This one was a big deal for me. My guest, Dennis McNally, isn’t just a reknowned author, music historian, and publicist, he’s someone I’ve long considered somewhat of a “celebrity” in my world. From 1984 to 1995, Dennis was the Grateful Dead’s publicist and part of the band’s inner circle.

He’s written five books, including the classic Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead, and his latest, The Last Great Dream - How Bohemians Became Hippies and Created the Sixties. He’s married to the love of his life, photographer and author Susana Millman, whose book Alive With the Dead - A Fly on the Wall with a Camera, is one of my favorites.

What struck me most was Dennis’s insight into how the Dead operated behind the scenes. How the band members interacted, what touring was like, and what it was like to be at the center of all that energy for so many years. He was every bit as gracious, articulate, and engaging as I could have imagined and I’m honored to now call Dennis a friend.

Speaking of friends, this episode was also a first for me. I was joined by my good friend Charlie French as co-host who added thoughtful color and questions that I wouldn’t have thought to ask!

These days, Dennis lives in San Francisco with Susana and is still doing the work he loves - namely as the publicist for Little Feat.

It’s an honor and a privilege to share our conversation.

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

https://www.dennismcnally.com/

https://mamarazi.com/

Stir It Up https://youtu.be/XQxceOPnj9Q?si=i8Vu2Wh_UnpJ_6LX

Death Don’t Have No Mercy https://youtu.be/wH8GUfK-MOM?si=frh9iuuf1bCDSuob

Time Loves a Hero https://music.apple.com/us/album/time-loves-a-hero/471749182?i=471749184

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Life Inside the Grateful Dead’s Inner Circle with Dennis McNally