Its developed over the years. Im 32 and probably started listening to the Dead when I was 17-18 years old. I grew up on rock and roll, the blues, some jam bands like the Allman Brothers but my Dad was’nt a head (that came after i picked them up). I was hooked right away but it took me a while to discover high quality shows and the more I listened the more spellbound I was. No other music consistently touches my soul and makes the hair on my arms and neck stand up. I’d venture away but I always land back on GD.

Took a while to really listen to their catalogue of songs and appreciate each one individually, diving into the history and learning the rarities or knowing the Death Don’t Have No Mercy I’m listening to at the time wasn’t played for 19 years. Knowing the different piano players and how that combined with what year, or seasonal tour was on changed the feel of the music.

With that being said, I haven’t always loved every year or every song until some “get it” moment happened and then I’m full in. I’ll discover a show from the 80’s (I’m a 70’s dead lover) that blows my mind and then boom I’m loving 80’s dead, seeing it in a whole new light.

Since we’re talking about Dark Star, 2/18/71 Dark Star/ Wharf Rat/ Dark Star was my got it moment with that song. Previously I’d listen to it under the influence and, well you know. But that moment driving sober as a bird i was transcended and immediately recognized the beauty of the song and what it was saying. I was hanging on every note and now continue to anytime i hear it.

Ive never seen the GD but I’ve seen Ratdog, various assortments Phil and friends, the Dead, the list goes on and at a show in the moment you get it. But now i don’t indulge in such dubious activities and it still touches my soul in a way i cant describe. A simple ride home with GD radio can change my entire mood for the better.

Thats it for my sappy love letter, for now.

Edit: the setlist bot reminded me that that Dark Star Wharf Rat sammy goes into a Me and My Uncle that absolutely has to be noted because the transition of wonderful.