u/scenarioman123

I'm hearing whispers that the uploaded I2V moderations are easing back a bit. Really hope so because It's been weeks since I actually used Grok for... anything.

Yeah... 57 years young. Been on the bus for 40 years, and I still can't compute that it's OVER. Could Mayer continue? Sure. But going forward, it won't be a legacy band anymore (except for maybe Mickey). It'll be a cover band. Weir has been carrying the torch for 30 years, and I'm SO thankful. I've seen all the cover bands (DSO, Stella Blues, Homel-Alaniz at Sutters in Syracuse!, JRAD, etc.), but none of them ever scratched that itch. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the music and fully support the 300-year ideology. But for me, it was the spectacle. A massive road trip to SPAC in 88. Truckin up to Buffalo in 89. You felt like you were part of something...bigger. It was such a great adventure (getting hassled by the biker gangs at Tinley Park in 90 for Brent's last 3 shows). When Jerry died, that all kind of went away. It was never truly the same with Phil and Friends or DSO or even Further. You guys know what I'm talking about. But then in 2016 I went to Citi Field, and it ALL came FLOODING back to me. The massive crowds, the communal experience, the huge Shakedown in the lots. The machine was BACK, and I FELT like I was at a Dead show. Mayer's stage presence and energy certainly helped. There's a reason he's a star outside of the Dead. I'm SO thankful for the extra 10 years me and my buddies got (Sphere, Hollywood, Gorge, NYC, Philly), but now I'm sad. I find myself periodically crying because I know it's gone. I'm not depressed. I have a loving family, a good job, and a nice house. I just miss my old friend. I guess if they could relaunch the machine for another residency at Sphere or some sort of mini tour, I would go, but it will never be the same. I'll never forget 2023 at SPAC, the end of the up-tempo TLEO right into Terrapin Station. I thought in that moment, "THIS is the Grateful Dead magic...This is what they do that no other band can do." I never could get there with all the other cover bands. Just wanted to get this off my chest.

PS. For all of those who remember, Homel-Alaniz were VERY good back in the late 80s and early 90s. Got to see them many, many times. Nice bunch of guys too.