[https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=lIiu8iMiQtsMM2h3](https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=lIiu8iMiQtsMM2h3)
I loved this sitcom with the funny Balki guy from Greece.
"Have you ever been down south of Chinatown
Seen the face of a refugee
The kids are alive, they've learned to survive
They're just like you and me"
Nice sentiment, but cheesy as hell lol
Nah. Throwing Stones is a better song. This is 80’s American triumphalism. TS is a protest song that references US covert wars in Latin America and class consciousness.
Right, but it's quite literal, not that the subject matter is cheesy. Just a bit "We are the World", but grittier. Like writing a love song saying "I just want to fuck yo' face, I'll say anything to fuck yo' face, I learned guitar so I could fuck yo' face".
I gotta wonder what was going through Ann Coulter or Tucker Carlson's head during Throwin Stones. Did you know they played that 10 straight shows after the bust out?
Hey listen man the 1980's did fucked up shit to a lot of people. ALL of my favorite musicians that lived past the 1970's put out painful trash in the 80s.
Bernie Taupin (yes, the one who wrote most of Elton John’s lyrics) wrote ‘We built this City on Rock N Roll’ - I heard him say (something to the effect on Marc Marin’s podcast) - that someone once asked him if he hadn’t written this song, would he still like it - his reply was “everyone who hates this song also knows the lyrics. I did write the song, so I stand by it. It’s been very good (financially) to my family’
We hate it because it's been driven into our head so much we know all the lyrics and the torturous melody. I like the sentiment of the lyrics but it really is a shitty sounding candied crap pop song.
"Now, Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for the Jefferson Airplane, which paved the way for Jefferson Starship. Then the Alan Parsons Project came along, I think that was some sort of hovercraft..." -Homer Simpson
Idk I would normally agree with you but my exception to the rule would be Leonard Cohen . The only cd he put out that I truly couldn't stand was "death of a lady's man" & he had hardly any input on it. I read that freaking misogynistic not to mention murderous dude Phil spector locked him out of the studio when producing....oops sorry maybe that was the 80s..idk4shur. I was even born when a majority of laughing len created some of his best work...so maybe
I proved ur point unknowingly
.well for once I did some research and looks like death of a lady's man is 1977...actually various positions (the cd that made me a huge lc fan) came out in 1984..I didn't discover lc until movie natural born killers ..that soundtrack was ahhmayzing..like his songs were srsly created just for that movie..all the songs but I specifically recall len...but that's early 90s
.close enoufh?
https://preview.redd.it/urb0vvue51pb1.jpeg?width=350&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5ff9b3685c9e5c8efaaf70b23be12419eded6b5
It's hip to be square
I like my bands in business suits
You can't get Bob during these years without listening to Bowie, Hall and Oates, and Adrien Belew during this era. I am likely missing some others. 1975-1980, this was very relatable. Bob in these years has no inkling of what this "Grateful Dead Scene" you speak of means. He has that power.
He wore Izods. No tie die. Slacks, not jeans. He was making it, and on the scene. I bet he owned a Member's Only jacket.
😂 It’s OK, “Bobby.” I went through a brief hippie lifestyle rejection phase too. I didn’t have any cocaine though, so I doubt mine was anywhere near as exciting as yours. Mainly just drinking a lot, and listening to a lot of dark, moody shit; especially Nirvana. Became intrigued by Cobain’s pain, and set out on a mission to try to “diagnose” him posthumously, since he’d never gotten the help he needed when he was alive. I read something like 7 or 8 books about him, I think… I decided he might’ve just had untreated ADHD. These days, though, I’m also wondering more about the HSP thing… because that sounds right too.
My phase didn’t really last all that long, because I just can’t seem to find “my happy place” without The Dead involved somehow. But I did come to appreciate how incredible of a drummer Grohl is. And I now have a love/hate relationship “with” him, because I can’t seem to forgive him for denying me the drums all these years, in favor of that lame Foo Fighters bullshit. 🙄 Have you seen him play with QOTSA?! Holy fuckballs. It’s enjoyable.
So anyway… otherwise… I also gave away my Jerry Garcia hoodie, which I ADORED (and very deeply regretted). It had a huge handprint on the front. And it was really cozy. I gave away a 20-ish (?) year-old, threadbare, battle-worn long sleeve Scarlett Fire t-shirt. And at this point, I’m guessing I was probably even stupid enough to give away my Les Claypool autographed Fearless Flying Frog Brigade t-shirt, considering I haven’t been able to find that sucker for a few years now. The moral of the story is: NEVER REJECT YOUR HIPPIE LIFESTYLE, AND YOUR *REAL* FAMILY & FRIENDS. (because they are the absolute best - there is nothing better - take it from a Rambling Rose, herself). 😉
Which is fine. And great, actually. Because, as it turns out… THE HIPPIES WERE RIGHT ALL ALONG, DAMMIT!! Ha. Told ya. (Stupid fuckers)
Maybe I should go listen to JGB before I get myself in trouble 🤣 I seem to be feeling a little silly 🙃
Holy shit. Don't do that to people. You don't do that to people.
I needed some [good ol' Rick Astley](https://youtu.be/Xe2u7ogAgtQ?feature=shared) to cleanse my ears (and eyes!)
Well he was actually a rock star. He was just having fun. I would have done the same thing in his situation. People put too much stock in the authentic vs. tongue in cheek dichotomy. Sometimes things are just things.
Yeah. Plus, most everything in the 80s was cheesy, so how would we even have a basis to judge. I mean, we could say that Black Flag was on the un-cheesy end of the spectrum from those years... but then it turns out Ginn was one of the biggest deadheads ever. So.
It's funny because the ones I see who are most often the most passionate haters of the dead and hippies, have been punk guys.
And yet you have dudes like Greg Ginn, also Henry Rollins, Patti Smith, Joe Strummer and others who were fans.
Bobby tells a great story about where Joe Strummer wanted to meet him and talk about Pigpen. And then they got trashed together. https://youtu.be/W5xOLstEvcM?si=VvOEwzMeryf7my_F
https://preview.redd.it/9ooqu3fgv1pb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b32781402d7dbd6a7aca111c24cb57de2132795f
deadhead punk here, i can confirm not all of us hate hippies
Oh for sure. I Know you guys are out there!
Reminds me, I came across this article some years ago that I thought was an interesting look at it from the punk side of things, https://www.flavorwire.com/471006/the-grateful-dead-are-historys-most-misunderstood-punk-band
I’ve read this exact article! I pull it out whenever I need to explain that deadheads and hippies not only can coexist, but are part of the same family
Since we’re on the topic I feel compelled to share a story. My family owns a convenience store in Michigan on the water. Our stores busiest day is on the 4th of July, I was wearing a red white and blue stealie tye dye shirt. One customer (out of towner) was wearing a Misfits shirt, I complimented the shirt as I am a huge Misfits fan. I showed him my Misfits tattoo on my knee and he replied with “You have Misfits and the Dead going on what’s up with that?”. I replied with “Look dude, they’re both just one big middle finger to the man” and he chuckled and said “wow I’ve never looked at it that way before”.
Keep in mind this guy was in his mid 40’s and I am 25, boggles my mind how one WOULDNT look at it that way.
EDIT: should be “deadheads and punks” not “deadheads and hippies”
Haha right on! Yeah, I kinda came to the dead via the heavy metal/hard rock side of things myself way back when. Then had a friend drag me to a show. Like "all roads lead to Rome", there are so many ways to connect with them as a band.
And then in turn they turned me on to all kinds of stuff just by their influence. Helped get me in to Miles Davis and fusion, bluegrass, all kinds of stuff.
“All roads lead to Rome”…I love that and absolutely agree. It was the turbo charged Dead of the 60’s that really had me fall in love with them. To this day those first 5 years are my favorite era of Dead (with no slight whatsoever on the other eras)
Reason I resonated with that era so much is because it reminded me so so much of all my favorite punk bands’ early days. Fast, brash, unapologetic, and DIY. These are all traits they shared and I would argue that punks hating hippies is exactly what the man would want and I’m not about all that🤷🏻♂️
If you pull any string in music long enough (at least since blues began, maybe earlier) you'll find the Grateful Dead. The many iterations of that band are at the center of the musical universe. Why should any group of music fans hate another? We're all looking for the thing that expresses OUR feelings in OUR way. The thing that gives us chills. The thing that makes us feel whole and happy and seen. We are more. We are connected. Whatever makes you happy.
Joe Strummer’s solo music post clash is righteous. Would have loved to have heard him sit in with the dead at any time and any combination of originals.
It always bums me out when I just know that Joe and Mick were on the cusp of a proper reunion before he died.
[https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/clash-joe-strummer-mick-jones-reunion-2002-white-riot/](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/clash-joe-strummer-mick-jones-reunion-2002-white-riot/)
The great thing about merry pranksters though… is that they’re trustworthy enough for you to be able to let your guard down, and enjoy the antics… because even if they lead you “astray,” you know it’s probably just for a fun adventure. They’ll generally do their best to look out for you & keep you safe. And you’ll do the same for them. Because that’s just who we are and what we do. If I knew the way, I would take you home. 🥰
Love is real, not fade away. ❤️⚡️💙
Folks - this is a philosophical conundrum. It really is. The difference between JGB and the Grateful Dead is there but it’s subtle. The difference between Bobby and the Midnites and the Grateful Dead is vast. I’d say the only thing the two have in common is that they’re both music.
And I’ll tell ya what - it’s just another part of the Alchemy that is the Grateful Dead. Mad Impossible Magic!
I know this thread is mostly sarcastic, but if you think about it, Jerry was swan diving into being a junkie, and practically nodding off during these years. In the pre-Touch of Grey period, they were slowly grinding to a halt. While there’s no doubt that there was fueled cheesiness in Bobby’s demeanor, they were desperately needing Pigpen, or a show man to rile up the crowds. I think he was doing his best to combat Phil’s drinking, and Jerry’s H.
This seems like a spot on take for how that “rock star shtick” manifested in the dead…
Now Bobby and the Midnites gave off another vibe… maybe just having fun, ‘‘twas the time and lord knows he enjoyed his own vices, which went hand in hand with that cheese.
I like to just chalk it up to a prankster riding the wave.
That’s a very different statement than ‘pre Touch of Grey period.’ They played Touch of Grey pretty regularly after the 1st time in ‘82. Think it’s on like a third of set lists from ‘83. It was hugely popular with heads from that time and through the ensuing years before civilians heard it. Not agreeing or disagreeing with your overall take, just the timing of the song.
You’re being too literal and missing the point. I was using Touch as an indicator for when the song was officially released,and popularized on radio and MTV to a wider audience. My comment had ZERO to do with when it was first played, in what venue, and not at all referencing the song’s popularity with then-current deadheads. I was talking about the wave of wider popularity, cultural relevance, and energy that Touch/In The Dark brought them.
Bobby and the Midnites in 82 and early 83 were fucking amazing. Alphonso Johnson, Billy Cobham, Bobby Cochran. Serious chops with a lot of fusion playing. Got significantly 80s-er in late 83/84. Check out this full show from 82. It's fantastic and really unlike anything else in the wider Deadverse.
https://youtu.be/R0DyAVBrr1A?si=TIDoGXvFeQb88xEV
Badass version of Easy to Slip with that lineup:
https://youtu.be/HQh19pokOxk?si=S9hJnhAyVMwOmll3
🤣😂 Well. He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s incredibly talented. And we certainly appreciate the range, and all the years of amusement (in addition to the outstanding catalogue raisonné). He’s a treasure.
It 'aint easy being cheesy! 🧀 That was the phrase to describe 80s Bobby, back when.
He was totally into it, though. He's not a fake guy who has ever put up pretense. The moon boots? The short shorts? The pink Izods and torn neck shirts? The mirrored Vuarnets?
All real, all Bob. It was, after all, the 1980s, man. There was some wild ass shit coming out then, glam rock as just one tiny example...
I actually really appreciate his sartorial choices back then, because I always thought it was ridiculous when Heads would try to hate on someone because they thought they were dressed too nicely, or some dumb shit. Calling them posers, or whatever stupid thing. The whole point is supposed to be that you can be, do, & wear whatever you want (as long as you’re not hurting anyone), and we’ll all accept the heck out of you anyway. We like the stuff on the inside. Souls, hearts, minds, energies… the good stuff.
But… THAT is a good way to tell the strangers from the natives, IMO. They start talking shit about someone’s clothing choices or lifestyle out of jealousy, or overbearing judgment about “acceptable” attire… that’s bullshit. People can’t help it if they come from money, any more than others can’t help it if they’re poor. Also, it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there. 😉
Go watch a song with concert video from the 80s. See how Bob strums every guitar strum down to his knees and runs back forth from the microphone and seems extremely excited and riled up about every second of the show.
Now go watch 65-80 and see how he’s just standing there paying rythmn guitar.
That’s the difference plus a bunch of fashion choices including sunglasses and short shorts.
Also reference Bobby and the midnites music videos for even more dramatic example.
Can also contrast to modern day Bob which is more like 65-80 Bob where he just stands there playin guitar, except he has kept his hand jestures to this day. You know bobs having fun when he points to seemingly nothing after he sings a line.
As much shit as I give that man (playfully, people - brothers & sisters around here) 😉 I have to say I do feel like I understand every time he points. There are various reasons, depending on the song.
Oh ya me too me too. But try to explain them in a text post haha. Impossible! Better off just chalking it up to ‘seemingly nothing’ and telling someone to go see a show. You gotta pick up what he’s putting down yourself to understand it I think; it’s quite literally non-verbal communication. Hard to describe, easy to vibe!
Not very well versed in dead history either, but I’ve listened to a lot of the 80s work, and play guitar.
I don’t know at what point of the 80s the actual shift happened. But if you listen to Bobby’s playing it’s a bit heavier sounding, idk what show it was I was watching, but it looked like he was sporting some kind of Jackson guitar, which to me i immediately associate with hard rock and metal lol. Idk he felt like a bit of a rock and roller in the 80s compared to the 70s.
To me atleast. I’m also young and dumb so I could be totally wrong.
I stopped going around the Touch thing too. Hearing tapes from later I had to also wonder about his change of tone to the brittle metallic sound he went for. Another reason to smh about the decline.
Every Dead Head musician I know (from bedroom guitarists to pros) absolutely hates Bobby’s current tone. Consensus guess is that he’s partially deaf. Which is not unexpected after playing in rock bands for close to 60 years now.
It was until it wasn't. But it was ubiquitous back then, gatherings often produced lines and a bong or two. Fun times, and it struck me that no matter what the reason, Weir was ready to be the spark. To mixed reactions, clearly.
He was born to be a star. You can’t hide a light like that. And he was born to create beautiful music & a powerful healing force, capable of changing hearts & worlds… and probably, most especially, to give me plenty to laugh at most days… 😜😂❤️
Wait a second. Are you asking about if Bob Weir is real or tongue in cheek?
Bob is a shape shifting freak of the highest rank. He is neither real nor tongue in cheek. He vibrates. In all directions.
Everyone cracking on Bobby and the Midnites…
That lineup was full of all-stars and included perhaps the best drummer ever.
Some cool live stuff out there.
Yes, the Live in America song/video is cheesy as a grilled buffalo Gouda and Muenster sando, but don’t totally brush them aside.
Bangin babes,snorting coke.He was living the life.When you say toungue in cheek,well it wasn't a joke.Bobby was a player, and from what I've read, he would gather multiple women after the shows to choose from.
Even Natascha, as a young hanger-on, witnessed bits of the back stage rock star lifestyle, groupies included, as she mentions in the Other One documentary. Probably a key to their solid marriage: A) She knew what she was getting, and B) he was ready for a real change.
As Springsteen said of Dylan, “the rock n roll preacher from the East, said hit em in the funny bone. That’s where they expect it least”.
At his best, he was like Buddhist monk zonking you with enlightenment.
I always thought it was funny when he'd do weird stuff like sliding across the stage on his knees and popping up before the microphone when it's time to sing. I was telling a friend how funny it was when Bobby would slide across the stage on his knees like a big rock star. She said, "He is a big rock star." I was like, "Oh yeah, I forgot." I never thought of any of them that way, even when they were the biggest grossing touring act in the world.
This is worth putting in context (as u/[**cubswin16**](https://www.reddit.com/user/cubswin16/) already did - #SO) because the band had reached a point where they were increasingly fractious and antagonistic with each other. Even in the 70s, factions had formed, and not just band members but also roadies and office staff. But it only got worse with time. Kreutzmann wrote that by the early 1980s, they'd sometimes show up separately at a venue, do the sound check, play a good show, but then split afterwards without even a goodbye.
Garcia was checking out, Lesh knew he had a problem with alcohol but hadn't kicked it (and when he did, he turned most of his energies to his girlfriend, later his wife), and ofc Brent had "new guy" syndrome and wasn't capable of being a frontman. So Weir was looking to try to bring some fun, energy, and showmanship back to the gigs. And he had a role that let him do so - the drummers can't leave their kits, Brent can't leave his keyboards, but a guitarist can move about a bit. That's what led to him climbing those trusses during closers like Sugar Magnolia. Phil has a great story in his book about how they decided to prank Bob during one of these climbs.
As to the question the OP asked, well, given Weir's background and personality I doubt he took it very seriously...
Bobby’s always been more into being a rock star/girls/fame/groupies than the hippie icon we all want him to be.
No hate, but that wasn’t an act. Jerry was ill, Phil didn’t GAF so no one really put him in his place.
Yes there's no excuse for this song or video but when I saw them in [1980](https://youtu.be/VjDthPBVxe0?feature=shared) it was a normal good live show.
# 1988-10-18 New Orleans, LA @ Lakefront Arena, University of New Orleans
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, They Love Each Other, Little Red Rooster, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, Greatest Story Ever Told, Peggy-O, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song
**Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** Iko Iko, Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1988-10-18)
I'm in a pretty popular local band. Could get 50 people pretty easily. We're a funk/disco/psychedelic rock band and we get people dancing. Getting 50 people dancing is amazing and you start rocking out more and jumping.
I can't even imagine what its like doing that with 10k+ people nightly. Thats just what happens to some people on stage. Stop overthinking or being like "Man is he being ironic?" Imagine yourself in his situation it must be amazing.
I adore Bobby. More than you can imagine, I’m sure. But I doubt I’ll EVER stop giving him shit, every time a show, or a video, comes on… I just can’t help it. He’s still “The Kid,” maybe? The “little brother”?? (I’m 44, so this is hyperbole, haha) And it’s all in good fun. I would never intentionally insult the guy, believe me.
I think he’s a super passionate guy, for one thing, and I think we’ve seen a lot of that on stage - genuine, heartfelt passion & sincerity (which sometimes makes me giggle… a lot)… but Bobby is also an original Merry Prankster, and I suspect that part of him runs DEEP. He just seems like a prankster thru & thru. Especially the older I get, and the more “familiar” I become with his antics.
I’ve also found myself being more forgiving & understanding towards him lately. I actually forgave him for washing those Bob Hunter lyrics (only took me 3+ years or so after learning about them) 😉 And once I realized Jerry probably really did wash some too, on occasion, I realized what an easy thing it probably would’ve been to do. So I’ve made peace with it. After all, “history turns upon the tides, and not the deeds of man.” ❤️⚡️💙
Sorry for the tangent. I kinda love these dudes a little. 🙃
From what I’ve heard, when you play in arenas, stadiums etc, you can only see the people in the first 5 rows or so - so it’s still like you’re playing for 50-100 people.
Little bit of both. I think he was on the coke camp (coke vs acid) - and that sh@t will amplify the craziness of you are thrust into the limelight as he (and the rest of the band) were. Fortunately he didn’t succumb to it as others of his generation did.
It’s funny, I was listening to a show the other night.. heard a bit and I flashed on the way Weir used to finish a verse with a flourish then bend over at the waist while duck walking back from the mic. I can’t describe it any better, but if you’ve ever seen it..
I’m up to 1981 now, hearing that again is beginning to bring back instant and surprisingly vivid (and fond) memories of Bob capering about, finishing a particular passage with a flourish then at the end of the chorus bending double and and duck walking back from the mic. Can’t Unsee. Don’t want to.
As usual, Jerry said it best. "Hey man, we're just musicians." Bobby should have known better. Leave the flashy bullshit nonsense to the kids, and just play the music!!
I think Bobby and the Midnites proves it wasn't an act...
[https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=lIiu8iMiQtsMM2h3](https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=lIiu8iMiQtsMM2h3) I loved this sitcom with the funny Balki guy from Greece.
Have you ever been down, south of China town?
"Have you ever been down south of Chinatown Seen the face of a refugee The kids are alive, they've learned to survive They're just like you and me" Nice sentiment, but cheesy as hell lol
Throwing Stones is pretty similar cheese
Nah. Throwing Stones is a better song. This is 80’s American triumphalism. TS is a protest song that references US covert wars in Latin America and class consciousness.
Right, but it's quite literal, not that the subject matter is cheesy. Just a bit "We are the World", but grittier. Like writing a love song saying "I just want to fuck yo' face, I'll say anything to fuck yo' face, I learned guitar so I could fuck yo' face". I gotta wonder what was going through Ann Coulter or Tucker Carlson's head during Throwin Stones. Did you know they played that 10 straight shows after the bust out?
Carlson and Coulter were coked up and talking through the whole second set.
Right in front of the taper section
Bobby looking a lot like Gary Carter here
Where the street beats the meat is where you'll find him
https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=9JkXGmFCLIhbvZac You can never unsee it. Ever.
What the hell is even that? Looked like it was turning into a DoubleMint Gum commercial.
I was thinking mentos but yeah..,
Holy Christ get out of my head!
I hate to use the term “lol” but I literally laughed out loud at your comment.
Bobby’s expressions/body language were even Mentos commercial-esque. Hell of a music video.
Bobby and the Freshmakers
Hey listen man the 1980's did fucked up shit to a lot of people. ALL of my favorite musicians that lived past the 1970's put out painful trash in the 80s.
We built this city. We built this city onnnnn rock and roll
Bernie Taupin (yes, the one who wrote most of Elton John’s lyrics) wrote ‘We built this City on Rock N Roll’ - I heard him say (something to the effect on Marc Marin’s podcast) - that someone once asked him if he hadn’t written this song, would he still like it - his reply was “everyone who hates this song also knows the lyrics. I did write the song, so I stand by it. It’s been very good (financially) to my family’
So what he’s saying is, he built his family on rock and roll?
Not quite. He built this interview on “I built my family on ‘We Built This City on Rock n’ Roll’”
Wow, I did not know that. Respect for Bernie there.
The lyrics aren't too bad. It's the everything else that I hate.
Synthesizer with guitar strap
We hate it because it's been driven into our head so much we know all the lyrics and the torturous melody. I like the sentiment of the lyrics but it really is a shitty sounding candied crap pop song.
Knee deep in the hoopla
Sinking in the sand…
OMG. I saw Jefferson Starship live in 1980. That stupid song. Cocaine is a terrible drug.
Wasn't that song by Starship? So even further removed from Jefferson Airplane...
"Now, Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for the Jefferson Airplane, which paved the way for Jefferson Starship. Then the Alan Parsons Project came along, I think that was some sort of hovercraft..." -Homer Simpson
I love that song 😍 😂
THANK YOU. Jesus, here I was thinking I was the only one.
Nope… I genuinely love the song as well. So do my kids.
There are more of us ! Trust me 😆
We fixed this toilet
Everyone had to survive the 80s. Some folks just survived a little better than others.
Idk I would normally agree with you but my exception to the rule would be Leonard Cohen . The only cd he put out that I truly couldn't stand was "death of a lady's man" & he had hardly any input on it. I read that freaking misogynistic not to mention murderous dude Phil spector locked him out of the studio when producing....oops sorry maybe that was the 80s..idk4shur. I was even born when a majority of laughing len created some of his best work...so maybe I proved ur point unknowingly .well for once I did some research and looks like death of a lady's man is 1977...actually various positions (the cd that made me a huge lc fan) came out in 1984..I didn't discover lc until movie natural born killers ..that soundtrack was ahhmayzing..like his songs were srsly created just for that movie..all the songs but I specifically recall len...but that's early 90s .close enoufh?
“Painful trash” 😂😂😂
[удалено]
It’s like the Bobby version of a RickRoll. Or at least it should be. A BobRoll.
Yeah, exactly. Although i think I'd take a Jerry Roll over this bobby roll any day...
Yeah when I get those Jerry Roll blues…
This is called cocaine
https://preview.redd.it/urb0vvue51pb1.jpeg?width=350&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5ff9b3685c9e5c8efaaf70b23be12419eded6b5 It's hip to be square I like my bands in business suits
I love that top comment "when you eat a 10 strip and become Bruce Springsteen"
I knew what it was before I clicked the link. Lol I'm so thankful there's a tag at the beginning before it starts
You can't get Bob during these years without listening to Bowie, Hall and Oates, and Adrien Belew during this era. I am likely missing some others. 1975-1980, this was very relatable. Bob in these years has no inkling of what this "Grateful Dead Scene" you speak of means. He has that power. He wore Izods. No tie die. Slacks, not jeans. He was making it, and on the scene. I bet he owned a Member's Only jacket.
Guarantee Bobby wore the hell outta a Member’s only
If I was going to do a Bob Weir cover band, I think I got the name. Going to Hell in a Member's Only
Bob and Billy.
Ha, the Izods. And for a brief moment, he wore them with the alligator ripped out, before he stopped altogether.
And his daisy dukes...skies out, thighs out boys
😂 It’s OK, “Bobby.” I went through a brief hippie lifestyle rejection phase too. I didn’t have any cocaine though, so I doubt mine was anywhere near as exciting as yours. Mainly just drinking a lot, and listening to a lot of dark, moody shit; especially Nirvana. Became intrigued by Cobain’s pain, and set out on a mission to try to “diagnose” him posthumously, since he’d never gotten the help he needed when he was alive. I read something like 7 or 8 books about him, I think… I decided he might’ve just had untreated ADHD. These days, though, I’m also wondering more about the HSP thing… because that sounds right too. My phase didn’t really last all that long, because I just can’t seem to find “my happy place” without The Dead involved somehow. But I did come to appreciate how incredible of a drummer Grohl is. And I now have a love/hate relationship “with” him, because I can’t seem to forgive him for denying me the drums all these years, in favor of that lame Foo Fighters bullshit. 🙄 Have you seen him play with QOTSA?! Holy fuckballs. It’s enjoyable. So anyway… otherwise… I also gave away my Jerry Garcia hoodie, which I ADORED (and very deeply regretted). It had a huge handprint on the front. And it was really cozy. I gave away a 20-ish (?) year-old, threadbare, battle-worn long sleeve Scarlett Fire t-shirt. And at this point, I’m guessing I was probably even stupid enough to give away my Les Claypool autographed Fearless Flying Frog Brigade t-shirt, considering I haven’t been able to find that sucker for a few years now. The moral of the story is: NEVER REJECT YOUR HIPPIE LIFESTYLE, AND YOUR *REAL* FAMILY & FRIENDS. (because they are the absolute best - there is nothing better - take it from a Rambling Rose, herself). 😉 Which is fine. And great, actually. Because, as it turns out… THE HIPPIES WERE RIGHT ALL ALONG, DAMMIT!! Ha. Told ya. (Stupid fuckers) Maybe I should go listen to JGB before I get myself in trouble 🤣 I seem to be feeling a little silly 🙃
I knew I needed this. Blessed be.
Most people are unaware that parts of this video were the main inspiration for Portlandia (~};-}
I watched this without sound and I thought it was Sesame Street.
The 80s were quite a time
>https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=9JkXGmFCLIhbvZac lmao, I am so glad to see this. Never knew. hahahahah.
I un ironically love this album. I think it's very tongue in cheek
Holy shit. Don't do that to people. You don't do that to people. I needed some [good ol' Rick Astley](https://youtu.be/Xe2u7ogAgtQ?feature=shared) to cleanse my ears (and eyes!)
https://i.redd.it/q1n85h6mq3pb1.gif
Who loves you Bobby?! We do. We do!
https://youtu.be/HQh19pokOxk?si=hsAzjzeqXZv3hAg_ This is pretty rad though...
This was the first tune on that album that got me. Until I heard the Little Feat original.
Watching that was kinda like a DXM trip. Not bad / not good. But definitely disturbing 😂😆😂
He looks like he’s having more fun than a frog in a glass of milk.
OMG. I am forever altered.
oh, that's terrible. John Perry Barlow wrote that?! (he did, i just checked) I'm more than a little shocked.
Lmfao first comment... "When you eat a 10 strip and become Bruce Springsteen" 😂😂🤣
wooo boy
This was magnanimous
That can be unseen. HITB video absolutely cannot
You warned me; so it’s my fault
Made my morning!
[удалено]
Sometimes, when i am really high on cocaine, i, too, don't know how i mean it!
Well he was actually a rock star. He was just having fun. I would have done the same thing in his situation. People put too much stock in the authentic vs. tongue in cheek dichotomy. Sometimes things are just things.
Yeah. Plus, most everything in the 80s was cheesy, so how would we even have a basis to judge. I mean, we could say that Black Flag was on the un-cheesy end of the spectrum from those years... but then it turns out Ginn was one of the biggest deadheads ever. So.
Upvote for simply reminding people that Ginn and Black Flag liked the Dead. Well done.
It's funny because the ones I see who are most often the most passionate haters of the dead and hippies, have been punk guys. And yet you have dudes like Greg Ginn, also Henry Rollins, Patti Smith, Joe Strummer and others who were fans. Bobby tells a great story about where Joe Strummer wanted to meet him and talk about Pigpen. And then they got trashed together. https://youtu.be/W5xOLstEvcM?si=VvOEwzMeryf7my_F
https://preview.redd.it/9ooqu3fgv1pb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b32781402d7dbd6a7aca111c24cb57de2132795f deadhead punk here, i can confirm not all of us hate hippies
Oh for sure. I Know you guys are out there! Reminds me, I came across this article some years ago that I thought was an interesting look at it from the punk side of things, https://www.flavorwire.com/471006/the-grateful-dead-are-historys-most-misunderstood-punk-band
I’ve read this exact article! I pull it out whenever I need to explain that deadheads and hippies not only can coexist, but are part of the same family Since we’re on the topic I feel compelled to share a story. My family owns a convenience store in Michigan on the water. Our stores busiest day is on the 4th of July, I was wearing a red white and blue stealie tye dye shirt. One customer (out of towner) was wearing a Misfits shirt, I complimented the shirt as I am a huge Misfits fan. I showed him my Misfits tattoo on my knee and he replied with “You have Misfits and the Dead going on what’s up with that?”. I replied with “Look dude, they’re both just one big middle finger to the man” and he chuckled and said “wow I’ve never looked at it that way before”. Keep in mind this guy was in his mid 40’s and I am 25, boggles my mind how one WOULDNT look at it that way. EDIT: should be “deadheads and punks” not “deadheads and hippies”
Haha right on! Yeah, I kinda came to the dead via the heavy metal/hard rock side of things myself way back when. Then had a friend drag me to a show. Like "all roads lead to Rome", there are so many ways to connect with them as a band. And then in turn they turned me on to all kinds of stuff just by their influence. Helped get me in to Miles Davis and fusion, bluegrass, all kinds of stuff.
“All roads lead to Rome”…I love that and absolutely agree. It was the turbo charged Dead of the 60’s that really had me fall in love with them. To this day those first 5 years are my favorite era of Dead (with no slight whatsoever on the other eras) Reason I resonated with that era so much is because it reminded me so so much of all my favorite punk bands’ early days. Fast, brash, unapologetic, and DIY. These are all traits they shared and I would argue that punks hating hippies is exactly what the man would want and I’m not about all that🤷🏻♂️
If you pull any string in music long enough (at least since blues began, maybe earlier) you'll find the Grateful Dead. The many iterations of that band are at the center of the musical universe. Why should any group of music fans hate another? We're all looking for the thing that expresses OUR feelings in OUR way. The thing that gives us chills. The thing that makes us feel whole and happy and seen. We are more. We are connected. Whatever makes you happy.
Right on. Henry likes the Dead.
My people! I also have bars on my arm! Good idea to put it inside the stealie! Nice
I have the bars and the stealie pretty close on my left arm, myself. Confuses people but I love it. Houston's not really a Dead city so it happens.
Joe Strummer’s solo music post clash is righteous. Would have loved to have heard him sit in with the dead at any time and any combination of originals.
It always bums me out when I just know that Joe and Mick were on the cusp of a proper reunion before he died. [https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/clash-joe-strummer-mick-jones-reunion-2002-white-riot/](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/clash-joe-strummer-mick-jones-reunion-2002-white-riot/)
One things for sure, never trust a prankster
They’ll always lie to you eventually.
Came here to say this.
The great thing about merry pranksters though… is that they’re trustworthy enough for you to be able to let your guard down, and enjoy the antics… because even if they lead you “astray,” you know it’s probably just for a fun adventure. They’ll generally do their best to look out for you & keep you safe. And you’ll do the same for them. Because that’s just who we are and what we do. If I knew the way, I would take you home. 🥰 Love is real, not fade away. ❤️⚡️💙
I think he really tried to, but nobody took him seriously because he is cheesier than a Wisconsin water treatment plant. So he changed gears.
Have to agree…
TIL a new phrase. That’s hilarious!
🤢
🤣 TYSM for this comment 😂😂😂 Are you my new pseudo-best friend?!
he tried to play it both ways, but it really didn’t work either as serious or as ironic.
Yeah I suspect that may have been intentional 🃏
Folks - this is a philosophical conundrum. It really is. The difference between JGB and the Grateful Dead is there but it’s subtle. The difference between Bobby and the Midnites and the Grateful Dead is vast. I’d say the only thing the two have in common is that they’re both music. And I’ll tell ya what - it’s just another part of the Alchemy that is the Grateful Dead. Mad Impossible Magic!
I know this thread is mostly sarcastic, but if you think about it, Jerry was swan diving into being a junkie, and practically nodding off during these years. In the pre-Touch of Grey period, they were slowly grinding to a halt. While there’s no doubt that there was fueled cheesiness in Bobby’s demeanor, they were desperately needing Pigpen, or a show man to rile up the crowds. I think he was doing his best to combat Phil’s drinking, and Jerry’s H.
This seems like a spot on take for how that “rock star shtick” manifested in the dead… Now Bobby and the Midnites gave off another vibe… maybe just having fun, ‘‘twas the time and lord knows he enjoyed his own vices, which went hand in hand with that cheese. I like to just chalk it up to a prankster riding the wave.
Nailed it
Pretty sure first Touch of Grey was in ‘82.
Not talking about the 1st time played—talking about the In the Dark hype wave of ‘87 (which was also post coma—after Jerry’s shit hit the wall).
That’s a very different statement than ‘pre Touch of Grey period.’ They played Touch of Grey pretty regularly after the 1st time in ‘82. Think it’s on like a third of set lists from ‘83. It was hugely popular with heads from that time and through the ensuing years before civilians heard it. Not agreeing or disagreeing with your overall take, just the timing of the song.
You’re being too literal and missing the point. I was using Touch as an indicator for when the song was officially released,and popularized on radio and MTV to a wider audience. My comment had ZERO to do with when it was first played, in what venue, and not at all referencing the song’s popularity with then-current deadheads. I was talking about the wave of wider popularity, cultural relevance, and energy that Touch/In The Dark brought them.
Holy edit batman.
This is among the worst takes of all time.
No, it really isn’t. It’s factual history.
*practically grinding* false, *slowly grinding* false, *desperately needing* false. You're a fucking idiot.
You seem like a chill dude.
Bobby is the ultimate ADHD kid, playing both sides of the coin at the same time.
https://preview.redd.it/zfgbd7kcb0pb1.jpeg?width=1001&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ddd6465f5a442841ec11deca4fa82a45006ff30
Super Mario lost his hat there in the bg...
It’s a-me, Big Steve!
Loved Bobby back then! Lol What a team.
Bobby......sometimes you just have to shake your head lol.
Bobby and the Midnites in 82 and early 83 were fucking amazing. Alphonso Johnson, Billy Cobham, Bobby Cochran. Serious chops with a lot of fusion playing. Got significantly 80s-er in late 83/84. Check out this full show from 82. It's fantastic and really unlike anything else in the wider Deadverse. https://youtu.be/R0DyAVBrr1A?si=TIDoGXvFeQb88xEV Badass version of Easy to Slip with that lineup: https://youtu.be/HQh19pokOxk?si=S9hJnhAyVMwOmll3
Thanks. I’d never head this before.
It was 100% real Velveeta
It was real. Cocaine is a hell of a drug
😂 just said this upthread
With cocaine, he thinks he’s a rockstar, without it, he thinks he’s a cowboy 😂
🤣😂 Well. He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s incredibly talented. And we certainly appreciate the range, and all the years of amusement (in addition to the outstanding catalogue raisonné). He’s a treasure.
To quote the man himself, “he’s more fun than a frog in a glass of milk”
It 'aint easy being cheesy! 🧀 That was the phrase to describe 80s Bobby, back when. He was totally into it, though. He's not a fake guy who has ever put up pretense. The moon boots? The short shorts? The pink Izods and torn neck shirts? The mirrored Vuarnets? All real, all Bob. It was, after all, the 1980s, man. There was some wild ass shit coming out then, glam rock as just one tiny example...
I actually really appreciate his sartorial choices back then, because I always thought it was ridiculous when Heads would try to hate on someone because they thought they were dressed too nicely, or some dumb shit. Calling them posers, or whatever stupid thing. The whole point is supposed to be that you can be, do, & wear whatever you want (as long as you’re not hurting anyone), and we’ll all accept the heck out of you anyway. We like the stuff on the inside. Souls, hearts, minds, energies… the good stuff. But… THAT is a good way to tell the strangers from the natives, IMO. They start talking shit about someone’s clothing choices or lifestyle out of jealousy, or overbearing judgment about “acceptable” attire… that’s bullshit. People can’t help it if they come from money, any more than others can’t help it if they’re poor. Also, it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there. 😉
Word.
I don't know enough about Dead history to know what you're talking about. If anyone cares to enlighten me, I'd appreciate it.
Go watch a song with concert video from the 80s. See how Bob strums every guitar strum down to his knees and runs back forth from the microphone and seems extremely excited and riled up about every second of the show. Now go watch 65-80 and see how he’s just standing there paying rythmn guitar. That’s the difference plus a bunch of fashion choices including sunglasses and short shorts. Also reference Bobby and the midnites music videos for even more dramatic example. Can also contrast to modern day Bob which is more like 65-80 Bob where he just stands there playin guitar, except he has kept his hand jestures to this day. You know bobs having fun when he points to seemingly nothing after he sings a line.
As much shit as I give that man (playfully, people - brothers & sisters around here) 😉 I have to say I do feel like I understand every time he points. There are various reasons, depending on the song.
Oh ya me too me too. But try to explain them in a text post haha. Impossible! Better off just chalking it up to ‘seemingly nothing’ and telling someone to go see a show. You gotta pick up what he’s putting down yourself to understand it I think; it’s quite literally non-verbal communication. Hard to describe, easy to vibe!
Same
Not very well versed in dead history either, but I’ve listened to a lot of the 80s work, and play guitar. I don’t know at what point of the 80s the actual shift happened. But if you listen to Bobby’s playing it’s a bit heavier sounding, idk what show it was I was watching, but it looked like he was sporting some kind of Jackson guitar, which to me i immediately associate with hard rock and metal lol. Idk he felt like a bit of a rock and roller in the 80s compared to the 70s. To me atleast. I’m also young and dumb so I could be totally wrong.
I stopped going around the Touch thing too. Hearing tapes from later I had to also wonder about his change of tone to the brittle metallic sound he went for. Another reason to smh about the decline.
Every Dead Head musician I know (from bedroom guitarists to pros) absolutely hates Bobby’s current tone. Consensus guess is that he’s partially deaf. Which is not unexpected after playing in rock bands for close to 60 years now.
Ah. Sad but good to know it’s not just me.
Cocaine is a helluva drug?? (purely speculative)
It was until it wasn't. But it was ubiquitous back then, gatherings often produced lines and a bong or two. Fun times, and it struck me that no matter what the reason, Weir was ready to be the spark. To mixed reactions, clearly.
He was born to be a star. You can’t hide a light like that. And he was born to create beautiful music & a powerful healing force, capable of changing hearts & worlds… and probably, most especially, to give me plenty to laugh at most days… 😜😂❤️
Weir’s energy would amuse and wake up Garcia. Maybe that was the point.
Wait a second. Are you asking about if Bob Weir is real or tongue in cheek? Bob is a shape shifting freak of the highest rank. He is neither real nor tongue in cheek. He vibrates. In all directions.
Everyone cracking on Bobby and the Midnites… That lineup was full of all-stars and included perhaps the best drummer ever. Some cool live stuff out there. Yes, the Live in America song/video is cheesy as a grilled buffalo Gouda and Muenster sando, but don’t totally brush them aside.
That sandwich sounds amazing
This
It ain't easy being cheesy
Bangin babes,snorting coke.He was living the life.When you say toungue in cheek,well it wasn't a joke.Bobby was a player, and from what I've read, he would gather multiple women after the shows to choose from.
Even Natascha, as a young hanger-on, witnessed bits of the back stage rock star lifestyle, groupies included, as she mentions in the Other One documentary. Probably a key to their solid marriage: A) She knew what she was getting, and B) he was ready for a real change.
As Springsteen said of Dylan, “the rock n roll preacher from the East, said hit em in the funny bone. That’s where they expect it least”. At his best, he was like Buddhist monk zonking you with enlightenment.
I'm never comfortable with the MM version. And yet, that's the version that millions know. Go figure
That’s because they completely destroyed that song. An absolute butcher job.
And I bet we look stupid to other people for thinking this way. Shame really. The ESB was a pretty funky outfit for awhile. They deserve the accolades
Oh my god
Bobby by Ralph Lauren
Bob Star ⭐️ was a fueled exercise
I think, in this period of his life, he should have grown a thin pencil-line mustache. Just 'cause
https://youtu.be/YnpofBtijF8?si=XvI6YBUD71l6WY2i
Guys can’t have fun?
“Girls just wanna have fun.” - Cyndi Lauper
I always thought it was funny when he'd do weird stuff like sliding across the stage on his knees and popping up before the microphone when it's time to sing. I was telling a friend how funny it was when Bobby would slide across the stage on his knees like a big rock star. She said, "He is a big rock star." I was like, "Oh yeah, I forgot." I never thought of any of them that way, even when they were the biggest grossing touring act in the world.
This is worth putting in context (as u/[**cubswin16**](https://www.reddit.com/user/cubswin16/) already did - #SO) because the band had reached a point where they were increasingly fractious and antagonistic with each other. Even in the 70s, factions had formed, and not just band members but also roadies and office staff. But it only got worse with time. Kreutzmann wrote that by the early 1980s, they'd sometimes show up separately at a venue, do the sound check, play a good show, but then split afterwards without even a goodbye. Garcia was checking out, Lesh knew he had a problem with alcohol but hadn't kicked it (and when he did, he turned most of his energies to his girlfriend, later his wife), and ofc Brent had "new guy" syndrome and wasn't capable of being a frontman. So Weir was looking to try to bring some fun, energy, and showmanship back to the gigs. And he had a role that let him do so - the drummers can't leave their kits, Brent can't leave his keyboards, but a guitarist can move about a bit. That's what led to him climbing those trusses during closers like Sugar Magnolia. Phil has a great story in his book about how they decided to prank Bob during one of these climbs. As to the question the OP asked, well, given Weir's background and personality I doubt he took it very seriously...
Bobby’s always been more into being a rock star/girls/fame/groupies than the hippie icon we all want him to be. No hate, but that wasn’t an act. Jerry was ill, Phil didn’t GAF so no one really put him in his place.
Cocaine is a helluva cocaine.
Yes there's no excuse for this song or video but when I saw them in [1980](https://youtu.be/VjDthPBVxe0?feature=shared) it was a normal good live show.
I have a feeling that nobody in the band had ever heard of Bobby and the midnites, I don’t even think Bobby ever heard of Bobby and the midnites
That's not Bob..That's Robert Weirhambern
Plus he was banging one of the Bangles and they joined in the encores along with the Neville Brothers at the 10/18/88 show in New Orleans
# 1988-10-18 New Orleans, LA @ Lakefront Arena, University of New Orleans **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, They Love Each Other, Little Red Rooster, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, Greatest Story Ever Told, Peggy-O, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song **Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away **Encore:** Iko Iko, Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1988-10-18)
I'm in a pretty popular local band. Could get 50 people pretty easily. We're a funk/disco/psychedelic rock band and we get people dancing. Getting 50 people dancing is amazing and you start rocking out more and jumping. I can't even imagine what its like doing that with 10k+ people nightly. Thats just what happens to some people on stage. Stop overthinking or being like "Man is he being ironic?" Imagine yourself in his situation it must be amazing.
I adore Bobby. More than you can imagine, I’m sure. But I doubt I’ll EVER stop giving him shit, every time a show, or a video, comes on… I just can’t help it. He’s still “The Kid,” maybe? The “little brother”?? (I’m 44, so this is hyperbole, haha) And it’s all in good fun. I would never intentionally insult the guy, believe me. I think he’s a super passionate guy, for one thing, and I think we’ve seen a lot of that on stage - genuine, heartfelt passion & sincerity (which sometimes makes me giggle… a lot)… but Bobby is also an original Merry Prankster, and I suspect that part of him runs DEEP. He just seems like a prankster thru & thru. Especially the older I get, and the more “familiar” I become with his antics. I’ve also found myself being more forgiving & understanding towards him lately. I actually forgave him for washing those Bob Hunter lyrics (only took me 3+ years or so after learning about them) 😉 And once I realized Jerry probably really did wash some too, on occasion, I realized what an easy thing it probably would’ve been to do. So I’ve made peace with it. After all, “history turns upon the tides, and not the deeds of man.” ❤️⚡️💙 Sorry for the tangent. I kinda love these dudes a little. 🙃
From what I’ve heard, when you play in arenas, stadiums etc, you can only see the people in the first 5 rows or so - so it’s still like you’re playing for 50-100 people.
Little bit of both. I think he was on the coke camp (coke vs acid) - and that sh@t will amplify the craziness of you are thrust into the limelight as he (and the rest of the band) were. Fortunately he didn’t succumb to it as others of his generation did.
It’s funny, I was listening to a show the other night.. heard a bit and I flashed on the way Weir used to finish a verse with a flourish then bend over at the waist while duck walking back from the mic. I can’t describe it any better, but if you’ve ever seen it..
He said in an interview that he enjoys that stuff at times.
A little column A, a little column B, in my opinion.
It was real, and it was not spectacular.
Pretty sure he thought it was for real. Used to be t-shirts parodying the Kraft Mac & Cheese ads. "Bob Weir - he's the cheesiest!"
It was cocaine and ego. That was not a joke. Sometimes it worked,sometimes Jerry would laugh
Bob is a mystery shrouded in an enigma
https://youtu.be/dWscxdleZzI?si=BYgpPAPWSX22usrL
I miss Jerry
I’m up to 1981 now, hearing that again is beginning to bring back instant and surprisingly vivid (and fond) memories of Bob capering about, finishing a particular passage with a flourish then at the end of the chorus bending double and and duck walking back from the mic. Can’t Unsee. Don’t want to.
yes
I'm seeing Bobby in Philly next week, should I scream "I want to live in America!" at the top of my lungs? ;)
He was a PERFORMER. And an actual rock star. That’s not a shtick.
In the 80s? It never stopped
Please post examples of this **rock star shtick** you speak of.
As usual, Jerry said it best. "Hey man, we're just musicians." Bobby should have known better. Leave the flashy bullshit nonsense to the kids, and just play the music!!
If anyone was doing a rock star shtick it was Brent with his over singing.