END OF THE LINE!!
Nothin' like endin' a tour in Chitown!!
I already know this is gonna be a crazy night so, Who's Comin'?!?

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & Crewe
2.
3.
4.
5.

2. mike

Porscha

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & Crewe
2.mike
3.Porscha
4.
5.

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & Crewe
2.mike
3.Porscha
4.Tony & Lori
5.

Anybody know if or what the curfew is at this venue?

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & crewe
2.mike
3.Porsha
4.Toni & Lori
5.Chin

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & crewe
2.mike
3.Porsha
4.Toni & Lori
5.Chin
6. Amy & Bruce

ROLLCALL!!
1.StKnick & crewe
2.mike
3.Porsha
4.Toni & Lori
5.Chin
6. Amy & Bruce
7. Rob and Trina

Curfew is 11pm for the Allstate. If they go over 1 minute Bobby & Phil will have to battle the Outfit at the shipyards. The union is all over this time limit. So get there early. Im in Section 101!

I am trying to come up with a good meeting spot for us, this is tough since I haven't been to this venue before & haven't been to Chicago since the last shows in 95.
So far I have come up with the bar in the lobby of the Radisson Hotel across from the arena, we have rooms there. It's close by & we can always go up to the rooms to puff. Does anyone have a better idea? Somewhere to get grub too?
Bruce & I are in section 113 for the show, watch out for crazy, dancin' phool with the crazy curly hair- lol !!!!

ROLLCALL!
1. StKnick & crewe
02. mike
3. Porsha
4. Toni & Lori
5. Chin
6. Amy & Bruce
7. Rob & Trina
8. Cougar Jim

ROLLCALL!
1. StKnick & crewe
02. mike
3. Porsha
4. Toni & Lori
5. Chin
6. Amy & Bruce
7. Rob & Trina
8. Cougar Jim
9. Mike

i'm also staying at radisson, also looks like i have an extra. lower lever somewhere

Glad you are on board Mike, see ya in the bar 12/2

Got my res @ the Radisson the other day...I'm all set...see ya'll @ The Bar

I shall be attending this psychedelic soiree
and I will NOT talk during Hunter's set!
May I be the 1st to call a Rooster?

I am inviting you zoners to venture over to my home in chicago before the show, I would be pleased to meet any or all of you to share our many stories from the road in preparation for the big Chi town show. If interested please reply back and we can work out the details.

packin the bags, lots of warm clothes. jet plane leaves in two hours. the last show for this year (so sad). hope everyone has a safe and wonderful day. we will be at the Sheraton but will swing by the Radisson 2:00ish. if anyone needs an extra we have em. Call the cell after noon (cst). 443-474-2250.

Peace
Brad & Karen

Brad and Karen, safe travels and hopefully a damn good show.

does anyone know what time TOO has been taking the stage???

12-17 minutes after the PRINTED Start time on the Ticket.

Allstate can be a bear to get into - a major bottle-neck often occurs for parking and entrance. Heavy snow today won't simplify matters. Get there early.

Could be a good night for Brown-eyed Woman, given our blizzardly day. I'm sure we'll get some blues too - could well be the Rooster, Olo.

I'm personally hoping for a full-blown Other One. Have fun everybody.

Blizzard?? You call this a blizzard? Well it did look like it a few hours ago. However, the sky is clearing and life is good. Just don't get busted for smilin on this cloudy day.

Sounds like the first wave is past, but lake effect snow is predicted around the area into the evening. Hopefully the brunt of this is past and we'll all sail smoothly into the show tonight.

Check here for updated weather:
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Chicago.html

Safe travels, all.

Set list anyone?

no setlists? not to great of conversation/reviews on here the last 4-5 shows
no one in the midwest?

Pretty cool how they did China Cat on 12/1 and finished the I Know You Rider on 12/2. HJK is next!

blurry blizzardy 2nd set
er...Jam>Sittin'>Cross Eyed>Drumz..

OK, I just woke up and checked out the setlist. You guys are the winners!! WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!

I: Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion > Black-Throated Wind@, Baba Jingo > Brown-Eyed Women, Friend of the Devil@ > Bertha > Standing on the Moon > Touch of Grey
II: Jam > Sitting On Top of the World > Born Cross-Eyed > Drums > Space > Unbroken Chain > St. Stephen > Terrapin Station > I Know You Rider
E: Truckin



Great Show

Weir doing SOTM?? eh

THE SHOW.

Great show ! Only hassel was a bottleneck at the door . Imagine squeezing 3,000 people through 4 security lines in 20 min. and you get the picture . It struck me what a great asset Jimmy Herring is to this line up . With him you have a constant lead guitar(he don't do vocals). He has a lot of Jerry's licks down and you are hearing more and more of his interpretation coming through . Lets face it he's a monster player in his prime ! I miss the old man's emotional vocals but Rob , Bob and sometimes Phil seem to be working .

This was a gunner of a show - I saw them in Hartford a week or so ago and thought this was vastly better (of course I got in early with no hassles this time after a major entry bottleneck in Hartford, and I also had much better seats, sidestage on Phil side, so surely that helped). But I still think this was the better show anyway, might have to consult the tapes for a final opinion on that one.

The Jam>Golden Road was an excellent opener, not taken at a blazing pace but it was driven by some very syncopated bass plucking from Phil, and sounded excellent. BT Wind was a repeat from Hartford for me and a welcome one, extremely nice (again). I had predicted BE Woman earlier in the day when it was snowing like wild, and I was heartened to get it, very well done at that - the group singing sounded beautiful on the choruses. Sadly nobody in the room really reacted to the snowed so hard reference. However, nearly every Midwest/Chicago/St. Louis reference that came out in other songs was recognized with a cheer - the crowd was definitely listening. The rest of the set was solid, with the jam between FOTD and Bertha being the easy highlight, a major diversion into deconstructive jazz mode between two very classic folkrock-y songs. I had a couple friends with me who never saw a Dead show and they loved this stuff, as did I. Same was true in Hartford - the improv jams were often the best parts of the show. I missed Standing on the Moon while taking a refueling run. Wonder what that was like, will have to seek tapes. I could hear it from the beer line but it was over and into Touch by the time I got back.

The second set was the SHIT. Every note was amazing and the band played with great balls and grace. I could hear SITTIN' a mile away thanks to Phil, he played that signature riff almost immediately in the little intro jam - I love this song and was pumped to be hearing it. Born Cross Eyed was blazing and kept the high energy trippy vibe from the previous tune - the vocals and instrumentation were solidly nailed on this one and it was fully jammed out, absolutely incredible, probably my favorite number of the night, though it's got tough competition from most of Set 2.

Drums were very nice from our sidestage vantage, we had a great view and sound. Weir came out mid-way and did a nice little jam with the drummers for a few minutes then left them to build a major drumming climax of their own. Then the drummers left and everybody else came out and did some space that took flight into a pretty cooking jam pretty quickly, during which the drummers came back and started up a beat. This slowly became UBChain which went over very well - I thought this one was much improved from Hartford, they were really together and kicking ass, Phil seemed to have an effortless time queueing up the changes so everybody'd grab them smoothly. The jam out of this one was incredible, get the tapes. St. Stephen>Terrapin>Rider was icing on an already massive cake. Stephen was slamming, Terrapin was long and deliberate with some excellent jams and nary a flub (well, maybe one, but they recovered swiftly - it almost seems they agree to play it by ear on how/when/if to hit the inspiration part, it's kind of cool - they sounded all set to hit it then dropped back into another long jam instead - it's possible they even went back to another verse before getting there, I can't recall - time was spinning out of control at this point, they had us fully committed). Rider was a bit of a letdown for me after all these heavy intricate numbers (which I could listen to all night), but they played it with great gusto and ended on a big group bomb - the place was going wild, so certainly no complaints, just not a MUST-HEAR for me like so much of the rest of the set.

Phil came out for a sincere "city of big shoulders/big hearts" organ donor rap - he got a strong showing of hands when he asked how many people were donors (mine included). The Truckin' encore was good, but was the only somewhat unwelcome repeat for me from my one other show on this tour, but again it was pretty well done in the same, brief cook-now-and-be-gone kind of way, and it had everybody screaming.

The band then took a big group hug/bow and looked extremely joyous and happy with the whole affair. Mickey then took the mic and said something to the effect of "we've had a great tour - it's been a great night. You guys have been a great audience and we've been a great band. Take that spirit home and do something good with it!" And out into the snow we went, great damn show.

Oh boy! That is a monster of a setlist. Vintage Daed tunes and Jerry all over the place. Golden Road, Sittin', Born, St Steve! VINTAGE! Bertha, Friend, B.E., Standing, Touch, Terrapin, Rider!!!
This one was for Jer. Space into Chain just like Chicago 7/9/95. Truckin'...Chicago, New York, Detroit....off to to Oakland...enjoy guys, the dream never dies, only the dreamer. Love is real...Love Isreal, not fade away...no more war, pray and play for peace.

A couple other thoughts:

First set was ALL Jerry songs except BT Wind and Baba Jingo - a nice tribute to the fatman.

Also, Jimmy Herring is a badass - he played some truly inspired music and appeared to be having a great time. We could see him facing over towards Phil and the keys-team - he would go from looks of massive concentration to pure beaming smiles whenever something happened that he liked. The UBChain jam was surely some of his best work of the night. I've always been impressed with him, but he went to the next level for me last night.

And last but not least - HUNTER did a fantastic job, he seemed very happy and confident and delivered a stellar performance. I don't have his whole setlist down, but Wharf Rat, Stella Blue, EZWind>Mr. Charlie, Cats Under the Stars, Ripple, and Boys in the Bar-Room were all beautifully delivered. He sang with incredible spirit and did some old timey sounding high notes at the end of many of his phrases that really exemplified his deep ties to pre-rock music. He clearly enjoyed himself, and made reference to being nervous before tour about having to do multiple nights in a row - then said (in a deadpan voice): "THIS IS THE FOURTH NIGHT."

Hunter's setlist: Drunkard's Carol, Candyman, Wharf Rat, Cats Under the Stars, The Song Remains, Easy Wind > Mr. Charlie > Easy Wind, Stella Blue, Ripple, Boys in the Barroom

Hunter was FAN-DAMN-TASTIC! Unbelievably, I could hear him better in the Rosemont Mausoleum (way in the back) than I could when I've seen him at House of Blues or the Riviera. Go figure! The Stella and Ripple were the perfect cappers for his set. Also, I love it when he closes with one of his acapella songs- he opened AND closed with them tonight. Perfect!

Regarding the Other Ones set - for me, it was a good time, nice show, but the X factor never kicked in for the entire show. First set, Friend of the Devil was the highlight. Absolutely gor-jee-us! Cross between the ballad version and the more up-tempo version from the "old days." Also, while I didn't think Jimmy Herring got a lot of spotlight in set I, his playing in Baba Jingo was EVIL! (meant in a good way, of course)
Set II, SOTOTW and Born Cross-Eyed, yes! At this point, I was envisioning a second set of songs all written before 1970! Drums > Space, ah, just like the old days! And yes, I had deja vu at hearing Unbroken Chain out of Space. Sad to say, the first part of Terrapin (Lady w/ a Fan) almost put me to sleep, it was way too slow. However, the Rider was a good way to end the set, I was back dancing for that! Truckin' was maybe a good choice lyrically to end the tour, but I don't think it works well musically as an encore. Truckin' should jam out into something else, not just come to a dead halt (no pun intended). Truthfully, I was expecting more deja vu such as Phil closing with a Box of Rain.
All in all, despite my couple of criticisms (and yes, it's just my own opinion), it was good to see Phil, Bob, Billy and Mickey playing on the same stage again. "Unity is possible." Here's to a TOO tour in 2003!

What's more frightening in person:
Mickey's mullet, or his FBI shirt?

J/K, can't wait to see the boys in 2 nites!

One more Monday night!

Heres my other ones quickie story, this shows worth many stories:

My brother & I get there 2 hours early. Chug down some beers inside hotel & car, cuz the lot was freezing like a frozen tundra. We head into show early, were like the first few hundred inside, found our beer guy, crowd spawned to 14,000 I think, awesome seats 1st row off ground aisle seat, cool usher next to us, do whatever she says our boss told us to tell Spinning people to do it in there seats and not to eat any fruit from the fans, the theatre turned into one big amsterdam ashtray.

Then lights go down and they open up w/ Golden Road, Awesome! They had 3 abstract type movie screens above them, many stage lights & goings on. The movie screens went the whole show showing crazy psychedelic whoo haaa, you had to stop yourself from looking at them, they were like electric kool aid bug zappers. The songs were all great & made me jump kick the whole show.

Ive seen many dead side projects & this one wins best all around show award. The songs speak for themselves, simply incredible stuff.

>Truckin' should jam out into something else, not just come to a dead halt (no pun intended).

Jim:

Give the "Truckin'"'s from THESE Two Shows a listen.
They don't jam of it into something else...I think you might find the endings to THESE two more to your liking.......

11-06-77 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, N.Y. (Sun)
1: Half Step, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali> Me & My Uncle, FOTD, Minglewood, Dupree's, Passenger, Dire Wolf, Music
2: Samson, Sunrise, Scarlet> Fire> Good Lovin, St. Stephen> Drums> NFA> Wharf Rat> St. Stephen> Truckin E: Johnny B. Goode

10-31-79 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, N.Y. (Wed)
1: China Cat> I Know You Rider, Cassidy, Loser, Me & My Uncle> Big River, Althea, Sailor> Saint
2: Shakedown, Passenger, Ramble On, Estimated> Eyes> Drumz> Wharf Rat> Truckin E: Johnny B. Goode

Thanks, KSS! Will undertake this homework assignment ASAP!

The stand alone Truckin' was a gas..a nice reminder of our lives.

4th time to be lucky enough to see these guys (saw the reunion shows and indianapolis)-big thank you to the band

missed golden road. walked in durin bt wind which fit just fine. the first set was literally and figuritively just a warm up for what was yet to come. i loved all the jerry tunes, but was dying to hear greatest story come out of bertha or touch. there was a funny moment when rob forgot the verse to touch and the big screen shot to bobby who seemed to laugh and wave his arm in rob's general direction before picking up the verse from him. They then traded off/split the remaining ones which was cool. seemed like a really short set especially cuz i got in late.

Hunter played cats down under the stars for the first time last night.(he said it was one of jerry's more complex musical pieces that he didn't know if he could pull off)
he pulled it off, i thought in his own really nice way. he skipped one of the instrumental passages that comes up aruond the satin doll/ time is a stripper parts but still delivered the goods. one of my favorite favorite songs that just took me by surprise.

Second set - Best set ive seen them do. opening jam was full and went real smooth without stops or pauses when they were moving into sototw. i really like this song and this was a great version it was really charged and they were nailin the changes. segue into born x eyed and we are off! i thought the other one could come out of this but instead mickey and billy did their thing. hot drums ...space was space...and then this really nice chill jam finds its way into unbroken chain. the song was played brilliantly. the jam section was solid with the tension/realease sharply accentuated. jimmy was nailin the back and forth changes gunnin along between them.... really phrasing his notes well and delivering them with zest building his solo while trying to be consious of what was happening around him. they communicated well and were effortlessly back into the last verse.then this melodic landscape was cropped up out of nowhere built fragment by fragment ..with layer upon layer being added ..a beautiful extended jam at the end of the song which keeps hinting at the end but then keeps pulling everything back under for another few moments. simply delicious.

heard hints of 11 after st. stephen before they brought in down into terrapin...
mickey and billey were fantastic durin the end jam of terrapin. real intense.

E// Truckin - nice send off present

"I ain't ready yet, to go to bed
Think I'll take a walk downtown instead."

Heya from Chicagoland!
I too was on the rhythm/ Billy/ Philly side, and seriously gooved to the awesome sounds coming from there! Hell, myself (lonely though I was) and several loons yelled loud enough before set 2 to make Billy smile and look at us and bow-- needless to say, I had a great show...

Notes for the bass-lovers among us (haha): Phil was amazingly on last night! Some of his bombs were physically painful, they were so low in tone... And his singing was fair on as well. I thought he did a fine, very different job on Terrapin... too much to hope for Box of Rain but oh well!

Mickey and Billy on Drums were just smokin'! I loved that from my diagonally-behind-Billy viewpoint I could see them play and goof with each other while doing it. Woulda been nice to see the boys us front but I was happy with my seat and we had space to dance. Which we did a LOT of.

Glad they ended it well in Chicago. Wish I coulda met some kind Chicago folk, but perhaps I'll do more checking online next time they're in town!

And Phil, if you're out there checking this out: "I'm* a donor, and you can have my liver if you ever need one again! You're a god!"

Yep..that outro jam on Chain with its ascending builds based on the endline of the song was beautiful.

I am envious... must admit. This show sounded sooooo gooood. Glad you all enjoyed.
ANyone wanna share a CD???

hello my name is marianne pema and my son is a big fan of the grateful dead. I, for 15 years did not know this because we were seperated from each other since he was 9 years old. He was returned to me 1 year ago yesterday. He has been on the road since the DC show and because of the fact that I promised my self I would do anything in my power to make him happy am calling on any of you who can help me with this small favor. I am wondering if any of you can provide me with copies of any of the shows from this past fall tour by the other ones. i was going to surprise him for X mas with these shows and was not sure about how to go about it. i found this web site on our computer and thought I would try to get help from this community that he has such a passion for. If this is a problem for you I understand but I figured I would try this and Ebay for any shows on auction. Thank you for your time and help.
Marianne Pena

Marianne, I appreciate your story.
Just want you to know you SHOULD NOT go to ebay for recordings of shows...paying for these recordings goes against the ethics of the deal...
Anyway, CDs will become available to you through this site from the many fine folks who help spread the tunes. Check the "Tape Trading" Board, specifically, for a "B&P" and you can get the shows for free, or just post your story there.
Sorry I don't have those specific shows to offer you right now, but somebody will....

will write more later, but did anyone else see/hear that someone died at the show?

we had some bad shit go down ourselves...but at least for me, the second set and my pharmies worked to create beauty!

Man dies at Rosemont rock concert


By Jimmy Greenfield
RedEye staff reporter
Published December 3, 2002, 3:45 PM CST

Authorities today are awaiting the results of toxicology tests before declaring the cause of death of a 29-year-old man who collapsed while attending a reunion concert of former Grateful Dead band members at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Chad Wagner, of the 2400 block of Juniper Street in Cortland, near DeKalb, was pronounced dead at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago at 8:50 p.m. Monday, said a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.

According to Rosemont police, Wagner was sitting in the arena's upper deck and went into cardiac arrest shortly after 8 p.m. Monday. Paramedics from the Rosemont Public Safety Department treated Wagner but were unable to revive him.

The ex-Grateful Dead band mates now tour as The Other Ones, a variation of the group that includes some new members but is without co-founder and guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died seven years ago.
Copyright © 2002, Chicago Tribune

Brad,hope you and Karen had a great time?

Brian I'm glad you enjoyed the seats.

Sounds like you all got a phine show, sorry we missed it.

Especially sorry, because I missed yet another chance to meet Mrs. P et al...

Too bad that someone died, let's hope it was from natural causes and not some sort of drug-related incident...

Other Ones give new life to old Grateful Dead tunes

By Greg Kot
Tribune rock critic
Published December 4, 2002

Just as in their previous incarnation as the Grateful Dead, the Other Ones saunter on stage and begin to play as though picking up a conversation with an old friend, the musicians bantering for a few moments until a song emerges.

The Other Ones are indeed renewing old acquaintances, not just with one another but with an audience that has been coming to see its principal members--guitarist Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann--for nearly 40 years. The fans Monday at the Allstate Arena greeted their reunion with enthusiasm, hungry for any facsimile of the Dead after the seven-year hiatus brought on by the death of band founder Jerry Garcia. What they got was more than just a glorified Dead cover band, but a septet with enough potential to turn this reunion into a genuine renewal.

Unlike the Dead in its latter years, when Garcia's failing health had the band treading water, the Other Ones play with fire, if not always finesse. There were mistakes--notably a fumbled vocal exchange on "Touch of Grey"--and more than a few lax moments (an interminable "drums and space" interlude featuring the two percussionists, in which Kreutzmann looked and sounded a bit lost next to the hyper Hart). But the group's venerated songbook was attacked from new angles, Weir broke out his rarely played acoustic guitar, and a few tunes were dusted off after years of neglect.

Much of the new vigor has to do with fresh blood, particularly newcomers Jimmy Herring on guitar and Rob Barraco, who shared keyboards with Jeff Chimenti. Unlike his debut gig with the band at Alpine Valley Music Theatre last August, Herring was flying from the start, bringing a "Blue Sky" optimism reminiscent of his hero, ex-Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts, to the opening of "The Golden Road (to Unlimited Devotion)." His fluidity as a guitarist is comparable to Garcia's, and he is developing a dialogue with Barraco's keys and Lesh's six-string bass (more than ever the glue of the band) that could turn into something truly rarefied if the Other Ones continue to tour.

The newfound dynamism was particularly apparent on Mickey Hart's Latin-tinged "Baba Jingo," which found the Other Ones racing at a tempo far removed from the Dead's loping stride. Barraco, now clearly the band's strongest lead vocalist, brought a blue-eyed soul reminiscent of The Band's Rick Danko to "Brown-Eyed Women."

Weir's acoustic treatment brought poignancy to "Black-Throated Wind" and "Friend of the Devil," lifted to sublime heights by Herring's pedal-steel effects on guitar. Barraco again rocked "Bertha," with Weir and Lesh combining to drop earth-shaking chords into the mix.

But Weir's ravaged voice wasn't up to the demands of "Standing on the Moon," which may explain why Lesh took most of the lead turns in the second half. The closing set began with an uptempo Chicago blues tribute, Howlin' Wolf's "Sittin' on Top of the World," and its centerpiece was an epic "Terrapin Station." The song is a tour de force for lyricist Robert Hunter, who performed solo between sets, and the late Garcia, whose arrangement brings the song inexorably to an ebullient finale. The chorus, as such, is suspended until the very end of the ride, and when it arrived with roaring three-part harmonies, the audience took a big swig of Electric Kool-Aid and let loose.

Even the somewhat perfunctory encore, "Truckin'," bristled with new edges, notably a pronounced blues feel that suggested the band was about to veer off into Willie Dixon's "Wang Dang Doodle." The Other Ones are not in this to merely copy the Grateful Dead, but to test their boundaries.


Copyright © 2002, Chicago Tribune

It was a great show Headlight, wish you were there. I hope life is being kind to you and we think good thoughts for you.

It's always great to go back home. The good times, the good friends and the snow. It's always snows in Chicago or so it seems. Walking back to our hotel after the show I remember why I left....... I'm not one for winter. I need to go where the weather suits my clothes.

Mickey's closing was great, went something like this

"you are Great fans and we are a Grate band"

oh how true........

What an AWESOME time!!!!!
This show, especially the second set, blew away any show that I have seen in the past 8 years or so (better than some Dead shows that I saw near the end)Bruce & I had a blast

Lou~ Grate meeting ya brother

Brad~ Sorry that we missed you & Karen, we stayed at the Radisson & only left to trek across the parking lot to the show. I hope that you had as much phun as we did

Sorry that I didn't meet more of you, hope you all had a grate time

I am sorry to hear that someone died,
I felt like I was going to at one point, too much fungus among us!!!!!
Well, I had better work, I have goofed off for the past 2 hours, ahh the joys of being a state employee- lol

When the show started, my wife Jacqueline and I were sitting on the runway in the snow at Midway! URGH!!!!

We didn't get into the show until Unbroken Chain. I can't tell you how great it was to hear that Truckin' encore. We felt like they did it just for us! Our 1.5 hr flight turned into an 8 hour Odyssey.

It was great to see the scene, and the boys sounded awesome on what we heard. Can't wait to get a copy of the show to hear what we missed. It was excruciating being trapped in that airplane knowing a few thousand of my closest friends were groovin' 30 miles north.

Needless to say, our taper tix went un-taped. ArGH. Next time: we arrive a day ahead.

Sorry we missed you all!!!!!!!
Peace out,
Maiko

Boo-Hoo-Hoo

Just to throw my two-cents in: I thought this was probably one of the weaker shows of the tour (or, at least, I'm hoping it was) I only managed to see Detroit, Indy and Chicago and thought the former 2 were much (MUCH) better than the latter. Althought the Unbroken jam was indeed phenomenal, and there were several other highlights (including a sick Jimmy jam during St. Stephen), I thought this show definately lacked energy and focus. Lots and lots of aimless noodling, very little band communication in transition jams and a lifeless (and Loooooong) drum section. I think 4 shows in a row was a little too much for the old boys....they seemed exhausted (and, at times, bored).

That being said, there's still no place I would've rather been. The few moments of inspired playing were, indeed, magical.

Jake- I have got to disagree with you on this one brother.
Thought that Chicago was INCREDIBLE!!!!
Saw only Indy & Chicago, but I thought that it rocked!!!
What energy, the Boys were tight, together, you could feel the beast of energy surround you.

Better than most shows that I have seen in the past 10 years or so, including Dead.
Indy was grate, but on the lighter side of things.

Chicago took you back to an Acid Test in the last 60's.
Very heavy, trippy, & dark at times.
They seemed to really be enoying themselves
Jimmy was the Man, what a grate musician!!!!

Mickey's closing statements gave me chills:
Take this feeling home & do something good/positive with it!!!


Come on- SOTOTW & Born Cross-Eyed??? WOW!!!
& I happened to love Drumz, so tribal, so grounding, you could feel mother earth's energy flow through the arena.

How funny that my fav, would be your least fav
Just goes to show:
One man gathers what another man spills


The question on my mind now is:
What's next?
Will TOO continue to tour?

well, my evening played itself rather oddly. we arrived right at seven, but had to suffer through Rosemount's assinine policy of only having 2 turnstyles open ...until 7:30 just as we entered the foyer. F*ckin' moronic if you ask me. Many people standing outside in the cold and snow, just cuz they didn't have people at all possible turnstyles? that's stupid and cruel. next, my friend got the total shakedown--patted down, searched, nearly arrested, all possible recreational items confiscated. a harrowing 10 minutes for us; we all had gotten in, so we waited but not entirely within sight, so as to avoid being pegged as "with him" and subject to search. he thinks the little tiny glow stick pen around his next set the dude off (seeing as there is a huge, overstated, verbose sign above the entry stating NO LASERPOINTERS, etc, etc.) by this time we've missed the first set up to FOD. nobody working the place could tell us how to get to our "BEHIND THE STAGE" seats, but we finally snuckered our way around the top inside. then the sweetie of previously harassed friend enters the realm of "no, this is NOT good" when Born Cross-Eyed began. (note: very small quantity, very bad karma going in=unhappy!) at least he was able to convince her going outside was not going to make things better--walking around in the corridors for the e second set and E

Otherwise I (yeah, it's all about me, i know) had a great time once that second set started. I would argue that the set was NOT aimless and had some phenomenal moments which sounded more like they were directed/orchestrated by Phil, Jimmy, and RB--more a PLQ sound than GD. behind the stage was an odd place...didn't really feel all like i was receiving the music as much as trying to take it. and, gee, by watching the center screen I learned they all are now ambidextrous players

overall, I also felt like there was a strange crowd vibe--pretty hard partying with an icky edge unlike that at PLQ shows i've seen in the last year. can't quite place it, but it just seeming a bit more harsh and not as much about the music. anyone else sense that?

missed meeting any zoners! Maiko, you and J will need to come for dinner soon and we can swap tales

c'mon, an acid test?
let's not throw statements around lightly.
reading some of the reviews from this tour makes me think that some people are imposing the "X" factor onto this because they want to BELIEVE. i'm sure cosmo poked his head around the corner a few times, but to invoke an acid test is a far reach...
keep in mind this is the other ones NOT the grateful dead. one of the most crucial ingredients is there in spirit, but IS missing from the mix. don't get confused and think that these are senaces, they aren't. they are concerts of the music of the grateful dead featuring former members of that band.
exhibit A: i can't remember mickey EVER singing at a dead show...

selah

Hey now-
maybe Acid Test is a strong statement & maybe some of my feelings could be from the grate fungi I got, but hey, it was my experience & I can label it as I wish, I am not TRYING to search for somethig- I found it & just wanted to share my experience
Were you there?
Did you feel the magic?
Did you feel the energy coursing through the Rosemont?
I BELIEVE 'CUZ I KNOW
No, TOO is not the Dead, but I am sure enjoying the hell out of it -
better than some Dead shows I saw in the latter years.
For me the experience was spiritual, enlightening, inspiring-
THEY ARE NOT JUST CONCERTS TO ME
I have seen many musicians over the years & choose not to see them again, why?
The magic was not there
These shows are a form of community, spirituality, friendship, Good Times, & lots of good music
Though the tunes drive me on to the next show, it's so much more than that- you should know...

Hey Amy,
Glad to hear that you had a better time than I did (not, of course, to say that I didn't have a great time, because I did.)
I will agree with you that crowd energy at Chicago is generally some of the highest on any tour.....that was one of the reasons why I picked this run (Detroit > Chicago) to see (I live in Seattle now, but I'm a midwesterner at heart) However, I thought that the band actually did a poor job of harnessing that energy from the crowd. Although I had floor seats, I spent the evening up around the rim of the top level (only place where there was plenting of dancing room), so I had a good view of the entire arena. It seemed to me that, with the exception of the monster Unbroken jam, the St. Stephen and the Rider, a larger portion of the crowd was firmly planted in their seats for much of the show. Indeed, I saw AT LEAST five or six people who FELL ASLEEP during drumz.
Normally (like you) I'm a big (BIG) fan of drumz, but that night it just didn't seem to me that Mickey and Billy were connecting (not to mention the fact that Mickey was having serious sound problems...and spent a lot of time gesturing at the soundboard) and they just seemed to go on and on. All and all, like I said above, the boyz just seemed tired to me. Maybe I was expecting too much because it was the last show of the East-midwest tour and because it was in Chicago.
And before I sound too negative about the show, I should mention that I spent a good deal of the evening after the show DEFENDING it to a friend (also at the show) who thought it was one of the worst concerts (by any band) that he had ever seen.
Strange (and wonderful) how diverse our opinions can be.

Here's a tip for the next show y'all attend..put down the brew and walk in a half hour before showtime.Going in at the very last minute is bound to be a drag.

hey...the shows were good...nuff said...more music please....

December 2, 2002
Allstate Arena (aka The RosemontHorizon)
Chicago, Il.

First off I'd like to start by personally thanking Phil, Bob, Billy, Mickey, Jimmy, Rob & Jeff for playing a truely EPIC show the other night in Chicago....You boys Keep My Faith Alive!!!

This was a Show for the ages....I can honestly say this was the best concert I've seen since Jerry left us....Sparks Flew from note ONE...HEY HEY, COME OUT TODAY, COME JOIN THE PARTY EVERYDAY....They tore into that Golden Road like a Lot Dog on a steak burrito....Jimmy was Flyin'...It was obvious they were gonna be cookin' with gas tonight!!...A very apropos and well played Black-Throated Wind followed...Bobby's now somewhat older voice fits this tune better now than it has in the past....Once again, Jimmy was Flyin'...a hot, pulsating Baba Jingo; sweet, Brown~Eyed Women and Forlorn Friend of the Devil kept the set moving at a good pace and each smoked in their own rights...A wicked "meltdown~ish" jam followed before barrelling into a HOT Bertha...TEST ME, TEST ME, WHY DON'T YOU ARREST ME....after that Bobby set us all reeling with a somewhat vocally flawed; yet passionate Standing On the Moon...quite nice and once again, Jimmy was Flyin'...A well played, well recieved and joyous Touch followed, complete with Bobby wackin' himself in the head after flubbin' a few lines...At this point NO ONE CARED, all were happy, all were dancin', all was right...As the Boys left the stage, yelps of Joy gave way to fervant second set postulating...

Robert Hunter, once again was AWESOME, getting everyone's full attention and repaying us with a all~to uncommon Stella Blue...spectacular...

The boys hit the stage for set two and the place went bananas...the ever common set beginning noodle~jam emerged for a short turn before Phil lit the fuse on an EXPLOSIVE Sittin' On Top of the World...Phil & Jimmy leadin' the way with Rob ridin' high...MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SO DEEP AND WIDE, WOMAN I LOVE SHE'S ON THE OTHER SIDE, NOW SHE'S GONE GONE GONE AND I DON'T WORRY CUZ I'M SITTIN' ON TOP OF THE WORLD...AND HOW!!!...At this point the roof started coming off the building...long smokin' jams whirled out over the quite joyous audience in everloving cascades of power and glory...and then it came...Born~Cross Eyed dropped out of the Heavens like a screamin' eagle...THINK I'LL COME BACK HERE AGAIN, EVERY NOW AND THEN....masterfully executed, powerfully drivin'...PHIL was just LAYIN' IT DOWN!!..Phat, throbbing, quicksilver chords flew from his fingers at every turn, with Jimmy in hot pursuit, and Bill~n~ Mickey pounding away like madmen...this set was the perfect example of the Jam heavy, song light set you dream about...the lyrics were such a small portion of the overall songs, almost miniscule in comparison to the jams...after a brief back and forth the players yielded the stage to the Rhythm Devils for a hellacious Drumz, heavy and tribal...one of the best i've seen...this as we all have come to know led into a short space which rolled through the wide musical landscape, before softly emerging as Unbroken Chain...BLUE LIGHT RAIN, UNBROKEN CHAIN...Phil was masterful and once again; Jimmy was Flyin'...the band coiled all around the nut of the song, jammin' like the devil was at their heals...a beautiful flashback to the Space>Unbroken Chain at Jerry's last show here in Chicago all those years ago...It was GORGEOUS...Phil KICKED ASS...Vocally and musically...Phil sang better than I've ever seen with PLQ....By this point in the show Phil & Jimmy where clearly drivin' the Bus...I'm so proud of them, they BOTH Kicked Major Ass that night...after jammin' like there was no tommorrow the count came down and St.Stephen appeared...it was at this point the roof finally, blew off the building...I've never seen so many people collectively LOSE IT...People were phreakin' out...and they had every cause to...From here on out I really can't describe the music...its just beyond vocalization...I think Phil said it best when he said: "Sometimes the music gets so good your not playing, your not dancing, your not even human, your just THERE"...and we were...we all lived every second to the fullest in that building, hanging oh so heavy on every note...Terrapin followed...THE COMPASS ALWAYS POINTS TO TERRAPIN....Phil sung the best Terrapin I've ever heard him sing, by now Jimmy wasn't Flyin'; He Was in Orbit...some confusion about when to sing Inspiration made for some hesitation, yet the band never flinched, even when the lyrics did not present themselves, they just barrelled on and nailed it...Now the night before, in Indy, a buddy of ours was sitting in front of us in the 2nd row and managed to get Mickey's setlist from a crew member after the show and oddly enough they had I Know U Rider typed in the slot that eventually became Samson & Delilah, we thought it quite interesting, so now flash ahead to the next night in Rosemont...Terrapin is winding down, a little noodling is happening as they find their way into the next song, all of the sudden my bud Brad grabbed me and I heard him utter a single word: Rider...a few moments later we were blessed with a POWERFUL, SPIRITED I Know U Rider...sweat pored from every pore...the mind reeled...the paople danced...and then, sadly, it was over...and the crowd went WILD!!!...The last time I'd heard a din like this was after Bobby's B~day show in '89...It was also one of the BIGGEST "lighter moments" I've ever seen, the Yashuas would be quite busy tonight with all those torched thumbs goin' 'round...The Truckin' encore that followed was THUNDEROUS...This song was like a BIG middle finger extended at the straights, politicians; and any one who doubted they could still rock....it was quite powerful stuff...I'm sure it will all become apparent how powerful it ALL was when I hear the tapes...
I'm sure the tapes will prove me right...

St. knick
Great Review of a great show
Glad I was there

>>overall, I also felt like there was a strange crowd vibe--pretty hard partying with an icky edge unlike that at PLQ shows i've seen in the last year. can't quite place it, but it just seeming a bit more harsh and not as much about the music. anyone else sense that?

Just like the old days when JGB always had a better crowd vibe than the Dead. There were certainly a fair amount of quasi head Phish rat types around..that said I also thought it was nice to see some of the older heads coming around again. Like most I prefer the smaller venues- I do gotz ta say that 20,000 heads swirling around in a psychedelic soup is always a good thing. I think most in attendance became hip to the fact that Phil is bringing back the thunder.

After 4 shows I'm in post show purgatory-

still glowing after a having my soul recharged...wishing I had an idea of when we all might be getting down to the glory of PLQ once again.

St Knick~
Very nice review, takes me back to the show, Couldn't have said it better myself

when you take a perception altering substance, it alters your perception of REALITY. i have been with people on these that try to tell me that "the magic" is in an episode of three's company, so forgive me when i take some of the statements made here as a bit skewed. you had your experience and sounds like you enjoyed it, but tripping is a mind altering situation. there are colors you see that aren't there and sounds you hear that aren't there. objectivity is not an absolute when you are 'shrooming.
glad you enjoyed the experience, just remember that it should not be about the drugs, but the music and that if you take drugs and go to a concert, you are the only one hearing what you are. REALITY is another matter...

You gotta be-
why do you want to f*&^ with my trip????

The only thing here that is skewed is your negative reaction to my grate experience in Chicago
-are you trying to argue, trying to tell me that your view of perception is so much more clear than mine?
WHAT IS YOUR TRIP?

You never answered my Q- WERE YOU THERE?

Sorry to be so angry, but you are starting to piss me off, all I did was share my experience & I ain't letting you or anyone else
bring me down from a high that came naturally through the sweet sounds of TOO

btw- I think that once I get the shows on disc, all will be solved & those sounds that I "heard" will come through loud & clear on my stereo

perception is reality

I like the healthy mix of spiritual/technical reviews that have been around as of late. They both serve a purpose. It's pretty easy to get so absorbed in a show that it's hard not to recollect every single note...that has nothing to do with feeling every single note. It really enjoy trying to describe how a show felt and the crazy times that may have been had--it feels real good to let it out--it also feels real good to read others when they let their feeling flow.

This show made me a believer, if I wasn't already.
a few thoughts:
the vocals were so strong that I couldn't quite believe it. the Brown-Eyed chorus was powerful as ever and Bertha and Touch as well even with the slight miscues. in fact on both occasions you could feel the presence of someone special in the room. as this set went on with five Jerry's in a row I realized we (the whole room) had channeled Jerry! sounds silly after the fact but I felt it stronger than any Furthur or Phil or anything. This was so powerful. The BtWind was very well done with Bobby's acoustic sounding better than ever. The Friend, along with BEW are not my first choices but they were so well done I had new appreciation for them on this night. But when the Bertha wound down and Bobby did his little leap in the air to signal the immediate segue to Standing on the Moon, well it was pure magic. one little ping and the we all knew it was SOTM. I knew Rdog had been doing this but TOO had not and while the prospect had me worried, it came off beautifully. Bobby really did this justice and it was a very emotional moment for the band TOO from my vantage point close on Phil side. very serious and solemn. I figured there is no way they would attempt to follow that and then came a rockin Touch. Phil really thumped his way through as he did the Bertha and really everything all night long. Again the vocal miscue turned the room into one big Jerry Smile. the big crescendo with We Will Survive roared and that was it.
Hunter really was good tonight and the channeling Jerry theme continued with Candyman and WharfRat and Cats and then a haunting Stella. Ripple and Boys in the Barroom were wonderful and the whole room was on it feet and gave Bob a huge ovation.
he looked thrilled and strolled off.
Now let me say that at this point things got weird big time. we had gone out to fetch beers and were quickly shoved back in due to Fire and paramedics with angry Cops on the prowl. this freaked us a little but it is very sad to learn that someone was dying right there amongst all this joy. the chick that was dancing with her top off during Hunter lightened the mood a bit until security put the end to that.
Set II came rolling out with all the gusto you could hope for. Teases f all sorts were kicked, bounced, tossed around for several minutes. The other one, Dark star,truckin, Gdtrfb, it was all pouring out. by now they had the whole place in the palm of their hands. the Sittin on Top was in there TOO. Phil kept rippin that Bass line. bump bump bumpbump, bump bump bump! finally they let it fly and it soars. btw, the sound was excellent all night and plenty loud. and I like it loud.
Rob sang this great and 1967 was in the present as the sixth Jerry song in a row made it unmistakeable that Jerry was amongst us. the boys were really digging in now and it at this point I realized I had never seen these guys play this hard as in amount of effort.o notto mention no annoying hesitations like earlier tours. also not one moment where Bob cut off a jam. Bob was amazing all night. as SOTOTW wound down another jam emerged and the Born cross eyed just cranked.
the band was telling us something: were sittin on top of the world and we've been here before and we would like to come back every now.and then and then as the tribal yet very trippy Drums moved along Mickey hit some RAMU setting and I heard a distinctive Only the STrange Remain start up and Bob came running out and laid down some trippy chords and Phil did a little TOO. obviously we were hoping they wouldn't waste our precious time with that and then Bill and Mick jump on the big Kettle drums and rumble us into a full on 1972 space smack out of an Other oNe or DStar. the space had nice momentum and built up to a beautiful segue to Unbroken Chain. oh my! this just melted thru them to us. Phil sang so well it really floored me. Now they are telling us about the link between us all. and Phil is telling us all (Mick) that, "they are telling me forgiveness is the key to every door". wow! the jams are so tight and focused,the tension-release aspect is given extra attention as they are all clearly listenig to each other closely. the jam at the end with the Unboken changes played with a strong blues feel,this was all such pure Gd music. this was the GD. I don't want it called that for logistical reasons but this was the GD. yet another jam came melting out and into the binkbow of St. Stephen, StKnick is right the whole damn place about exploded. they jammed this so fing hard I was personally swimming along in the bowl of jelly. or was it a RocknRoll magic carpet ride as the risers bounced up and down. the whole Lady finger part was handled with such grace and style. Phil and Bob and Barraco along with Chimenti have really got the vocals together. the drummers just laid it down so thick and heavy. I have failed to mention how amazing Jimmy was all night long. not once did I hear a solo or even flourish with any over playing. Very measured but still fully exploratory and damn near over the top but with total control and grace. about now I realized they had done it. they had topped my wildest dreams for this band. in 1998 they tried not to be the GD. but why hide it, fake it, change it? you are who you are and Jimmy and Rob are there own players but they have found a way to be themselves but fit right in. Rob's high pitched sweet twang and Jimmy's pickin and griining sound along with a total Ornette Coleman/Coltrane style jazz influence. the two headed moster that is the keyboards were stellar also. So back to the show: Terrapin comes rolling down the tracks and the locomotive is steaming, and the whistle is screamin and the whole crowd shouts "Terrapin"with such vigor it gave me a chiil down my spine. Once again Phil sang so well. in key and clearly singing with confidence. even a little Rock star moves with a grin on his face. as the terrapin rolled on the final segue jam was a work out of the major themes. The Other one popped up one more time as did Truckin and GDTRFB with a little rider and then what do you know it is Rider. and what a Rider it was! you are gonna miss me when I'm gone they are saying. yes indeed. and with that they leave the stage to a thunderous applause. the crowd does not let up at all. I don't know if it was sold out but it was packed to the top and a great crowd. even with a good assortment of knuckleheads.
the Truckin came roaring out of a blues jam that was fast and furious. Smokestack and Wang Dang and New Speedway all were trotted out but we knew the truckin was coming. the locomotive force all night long proppeled this band into orbit. and they never let up. not once did they seemed tired though you could hear Bob's voice starting to go. the big blast came and Bob wasn't ready to sing but with very little time left they chose not to bring it around again and we got a couple of Bob "Ha!"'s to make it complete. all in all a magical night. You better get back truckin on!
lets hope for more of this next year. wish I was going to the Kaiser and NYE. should be fun. I am stil reeling.

At a show you are affect by everything around you. Sometimes good sometimes not so good. You can't block everything out. Your state of mind will effect what you are hearing and seeing. But in the end the reality is what you saw and heard and left with. What someone else has seen and hear is their reality.

don't worry Amy- we know... that is all that matters. sorry we missed you guys butwith the snow and our hotel on the opposite side. we stayed put. what a night with the planes screaming through the snowy night. whew.
I know what i saw was a magical show. Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare.

Im voting Chicago best live show of 2002.

Ive seen alot of shows from Jazzfest New Orleans to almost all the jam shows around Chicago/Milwaukee + Stones. Trey. U2. SCI etc....Ill see anyone.

Lets see how the cds sound to see if it wins best show on cd 2002 award.

This was the only TOO show I saw this Fall Tour, sounds like NJ & NY ripped it up. And theres still NYE in CA which will likely take my 2002 best live show award. All the TOO shows ripped it up im sure! Whatever show you were at is the best.
No one admits they have a ugly kid.

Later!

>when you take a perception altering substance, it alters your perception of REALITY. i have been with people on these that try to tell me that "the magic" is in an episode of three's company, so forgive me when i take some of the statements made here as a bit skewed. you had your experience and sounds like you enjoyed it, but tripping is a mind altering situation. there are colors you see that aren't there and sounds you hear that aren't there. objectivity is not an absolute when you are 'shrooming.
glad you enjoyed the experience, just remember that it should not be about the drugs, but the music and that if you take drugs and go to a concert, you are the only one hearing what you are. REALITY is another matter...

When you alter your consciousness with a substance you enter into a state of mind that is every bit as valid and real as normal waking consciousness. A lot of these substances increase perception and make people aware of things they otherwise would not notice, they can turn off filters and allow more information in. The biggest problem with the above argument is that this person believes there is such a thing as objective reality. That's all a little too much to get into.

Mitch wrote
A lot of these substances increase perception and make people aware of things they otherwise would not notice, they can turn off filters and allow more information in. The biggest problem with the above argument is that this person believes there is such a thing as objective reality.

Too right. Ya nailed it. What I can't understand is why so many people run to the booze to enhance their concert going experience.
Make no mistake, alcohol is a drug! However, for me, it deadens the perceptions, makes you aware of fuck all, increases the obnoxiousness factor and the next morning you'll be lucky if you remember where you were, much less, the intracacies of the cosmic Other One that the band played.

>>The biggest problem with the above argument is that this person believes there is such a thing as objective reality. That's all a little too much to get into.

well done- a good topic in the right setting

I must have rushed my last post..just looked it over and I confused myself

Alcohol helps me put up with the assh*les behind me at nearly every show who talk the WHOLE time, not just comments about the last song. (At this show it was about "The Grateful Dead Experience" - what experience? they were too involved with each other to notice).

Although too much alcohol makes me more likely to tell them to take it to the concorse or STFU.

objective reality -
did the show start at the same time for everyone?
yes
if you "perceived" that the show started at 5am because of your altered state, is that reality? sure it is to that one person, but that doesn't change the fact that in the reality of the collective, the show did not start at 5am. so in terms of objective reality, no, the perception of the person who thought the show started at 5am is not reality.

if you are in an altered state and you think you can fly, is that reality?
no, because in reality, you can not fly. not even if you "perceived" that you can.

perception is reality in the eye of the beholder, but don't you agree that some people's perspective, no matter how real to them, is not in fact reality to the rest of mankind. you can labor under the delusion that you are something you are not(and many people do), but that does not make it reality to the collective. you can drop a tab and sit on the street corner and hear the most fantastic concert immaginable inside your head, but is that reality? not to the people walking by you on the sidewalk, who only see a person staring into space.
in a court of law, your opinion is not an objective reality. you may perceive the situation one way, but the facts may prove otherwise.

amy,
i just suggested that comparing the show to an acid test was a stretch. you yourself posted, "maybe Acid Test is a strong statement & maybe some of my feelings could be from the grate fungi I got". the rest of that post was about how on many of these reviews about these shows seem to be from people trying to make them an event of epic preportions because they desperately want them to be. judging from all reviews combined, they were concerts, awesome for some and lame for others. i think that at every concert, someone is going to walk away saying that was the best performance by a band ever. my comments should not change that for you.
i'm sorry for making you mad, but you are getting WAY too sensitive. don't get into a snit because somebody didn't completely agree with you on an internet message board. you posted something in a public forum, i just questioned it. enjoy your memories. they are yours, it's just that not everybody sees everything the same. what i say should not change your memories.
and for the record, no, i wasn't there, but my comments in no way insinuated that i was. i never pretended to be. i simply stated that some people were elevating these concerts into a giant event of mythical preportions in their reviews. i know you are going to come back with, "you weren't there so how could you know?" i commented on the reviews, not the show. big difference.
are you getting mad at the other people who didn't agree with you in their reviews? you shouldn't, because as a wise man once said, opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.

selah

You Gotta Be-
for the record: are you one of those anti-TOO pholks? Just curious

yes they are my memories & might damn fine ones at that, gotta keep this feeling alive til more shows this spring

& if only I could bottle up the feeling that I had from these shows & sell it- I'd be a millionaire & take you all to a show- my treat ;-)

We are entitled to our opinions, just seemed to be a little on the harsh side to me- IMHO

Enough said

You Gotta Be - Thanx for the enlightenment.

Todays lesson - Mind altering drugs alters your mind. ooooooooooo aaaaaaaaahhh.

Peace->

Todays lesson was brought to you from the letter R, and the letter Q. (Sesame St. music in background).

hey Soulshiner,
why must you doubt peoples opinions so? yes question, but don't tell people they don't know what they saw/felt/heard/percieved. the bottom line is that you were not there, so you can question all you want but you don't know shit regarding this show.
truth? It was so good, but you wouldn't know a thing about that now would you. these shows didn't need to be elevated to mythical proportions, they were all that and more. at least the ones I saw. what is your opinion of this show? oh wait you don't have one? happy shitting. man I'm just joking here but really Chicago was that good.

>>objective reality -
did the show start at the same time for everyone?

of course..

When it comes down to someones personal experience at a show I believe perception is reality. If it was said that the show was perfectly executed with flawless transitions and the best jams ever..then the "skewed" argument would apply. If you want to rip apart a technical review piece by piece I see nothing wrong with that. I don't really see the point in laying into someone for having a good ride at a show..vibes like that are worth sharing.

A Ted Nugent fans reality is that the Dead suck

I don't think we are talking about what time a show started or whether a person thinks they can fly regarding reality. We were addressing each persons subjective view of shows.
Are you saying that if a person is on a substance at a show then their perception of it will definetly be wrong? I've been to shows on a number of substances, and many of the shows I felt were terrible, maybe I was wrong and should go back and listen to them? I don't think so. Certain drugs enhance peoples awareness and understanding given the right quantity, set and setting. I think this is especially true of a Grateful Dead type performance, that's the world/state of consciousness this music/language was created in and should be understood from. I generally would trust a person who tripped at a shows opinion to be better/more reliable than a sober persons opinion of the same show.

hey Walstib and everyone else, nice review! even if you were on mind altering substances!

all's i said was "c'mon, an acid test?
let's not throw statements around lightly."
i never ripped on anyone. i just pointed out that some of the REVIEWS were bordering on fanaticism. i also pointed out that mind altering substances alters your perceptions. yours are yours. enjoy them.

although, if you are saying that this music was created by and therefore must be experienced on drugs, "Certain drugs enhance peoples awareness and understanding given the right quantity, set and setting. I think this is especially true of a Grateful Dead type performance, that's the world/state of consciousness this music/language was created in and should be understood from", then in my opinion, you are missing half the light. the music is so good most of the time, that you don't need drugs to experience it. that is why they had an acid test graduation. kesey said it himself, once you find the door and you go through it enough times, you should be able to go through it WITHOUT the drugs.
i never said that "if a person is on a substance at a show then their perception of it will definetly be wrong". and i never told anyone what to believe. your experience is your own. just as my opinion is my own. i have not been rude in this discussion. remember, it's only a discussion.
why must the posters come down on me for stating MY opinion while defending others for theirs? i am not calling anyone a liar, saying that their "perception" is wrong or that they shouldn't take drugs. do them, enjoy them, but ask yourself why you do take them. why do you feel the situation is enhanced by drugs? do you have to do drugs to "get it"?

again, i commented on the reviews, not the show itself. i look forward to hearing the discs myself.

post all you want, this is my last statement on this subject. i think amy and myself have reached an amiable conclusion. that is all i was looking for.

I always thought dead shows had just a little of the Acid test vibe anyway. some more than others depending venue crowd etc....
it seems to me Soulshiner, that you are the one being defensive. you commented on something you know nothing about and implied they didn't know what they were talking about. and took offense when posters shot you down.
You have no idea whether I took anything that night. It wouldn't make a difference if I did.
The music made me so high it was beautiful.

Soulshiner wrote

>>>the music is so good most of the time, that you don't need drugs to experience it. that is why they had an acid test graduation. <<<

I saw 14 years of clean and sober shows and enjoyed them immensely. Wouldn't have kept going otherwise.


However, some funghi and potent bud get ya to another level altogether. You should try it some time. Glad I never graduated.

The Acid test graduation was a scam....did Kesey really move past drugs? it was a media ploy to get the heat off of him. it had a good meaning... I just don't think they had it for the meanings that were implied. besides, the pranksters were not the Dead and for the record the dead did not play the Graduation... they pulled out at the last minute. the Anonymous artists of America played that gig and it had a Garcia on guitar and voice....Sara Garcia, Jerry's (at the time) estranged wife. just for a historical sense.
Did I mention Chicago was great....

Naw, Kesey never moved passed drugs. In fact, he would look forward to his annual hike tripping to celebrate his birthday with some close friends.

d'ont doe dregs, thell miss up yer minde.

Maiko, so sorry to hear that!!! That's a pisser alright! Hope you enjoyed what was left when you finally made it.

MrsP, so sorry you had to go through all that b.s. gettin in. Makes it hard to shake that shit off. Hope the show made up for it. Sounds like my Alpine experience. Things like that can really force you into wondering if all the hassle is worth it. If you don't end up behind bars, it usually is. ;*)

>>Chicago took you back to an Acid Test in the last 60's.
Very heavy, trippy, & dark at times.

Amy, Amen! Sounds like the vibe at the Reunion. Very old-school feeling, something I find missing at P&F shows.

>>reading some of the reviews from this tour makes me think that some people are imposing the "X" factor onto this because they want to BELIEVE. i'm sure cosmo poked his head around the corner a few times, but to invoke an acid test is a far reach...

Soulshiner, if someone saw, felt, witnessed something special, who are you to doubt that? It's unfortunate you weren't able to experience a little of what Amy did.

>>exhibit A: i can't remember mickey EVER singing at a dead show...

And Soulshiner, it just proves what kind of critic you are. A critical one.. If you can't feel the joy Mickey feels cause he gets a chance at the mic. too bad for you..

Speaking of bad vibes from the crowd, the worst I've seen was at P&F, Target ctr. The folks that were there just for the Allman's were party poopers!!! I mean, 85% of folks sitting through P&F bored but are all standing for the Allmans, in which I became bored. Different veunes, different opening acts all bring something different to the table.

>>you had your experience and sounds like you enjoyed it, but tripping is a mind altering situation. there are colors you see that aren't there and sounds you hear that aren't there. objectivity is not an absolute when you are 'shrooming.

True true soulshiner, BUT! How do you not know those colors aren't always there, but you've just conditioned yourself into not seeing them? Altering your consiousness may give one the ability to reach a level beyond everyday reality. It can be a tool for enlightenment.
Those kinds of judgements may mean you're long overdue for a trip yourself.

>>i'm sorry for making you mad, but you are getting WAY too sensitive.

Turn the tables bro, you're making a huge deal over one sister's experience. AND YOU WEREN'T EVEN THERE!!! GO FIGURE...

Wish I were at the show w/ Amy. A person who can channel that kind of energy is one worth boogien next to, not some critic who can't get past the Dead..

By Three-foot Johnny (Redpig) (68.72.84.171) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 08:04 pm: Edit

Another rocking show. . .thanks to Brad and Karen for hooking my friends up with tix. . .we all totally enjoyed the show.

These same ticketless friends (bastards) made me miss Golden Road, but I will get over it someday.

Made it to our behind the stage seats over Mickey and were dancing our way to our seats through BTW and Baba Jingo.

Great BEW blew right past me, but by FOD the party was on((((((vibes)))))).

Had a great view of the band interacting and loved watching the crowd groove through FOD and Bertha. The jam between was outstanding and it seemed the energy was really high and then a nice SOTM>Touch to end the set. Saw Indy the night before and am continually impressed with how great the music sounds that comes out of the band.

Enjoyed Hunter again and then got what I came for. I remember a pretty lengthy jam to start the second set and could have sworn that they were headed to Rider and then into SOTOTW and Born Cross Eyed. . .what a start!! The band was together through SOTOTW and nailed the Born Cross Eyed.

A thumping drums and enjoyed having the clear view of them pounding away. . .especially liked Bob adding some dissonance to the sounds toward the back-end and then the band returns with Unbroken Chain.

The jams throughout were so meaty with Jimmy and Rob feeding off each other. Watching Phil direct Mickey back down to the pace they needed and seeing him smile and nod when they hit it damn near immediately was further notice that the band was in that groove--playing together.

And the fun didn't stop. . .St. Stephen>Terrapin Station>Rider. . .you couldn't wipe the smile from my face. St. Stephen was great with the band rocking through the jams revving the crowd up. . .the sound coming from the band during Terrapin was just big and enveloping the whole crowd. . .the crowd in rythem with the band. . .TERRAPIN . . .TERRAPIN. . .and into the Rider that I was hoping for/heard teases to earlier. Fantastic!

Totally blown away at this point with the whole set. Huge, innovative jams. . .and the band moving together through the web of songs and jams they had created.

Truckin' to close, too obvious for me (I would have liked to be surprised) but hearing it played with the new collaboration--it is all new again with Jimmy ripping away.

He's not Jerry, but he is a perfect addition to get this crew rocking and mix in Rob with his vocals and jammin' keys this band can musically go anywhere it wants.

Which leads me to the suprise inside. . .FREEBIE!!!!!

Here's the story:

I was fortunate enough to stumble across a vast collection of shows and have enjoyed listen to all of them adding them to my live 1990's Dead experiences. Which takes me to. . .

Monday night of this run at the Ark in 1969, some knucklehead introduced the Grateful Dead as "some guys from the west coast." The following two nights his introduction concluded with "This is the best fucking rock and roll band in the whole world."

Well, not yet a sparkle in my parent's eye in 1969. I wasn't able to make to these shows. But the feeling I get from watching this new creation gives me the same feeling that I get listinging to those shows.

A raw, rocking, creative, jamming band looking to explore and expand their muscial boundries. Take it to the limit and, unlike 1969, they also have a few more decades of outstanding tunes to add to the mix. Phil and Friends gets me close, but it's just not Uncle John's band (isn't that what Hunter calls TOO?).

These guys are the greatest rock and roll band going and just like in 1969 they can turn a first time listener into a huge fan!

I have plenty of friends that would prefer that they cut out some of the 'self-indulging jams' and play more songs, but not me. I love getting lost in the jams and this band takes me to a place I can only close my eyes and imagine in 1969.

3ftJohnny...1969.The Ark.....

this run at the Ark in 1969..Er..a..um..

Was it Boston...????

I think that might have been my first show you mentioned in your post above.....

04-21-69..???

three foot johnny, i got the #3 spot on your b&p offer for those '69 shows (not sure where that thread went). i emailed you twice but never heard back from you regarding where to send to. please get in touch if your offer is still open. thanks!

Sorry for my slacking. . .life has gotten in the way of my B&P offer. Thankfully, Sunday is catch-up day and I'm working on catching up.

EMOTW to my B&Pers.

Sorry for the delay.

after listening to the discs, this show sounded pretty ordinary IMHO.