Thanks for posting this. Enjoyed reading your write ups all weekend.

I agree with Isaac. Thanks for posting. Nice reviews you received.

Thanks.

did most of it myself out of my hotel room with bleary eyes and mediocre coffee... no editors or support... just wanted to report and share my experiences... glad that the pieces resonated with some people...

Will try to wrap it all up in one piece soon.

Alan: Explain the difference and similarities in emotions for you walking out Of The Beacon on October 29th 2014 and leaving Soldier Field after the Final Dead show.

Personally I think both bands failed miserably to correctly end their legacies with their fans.

I almost expected it from the dysfunction that was ABB & its management.

That the Dead couldn't or wouldn't pull off a final tour when tours were the band's bread and butter for decades showed me they only were interested in the pay check.

I don't know Ron, seems like the vast majority of Deadheads think these shows were awesome, and they are glad they happened.

Sorry if it didn't do it for you, but if nothing else these shows made a lot of people very, very happy.

Rob is correct.

70,000 people a night trekked into the stadium. I really don't think anyone was unhappy.. untold more listened on pay per view...

I think you under-estimate the complexity of the relationships... and I think Phil really refused to do a multi-city tour. He only plays San Fran where he lives and NYC, where he has a house anymore. And he is 75!

The ABB situation is more complicated. I tried to capture it in the final chapter of One Way Out... too many different people with their own schedules, etc..

right

although I'll never get how those schedules interfered with a PPV webcast

one organization did it right, one didn't

After reading your write up and we are Grateful, I had memories of my personal review of Academy of Music 72 show, and Felt Forum 71 also. I guess it indeed was a long strange trip. I had the honor of telling Phil about my older sister corrupting lil bro in 71 taking me to a Dead show. He said: "And you've never been the same since, right"? He was correct. Again thanks for review, the Dead at their best were a source of amazement and joy.

Dug your blog, Al.

I kept up a running diary of the shows because I'm late "getting" the Dead and being in the Bay area of course I have friends who are huge enthusiasts. I caught 6/28, 7/4 and 7/5 via pay-per-view and they were all sterling shows. I also caught the second set on Friday 7/3 by audio-only internet stream and I heavily criticized the band to my buddies because I thought the 2-1/2 hour second set was pointless, meandering noodling. You somewhat agreed:

"The previous night had seen them push and pull each other, occasionally bumping into clunky grooves, songs that didn’t quite soar and what felt like a fair amount of tension on stage, as songs lingered for lack of someone stepping up to take charge. Even then, it was a mostly successful show, with several triumphant sections, most notably the last hour."

I didn't like that one much at all. But I'm glad I ordered the last two shows because they REALLY won me over. I'm glad I have the good sense to keep an open musical mind because I have a new respect for the Dead now. I just get tired of Deadheads trying to ram them down my throat..........."you didn't like that.........here's more.........and more..........and more............"

Well, I just listened for 3-1/2 shows, that'll be enough for awhile. I also just picked up Skull and Roses and am digging it.

Thanks... I thought Friday was very hit and miss and took off in the last hour... next two nights were much smoother, with the exception of Phil's lead vocals!

The ABB situation is more complicated. I tried to capture it in the final chapter of One Way Out... too many different people with their own schedules, etc..

Alan - kudos on the Dead50 piece. I was there Friday night and related well with what you conveyed.

Question about your book: my wife bought me the hard copy while we were touring the Big House last month and I tore through it, enjoying every page. When you say "final chapter", was there ever an amended portion released to capture how the final Beacon run went down?

Thanks for your kind words.

When you say "final chapter", was there ever an amended portion released to capture how the final Beacon run went down?

Yes. paperback includes a new chapter on the whole final year, culminating in the final show.

They have signed copies at Hittin the Note... see link below in my signature...

So I'll have to buy another copy just to read that added chapter?

Is there someway to read an electronic version of it for a small added fee?

Is there someway to read an electronic version of it for a small added fee?

I'd do that too.

Is there someway to read an electronic version of it for a small added fee?

Nope. I don't control the means of distribution; St. Martin's does. I would gladly out it out as a Kindle Single or something but it would violate my contract for me todo something like that.

I totally get your frustration, but I will say that the chapter represents a year of my work and also includes a bunch of new photos including the final portrait of the band by Danny Clinch, two rehearsal shots BY DEREK, and more of Kirk's photos, including "the final note." I worked my ass off to get these great photos, and also I personally paid for them....

I tell you all this so you understand that this was not a thrown together thing. I went to 21/22 shows in 2014 and talked to people, took notes, made observations at all of them.

Also corrected some mistakes and swapped out about 10 photos with ones I preferred... including several from first ever Beacon show, 9-27-89.

Maybe that info will make you feel better about buying a second copy... or not... Up to you, obviously.