u/50000WattsOfPower

Sometimes I hear people say that they REALLY understood and appreciated the Dead after listening to them on acid. Is this generally true, or is it safe to assume that there isn’t much to be gained by listening to the Dead on acid?

I’ve been listening to the Dead daily for over a decade. They’re my favorite band and I can’t imagine loving their music more than I do now.

When I listen to them on low to moderate doses of mushrooms they might sound extra nice, but I’d compare it to how they sound when I smoke weed.

What’s your experience? Is there another level that can be achieved by listening to the music on acid?

I'm very curious as to why spinners do something that would make me extremely dizzy and disoriented. Did one person with a head full just start spinnin' and it became contagious? Am I missing out on some far out experience? What exactly is the deal with this spinning business folks?

To all you beautiful spinners out there, I'd love to know.

Maybe it’s because I just turned 69, but I’m brooding again about why Jerry seemed so unconcerned about his health. I know he was addicted to heroin (fond of cocaine too), cigarettes, and junk food, and apparently averse to exercise. I know he was under a ton of pressure as the leader of the band/organization. But those are solvable problems, particularly for someone of some means, if you decide to make staying alive a priority. As you get older, there are moments when you have to make that decision and do what needs to be done- for example, when you emerge from a coma…

It’s especially striking when you consider the other members of the Dead. Bob lived to be 78 (Donna too), untimely by 21st century standards but 25 years longer than Jer. Phil made it to 84 despite requiring a liver transplant. Billy and Mickey are still alive and drumming at 80 and 82 respectively. (The exception is the keyboardists, who seem to suffer from the same curse as the Spinal Tap drummers- although TC somehow escaped).

All a friend can say is ain’t it a shame.

There are songs I find it difficult to listen to because the band isn't one for flawless performances. Morning Dew is one.

The usual issues; missed or misplaced lyrics, a mistake in the bridge, or wandering off key in the solo, that sort of thing.

Mind you, if there's a misplaced verse and Jerry doesn't forget about it, just sings it out of order, that's no big deal.

But very often the band can't quite get it together for the bit after "Can't walk you out in the morning dew today." destroying the buildup of musical tension.

And major mistakes take all the steam out of the song, I'm constantly waiting for the fuck up that kills it.

Anyone got a date for such a performance?