Podcast Summary: GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST – "Friend Of the Devils: Atlanta, 4/78"

Release Date: September 12, 2024

Hosts:

• Rich Mahan
• Jesse Jarno

Guests:

• Donna Jean Godchaux McKay
• Glenn Phillips
• Steve Mazner
• David Lemieux
• Bob Weir
• Other contributors from the Grateful Dead community

1. Tribute to Steve Silberman [00:00 - 01:29]

The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to the late Steve Silberman, an influential author and dedicated Deadhead whose contributions to the podcast are profoundly missed.

• Rich Mahan: "Author and fellow Deadhead Steve Silberman passed away suddenly just after the first episode of the good old Grateful Dead cast season 10 was released. A frequent contributor to the Dead Cast, Steve's insight and humor will be greatly missed." [00:00]

Jesse Jarno fondly recalls Silberman's work, recommending his books to both new fans and long-time enthusiasts:

• Jesse Jarno: “Skeleton Key should be issued to all newly minted Dead Freaks... His other book Neurotribes... should probably just be issued to all humans.” [00:16]

2. Introduction to the Episode [01:29 - 05:44]

Rich Mahan welcomes listeners to Season 10 of the podcast, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the Grateful Dead's April 1978 performances at Atlanta's Fox Theater. He introduces the "Friend of the Devils" box set, highlighting its significance with 19 CDs featuring eight unreleased concerts from 1978.

• Rich Mahan: "The Good Old Grateful Dead Cast... explores the music and legacy of the Grateful Dead for the committed and the curious." [01:29]

3. Overview of "Friend of the Devils" Box Set [05:44 - 07:05]

Jesse Jarno introduces the focus of the episode—two Atlanta shows from April 10th and 11th, 1978—highlighting their importance in the band's history and the evolution of their sound during this period.

• Jesse Jarno: "Anybody who's been to the Fox Theater knows what a special place it is. And on April 10th and 11th, 1978, the Grateful Dead treated the citizens of Hotlanta to two memorable shows." [05:44]

4. The Grateful Dead’s Atlanta Shows and Interactions with the Hampton Grease Band [05:44 - 15:43]

The hosts delve into the historical context of the Dead's performances in Atlanta, emphasizing the band's relationship with the local Hampton Grease Band. Glenn Phillips, guitarist from the Hampton Grease Band, shares insights about their interactions and mutual influences.

• Bob Weir recounts the Dead's inspiration from the Grease Band's performances in Piedmont Park:

  • Bob Weir: "We need to start going down to the park and playing." [13:50]

• Glenn Phillips discusses the cultural exchange and musical evolution fostered by these collaborations:

  • Glenn Phillips: "My logic is not anybody else's logic. Everybody has their own logic... That's one of the things that keeps the Grateful Dead an interesting thing to be involved in." [82:42]

5. Influence of Punk and New Wave on the Atlanta Music Scene [07:05 - 29:25]

The episode explores the intersection of the Grateful Dead with the burgeoning punk and new wave movements in Atlanta. Bob Weir and Glenn Phillips discuss how these genres influenced each other and the Dead's unique position within the broader music landscape.

• Bob Weir reflects on the Dead's unique place amidst the rise of punk:

  • Bob Weir: "Grateful Dead very much were about and their audience were very much about... evolving, growing thing." [22:34]

• Jesse Jarno highlights the Dead's influence on new wave bands like The B-52s:

  • Jesse Jarno: "Bands like the pool cues, the B-52s pylon, the fans, the Brains... influenced them." [29:25]

6. Recording and Taping – The Betty Boards [31:22 - 33:42]

David Lemieux discusses the critical role of Betty Cantor Jackson in recording the Dead's live performances. The "Betty Boards" are highlighted as essential recordings that capture the band's sound during this era.

• David Lemieux: "These are all 7 inch reels running at 7 1/2 inches per second... If we'd had the tapes 25 years ago..." [32:52]

• Jesse Jarno emphasizes the significance of these recordings for the box set:

  • Jesse Jarno: "Betty Cantor had started making live recordings of the Grateful Dead in the early 1970s." [32:52]

7. Jerry Garcia’s Gear and Musical Evolution [62:58 - 70:07]

The episode delves into the technical aspects of Jerry Garcia's guitar setup, featuring insights from Steve Mazner. Detailed explanations of Garcia's use of effects pedals and innovative wiring are discussed, showcasing his contribution to the band's evolving sound.

• Steve Mazner explains the modifications made to Garcia’s Wolf guitar:

  • Steve Mazner: "I created an interrupt stereo in out hole... so that I can have set my sounds up." [65:32]

• Jesse Jarno connects these technical changes to the distinctive sound heard in the 1978 Atlanta shows:

  • Jesse Jarno: "One reason Garcia didn't use the volume pedal much is because of one of the new additions to his Wolf guitar." [65:16]

8. Musical Highlights from the Atlanta Shows [37:13 - 94:55]

Jesse Jarno provides a detailed analysis of specific performances from the April 10th and 11th shows, focusing on songs like "Bertha," "Scarlet Begonias," and "Fire on the Mountain." The interplay between Garcia and Weir, as well as Donna Jean Godchaux McKay's contributions, are highlighted as key elements of these performances.

• Donna Jean Godchaux McKay shares her experience recording the shows:

  • Donna Jean Godchaux McKay: "I just did tape right next to him at the soundboard." [74:36]

• Jesse Jarno emphasizes the unique improvisational style of the Dead during these performances:

  • Jesse Jarno: "The core of the second set is built around the first of the Dead's two singles from 1977... a 23 minute Scarlet Begonias into Fire on the Mountain." [90:00s]

9. Conclusion and Acknowledgments [97:19 - End]

The episode wraps up with reflections on the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead's April 1978 Atlanta shows, emphasizing their unique contribution to the band's history and the broader music scene. The hosts extend gratitude to guests and contributors who made the episode possible.

• Rich Mahan: "Thank you, friends." [97:23]

• Jesse Jarno: "We'd like to thank our guests... Executive producer for the good old Grateful Dead cast, Mark Pincus, produced for Rhino Entertainment..." [97:21]

Notable Quotes

• Bob Weir on the Dead's Cultural Impact:

  • "I was really struck by the culture that had evolved around the Dead. It was like stepping into a science fiction movie..." [37:13]

• Jesse Jarno on the Grateful Dead's Unique Position:

  • "Bill Graham's phrase about the Dead being the only ones to do what they do... it didn't apply only to the musicians on stage, but their whole traveling crew." [29:25]

• Steve Mazner on Jerry Garcia's Guitar Setup:

  • "I can play at any volume based on output... That's a pretty heady concept." [66:52]

• Donna Jean Godchaux McKay on Recording with Dan Healy:

  • "He convinced me and helped me set up to take two mics and put them to the left and the right and the third mic center." [76:45]

Key Takeaways

• April 1978 Atlanta Shows: These performances are pivotal in showcasing the Grateful Dead's evolving sound, characterized by increased improvisation and the integration of new musical influences.

• Friend of the Devils Box Set: A comprehensive collection capturing the essence of the Dead during their 1978 tour, now available for fans to explore.

• Influence and Collaboration: The Dead's interactions with local bands like the Hampton Grease Band and the emerging punk scene in Atlanta demonstrate their significant impact on and adaptability within the music landscape.

• Technical Innovations: Jerry Garcia's innovative guitar setup and the meticulous recordings by Betty Cantor Jackson ("Betty Boards") are crucial elements that preserved the band's unique live sound for future generations.

• Legacy and Community: The episode underscores the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead, highlighting the community of Deadheads and contributors who continue to celebrate and preserve the band's rich history.

For More Information and Orders: Visit dead.net and navigate to the Deadcast section to explore past episodes and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Engage with the Community: Share your stories from the 1978 tour by emailing stories@dead.net for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Special Thanks: To contributors like David Ganz and all guests who enriched this episode with their insights and experiences.

This summary captures the essence of the "Friend Of the Devils: Atlanta, 4/78" episode from the Good Ol' Grateful Deadcast, providing listeners and newcomers alike with a comprehensive overview of the discussions, insights, and historical significance explored during the podcast.