap seat, sit behind the stage, close my eyes and soak it in a bit. And on a side note - I just have to laugh a little about everyone complaining about mail order and questioning GDTSTOO. If I didn't already feel a bit old - that certainly did it. ;-)
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15 years 9 months
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For those of you just logging on to see what the heck is going on.... The presale will be right here on dead.net tomorrow. gdtstoo.com is for all of ya that don't have credit cards but is a trusted source if you want to mail order $$. Seems like a gamble for the kind of seat you want though, unless someone can post what seats they will be providing. Instructions for online presale will be posted by dead.net tomorrow morning so be patient. Personally I'll have quick fingers and credit card ready tomorrow morning at 10am local time. After shelling out $100+ to see Bob Dylan, 'Stones, Metallica and about 20 other artists in the 100-400 price range......75-100 is really cheap nowadays for this caliber of show. There won't be empty seats as at this price point, it'll be a quick sellout....
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15 years 9 months
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So am I reading this right? That you gotta mail in it for presale tics or are ya gonna be able to get them online? Any help would greatly be appreciated.
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15 years 9 months
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The presale is HERE online tomorrow, per dead.net. That other site is if you do not have a credit card.
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15 years 9 months
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I think there are more than 1 option and the mail order is one of them..I also believe you can buy tickets onlone tommorrow as another option.. According to the above thread this site will have the info but they need to hold off on getting the password out to far in advance... As sson as the password is anounced it will hit the internet in no time so in a sense it is in our best interest to be patient so that we are rewarded with tickets as opposed to all the others out there that will be purchasing tickets to sell for an inflated proffit.. The only two thing I am lost on is What time do tickets go on sale ???? Will this site direct to purchasing tickets ot do we have to open another window since it will be sperate from this site and if that is the case which agency is selling the tickets ???
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15 years 9 months
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my guess there is a countdown box in the upper right hand corner of the home page " Countdown to Ticket Pre-sale" Right now it reads 23 hour 30min for me. So about 10 min before 10 am local time (9:45-9:50), they will post the instructions on how to purchase at 10am local time. Most likely a password to a ticketmaster or livenation portal which will probably open as a separate webpage. I'm anxious too but this is typical for a big presale of this nature. Trying my best to be patient.
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15 years 9 months
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sounds like an awesome service and I'm all about nostalgia...... if you guys know what sort of seats gdstoo usually has?
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17 years 4 months
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and Ouch!Not actually bad in the lowere price range, but once TM adds on their share it's not going to be pretty.
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15 years 9 months
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Are presale tiks gonna appear only on Dead.net? What's the deal/proceduere for getting tiks
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15 years 10 months
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So I may be pretty but I am stupid. I am in Central Time. Does this mean the folks in EASTERN get one hour jump on me? Do we all get access to the precode at the same time?
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15 years 9 months
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Thanks
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15 years 9 months
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You get it southerntam and noonie. It's the Vibe. (See page 23 of this thread Feel the Dead Vibe) Sometimes you have to find out what priceless is worth.For us, this it it. Someday, everything is gonna be different When I paint my masterpiece. "Oh if a man tried To take his time on earth And prove before he died What one man's life could be worth I wonder what would happen To this world."
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17 years 3 months
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It's almost noon in KC (central time ) and the clock is almost at 23 hours. It should be the same regardless of where you are, in the United States. Not sure about the Canucks. Since it cost a lot to win And even more to lose You and me bound to spend some time Wondering what to choose Looks like I'll choose to throw this hand in: $100 tickets plus travel costs from KC is too high! Good luck to all in your ticket quests.
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15 years 9 months
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There's no info on this pre-sale deal. Do I just log on at 12:00 pm tomorrow and charge away?
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15 years 9 months
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Interesting, I'm mountain time and it just rolled over 23 hours as well. So you are right Ted, looks like same time for everyone. 10 MST/11CST/12EST
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15 years 9 months
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Huh huh I hope they are selling tickets online tomorrow. That post order thing is really something. They were selling tickets that way before? We ll be flying from Finland to Ny so it would be nice to know if we get tickets or not before public sale starts. We have to book hotels and flights and so. And find the money; ). Is MSG a good venue or is it better to go to some other NE venue? Never seen the band live though I have been a big fan from 70s. Didnt really realise that GD was SO popular there at States. Many people dont even know the band here. Mmmm this is exiting. I hope everyone gets tickets though they are a bit pricy. Wth we all go! Once in a lifetime. Me like!
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15 years 9 months
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Since, the universe is localized around the SF bay area, the clock is for 9 AM PST
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15 years 9 months
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I think MSG & Shoreline will be the two best venues to catch the tour but at the same time the most difficult to get tickets
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Maybe you could weasel your way around front...there will be plenty of kind peeps willing to share some of their space with you. I may be in your same position...not sure how my venue will be set up, so if I"m in the back I may have to do some weaseling myself ;o). Either way I'll have fun and be able to hear that beautiful music playing. As long as I have some room to dance...it's all good! The countdown is on my brothers and sisters!
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15 years 9 months
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Thank you c-hawks. We will try msg first then. Its great to see City of New York also.
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15 years 9 months
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Thanx for the 411 about the hotels.I got a room at the Quality Inn for my wife and I.Now I just have to get tickets.I tried to send you a message but I suck at using the internet--If you could send me another message and tell me how to send one back--Thanx-Georgie
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15 years 9 months
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Just noticed TicketMaster has info for the show on 5/5 (Chicago) listed. The ticket pricing info shows $50 - $95.
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16 years
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Got a sweet reminder (with my Candyman ringtone) on my Iphone last night: 12 AM Buy tickets for the Dead! location: Computer Not that I hadn't been thinking and talking about the entire day before. I'm so excited for this tour. So I woke up this morning and logged onto dead.net to listen to my Monday morning fix of the Taper's Section. Couldn't listen to the streams, but no worries, just went to sugarmegs.org and started playing a stellar San Diego 1/10/70 upon David's suggestion. I started reading all the posts on this thread...I laughed alot. 1. Yes there are two ways to presale: GDSTOO (Was laughing so hard when someone asked if they were not scammers and should I send a money order. Believe me, they will always treat you KIND! Give the Bolinas crew a break, they are living in one of the best places in the world.) DEAD.NET (You know it's going to be an online presale because they have a timer set for exactly 9am PST because yes, everything revolves around Bay Area time.) 2. Thank you BOYS! 3. This tour is gonna rock (you bet I'm gonna be dancin' and singin' in the streets!) 4. Ticket prices: Although slightly steep for some budgets, aren't that bad. It did eat into my going home to Shoreline Amp. funds but I've done it before and made it to the show. 5. Relax and remember to at least enjoy the ride! FEEL THE LOVE! _________________________________________________________ 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!
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15 years 9 months
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Thanks Canyon Critter....great kind post to alleviate some concerns and staying focused on the fun and loving part of this whole process. The ball starts rolling now and the excitement is building all over...... I'll be working on a letter and getting online tomorrow morning....
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15 years 9 months
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DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW PRESALE TICKETS WORK!!!