Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead was the soundtrack to my life. I have friends all over the country I met because they were already family. The Dead were more than a band, they were a traveling community. The loss of Jerry was a major blow to so many of us, like losing your great-uncle, but it also must be remembered that he did it to himself. He was not so much taken from us as it was his addictions that killed him. He must be remembered so that future losses might be prevented.
"We will get by / We will survive"
-Touch of Grey
The Dead and related bands continue to tour today. Their influence still grows today as a new crop of "Jam Bands" continue their legacy. They have even had an influence on such artists as Metallica who now allow thier shows to be recorded by fans. The Dead were able to reach out beyond their own genre and show the world what music can do.
I am neither an expert on Jerry Garcia, nor on Rock History. I am just a fan. Nothing more, nothing less who wanted to say:
"Thank you for the shows, the memories, and for showing me the country. You changed my life Jerry."
Article comments
1 - Robert T. Reid
Thank you for sharing that extremely cool story!
2 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! A link to this article now appears on Blogcritics Music's Myspace Profile
3 - Robb Huff
"Once in a while you get shown the light,
In the strangest of places if you look at it right."
Thanks for sharing a great traveler's tale.
I wish you peace tomorrow.
4 - kanrei
Thank you all. And here I was nervous about posting such a tale.
5 - rob
Fare Thee Well, Fare Thee Well, We Love You More Than Words Can Tell, 11 years have gone by and I still miss The Fat Man,Tomorrow it is 4 years since Mickey left us. To both of them, thanks for the smiles