GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST

Season 5 Trailer – Summary

Release Date: March 24, 2022
Hosts: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarnow

Main Theme

This trailer previews Season 5 of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, which will focus on the 50th anniversary of the legendary Europe 72 tour. The season promises an in-depth, episode-by-episode exploration of the tour’s historic concerts, featuring original band members, crew, fans, and special guests. The hosts invite both long-time Deadheads and curious newcomers to join “for the committed and the curious.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Season Focus: Europe 72 Tour

• The podcast will follow the Europe 72 tour, hitting each stop exactly 50 years after the original performances (00:44).
• Episodes will feature “band members, crew, and family, plus memories from new fans who saw them on that tour, like Elvis Costello.”

2. Format & Guests

• Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarnow return as hosts, promising “Deep Dead storytelling” for fans old and new (00:21).
• Guests highlighted in the trailer include:
  • Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay (Band member):

    “Being on that bus was one of the funnest things in the world.” (00:56)

  • Sam Cutler (Tour manager):

    “That was one-nil. One to the Grateful Dead, zero to Danish customs.” (01:04)

  • Mountain Girl (Fellow traveler):

    “One bus was the bolos and our bus was the bozos. And there was some competition.” (01:14)

  • Steve Parrish (Crew member):

    “I couldn’t believe my eyes. The bridge was made out of wrought iron. Skeletons from one end to the other.” (01:21)

  • Pigpen’s letters home:

    “Kensington Palace Hotel in London. How do you folks? Boy, did we knock them dead in London. They leapt up and down, hollered for more and more, which, according to Sam and Rock, they just don’t do. Here.” (01:27)

  • Elvis Costello (Fan):

    “One after another, really great, tightly composed songs … Tennessee Jed, Ramble on Rose, Jack Straw. It was such a transporting thing.” (01:39)

3. Season Mood & Experience

• The trailer emphasizes adventure and camaraderie:

  “Pack your bags for High Adventure this season, the Deadcast is celebrating the 50th anniversary” (00:34)

• A playful riddle frames the scale of the season:

  “What’s got 43 heads, 11 Dark Stars, 7 musicians, 2 buses, and 1 itinerary?” (01:49)

• The spirit of community and playful competition is highlighted through stories about the "bozos" and "bolos" buses.

4. Schedule

• New episodes will be released weekly, every Thursday, starting April 7 at dead.net (01:55).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jesse Jarnow (on the season’s mission):

  “The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast is back for another season of Deep Dead storytelling for the committed and the curious.” (00:17)

• Sam Cutler (about border run-ins):

  “That was one-nil. One to the Grateful Dead, zero to Danish customs.” (01:04)

• Pigpen’s Letter (showing the band’s impact):

  “Boy, did we knock them dead in London. They leapt up and down, hollered for more and more, which, according to Sam and Rock, they just don’t do. Here.” (01:31)

• Elvis Costello (reflecting as a fan):

  “It was such a transporting thing. Goodbye, Mama and Papa. Goodbye Jack and Jill.” (01:47)

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Announcement of Season 5’s theme: Europe 72 tour | | 00:44 | Promise to hit each Europe 72 stop 50 years after original date | | 00:56 | Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay’s joy at being on the tour bus | | 01:04 | Sam Cutler recalls Danish customs border episode | | 01:14 | Mountain Girl talks about “bozos” vs “bolos” bus rivalry | | 01:21 | Steve Parrish’s vivid memory of touring Europe | | 01:27 | Pigpen’s enthusiastic letter from London | | 01:39 | Elvis Costello describes being moved by the music | | 01:49 | Playful riddle about the tour | | 01:55 | Details about episode release dates and schedule |

Tone and Style

The episode balances respect for the band’s history with playful camaraderie. Inside jokes, colorful anecdotes, and a tone of excited anticipation set the stage for a season that’s both insightful and inviting—even for newcomers.

Conclusion

This trailer builds excitement for Season 5 of The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, promising a lively, story-driven journey through the Europe 72 tour—packed with legendary tales, personal recollections, and a celebration of the Grateful Dead’s enduring community spirit.