wdelaney72 wrote:
Critics have always been rough and the Grateful Dead, Phish, and other Jam bands. Some of it is warranted. When these bands have an off night, it can be a tough listen.
I'm not sure why music critics and fans of other genres have so much hate for these bands. Most of this criticism is just stupid stuff like, "which song did they play for the 80 disc box set", "everybody at the show is high as a kite", or "everybody at the show has dreadlocks and smells of patchouli". The same dumb jokes that have been regurgitated ad nauseum. The harshest criticisms come from the fans of these bands. As I said earlier, jam band fans are a fickle bunch, who seem to think they acquire "heady points" (inside joke) from being so negative.
Back in 1999, I drove up to Minneapolis to see Phish. After the show, I ran into a guy who was the lifeguard at the pool in the apartment complex where my buddy lived. He was a nice guy, and we partied with him sometimes. I thought the show was great, but he bitched for five minutes about them playing
While My Guitar Gently Weeps as the encore. Great song, and they nailed it, but he just wanted to bitch and moan. Nothing makes some of these fans happy.
wdelaney72 wrote:
There’s also aspects of the show I find painful. I find Drums / Space a colossal waste of time and with Phish, the whole Gamehendge thing got real stale. That’s just small pieces of a really great package of talent and creativity. The Grateful Dead were truly a one of a kind band and there’s so much great music from them to enjoy.
Drums and space was a huge waste of time most nights. It was probably a few minutes where Jerry could get another fix backstage. Phish hasn't done a complete Gamehendge in more than twenty years.
wdelaney72 wrote:
Blow Away is a great reflection of Brent. The Dozin at the Knick material, really showcased Brent. He was an amazing talent and it’s sad how he went out. It’s really unbelievable that Jerry lasted as long as he did, given his use of heroin. I can only how frustrating Jerry must have been for the rest of the band…he got really bad on that last tour where I know the band was carrying him through.
Jerry was only 53 when he died, but he looked like he was 80. It was really sad to see him die a slow death those last few years. In the 90's, Vince was the only guy with any energy. All those years on the road takes a lot out of a guy.
wdelaney72 wrote:
I don’t care what the motivation was for these shows….it made tons of people happy and that is all that matters.
Why were so many people quick to question the Dead for playing a few shows, while dinosaurs like the Stones and McCartney get a pass for charging an arm and a leg for their shows, every couple of years? By most accounts, the Stones are brutal at this point. There really is an irrational hatred for the jam scene. I can't figure out why so many people are so threatened by it. Most of these critics don't know the first thing about the bands they are ripping.
These shows did make tons of people happy. There is a sense of family and community in the scene, that you don't see with other bands. People who are not a part of it, will just never understand. It's just easier for simpletons to crack stupid jokes, and make dumb comments. C'est la vie!
wdelaney72 wrote:
I saw the Grateful Dead in my life. I saw Phish at their absolute peak. I’m fine being an outside casual observer for this event.
Same here, although I didn't see Phish shows quite as early as you. Alpine Valley 1996 was my first. I have tons of memories of twenty years on the road. Nobody can take those away from me. I have two young sons, and they are top priority in my life these days, so it's mostly couch tour for me.
Fare the well, boys. Thanks for 50 years of great music.
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