Grateful Dead

I wouldn't mind going...

I am going! groovy I cannot wait!!!

I saw 'em at Soldier Field in 95...will be there in 2015!

I really hope Donna will be involved in some capacity. That classic howl as they segue back into the chorus of Playing in the band would warm my heart. Perhaps TC could be involved as well. If it's the last ever, might as well have other former bandmates join in. Hope they were invited....

Trey is going to add some great tones to the setlist. Hope they try and do a Phish song. Can't wait to see the band together for my first time. Wish this was July of 1965, not 2015.

This is my worst nightmare come true.Jammed into a terrible venue for music (but one great for packing bodies), with 50,000+ Millineals whining about the heat, the sightlines, the dude in front of me, the bitch behind me,the parking, the commute, the lines,the price of beer and food, the fact that this how the Dead SHOULD sound man! All so we can send our favorite music off with a Phish covers the Dead show. What could be better? Terrible venue, massive crowds of people who have very little tolerance for any form of discomfort, on the busiest weekend of one of the hottest months of the year in a massive and already crowded city, to hear our music taken hostage by the voice of the worst band ever. My question is why not the guys who have fulfilled that role perfectly, working their asses off for the Faithful Deadheads for the last ten years with P and F and Further? I guess the old adage about living long enough to see all your ideals destroyed is painfully true. And to any Phish fans that I may have offended with this- These are my opinions and feelings- As someone who spent the better part of 10 years on the road with the Grateful Dead, long before most of you were even born. So please- save your defensive rebuttals and just go back to seeing Phish. Trust me, you wont have to convince anyone there that Phish is actually better....

Yippee iyay kiyay!!! Oh, I'm happy! Hope I make the cut...

I must go! 50th Anniversary for my 50th year!!I will be there!

Naw, as much as a big fan as I am of Trey Anastasio, I would've prefered John Kadlecik with Jeff Chimenti, Tom Constanten and Donna Jean along with Bobby, Phil, Bill and Mickey. And Robert Hunter as special guest. Micke Östlund, Växjö, Sweden

3 shows only? In Chicago? Demand is going to be too high. Won't be able to afford tickets and airfare. Why not San Fran where it all started? Book Oakland for 2 weeks. Book Shoreline for 2 weeks (after all, BillG built it for the boys to have a place to play at home!) Happy this is being billed as GRATEFUL DEAD and not THE DEAD, but IMHO JohnK would be a better match than Trey. Adding Trey to the mix is just going to bring in a bunch of Phish fans (no offense guys) that just don't get us DeadHeads. (My opinion, no disrespect intended!!) The FAQ on Dead50.net states that these shows will be the last time the boys play together. While I hate to believe that is true, how many other bands have we seen do "final shows." Granted, they aren't 50 years into their careers, but if these are the final shows with the core 4 I am very disappointed that only 55,000 will get to see them performed (because face it, name ONE DeadHead that won't go to all 3 shows!) I would feel better if these were the final 3 shows and they were just announced first to judge interest and sales to secure the large insurance fees that minimum East and West coast residencies would require. I have no doubts that they will break all records in the book for fastest shows to sell out. To everyone that can't make it, I hope we see an official release DVD, a Sirius simulcast of all 3 nights, and official soundboard downloads. Hate to miss the magic in person, but the cash flow just isn't there.

Everybelly sounding so ungrateful! These four human beings simply cannot please everyone no matter where what with who they played. This is a bit disappointing to read. Where is the love?! Our gift IS the 50 years of music...everything else is just extra bonus gifts of LOVE&MUSIC

I think its really great that Trey and Hornsby will be there. I also hope Donna and TC make an appearance at some point too. Can't wait!

Taping will be allowed? And while I'm in question mode how about vending? By the way the WIFE & I are going 2gether!!!!! She MUST see what this is all about. WALSTIB INDEED!!!! Will she have a story to tell when she goes home to Kenya in September. She's more excited than I am, "it" hasn't HIT ME yet!!!!! WOW 50 YEARS OF DEAD!!!!!! Not Chi Town let's call it Chi DEAD!!!! I'm ????!!!!!! HAPPY (50th) FRIDAY, DEADLAND!!!!

Wondering if I can bring my 9 year old for this epic event... anyone know if it's all ages?

They state somewhere on the site that their will be a tapers section in the pit.

I don't believe there will be only 3 shows , I just think the are ending a tour in Chicago & that will be the last time they ever play together,but who knows, if they said they were doing a whole tour maybe 55000 people wouldn't go to Chi-town to sell-out Soldier Field. I only seen 4 shows,post Jerry,somewhere around 380 with & am seriously considering making a pilgrimage from the East Coast

I read in the mail order instructions that you can specify tapers section. But only 2 tickets.

With the Grateful Dead's history of always nailing it on big occasions, what could possibly go wrong? wink. I think this is great. I'm not likely to make the trek from New England, but I'm pleased as punch for everyone. I love the Trey choice myself. And having Bruce there as well. Agree about how nice it would be for Donna and TC to at least be there for some of it... Surely this will be well documented on video for the poor slobs like me who won't be there. By the way, someone mentioned being glad they're using the name "Grateful Dead" - but are they? It says "celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead" and things like "Grateful Dead members." Nowhere do I see that they are calling themselves the Grateful Dead (or any actual name for that matter)...

I'm already trying to imagine what these setlists will end up looking like. Love Billy's comment that this will be improvisational. But surely they'll rehearse certain things... I'm thinking surely they'll play: Dark Star Other One Unbroken Chain Playin Box of Rain Scarlet>Fire Full WRS Suite Help>Slip>Franklins Ripple Day Job (kidding) And yes, I personally think it would be interesting as hell to see them break out a couple of Phish tunes, but I have a hard time picturing them playing YEM or something like that. But I can see them playing Back on the Train or some such bluegrassy vein...

If Donna was included in the lineup I would be searching hotels in Northern Illinois right now. But since she isnt, I will make due with the next appearance of DSO, Ratdog, etc..

As a lifelong grateful dead fan having seen 20yrs worth of shows pre Garcia's death I just have to say I'm sorely disappointed and very dis heartened. Trey Anastasio ??? Really !??!!??! So much for integrity, LAME !!!!

While I am glad that they are doing something to celebrate the 50th, as a lifelong fan for some 45 years, very sad to see that they could only do three shows. I know that they have provided us with a lifetime of memories and music and do not owe us anything but still disappointed with the plan. I am hopeful that there may be more shows but that appears to be unlikely. I do hope they plan to stream the shows for those of us no longer able to ride the bus.

Hey...Why isn't John playing? Further was playing Dead tunes for the last years better I am sure than this lineup will be. Trey?An earlier commenter wondered if they would do some Phish songs? What has this world come to. Bobby, Phil and the gang..how was this a great choice for the 50th? What about the Bay Area? Sincerely, Lifelong Dead fan

I don't care who's doing what, this Western NC girl is making the trek! I'm literally popping out of my skin! happy happy happy!

Last October me and a buddy made the pilgrimage to the Big Apple to see the Allman Brothers Band perform one of their final shows ever. This year me and another buddy will go to the Windy City to see my other favorite band. Life is good! Would I prefer that they mount a full tour and play near the Motor City where I'm from? Of course, but to quote the old Rolling Stones song, "You can't always get what you want." Fortunately at age 55 and recently retired I'm in a position to make the trek to Chicago which isn't too far from Detroit. I do, however, feel badly for those Dead Heads that won't be able to make it. Of course, I shouldn't count my chickens before they're hatched as I need to get tickets first. LOL! :-)

i was a total punk skater and surfer guy in 84, the guys i wrestled with in college drug me by my long ass punker hairdo to Hartford on 10/15/84 of course as a bunch of dumb asses not knowing how to tell time we were late walked in half way through Hell in a Bucket. I was watching and learning thinking OK this cool just not my cup of tea... Next song Sugeree, I never ever heard anything like that in my life, it was like I just got punched in the mouth with reality. My life changed and so did my direction. I look back thinking how the hell did I get that many shows in and still end up OK? They owe me 3 more days and I owe them what I've become because of The Grateful Dead!!

W-w-w-w=WOW!

You can always count on Deadheads to whine about something. If they said, "We're playing in every town with more than 100,000 people all across America, the shows will be totally free of charge, and all the beer and food will be free," people would complain, "How dare they not tour Europe?" Ridiculous. It makes perfect sense they're playing in Chicago. They played about 70 shows here, many of which are classics, and they played their "real" last shows here. Soldier Field is as beautiful and as intimate as a football stadium could possibly be. The massive parking lots are fifty yards from the beach. If this is your first time coming to Chicago in the summer, it probably won't be your last. This is going to be an awesome weekend. It's unfortunate that there are people who'll refuse to accept that. Though in the end, I suppose that's just as well -- more ticket availability for me and my friends.

truegangsteroflove pointed out: Others will probably mention this, but Mickey Hart is not an original member of the group. He's original, but in other ways. He joined the band in 1967, two years after the band formed. A minor detail.

I could gripe about the many facets of this extravaganza that I find disappointing but what's the point? Reentering the world of cheek-by-jowl crowds in a stadium in a hot and humid environment is not something I care to experience. I hope they offer some type of broadcast that can be enjoyed in the comfort of one's home. First show: 8-15-71 / Last show: 12-6-89. Fare thee well.

How do we order tickets from the uk ? I just cant easily work out how to secure tickets for the gigs in July without US stamps etc it seemed so much easier when I saw the Dead in Egypt ! Please help ......

Yeah, without U.S. stamps fore the SASE I sop don't see how to do it. But, you still have both the Internet, Ticketmaster, and VIP options. And a couple of days to find someone who has some U.S. Stamps. If you do, make sure it's enough to cover the postage; call a post office here, explain, and find out what amount would do it. Add extra. :)

Never been a fan of Trey's voice. Great guitarist, just not sure I would pay airfare hotel and tix to hear him sing Dark Star.

in one way or another. Trey? are u fucking kidding me? 3 shows only, ??? No tour? I will be buying as many of these tickets as I can, the price will be out of this world, but the resell value of these tickets will be incredible, I think I will retire after this run. The comments from the band are hilarious, "oh boy", "here we go" "a big deal" "wave that flag" lol big time. This is from the members of the band that made it all happen for me, and now, it's over. I mean it's really over, so, plunk down your hard earned cash, oh boy, here we go, wave that flag and get to this big deal. lol The Rolling Stones have proven that they are the greatest rock and roll band in the world, they put on FREE shows for their fifty year anniversary, and they were excellent, with the reintroduction of Mick Taylor, just fantastic. This, on the other hand, is just the last gasp of a burned out bunch of acidheads to cash in on their last big paycheck before retirement. I won't be going to this jam packed sweating touch head infested deadhead want to be's show, that's for sure. Too bad, Too sad. Count me out lol The bus broke down and I got off. I'm sure this post will get me a lot of flack, but, you know, it's only an opinion, take it if you need it or pass it along if you dare.

This is good news. 3x50000, is that possible. We shall see. I hope that this time we who are living in Europe manage to buy tickets also when the sale starts. It was real pain to get tickets when Dead was performing last time. I made it though. I would be happy if someone is taking care that buying is really working from Europe and Finland also. A little road trip: Helsinki, New York, Chicago. Here we come. Ps. DeadMike from Sweden, are you also only deadhead in the village?

I apologize to the community for my first post, I was just so shocked that my mind was not right and I made some terrible statements, again, I apologize. Have you see the ticket prices? wow, vip travel, 2500.00 for two including motel for 3 nights. cheapest tickets 59.50, must be so far away will need a telescope to see the stage. 115.50 GA in the pit 215.50 reserved down to 95.50 for cheapest. I also noticed this add 10 bucks for the commemorative ticket. 4 only per order 1650 1 person 3 nights They will record this to hd dvd for future sales I'm sure they may simulcast this for additional revenue I'm still shocked at the guitarist they selected, I have seen this man play, he's not anywhere near the caliber of player as any of the other great people that have tried to fill that slot. Just not right No Donna Jean? No TC? Still shocked at the venue they selected The only thing left to do is wish all in the Midwest a good show. Enjoy the moment, money can always be replaced, the memories can never be.

good luck finding a place to stay folks, biggest fireworks in the country that day put on by the city of Chicago, lots of folks come for that and lots of the cheaper hotels are all ready booked full. check it out for yourself. If you don't live close, bring a sleeping bag and bail money to bail yourself out of jail for vagrancy, the cops in Chicago will be waiting for this with open doors, to their squad cars. Pretty high penalties for possession in Illinois. Let the faithful beware.

Maybe Clarky you should just keep your negative rants to yourself instead of trying to bring down the people who are excited about this. There are plenty of Phish heads who are also older deadheads. Ooh, the better part of 10 years on the road with the Grateful Dead? Is that all? Who are you to judge their choice of guitarist? Maybe they should have consulted you first? There is no place here for the likes of you. You are the type of person who gives this amazing tribe of music lovers a bad rap. I saw not one post trying to convince anyone that Phish is better. Trey will do this justice. Try and open you mind a little bit. Oh and I will go back to seeing Phish once Trey is done ripping it up at these shows.

that a phish head would come on this site and say how great trey is and how he will rip it up at these shows, lol. I mean, really, laugh out loud.

You have been around here for some time. Buddies only bin here a couple of hours. He doesn't know anything about the locals who dwell here. Theres nothing wrong with saying what you feel. I happen to agree with what you said about the Stones. As much as I'm tired of them, they did celebrate their 50th with a lot of class. Bringing back Mick Taylor seemed like a no brainer to me. I always thought they were shit without him.

Trey will rip it up for this. Rehearsal time is crucial of course but these shows will be monsters. Historical..yes. Fun..yes. Musical..yes. Can't wait

It's probably my post you're referring to in rebuttal to Clark's post. If you must know, I'm a deadhead first and foremost from the early 80's and yes, I like Phish too. Jerry Garcia can never and will never be replaced, but I'm just a little tired of the pure hatred spouted over and over again by "deadheads" for one musician. It's really quite unbelievable that it comes from a group such as ours and frankly very sad to see. Personally, my first choice would have been Kimock and I also will not be going to these shows, but who am I to decide who should play with them. I did just join this group today and was enjoying the posts and the excitement until I happened upon the extremely negative one in question here. My bad for responding so quickly. I should have just let it go and moved on. I guess I'm just not a local around here. Peace.

“In the land of the dark the ship of the sun is driven by the..........Grateful Dead............I am looking forward to this, share the moment with some friends, traversing all of my memories from my first show @ Roosevelt Stadium, Aug 1, 1973. So many terrific memories seeing Jerry, the boys, all the bands, Legion of Mary was a real treat, saw them many times. Only Jerry can produce his Magic, I've got plenty of shows in my blood to sustain a lifetime of Joy, I would have selected Kimock or JK, Trey will be fine, I am more focused on the living- Bill, Phil, Bobby and Mickey, they are wonderful Artist's, touch some Magic once again! I would like to see them bring out Donna, Robert Hunter, Tom C. for some tunes, expand the Family. They will no doubt continue playing in some form after this Golden Weekend! See you there! PS, great record shop in Chi-Town- http://www.jazzmart.com/

Long time fan who is disappointed the boys are going out with a whimper and not a bang. The tour animal Garcia must be either laughing with derision or scowling over the fact the band is choosing to exit with 3 scant shows. Would it have killed them to possibly do 3 NY, Chicago, SF shows? It's going to put a terrible crush for ticket demand and anyone outside of the Midwest will have to contemplate shelling out a grand or more to enjoy this rather tepid farewell. Band lineup looks great and it will be a great 3 shows, but THREE SHOWS and done? Come on guys.

I am a deadhead from the late 70's. I think the grateful dead were just another version of the JGB. At any show I was at from this era, people yelling Jerry ! was the most common cry you would hear. The mans vibe just went out even when he was simply tuning his guitar and the stage was dark. You knew he was there. I still love ratdog, further, Phil, etc , but without Jerry, Donna and Keith, it rings hollow to my ears. Chicago will be lots of fun but it isnt the JGB / Grateful Dead. Jerry was God and created all around him. Just watch the dead movie as Jerry solos and smiles toward Donna as she dances and reacts to his playing. Nothing comes close. But this is just my OPINION..

What are you going to do? There has always been an annoying segment of the GD community who are jaded,negative and pretentious. Nothing new here. They try to pass themselves off as cool and open-minded hippies but in reality they are some of the most update jackasses on the planet! For those who can make it, it will be a joyous reunion of band and fans. For the condescending other, just relax for once in your life!

why don't you stop moaning and celebrate what IS being generously given to you and get over your attachment to the way YOU believe it ought to be … they are the band they can do it how ever they want … what a moment to be complaining, very sad …..

some of the most update jackasses on the planet! ..that is what I wanted to say...some people will never be satisfied and get off on complaining.. This was never meant to be a private party..all are welcome

I was surprised it was Chicago, too, but it makes sense if what they are looking for is a gathering of the whole tribe. It's the most accessible city in the country by road, air and rail so people from far and wide can get there. Chicago has a long tradition of throwing good parties. I saw shows there in 91 and again in 93 loved how the city and the lake were right there as part of the show. The whole sky turned deep red during second set. I'm also counting on all the millennial s scratching their heads and sayin' "a hashtag ten what?" so the rest of us can score tickets the old fashioned way :)

Reflections JGB tour was my first show. It was in the glorious Auditorium theater, a hall that is acoustically perfect. I saw the Dead there the next year. Then we got kicked out for putting out joints on the hardwood floors and other stupid shit that people did. I got to see Further there maybe 4-5 years ago (I don't remember the year, chromosome damage maybe?). Deja Vu. The sound is still as amazing in that hall. It's a sacred place for me. I love the Dead. The music, the people, the scene. I saw the band all over the country. From small halls like the Uptown to Alpine Valley to the Rosemont,the Greek, Worcestor, Providence, Foxboro Dylan/Dead, Borreal Ridge, Ranch Rocks at Pyramid Lake when Jerry was sick, RFK, Jerry on Broadway at the Ritz and the Stones, Edwardsville in the pouring rain (A killer looks like Rain), Frost, and even Soldier Field. I've seen Phil and Friends, Ratdog, Further,and loved it. Soldier Field. I was there in 95 and every other year they played there. Even when Sting was the backup, although I sat that out partying in the lot. James Cotton, who I used to see for $1 in clubs all the time and hung out with many times sat in. I guess I should've called him that week. Thanks to the band for coming back for last run. Ok, here I go. Sorry to be a downer with all of the positive energy, but this is how I feel from the heart. But Soldier Field? The acoustics suck. It's a football stadium. I went to all the shows there and never once enjoyed the sound. You can't even see the band. There is an outdoor stadium with great sound and sight lines 1/4 mile away that the boys have played. If they played 3-5 cities with 3 or more shows each, they could do that. The other brother who said that they should have done a run of shows on each coast was right. The Rosemont wasn't any better. Would that really be that hard since they are rehearsing anyway? Split it up over a few weeks or months if you have to. Having only 3 shows in one place makes it hard for many of the real fans to come if they don't have cash. And July 4th? The biggest summer weekend of the year when people will pay a fortune to stay here. I'm going to try to help people with that in my next post. And where is John K? He brought the Jerry energy back and made Jerry's tunes work. It was the best I'd felt since 95. When the Stones come back, they play club dates before the stadium shows and get their groove on. That is a hell of a thank you to the fans. 3 shows at a shitty sounding giant place is fucked up. If that is all the energy they have together now, ok. I'd rather see a webcast where the sound is good. You see my history above. I'm a fan, I live 20 minutes away, and I'm probably not going to bother going. This is a sad end to a great ride. It'll be a great party and the band will jam no doubt. You'll be lucky if you can hear it the way it should be, or at all. I'll hope to catch Phil at TX sometime. Maybe if I'm lucky, Bobby, Mickey, or Bill will drop in and jam.