"THE DEAD" (A.G. - AFTER GARCIA)

They are an American Odyssey, a cultural phenomenon that has endured for 38 years and are now currently entrenched into their fifth decade.  Another configuration has now risen from the ashes of post Garcia, replete with the euphoria pre-95 and the commingled effect of utilizing the vocal strength of Joan Osborne seems to be more gratifying than the melange of "Dead" tunes that were at best, tepid while under the guise of "The Other Ones".  Phil remains the doyen of this seminal "psychedelic" wonder and the    plangent sound of the recent tours has once again been rejuvenated with the temerity, whimsical traits that would be the fulcrum for the hordes of fans that traversed the roadways of America for years in search of the perfect performance by "The Grateful Dead".  This newest incarnation is a composite of the entire catalogue with the songs of the counter culture and beyond,

Image By Don Aters

and regaled from their recent visit to Bonnaroo outside Nashville to their selected dates thereafter. The ethos of "The Dead" has once again augured what was once a "given", and the melancholy days and nebulous tunes of the past few years with abated crowds may soon vanish and once again "kickstart" the nomadic life of "touring heads" and the proverbial lot scene that provided the luster and camaraderie and a rare chance to acquaint one's self with diverse cultures, bartering for various wares and mingling with old friends.  As we collectively peruse the "rock n roll" itineraries and view the myriad of dysfunctional, repugnant bands on the road, it brings great joy to see a legendary group return to the glory and gratification synonymous with them since the apex of Haight Ashbury during it's brief period as the capital of "hippiedom". As Bill Graham once commented, they may not be the best at what they do but they are the only band that do what they do". It is not the same without Jerome John Garcia, never will be but the tunes are timeless and even thought the "pied piper of peace" is now gone, we can celebrate his life and years of "The Grateful Dead" with this new alignment and feel comfortable by attending performances within our demographic areas.

Cheers to Phil, Bobby, Billy, Mickey and the rest........any songs

are better than none as they are seemingly ensconced into expanding

the folklore, and mantra of the band and we continue to live our dreams vicariously through the words of The Warlocks, The Grateful Dead, The Other Ones, Phil & Friends and now "The Dead".  As this newest formation of "The Dead" traipsed onto The Verizon Center stage, the paragon of greatness soon settled over the band and the restoration of faith from bygone days was once again rekindled.  Phil sang with the intensity that had faded in the last year or so, Joan Osborne conjures memories of the vocals brought to the band with Brent Mydland and Jeff Clementi & Rob Barocco as a tandem are as good as it gets in this genre.  The pinnacle of rock n' roll supremacy has returned and the legacy continues.  it has been quite the  lengthy novel but apparently there are many chapters left before the climatic ending appears on the horizon. For the moment, a reflection of old and new seems to be the juxtaposing image next to a bearded, four fingered genius who changed the world through the gifts of music.  The culmination of skills and impact on society from the band may never be equaled nor understood but with that said, the traditional line, "We Bid You Good Night" echoes from the hierarchy of "rock n' roll" royalty.

As always

Peace

Don Aters - Haight Street Music News

July 21st - 2003