Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast Summary: "Enjoying the Ride: East Coast, Part 2"
Episode Overview In the episode titled "Enjoying the Ride: East Coast, Part 2," hosted by Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno, the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast delves into the storied history of the Grateful Dead's East Coast performances. Focused on the second part of their exploration of the Enjoying the Ride box set, the hosts highlight legendary shows, iconic venues, and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the band's influence and legacy from the East Coast perspective.
1. Introduction and Context
The episode begins with Rich Mahan announcing the collaboration between Dogfish Head and the Grateful Dead for a special Juicy Pale Ale, setting a convivial tone for the discussion. Following a brief promotional segment, Rich welcomes listeners to Season 11 of the podcast, emphasizing the dual aim of attracting new fans and enlightening long-time Deadheads with fresh insights.
Key Points:
- Introduction to the Enjoying the Ride box set.
- Mention of the sold-out pre-orders and the availability of the Music Never Stopped collection ([00:00]-[03:52]).
- Announcement of the new Grateful Dead Greatest Hits release on June 13th ([03:52]-[07:00]).
2. East Coast Touring Strategies of the Grateful Dead
David Lemieux, the band's archivist and legacy manager, discusses the Grateful Dead's strategic approach to East Coast touring, particularly their spring tours from 1976 to 1995. He emphasizes how the band primarily focused on major venues in New York and Virginia, with occasional ventures to other states.
Notable Quote:
"The Grateful Dead manifested on the east coast of the United States, usually moving between New York and Virginia... Together, they make a representative slice of the band's touring strategy." – David Lemieux ([04:11]-[04:45])
3. Iconic East Coast Venues
a. Philadelphia Spectrum
The Spectrum in Philadelphia is highlighted as a pivotal venue for the Dead, hosting numerous legendary performances. Early shows in 1968 featured a youthful Grateful Dead, while later performances solidified their presence.
Notable Stories:
- 1968 Quaker City Rock Festival: Brian Schiff recounts his first Dead concert featuring Jerry Garcia's striking attire and memorable songs like "Alligator" ([11:27]-[13:27]).
- The Great Spaghetti Disaster: Sam Cutler narrates an incident where a promoter's spaghetti was dumped over a crew member's head, leading to strained relations with Electric Factory promoters ([13:27]-[15:25]).
Key Quote:
"I remember the song 'Alligator Pigpen' was phenomenal... The rest of the show was also great, except for Steppenwolf, who was horrible." – Brian Schiff ([11:54]-[13:27])
b. Hampton Coliseum, Virginia
Hampton Coliseum emerges as a beloved destination venue, known for its general admission setup and welcoming atmosphere. The hosts discuss multiple memorable shows from the late '70s and '80s, including the pivotal 1981 performance.
Highlights:
- 1978 Dartmouth College Show: Gary Lambert shares a heartwarming story of finding his lost sweater, illustrating the camaraderie among Deadheads ([08:40]-[10:18]).
- 1981 Hartford Civic Center Show: Celebrated as one of the finest performances, featuring standout versions of "Sugary" and the debut of "Touch of Grey" ([35:24]-[75:24]).
Notable Quote:
"Hampton had a rep as not a bad cop place. So different from Richmond... Everything about it was easy. And that's kind of what people liked about it." – Gary Lambert ([51:27]-[51:53])
c. Cap Center, Washington D.C.
The Cap Center is discussed as another significant East Coast venue where the Dead honed their performances, particularly in the early '80s. The hosts highlight the band's adaptability and the passionate fanbase that attended these shows.
Key Points:
- 1993 Cap Center Show: Featuring new songs like "Lazy River Road" and "Eternity," marking a revitalized period for the band ([80:35]-[87:29]).
- Infrastructure and Accessibility: Discussed the challenges and strategies for navigating Washington D.C.'s complex highway system to reach the Cap Center ([60:54]-[61:24]).
Key Quote:
"The Grateful Dead are not Dead." – Sam Cutler ([15:46]-[15:48])
4. Notable Shows and Fan Stories
1978 Dartmouth College Show
Gary Lambert recounts the experience of attending a Dead show at Dartmouth College, where he lost and then retrieved his favorite sweater, showcasing the supportive Deadhead community.
Key Quote:
"I had no car at the time, so I hitchhiked... And he took it right off, gave it to me." – Gary Lambert ([09:32]-[10:18])
1981 Hartford Civic Center Show
David Lemieux and Gary Lambert describe the 1981 show as a high-water mark for the Dead, featuring exceptional performances and the debut of "Touch of Grey." The show exemplified the band's musical precision and energy.
Key Quote:
"The second set of this show doesn't have a big jam, it doesn't have a shakedown... it's got a lot of really precisely played, really high energy, perfect songs." – Gary Lambert ([22:05]-[22:37])
1993 Cap Center Show and White House Visit
Dennis Alpert shares an intriguing story about arranging a visit between the Grateful Dead and the White House during President Clinton's administration. This unique event underscores the band's cultural significance beyond the music scene.
Key Quote:
"President Clinton came back after the band had already left... 'I can't believe you had Jerry here.'" – Dennis Alpert ([88:07]-[93:24])
5. Influence and Legacy on East Coast Fanbase
The episode highlights how the Grateful Dead's consistent touring and exceptional performances fostered a dedicated and expansive fanbase on the East Coast. The hosts discuss the evolution of Deadhead communities, the role of iconic venues in shaping experiences, and the band's ability to continually innovate and engage with fans through both music and personal interactions.
Key Quote:
"For Northeast Deadheads, it made a destination distant enough to generate adventure." – David Lemieux ([42:30]-[42:36])
6. Cultural Anecdotes
The White House Event
Dennis Alpert narrates the memorable encounter where the Grateful Dead were invited to the White House, reflecting the band's widespread appeal and influence within political circles.
Key Quote:
"President Clinton... 'I can't believe you had Jerry here.'" – Dennis Alpert ([90:01]-[93:24])
Fan Encounters and Mishaps
Various anecdotes, including police interactions and personal adventures in parking lots, paint a picture of the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, but always passionate Deadhead culture.
Key Quote:
"He was being held down... So I started chasing Henry... and I had to climb over that fence." – Chris Goodspace ([98:44]-[100:25])
7. Conclusion
The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to the guests and participants, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the Deadcast community. Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno wrap up by acknowledging the contributions of various guests and producers, reinforcing the podcast's dedication to preserving and celebrating the Grateful Dead's enduring legacy.
Final Moments:
"Thank you very much for tuning in to the good old Grateful Dead cast... All rights reserved." – Rich Mahan ([101:35]-[101:35])
Overall Insights: "Enjoying the Ride: East Coast, Part 2" provides an in-depth exploration of the Grateful Dead's impactful presence on the East Coast, highlighting key venues, unforgettable shows, and the profound connections forged between the band and their fans. Through personal stories and expert commentary, the episode encapsulates the essence of what made the Grateful Dead a unique and enduring cultural phenomenon.