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VOLUME 5, December19, 1996

 
November 19, 1981

Place de la Toque
HURIEL, FRANCE

Dear Grateful Dead,

'Who are you ? Where are you ? How are you ?" there are the words you wrote on the pocket of your Live 2 LP Set - 1971.

Well, I am a 32 years old Frenchman who follows very fondly your career since the famous record "Anthem of the sun" in 1967. I mean that I know you just as a Frenchman can know you: by your records and by some specialized magazines which tell too little about you in France.

To-day I have decided to write you because I would like to know more , about your mind and everything happening in the band.

But I would not look like all these fans who are going after you while trying to understand your magic effect or all these journalists who have been asking the same questions for 15 years.

I know a little about your concepts and sometimes I think that you too you surely would like to know and share something else, to see other people, far from the system...

For instance, when coming to France, not being only between two airplanes, two hotels, for a concert.

You know, in France, we have beautiful cathedrals, great poets (Rim baud, Hugo), good wine, nice lands and we like also evening parties with musician friends. Did a fan or a journalist ever talked you of that ?

On October 17, I attended your concert in Paris. I traveled 800 kilometres for that (I live in a small village in the middle of France) but what a reward ! Your two last LP sets are a reward too; they are perfect.

It may be we shall never meet each other, so please send me booklets, photos, posters concerning the band. It will be really a great pleasure for me; and above all, GO ON.

A French Friend
Bernard Duplaix


 

26th June 1981

PEPPERWORKS
Victoria, Australia

Dear Deads,

Has there been a DeadNewsLetter in the last coupla years? If there has been could I have a copy/copies of it/ them? I'm enclosing a couple of dollars in Australian Currency to cover the cost of Air Mail postage as surface is 50 damn What I'm also thinking of is getting together some kind of of Australian DEADHEADS Chapter going - would that be agreeable to you? What I'm considering is a loose association with gatherings now and then for record nights and swapping and having a newsletter circulating with details about the band, opportunities for getting hard to get records and all that kind of thing - in essence getting all the DEADHEADS in this country in contact with each other - maybe just to see what would happen. In that case I'd be very grateful of any stuff you could send me - especially if any more Newsletters come out - I can copy them here and get them out to anyone and everyone interested. The Grateful Dead have never played anywhere in this part of the world to my knowledge and maybe if we could get some kind of organization together we could get someone with a great dEal of money and/or vision interested in the proJect. There are a LOT of Dead fans in Australia - that I know. Combined energy is what is needed.

Please get back to me, Love
David N. Pepper

 

Richmond, Virginia

Dear Jerry,

As Secretary to the President of a Richmond bank, I can assure you that I am not your typical Deadhead. I have however, enjoyed your music and have been a fan of the Dead for about 12 years.

I'm writing this letter in hopes that you will write back to let me know what hotel you will be staying at in Norfolk, Virginia on April 3rd. Last year when you came to Hampton we paid $50 for a room at the Sheraton thinking that would be where you stayed. I later learned that you had stayed at the Days Inn. What a rip!!!

My sister and I have tickets to the Norfolk concert and plan to stay overnight. She IS your typical Deadhead and is going to see your concert at Duke University on April 2nd, Norfolk on April 3rd, and Baltimore on April 5th. Needless to say, it would be a real pleasure for both of us to meet you.

I look forward to hearing from you. Gratefully dedicated, I am

Very truly yours,

Connie

 
......................

A new Dead album, no better time to start out on a new page of contemplations and preposterations...

Enfolded in art that goes on display in various apartments around, oh ya and in the window of a record store on the main drag. We all like the cover.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific. Funny how Dead heads press up against the sea, pushing away from America, and yet, because they are Dead heads and the Dead are American, they cannot quite let go of the continent's edge. And so they sit in New York and San Francisco, one foot out to flee , but is it, is it, do I hear the dead, oh they're coming....

Oh they came and went. A while ago now. To Radio City and the Warfield Theatre.-Long series of concerts to mark some obscure stage in Dead evolution. At the Warfield we witnessed 15 concerts in one fortnight, in itself a unique event but the excitement, the wonderment, a resurrection - they're playing acoustic. Acoustic Dead from the days of working men and gospel serenades, from the days we were too young to have heard I never thought I'd live to see the day we went to each other breathlessly never thought to hear the songs of strings plucked and strummed to reverberate freely the clean strength of piano music propelled by the natural laws of acoustics.

Music of the past, blue grass and traditional American black dust music the valuable treasures of the past, the Dead pull them out from the junkyards and abandoned railway stations and do they? we revere them for being innocent of any technology or energy beyond their creation, beyond the physical causes that we find and use unrefined...

But this is not at all what I set out to talk about, the one supersedes the other, we notice albums one and two give us only sets one and two and we wonder when comes three. My friend who knows wonders why not Live Dead, an entire concert laid to rest in consecutive vinyl disks to allow us to recapture in the nostalgic dark just how it was to give us even greater surprise when it will be. Vancouver gives you greetings and dreams of reunion.

Alaine Park

 

APR I L 7, 1982

DEAR FELLOW DEADHEAD:

I JUST CALLED THE DEADHEAD HOTLINE TO GET THE LATEST INFO ON THE GRATEFUL DEAD. I'M GLAD TO HEAR THEY ARE COMING BACK TO THE GREEK THEATRE BECAUSE I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT THERE AND WOULDN'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD (UNLESS BY THE TIME I GET PAID AND AM ABLE TO BUY A TICKET THE CONCERT IS SOLD OUT FOR ALL THREE DAYS). WHICH BRINGS ME TO THIS QUESTION: WHY DO YOU ALWAYS PUT TICKETS ON SALE BETWEEN PAYDAYS? I FIND IT VERY FRUSTRATING PERSONALLY AND WILL BE DEVASTATED IF I CANNOT GET A TICKET WHEN I FINALLY GET SOME CASH.

TWO YEARS AGO WHEN I FIRST GOT TURNED ON TO THE DEAD, A FRIEND GAVE ME THE HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER AND I HAVE BEEN CALLING PERIODICALLY EVER SINCE. THEN I LEARNED THERE WAS A NEWSLETTER . I IMMEDIATELY WROTE TO YOU SO THAT I COULD BE PUT ON THE LIST TO RECEIVE ONE.

AT THE END OF EACH TAPE YOU SAY "NO DUPLICATIONS, PLEASE" WHICH I ABIDED BY FOR TWO YEARS NOW. HOWEVER, AS PATIENT AS I TRY TO BE, I FIND MYSELF DUPLICATING MY REQUEST TO BE PUT ON THE MAILING LIST. NOW, IF BOB WEIR WISHES TO MAKE A PERSONAL APOLOGY TO ME (WHICH WOULD MAKE ME FEEL A LOT BETTER) MY ADDRESS IS ON THE ENVELOPE (ONLY KIDDING - DOESN'T EVERYONE WISH BOB WlEIR WOULD CALL ON THEM?)

I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT MY NAME WILL GET ON THE MAILING LIST THIS TIME. 0H YES, BY THE WAY, I WORK AT A LARGE LAW FIRM IN THE TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID IN DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO AND I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MY DESK IS COVERED WITH BUMPER STICKERS, ARTICLES AND SOME GREAT PICTURES OF THE DEAD. I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY DEADICATED

 
.......................

Grateful Dead's Latest Tune:
The Musical Cash Register or Estimated Profit?

by Jesse The Dead Freak

Before beginning this sad commentary on the present state of the Grateful Dead experience, I should preface my remarks by saying unequivocally, that I LOVE THE DEAD, their thoughts, ideals and music. The reason for any criticism at all, is that I hope to give them one Dead Head's perspective on the present day concert scene. I feel that the concert scene may survive its current malaise, but only if The Dead disentangle themselves from the moneyed interests, who have created an atmosphere at shows that is both obnoxious and tiresome, and more often than not makes Dead Heads feel that it isn't worth the effort.

Once upon a time, the party began in the parking lots near the stadiums and arenas, often days before The Dead actually performed. People would be juggling, playing musical instruments, frizbee, getting high, selling original tee shirts, bumper stickers and posters, and listening to old Dead tapes. Each Dead show was like a musical celebration of life. The Dead distinguished themselves from other bands because they didn't just play music; their presence and inspiration was the catalyst of spontaneous celebration everywhere they played. Well, the parties have been stifled lately, by establishment MONEY GRABBERS, and this Dead Head objects'

At one time, The Dead were deeply committed to FREEDOM and SPONTANEITY, for themselves and everyone else. They enjoyed playing to audiences who were there to party, get high, and dance. Real synergy took place between Tie Dead and their audiences. Marijuana smoke thickened the air. Everyone had really good times. The Grateful Dead Movie is reminiscent of those times. Yes, it was during that era that I fell in love with The Dead. - Well, times have changed, drastically!

The initial sabotage of our festivals was subtle, and it almost seemed reasonable when arenas began conducting body searches at the door, as a condition of entrance. These incursions, at the outset, were for glass bottles, so that no one would get hurt; but before long they became far more extensive and included taping equipment, cameras, drugs, as well as any kind of beverage in any type container, glass or plastic. I always found it remarkable that sports fans, who are generally far more violent as a group than Dead Heads, are NEVER searched or hassled when entering the same arenas. Tiese sports fans are free to bring their own alcoholic beverages, or purchase beer inside the arenas.

The next outrage was that seats were installed on the arena floors during performances, under the pretext of t'crowd control". Funny thing about those really good seats, - according to the the tickets, they cost the same as the seats in the balcony, but no matter how long you wait, you can never quite manage to buy one when tickets go on sale. Where do they go? Some go to people with connections, and their friends. Most of them, however, directly from the large ticket agencies to the scalpers, for a percentage or their exorbitant profits. The scalpers take these choice tickets to-the respective performances, and sell them for $50 to $60 per seat. Suddenly, the people near the front of the stage are no longer happy freaks, high, dancing and partying, but bored elitists wearing Pierre Cardin shirts and designer jeans, more interested in impressing their girlfriends than experiencing The Dead.

Obviously, once elitists obtain choice seats, their right to occupy them must be protected by the arenas. Extra security is consequently needed to keep the riffraff "Dead Freaks" out of the front sections, so the people with alligator shirts and illusions of grandeur won't be jostled. Security has quadrupled as a result. Who is actually paying for all this "security"? The Dead Heads, who are sitting in the rafters, of course...

Security Guards, being the power crazed individuals that we know them to be, are naturally interested in playing their power trip to the max,--so if anyone manages to slip a tape deck past their counterparts at the door, they-are promptly ejected should the mics be noticed. This practice continues despite the fact The Dead have stated on numerous occasions that they are not interested in stopping tapers, provided that they are taping for their own use, or to trade with friends. Yet harassment persists, in spite of the fact that The Dead admit that these tapers do not significantly effect record sales.

Finally, the coup de grace: The parking lot parties began being frequented by uninvited guests, plainclothes detectives, who bust people for drugs and-confiscate the wares of the artists selling tee shirts, bumper stickers and buttons. Now, it is a virtual certainty that 100X of the monies derived from the sale of this paraphernalia will revert back to the Grateful Dead, Mouse Studios, local government, and the arena. Yes, it seems these days, that everyone enjoys Grateful Dead concerts: elite concert goers, newly employed security guards, Mouse Studios, large ticket agencies, arenas, scalpers, beverage venders, the police, and even government. Everyone, that is except the people who truly made The Dead; Dead Heads. They aren't enjoying themselves at all, because they are getting ripped-off, thrown out of shows, locked up, and having their personal property confiscated at every major stadium and arena throughout the United States... Yes, it seems that Big Brother has arrived before his 1984 scheduled appearance, and as strange as it may seem, the Grateful Dead is on his side'

I can only wonder whatever happened to my band, the band that I have crisscrossed the U.S. countless times to see, the band that I even traveled to Europe and Egypt to experience? The Dead have always held freedom, getting high and being high as ideals. Their rejection of the big moneyed interests early in their career was truly inspirational. It now appears, however, that they have made the transition from being "happy freaks", to being middle aged businessmen.

No, I don't go to shows much any more. There were two shows at the Philadelphia Spectrum last month, which is a mere twenty minute drive from my apartment, and I did not attend either of them. I just trade tapes, and remember what it was like to tour with The Dead. I certainly hope that similar conditions will not transpire in Europe, where fans are still free to enjoy concerts.

I believe that there is a cure for the disintegration of the American concert scene, not for all groups, but for The Dead. The cure lies with The Dead themselves, and their own values. - The fact is, that The Dead can have excellent, successful and profitable performances ANYWHERE. I recall one specific show done in September, 1977, at Englishtown Raceway, in Englishtown, New Jersey, where they did a dynamite show before an audience of at least 100,000 wildeyed Dead Heads. There were no guards, no police, no fights, no accidents, and no problems. The point is folks-: The Dead do not need the arenas, but the arenas do need The Dead. The Dead, therefore, have the prerogative of not performing in an arena unless the floor is opened, and the harassment ceases both inside and outside.

Where is it at these days Jerry? Can you still recall when you and Hunter were street people, living in old cars? Or has your memory been dulled by too much money and too much distance? Are you still our brother Jerry? Are you still a freak? Or have you unwittingly become an establishment pawn, whose primary interest in life is self-indulgence? I guess that we Dead Heads will soon learn whether or not you have clay feet, Captain, by observing if our plight is of any concern to you.

 

Dear Jerry,

How's it hangin? I've thought about writing to this Dead-Head address for a while, but I was afraid that you wouldn't get my letter. But I realized that the Dead-Heads who work at this address would definitely not fuck up my trip by not giving it to you somehow, (thanks guys!) so what the hell.

My name is Ken, and I was born in N.Y.C. in 1963, and later in 1960, and once more in 1975, when I discovered the Grateful Dead

My friends call me Lancelot, (as in the knight in shining armor) for the same reasons anyone gets a nick-name. I graduated early from my uppermiddle class high school to get as far away from it as quickly as possible. I ended up following you guys around in a bright purple and orange jeep. Maybe you saw it last year while on the road? It's tough to miss. I know you've seen me at concerts and shit, but you've seen squillions of people.

It's been fun tripping with you. Take it how you like it!

If the mood strikes you, I'd love to hear from you.

Lancelot
May 8, 1982

Susanville, California

Dear Friends,

This isn't the first time I've written, but, it's the first time since I've moved to California, so I wanted to be sure you had my change of address on file so I won't miss out on any future newsletters.

I was introduced to the music of the Grateful Dead during the summer of 1968 when I was thirteen years old and I've been a confirmed follower ever since. I think my only regret that I didn't see my first show until after Pig-pen had died. That doesn't change the fact that every show I have seen (after the three shows in Berkeley coming this month, those will number 67) has been a near ecstatic experience for me. The infamous "X-factor" may not be present during the entirety of every show, but it is always there, however briefly, it never fails to make it's appearance felt. There is nothing like a Grateful Dead concert!

I've taken a number of people to their first show and as a result, I get a first hand description of many of the shows across the country. It's nice, but definitely not the same as being there.

With the exception of the closing of Winterland and the subsequent Oakland New Year's shows, the best shows I've seen were at the Uptown Theatre in Chicago. The place is pretty small for a concert hall but it goes toward making the whole atmosphere even more intimate. The only bad aspect is the reserved seating and dancing is discouraged, sometimes rather forcefully. Regardless of that, I hope the boys are still planning on making appearances there.

I don't know how extensive your Dead Head files are, but I'll give you some background information on this one, I was born and raised in northern Illinois. I moved to California after completing a Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology. I missed a few Friday and Monday classes by being bound and determined to attend every Dead show within a thousand mile radius! I now live in this small town on the eastern slope of the Sierra's (high desert) and work in the laboratory of the very small hospital located here, In case you're wondering, a Medical Technologist is the person who takes blood from you and performs all the tests on it. The profession also pays pretty well and my dogs and cats and I live pretty comfortably. Enough of that.

I guess I've run on long enough now. The boredom of a slow day at work often inspires me to babble. I do have a few messages that I'd like to have passed on to the band, if possible.

Phil...I and a dear friend of mine (and a great fan of yours) would like nothing better than to sit down with you and have a few beers. After the show in Reno on March 13 Billy was at the bar but not you. I guess the problem was that they were not serving Heinekens,

Bobby...There is no prophet in my estimation of you or the band. I will not be disillusioned.

Bill...You are a very rude person, but I guess you already know that. Maybe it's just that many people are too awed to speak to you and you're stunned when someone tries.

Mickey...I've been invited to your ranch by a couple of your friends, but I refuse to intrude on your privacy without a personal invitation. We all have mutual connections but I suppose that will always be true in the bay area

Brent...We also have mutual friends who told me all I had to do was mention their name and I'd get backstage. I've been backstage and I really do prefer being in front of it.

Jerry...Some places, things, and states of mind are often more accessible in the spring

The Band...I don't know any of you personally but I have come close. I know many people who call themselves friends of yours and they have told me things about you that would break the hearts of most of your whole earth, peace, love, beads and granola Dead Heads. I accept you as you are. I am not awed by you. You are all just people who got together and happened to hit on something that just happens to please a lot of other people. If it didn't please you first and foremost, you wouldn't be doing it. You have been a large part of my life for more than half of it and I want to thank you for providing me with a lot of special memories.

That about wraps it up. If there is ever anything someone such as myself can ever do for any part of the Grateful Dead organization just let me know. You are all a part of my family whether or not I am a recognized member of yours. Thanks again.

Forever Yours,

Lori Dammann

 

Hebron , Illinois

Jerry, Bob and Phil

Let me begin by telling you about myself. I am 16 years old, a guitar player and you could call me a "Dead Head". I am currently playing an Ibanez "Bob Weir" model (nice job Bob, they're incredible, it feels like an ES 335 ) that I was lucky to find. I use a Fender " Bandmaster" and am going to get either Messa or Causs speakers.

Enough about equipment. My reason for writing is creativity. I cant find it! I seem to have it in my head but I cant get it to my fingers and voice. I have decided to write to you in desperation. I have reached the point in playing where I could play Terrapin Station, if I sat around for a few days and figured it out, but I could'nt come up with something as good as that. I've listened to everything you've done from Anthem of the Sun" to "Go to Heaven" and your individuality and creativity always come through. I could have written to others but I think you have a closer relationship with your "Fans" and would be more willing to respond. The other and much more important reasons are these.

Jerry. Like B.B. King, you excel in emotionalism, phrasing and taste in both singing and playing. ( Brokedown Palace, Morning dew)

Bob. Your sense of timing is incredible, unlike any I've heard and your so moving and original in both your singing and playing. ( Carry me away, Black Throated wind)

Phil. Your flowing, melodic bass lines and smooth singing provide a sensational foundation for the Dead's music, your playing is truly inspirational and touching. (New Potato Caboose, Box of Rain)

As you can probably tell by now, I consider emotion and taste just as important as Strings and Amps. Unfortunately it just doesn't come through in my playing. I love to play but its very frustrating to always walk away knowing I could have done it better. This is why I have written to you, any advice on playing, singing, lyrics, attitudes, equipment or anything else would be greatly appreciated.

The last thing I would like to say is something you might not hear very often (due to mode of dress and other occurrences) you are not only loved for your music, you are respected by your fans and by musicians (including me) for your talent and integrity free concerts, benefits, not minding cameras and recorders Etc.) I am hopeful that you will return my letter and help me improve my playing. I'll see you in the Seattle Center Coliseum (for the fourth time) next time you're here.

P.S. A friend of mine recently returned from a climb to the top of Mt. Ranier. Upon opening the log book put there by the state he found this message. "There ain't nothin' like the Grateful Dead."

Thank you for all the joy and great music you have giv en me and the world, Keep on Truckin.

Curt Hare

 

September 27, 1982

Dear DEAD HEADS:

Have been out of touch for some time and wanted to be brought up to date as to what is going on with the band.

About a month ago on a Saturday morning (12:30 pm) I was watching TV and following Casey Kasim's "Top 10" a show came on called "Portrait of a Legend". Usually this show is about a sports figure or the like so I was about to change the channel. Suddenly, across the screen flashed Garcia's face and various shots of the rest of the band. I sat up at attention and the narrator's voice (Bobby Darin) said "Portrait of a Legend - The Grateful Dead". I was shocked. I couldn't believe what I was seeing at 12:30 on a Saturday morning. I saw some rare film of the band and really enjoyed hearing and seeing that show. It was great!

I have been a DEAD HEAD for about 12 years and up until this past couple of years was disappointed that THE DEAD didn't get as much of the attention that they all deserve. I am so glad to see now that some of that recognition is finally taking place. When it comes to great rock n' roll bands there is none like the DEAD. For so many years I've heard the praises of the Stones/ the Who/ and others and never understood why The Dead wasn't listed among these greats. Finally in the '80's perhaps I will see them get the praise that is so rightfully theirs.

Anyhow, to get to the point of my letter. As I mentioned above, I have been a DEAD HEAD for about 12 years. I am 32 years old, divorced, and a secretary for a local CPA. I would like to know if there is an East Coast based office of DEAD HEADS. If so, could you please let me know how to get in touch with them. If not, I was wondering if it would be possible to become involved in starting one. I know that the band is Just as popular out here as they are out there. It is very hard for fans here to get tickets to see them unless they live right next to the big places that they play. If a East Coast office could be set up more of us out here could be better kept informed. As I said I am a secretary and my typing skills are quite good. I would love to donate my skills and time to helping DEAD HEADS here stay informed as to what is going on. My home is in Kingston, New York, which is an hour and one half from NYC and 10 miles from the infamous Woodstock, N. Y. I would really like to help if possible and would be willing to do most anything I could along these lines.

I am enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope for your convenience in replying. I am really excited about this idea and think it is a good one. DEAD HEADS out here even ones who keep in touch with you very often lose out because of the distance between the two places. By the time I get your list of concerts they have already taken place. I do remember one time getting tickets from you for a special DEAD HEAD show at the Capitol in Passaic, N. J. That was several years ago and although I have seen them many times since I have never been able to get any really good seats or most times not even tickets at all.

Please let me know what you think of my idea and please keep my name on your current mailing list. I will send all the self-addressed stamped envelopes you wish just please keep me informed.

I love THE DEAD and will always love them. They are the only band that could keep my interest for so many years and I can't see a day coming when I won't love them anymore. I am and will grow old with them.

Thanks for listening. Very truly yours,

Mikie Snyder

 

August 18, 1982

Juneau, Alaska

Dear Dead:

We are planning a trip this fall to the lower 48 and would love the highlight of our trip to be a Dead concert. As you can probably guess we are not well informed up here and would greatly appreciate any information on the Dead. Having never had the experience of a Dead concert you can only imagine our anticipation. We are told you are not a true "Dead Head" until you have seen one. Well, we consider ourselves Dead Head's now and have a hard time understanding that statement. We welcome the opportunity to understand.

If the dead are not touring anymore, information as to the whereabouts of any of the Dead would be great. Such as where we might catch a performance by any of them. If you have a mailing list for updates, we would love to be put on it. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Starving for Dead in Alaska

Londi Ensor and Rich Fraser

 

September 30, 1982

Cleveland, Ohio

To whom it may concern,

(Forgive this formality; I'm a secretary, and I just can't lick the habit.)

I suppose I'm a "Dead Head." My only qualification is that I am addicted to every note the Dead play. I also read every interview the guys give, and every article/book written about each member or the group.

With that intro, I have one question I'd like answered: When are the guys going to return to Cleveland? I need a fix, real bad. I know that Cleveland is not their favorite gig. In fact, it's kind of obvious that they've got little affection for this city I live in. (Hell, I'm not blaming anyone -- even the residents don't have much affection for this burg.) But won't they make a return trip? Some day?

I'd go just about anywhere to hear the Dead play. Unfortunately, I don't have any wheels, I don't have much money, and I'm stuck in this city for a while (unforeseen circumstances). So, will they ever play here again in the near or distant future?

Thanks....

Melissa A. Morgens

 

September 26, 1982

Edina, MN

Dear Dead Heads:

Although Skeletons Prom a Rosegarden" is not one of your recent albums, I have some questions I hope you can answer. To get into the mood for writing this letter I had to listen to the album once more. My questions are as follows:

1. Whose idea was this to inquire about the fans, ths P.R. department or the band?

2. Did you get a good response from all the Heads?

3. How often do you send letters out to them?

4. What kind of information is included with your letters you send?

5. How do you pay for these letters mailed out by you?

I hope you will include me in this club because I care about the band and all its followers.

Very truly yours,

Peter Mullin
an upcoming Dead Head

 

Flushing, N.Y.

To Whom it may concern,

I have been a Dead Head from the feet up for a very long time I first wrote you back in the days of "San Francisco's Dead". I remember all the neat newsletters and album covers and demo records you would send out, then that all stopped. I didn't think about the fan club much until the fall of 1978 At that time the dead were to be playing the Capitol Theater in Passaic, N.J. and rumor had it that tickets would be sold through the dead head lists as they were for the summer 1976 tour. I did very well with tickets for that 1976 stint, so fearing I would be "iced out" of the "dead head" show at the Capitol Theatre 11/24/78 I sent a letter to the fan club from which I hadn't heard a word in years; It simply stated "I'm Still Dead". Some months later, and just a few days before the show, I received a call from the theater telling me to pick up my tickets the night of the show. This came completely out of the blue, and blew me away, especially once I got inside and discovered that my seats were a couple of folding chairs that looked as if they were squeezed in behind the last row in the house just to accommodate me and a few other very lucky ones.

Well, I just heard the boys will be at the Capital Centre Arena on September 8, 1982. Having missed the midwest tour and the Red Rocks shows with all those Crazy Fingers, I'm particularly psyched (it's been months!!!) so I called the east coast hotline to see if this show or any others were on the tape. After the tape there was a pitch for the fan club, and I decided to drop a line. Even if I haven't heard from you for a while, what's my excuse for not writing? So anyway, I'm still dead, and if you ever send out any information that would be timely to a veteran of the road who usually gets his info up front, or if you can ever be of help with those special tix, or if there's ever anything I can do for you people (and I sincerely mean that, after all The Boys have given me more than I could ever possibly return in enjoyment) feel free to write. By the way, I am an avid collector of tapes with some 2,500 hours of great live tunes, about 1,600 of which are dead, and I'd be willing to help with any archive type projects you people may be involved with.

I'm starting to ramble here, so I'll sign off now. Stay Dead.

Sincerely,

Scott Lewis

 
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JOOP-I-TER SEE?

Who do you think you are, Uupperware? No one can get "The Wheel anywhere, anyway, anyhow, don't ya know; but there probably is a greater demand for Garcia Solo I now than there ever was. So, rerelease or retro-revert the album, or maybe put "The Wheel" on a C0M-PITT-A-SETN before you get too thin. Don't let all that greatness just dissipate away through commercial bullshit space...what a waste land, not even the bullshit is real. In a world where signals are indistinguishable from noise, at least ,you have your own ehannel, so feed it while it i8 still defined. Johann SebsLstian Tarbucket, another form of lickerish licorlce, died a double death and had to be rediscovered generations later. 8Zhat a shame. Need some help? Well, the first time I saw Dean he was sitting in his office sorting molecules. It was a hot day, as I recall, and he was trying to keep the fast ones away from his person.

The 10th edition of the Merok Index will be published in 1983; DEAD will be in it. ~(diethyl azodicarboxylate)

RMI has cancer grant, hope nothing surfaces (C is a very loud word.). The wheel is turning (cell cycle)...and it won't slow down.

The research concerns preneoplastic transformations; tumors are just artifacts, nothing but thunder. Half-step too-del-loo, you understand. What?

Yes. In the strangest of places. Thank you.
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(Artwork context of following letter)

I was sitting here on this rather normal day, pondering over the meaning of life when the Dead suddenly came to mind.... Here in CT. where life is rather on the average, ridiculous thoughts often enter my mind. Often they are far-out Dreams. and a lot of wishing for totally out ofreach things. Today-... the sky was yellow and the sun, by change, happened to be blue! There was wind in the willows playin'' tea for two... and this alligator made a ripple in the water... and other obscure happenings. And the eyes of the world looked at me, I looked at them, and I realized! Hey! This is it! Time to bring my #1 dream out front. So-here is my obscure, rather feeble request-.... I would love backstage passes (or a pass?) to the Dead in Hartford, CT. for October 15th. Now- Wait! Don't just throw this note away! Think about the opportunity you have... sending this beautiful, loving, caring, desperate middle-class american to see the people who occupy her mind twenty-four hours a day. I only need one pass, but I've got a few friends. But, I mean, ya know, I can't pressure you. Since I don't know Jerry or any of the roadies or them, this is the only way I can beg for backstage. Looking forward to the show- "Such a long long time to be gone, and a short time to be there."

Peace, love, happiness, flowers and The Dead

Karolen Deupree


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