Band Has PLAYED To The MOST FANS in the History of our Planet & ONLY Had 1 Hit! | Professor of Rock

The Grateful Dead may have the most passionate & loyal following of the Rock Era. The Dead were jamming their way to the highest echelons of live music when In 1986, this legendary band’s front man Jerry Garcia nearly died, and the future of the group was in serious jeopardy. Jerry recovered, and the Grateful Dead made a miraculous comeback with their first album in 6 years In the Dark which led to their one and only hit song, Touch of Grey! Most are shocked when They realize this all time group only had one hit. They’ve played live to the most people in rock history over 25 million but only had 1 top 40 hit. Coming up... the making of the unlikely anthem by the psychedelic road warriors from Palo Alto, and the unheralded author Robert Hunter who was an indispensable part of the group, even though he never performed with them. The story is NEXT.. on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time., If you have ever rushed the stage at a concert You’ll dig this channel of daily nostalgia Make sure to subscribe below right now. I know you’ll dig it! We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. more content and your support helps us do more interviews and keep it a daily show. By the way… we have some amazing interviews coming. You’ll be shocked… I’m so excited…
Here’s a fun rock n’ roll topic to discuss…. Which band would you say had the most ardent followers of the Rock Era?The Stones... the Beatles... Zeppelin... Pink Floyd…Rush, U2...Metallica? Hands down, my vote is... The Grateful Dead.
Since the band originated in Palo Alto, California in ’65, the Dead began their incredible run of touring for 30 consecutive years, performing between 100 to 150 shows a year and during that span, there were many accounts of diehard Dead Heads seeing the band hundreds of times… They’ve played to more people than any band in history and sold over 25 million records but had only one hit song. Let’s get into it.
For many going to a Grateful Dead concert was a pilgrimage, and even a competition, to attend as many shows as possible. That meant dropping out of a regimented society, and immersing themselves in the colorful ’tie died' community of the Dead Heads.
One of the most famous “Dead Heads” is NBA Hall of Fame center Bill Walton, who, reportedly, attended an astonishing EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX Grateful Dead concerts- not counting the offshoot versions such as Dead & Company, and Ratdog.
When asked about his deep love for The Dead, Walton is effusive with his praise: “Their message of hope, peace, love, teamwork, creativity, the dance, the vision, the purpose, the passion, are all things that I believe in.” The band originated as the Warlocks in ‘65, but that name was quickly dropped in favor of... The Grateful Dead. The formative lineup included: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann.
A fifth member of the group emerged a few years later when Garcia invited Robert Hunter to become an official part of the Grateful Dead. Although he worked with band as a lyricist for well over two decades, Hunter never performed with the Dead, yet his contribution to the band was invaluable.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is the GREATEST LIVE band in history?

[@Code.Name.V]

ZZ Top

[@christineml1476]

Prince and the Revolution

[@freezer8530]

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

[@catherine6653]

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones

[@Stoney_Snark]

Santana live gets you dancing at some points and just grooving at others. It’s not showmanship, it’s immersive. I’ve seen him 5 times, never a disappointment!!

[@thomaslong8401]

I’m 66 and never a Grateful Dead fan. Thought their music was boring. Then I landed at SFO 3 months ago, got into the rental car and the radio was tuned to the Grateful Dead channel on Sirius/XM. It was a full concert from early 70s in SF. I thought well I’m in the Bay Area, I’ll listen. After 15 mins I was hooked. Garcias guitar work is incredible. I was there for a month and all I listened to was Grateful Dead. I’m a Dead Head fan now. No pot required either!

[@oldarpanet]

I heard an interview with Hunter on, I think it was KSAN in San Francisco...The interviewer finally got around to asking if Bob was upset at not having gotten a Grammy yet. He responded "I have something better than a Grammy!" The interviewer said "OK, I'll bite: what's better than a Grammy?" Bob said he was sitting outside at a cafe drinking coffee, smoking a cigarette when a shadow loomed over him. He looked up to see Bob Dylan who announced "Hey, man. I just recorded two of your songs and I'm gonna put them on my next album." Mr. Hunter said "When you're a songwriter and Bob Dylan tells you he's putting two of your songs on his album; That's better than a Grammy!"

[@oldarpanet]

Somebody pointed out that most bands go on tour and play the same show night after night to a different audience, whereas the Grateful Dead went on tour and played a different show each night to the same audience.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s how varied they were.

[@guzzidude7410]

It was NOT the same audience.

[@havable]

@@guzzidude7410 The reference is to the many who would follow the Dead from stop to stop.

[@Pghdeadhead]

Idk they followed me everywhere for many years??

[@oldarpanet]

@@Pghdeadhead My favorite bumper sticker: Who are the Grateful Dead, and why are they following me?!?

[@JosephCostanzo-u7h]

A poet,a preacher,a Prophet,and a teacher.....a broken angel sings from a guitar......God bless Peace

[@leesenger3094]

When you spend 8 years of your late teens and early 20s traipsing around the Country to see the Grateful Dead, life changes forever! Those were some of the greatest years of my life! 236 GD shows and I wish I could've seen more!

[@kevincosta9228]

Thank you for a great tribute to an incredible band. I love all kinds of music and musical artists but the Dead have had a special place in my heart for over 35 years. I went to a number of Dead shows in the mid-late seventies and they delivered big-every time. No recording has ever been able to capture the magic of actually being there. That fabulous sound system enabled you to hear every note that every member contributed to that glorious mosaic of sound. There's never been anyone else like them, and there never will be again.

[@jennyjenny4501]

“Lately it occurs to me, what a long, strange trip it’s been!” Sums the entire experience up!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I relate to that a bunch.

[@haworthlowell805]

I tell people that pretty much describes my life.

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Lyrics from one of their best songs IMO. Timeless is timeless.

[@RC32Smiths01]

The Grateful Dead is definitely one of the most unique rock bands of all time, and for sure having some of the most passionate fans out there. Fantastic man as always

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Always!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Cherry García, in fact! 🍒

[@ElizabethShetterly-pu6il]

THE most unique rock band of all time! ❤

[@ArrowMaster_]

I am proud to be one of your under 18 fans! I unfortunately was not born in the music golden age, so I dont have the best of knowledge of the 80s', so thanks for making these so I can discover new bands and songs😊

[@purplelove392]

I'm 60 & learn something new from Adam every time I watch.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are awesome. So cool that you get it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@ArrowMaster_]

@@ProfessorofRock no, YOU are awesome!

[@_i_am_unceded]

@@purplelove392 TRUTH

[@jazzfan999]

The Grateful Dead for me: I was 18 yrs old in '72 when I first discovered the Grateful Dead. Jerry's 'Sugaree' was playing quite often on the Philadelphia FM station WMMR, and I loved it. My friend and I went to ACRAT in Atlantic City and I found 'Garcia'. My friend groaned and muttered 'Ugh! Grateful Dead' I didn't know anything about the Dead. I was only interested in British prog rock. I soon came to regard the Dead as the greatest thing I'd ever heard, and to this day, at 69 years old, nothing... nothing makes me feel as good. It soothes my soul (presuming I have one). I can't quite express what the band meant/means to me, despite the disdain of my teenage friends, and later, wife and kids who thought I was profoundly weird. No one I knew 'got it', but it didn't matter to me. I'll love the band till I die.

[@sethstine4698]

From a huge deadhead: Thank you sir. You brought a justice and understanding to this song that even us so called "Deadheads" have been incapable or unwilling to do. Thanks.

[@ajbianchi85]

The older I get, the more love and respect I have for the dead. Touch of Grey is an undeniable banger.

[@obviouslyurnotagolfer148]

Well done professor!!! ❤ I really loved the genuine respect that your episode exuded. Praise be given to Jerry & Robert, from all of us who have them in our minds and hearts. For the music that those two and the members of the Dead created, are still being played by multiple bands and artists because we all know that, "The Music Never Stops & Everybody's Dancing!" 🙏😎🌈🕺🎶🙌🍷❣️🪷🥳

[@noneyabizness7288]

Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile. Thanks for the trip, I still miss Jerry to this day. Aug 9, 1995 was a tough day for me and many others. It was also the only time I'd ever heard a radio station (KLOS in S. CA I believe- I am older and my memory ain't what it used to be) stop all programming and play nothing but The Grateful Dead all day long. It was an incredibly sad and wonderful moment at the same time.

[@chrisoakley5830]

I was never a big fan of the Dead but always respected the fact that they had such a rabid fanbase.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The 80s Beyhive.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I have never met more loyal fans than dead heads. I had one friend that would only play grateful dead and I mean only, I got one chance to go to their concerts and those were some of the most loving accepting people I have ever meet. I met a few people that sold stuff of of their van and followed them to every show, said they had been doing it for years, the show was great with really long jams. Rest in Peace Jerry you were one of a kind , a true original. Great episode professor

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. We need more comments like yours!

[@latentsea]

Well said

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

There are students that go to my school wearing “Grateful Dead” and “Cherry García” T-shirts.

[@pariahpokemonwesbragg2904]

One of the greatest bands of all time!!

[@williamhughes3841]

Jerry said they were like black licorice, some don't like it but the ones who do REALLY like it. I found them in 8th grade in 1983 and never looked back. 65 shows and the soundtrack to my life.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome. Love it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I have ALWAYS hated black licorice. Every time I ate it I had no idea I was eating it. When I realized I was eating it I quickly spit it back out and rinsed with water, then grabbed something tastier.

[@_i_am_unceded]

I am an artist, watercolor and pen and ink, and i feature illustrations of islands and small beautiful cities. I always hire other artists to work beside me. One time, i hired a wonderful artist, a young man who had just finished following the Grateful Dead for five years. He had a long coat made that had pockets inside for 40 tall beers. He made his living selling the beer to other dead heads. True Story.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow. Thanks for sharing that.

[@_i_am_unceded]

@@ProfessorofRock Adam, you are a good man. The stories you share about music and love and your dad and your children. These are the bridges we share.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s incredible.

[@vermontdave1]

As a Deadhead since 84 thanks for finally doing a post on the Dead. Love your channel.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks for watching David!

[@dranet47]

This is one of those bands that just played great, feel-good music that spans genres and generations. We could use some of that these days. Thanks for the tribute.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It feels like they’ve been around forever.

[@namelia4439]

Hey, if you can use some of that feel good music, go see some of the upcoming Dead & Co shows!!! Check out stubhub…tix still available for shows all over the country…I’m going to at least 5! Obviously, John Mayer is no Jerry Garcia, but he’s not trying to be and I think he’s done a good job of fitting in, in his own way. I know Bobby really enjoys playing w him. So I feel good at ALL their shows, whatever the iteration…and this is supposedly their farewell tour (although they said that in 2015), so go while you can and FEEL GOOD!!!🥰

[@MsThebeMoon]

Gotta phish for it.

[@counterpuncher01]

Adam, during this troubling time where I've stressed on world affairs, lost freedoms, pending Civil War, and my own career angst, there's no calculating how much I've enjoyed and been inspired by your shows. You completely got me into The Sweet, among others. I've always loved the Dead so this was a no brainer for me....love you Adam.

[@Frankybroadcast]

The Grateful Dead is the GREATEST BAND EVER!!!!!! We are so lucky to live in a time of human history, to witness their greatness. Best band of ALL TIME!!!!! They weren't the best at what they did. They were the ONLY ones that did what they did.

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

The 6th member of the Grateful Dead came along in late 1967 - percussionist Mickey Hart. Robert Hunter's involvement came a few months after that. Dark Star was one of his first compositions for the band, and this started shortly after they added his poetry as lyrics to the song "Alligator" found on their 2nd album, Anthem of the Sun.

[@bill8384]

The Greatful Dead is an acquired taste! It takes time. Whenever life gets to be too much and I need a break, I always que up American Beauty! Always helps me put everything in perspective! RIP Jerry!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We lost Jerry too soon. Sad 😢

[@GWms-su1mh]

for a lot of people I know was instantaneous not aquired

[@GWms-su1mh]

That is spelled Grateful for future reference

[@steinbauge4591]

@@GWms-su1mh definitely aquired for me, but I knew it was worth staying with it, get into it (last 2 decades,long after the band itself ended)

[@Stoney_Snark]

I saw Bill Walton at a John Fogerty show in Vegas a few years back. I said “it’s Big Bill”, he smiled and gave me a fist bump!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Now that's cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What an awesome guy.

[@janiceforlife]

So many songs of the Grateful Dead bring me memories of my youth and still make me feel young today. Franklin's Tower will always be one of my most favorites. That song brings the audience alive with dancing and smiles! As for Touch of Grey, I'm glad it got many people "on the bus!" The more the merrier! 😁💃🎶

[@namelia4439]

Agreed!! So funny…I just found out that those who came to The Dead bc of “Touch of Grey” were dubbed “Touch Heads”! It was derogatory at first, but I think now it’s got a bit of affection to it…either way, I’m w you…the more, the merrier!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of people’s introduction to them.

[@irishhi8333]

I didn't understand my friends love for the Dead until I saw them live October 22, 1978 at Winterland. I made it to the closing of that venue December 31, 1978. Never followed the band, but saw them every year after and actually worked as a BGP bluecoat at the last shows. There's nothing like a Grateful Dead show. Keep on trucking.

[@lolleeroberts]

Nailed it! Saw the thumbnail, said it's gotta be the Dead.

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu got it!

[@akashambatwamiller6924]

I have seen the Dead nearly 40 times before I was even 10 years old. My mom loved going to those shows. I even wore a Gerry Garcia Tie while I read her Eulogy a few years ago. Few in this world loved music in all of its forms as much as my mother. She would have truly loved your show, Adam.

[@jasoncromwell4206]

Other notable "One Hit Wonders": Jimmi Hendrix (All Along the Watchtower #34 in 68), T Rex (Bang a Gong Top Ten 72), Rush (Tom Sawyer #21 1981),

[@ctcards2636]

Thanks for doing something on the Dead. :-) Very Grateful ;-) I have had the honor of performing on stage with many members of the Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, Ratdog and NRPS. My favorite band and its been unreal to be able to perform with members. There is NOTHING like a Dead show. ;-)

[@floorticket]

Jerry once said something to the effect of: "We don't sell albums, we sell tickets."

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were made for concerts.

[@searing7549]

“Once in a while you can get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right”. R.H.

[@denisefiorelli5702]

I've been to over 50 Grateful Dead shows between the eighties and just before Jerry's death. No 2 shows were ever the same. Love them.

[@jeffdempsey6478]

Saw the Chicago shows from the second row..end of the summer 95' ripjg.

[@lilburro3]

I was at soldier field for Jerry's last shows. Me and a buddy had been in Memphis for a Phish show at Mud Island, got robbed at Knife point, and then hitched up to Chicago for the shows. Thanks Professor!

[@justinmathewson3692]

The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane were the famous ones. But another great band from the same state of California and time period was Quicksilver Messenger Service !

[@ullopincrate]

I remember when the song came out. Many heads hated that it brought in a new class of fans that seemed more interested in the “scene” than the music. The Dead are timeless. The music never stopped…

[@wanderer85295]

Totally remember that. Can't imagine how we would've felt had John Meyer come in at that same time as in my opinion would've driven the die hard true heads away in droves quickly and with tears in our eyes.

[@rmhartman]

Not many groups had a fanbase with a name: Deadheads. Of course they had the most avid fanbase.

[@MaggieValera]

I got a phone call from a friend who said you like those dead people right? It turned out she parked their plane, so they left her ticket at the will-call window. She called me and told me I can have them. My ex and I went out there only to find out that there were three tickets and three backstage passes. Incredible. I was blessed to see the Dead with Jerry, the Dead after Jerry, Rat Dog, Phsh, and attend the Further Festival. Jerry is the one who played the pedal steel on the recording of Teach Your Children by CSN. There's also a documentary here on KZbin called "The Other Dream Team". As a person of Lithuanian descent, I was never prouder to be a fan than I was that day in 1992, when the Lithuanian basketball team won the Olympic bronze medal, taking their place on the platform wearing tie-dye uniforms with steal your face on front. ❤

[@Autumn_Forest_]

I first paid attention to the GD when Touch of Grey was released the month I turned 13. I still love that song, and it reminds me of that magical summer when I became a teenager and the music was AMAZING! I wish it could be summer 1987 for forever.

[@teeing9355]

Grateful Dead is the best music experience of all time, people who never saw them live won't understand. They have inspired a whole live music scene that is alive and kicking.

[@dgarve]

The Dead definitely did not suck. They were great players, songwriters and purveyors of Americana. They just loved playing great songs, whether they wrote them or not. And not just blues songs or psychedelic tunes. My favorite song is Terrapin Station, which borders on progressive. You can't overlook JP Barlow's place in the band's history, as well, since he co-wrote many great "Bob" tunes with Weir. I also tell folks about Jerry's solo on "Across the River" and they are always surprised :-)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! You get it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Interesting.

[@dgarve]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee I definitely agree that they had their off nights, but on the whole, with their appreciation of good music and songwriting and playing, they definitely elevated music in their time. I mean, who else (besides Dylan) would be playing "Peggy-O"?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Terrapin Station is a great song from them.

[@leahi5413]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee You got it.

[@robincupp6087]

Attending my first show in ‘78, it sort of ruined other shows for me. Going to a Dead show was like stepping into a different world, the fans were great, no drunk assholes fighting in the bathroom. People were mostly genuinely enjoying themselves and tripping on something good. The music was the soundtrack to a great time, I never really went on tour or anything like that but when they came to town we took the time off work that week and just genuinely enjoyed our time together with friends.

[@RFXLR]

The dead has had their legions of followers for years and they obtained those fans organically. It would stand to reason that they would have a resurgence and gain new fans, again, organically. They did it their way and they should be proud of that even though they became somewhat mainstream for lack of a better term. A Touch of Grey is just a great, positive song! It’s very uplifting.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very uplifting! Love your post!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Fans of all generations. They had been doing it for over 20 years by the time Touch of Grey was released.

[@desperateambrose5373]

"They're not the best at what they do, they're the ONLY ONES who do what they do." ~ Bill Graham

[@georgemathie8123]

Terrapin station was the album I discovered in my early 20s and made me realize just how incredible the grateful dead are brilliant musicianship, wonderful vocal harmonies and I can see why this band has such a loyal following

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same. Love them!

[@Whisper_292]

SAME! My ex introduced me to the Dead through that album. The Medley is on my personal Top Five fave songs.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@Whisper_292 I love the medley to especially that instrumental break with the string section just amazing

[@Whisper_292]

@@georgemathie8123 I have this weird habit of making music videos in my head, and i dud ut with the Medley. That part of my mental video is an epic joust.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@Whisper_292 that's cool and it definitely does have that cinematic feel to it come to think of it a lot of the grateful deads songs would make a great movie script or soundtrack

[@rastamole]

Went to the last Dead show in Las Vegas during May19-21. I went Friday as I ditched a day in high school. So worth the experience. Hit the giant Chong joint passed around the stadium, hung out at the drum circle and paid $5 for craft beer all you could drink as long as you brought back the same cup. Everyone was chill, they had the water cooling station set up and it was a beautiful day with Dave Mathews band opening for the Dead. Thanks Jerry and the rest of the Dead for the great show!

[@lalapo5304]

They still hold the record I believe for live concerts. The music never stops.

[@dakotanorth1640]

When I was in college, I saw A Touch of Grey in the student lounge frequently. I loved it!

[@martineldritch]

The Dead followed me around for a summer in the 80s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Literally?

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I don't recall them supporting The Sisters of Mercy. Unless they were followers of the religious order.

[@martineldritch]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 A deadhead bumper sticker festooning many a deadmobile back in the day read "Who are the Grateful Dead and why do they follow me around ?"

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@martineldritch 😏

[@martineldritch]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Ya, perfect setup for a zombie joke and i blow it because i don't have..any...brraaiinss!

[@jillwklausen]

I would never have guessed. One hit song? That's just unbelievable. It's amazing how their iconography has become so recognized though! Thanks for this great story, Adam. Have a great day!

[@Outside_Opinion]

Even Jimi Hendrix only had one Top 40 hit. Some bands are just ahead of their time.

[@jillwklausen]

@@Outside_Opinion, so true!

[@eileenh4772]

I worked in local Emergency room 1983-1990. Rochester NY. The Dead played 4th July weekend. We would fight to not work, the crowd that came to town was wild. First time I saw acid overdose. Mostly underage trouble to get permission to treat. All tie dye wardrobe. Kids were nice to work with. Busy busy nights. One new doc said acid is 60s drug I'm an 80s guy. Loved their music. Never saw them but experienced a lot. I'm 63 wheelchair MS over 20 years but feel young listening to the Dead reminds me of my 20s. Thanks

[@ryanswensen7131]

I think MTV and the video helped make this song a hit. One of the most underrated videos ever.

[@gregorygarcia6542]

Thank you for the great video, Adam! I was fortunate enough to grow up in Palo Alto and I went to my first dead show at the frost Amphitheater in Stanford on October 2nd 1982 where they debuted Touch of Grey. It was a very good concert and I really remembered minglewood, Tennessee Jed and saint of circumstance. Not bad for a skinny 11 year old. Since then I've seen over 125 shows and I celebrate their entire catalog. In every city Nationwide there are Grateful Dead tribute bands rocking every night. Down here in Los Angeles we have the mighty cubensis. Their music is timeless and will be celebrated for centuries to come. People criticize me for loving tribute bands so much, but what is a symphony orchestra but a tribute band to the greatest classical composers of all time? They keep the music alive. And that is where it is meant to be enjoyed: live and in person with smiles and tears of joy.

[@maxaroni15]

Touch Of Grey was a perfect feel good summer hit. I learned about them from Casey Kasem's American Top 40 when the song debuted. I immediately taped it and it was one of my favorite songs of '86. I remember listening to NBA legend Bill Walton talk about them on ESPN's Sport Center years ago. ✌️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Bill Walton was a diehard Deadhead it seems.

[@richardespinoza3736]

Bill walton passed away yesterday 5/27/24 ​@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

[@podsmum6071]

I was so excited to see you wearing a Jerry shirt recent and now a whole episode. I’m so excited to watch this when I get home!! Thanks for you.

[@redaleta]

Worked concessions at a Dead concert. It was so much fun. The people were amazing.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing!

[@chema_pr]

As a dead head, I thank you for covering their music. Touch Of Gray is actually one of my favorite songs not only of The Dead, but one of my favorite songs by any band. I would like to point out that besides having an excellent relationship with Jerry, Hornsby played with them on numerous occasions, mainly from about '90 to '92 when he played as a sort of temporary member. Love your channel, keep up the good work bro'.

[@rainwaterjoseph4634]

Cant believe "Truckin" never made the top 40. It got a lot of radio play.

[@gregorychasteen8843]

This was wonderful. Thanks, Man.

[@fivestring65ify]

I've never been a big Dead head professor, but I will acknowledge that they are legends. Like all legendary bands, they have a unique sound.

[@ProfessorofRock]

The episode is worth a watch.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right. I’m not CRAZY like these Deadheads, but I can’t deny their talent.

[@tomchrisfield7348]

For fans that love the Dead, the band known now as Dead and Company played a live show at Cornell's world famous ,Barton Hall, on 5.8.2023 available on line. Their history was a famous show they played there in 5.8.1977. Enjoy.

[@smelltheglove2038]

Did they play the play the same songs as the ‘77 show? Bobby slowed the songs way down and I kinda lost interest after my third time see that band. JRAD has been my go to for dead these days.

[@flavellinator]

Never really knew who Grateful Dead were but had to find out about them after Don Henley referred to them in "Boys of Summer."

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when Don Henley mentions you in a song.

[@borisblvd5354]

In the mid 80's, a friend of mine named "Fishbowl" drove an old Cadillac. He put a Deadhead sticker on the back bumber..hahaha...Eventually, the Caddy got stolen, but the memory will always remain..."Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac"...Don Henley!!!

[@HippieBuddah]

When asked if I ever saw the Grateful Dead I answer yes, I saw them once. 74 times. The man said it in the movie, there is NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert. And, later Bill Graham put it into perspective, "The Grateful Dead aren't the best at what they do, they are the only ones who do what they do." There will never be another. #Love #Respect

[@homeaccount5943]

I can't get into the hippie music of the Grateful Dead, but I really love "Touch of Grey." Excellent song.

[@pendrew]

I worked at the hotel in Hartford, CT where the band stayed in the early 80s when on tour. They would rent the entire top floor. Bill Walton was hanging around all the time, along with Tom Davis (half of Franken & Davis from SNL). Fun note: Jerry Garcia checked into the hotel under a pseudonym - “Hugo Fugusev.” This name wasn’t really a secret, but a joke for when people called for his room. (say the name out loud a few times if you don’t get the joke right away)

[@scottstalcup6980]

"Ya know which Dead song is my favorite? The short one." -- Dennis Miller, 1992.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Nah!

[@scottstalcup6980]

@@ProfessorofRock All kidding aside, full marks to anyone with the attention span. "Golden Road" is pretty decent, although the album with that track was done on Speed. As to the quote, I just remember Miller saying that in his SNL days.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

😆

[@fredupstairs8234]

Yeah, but even the short one is 18 minutes.

[@ZootSuitCooter]

My dad loved country music... and The Grateful Dead.

[@jeffdempsey6478]

Thanks for covering this. Those that know,...KNOW.. Ask newbies...who is the 'Legion of Mary' ? Again.....those that know...KNOW... Bruce Hornsby is the juice 😊

[@JJ-ju6ky]

I moved to SF in 1994, made some great friends that took me to 3 Grateful Dead shows in the bay area. Sadly, Jerry passed in '95. I'm very fortunate to have moved there and seen them perform while still with Jerry. Three incredible shows

[@GIBBO4182]

When you think about it…if you haven’t got any royalty checks coming in, it makes sense to be constantly gigging!

[@ProfessorofRock]

True. But that true for every band alive right now.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re not entirely wrong.

[@robertweldon7909]

Those of us who have been life long "Dead Heads" never cared that they never had a hit tune for years. It was attending the concerts, not the records, that meant the most. Each concert was an individual experience, where everyone just had a good time, got high, listened to some great music (whether you thinks so or not), waited for the encore that never came, and went home with "the echo's of the amplifiers ringing in our heads (to borrow from Bob Segar). I didn't get to see the band while I was in California in the late 60's, I was serving in the Navy, down in San Diego, but after I returned to Cleveland I went to every concert (3 or 4) they did there. The best was when they were recording the live tracks that were on the double record set with the Avalon poster skeleton cover. I heard them record MY favorite tune; Not Fade Away Medley. I can still hear it playing in my head, almost note for note. I think I Google it up and listen once again, just for fun. When Jerry passed, an era ended, but still today, you will find "Dead Head" stickers on Cadillacs. ;-)

[@mattwarbuckle]

As a Deadhead, thank you!

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu're welcome!

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

Its true that Touch of Grey was the Grateful Dead's only Top 10 hit, but Truckin', Uncle John's Band, Alabama Getaway, The Music Never Stopped, and Sugar Magnolia each made the top 100.

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

I worked as a bouncer in Southern Cal at over 300 concerts back in the late 70s, early 80s - Only because I loved music so much. Worked 4 Dead shows. They were also special because they would play for 1 and 1/2 hrs, take a break then play for another 1 and 1/2 hrs- Longer than any band. Jerry Garcia told me back stage, " Take these roaches, its good stuff" as they were leaving. So I did. Ahh, Greatful Dead weed (sweet memories). Next night after another Dead show, and we started clearing out the fans, I picked up roaches around the seats and had a huge bag full when i got home. (One roach turned out to be angel dust- spooky, creepy stuff). But the greatest live show I ever witnessed was the Rolling Stones at thier prime. (Listen to the Stones live album, Get Your YaYas out and you'll know what i mean). As they used to say back in the day, ROCK ON ! 🎸 😊

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Now that is a rock and roll anecdote- the real deal!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He gave you roaches. How promising.

[@zan3do]

We went to Grateful Dead concerts every year, until Jerry Garcia passed. Awesome band! The band ever!

[@michaelinglese1766]

Been a Deadhead since 1974, had the pleasure of meeting Mickey, being onstage with them was A DAY NEVER ENDS WHEN IT BECOMES A MEMORY.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 The Grateful Dead. A fun band that really encapsulated a whole movement. Hippies took over the world for a time. Their audience was a harmless, fun loving bunch. Sadly, a Dead show in Pittsburgh in the late 80s was a bad scene. Police arrested and beat hundreds of concert goers for no good reason. 😢 Touch of Grey was basically an MTV creation. Harmless ditty.,......... actually kinda fun. Thanks for this, Professor. Awesome Bill Walton shout out today! 🎉

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That concert did not have a happy ending.

[@martybrown6095]

Excellent video Professor! Thank you from a 63 year old DeadHead. PS I love your other videos too. Subscribed because I should’ve before. Much Peace and Love brother

[@ellzedd4113]

I remember when this was released. It got played at bars a lot. Great song ❤

[@paulclancy789]

The dead were a one of a kind, great band. Love your show. I'm an old fart, 64, grew up on what now is now called classic rock, used to just be called rock and roll. I've never been one to get too much into the lives of the musicians. I either liked what I heard or didn't. But years have gone by and I see the considerable impact the music has had on my life. Your passion for these artists is infectious. Your sincere fervor is awakening. Love your show and look forward to more shows

[@greenguitarfish]

The Grateful dead to me was a lifestyle as much as a band. A 60s era ideal of freedom, with sharing, love, lots of psychedelics and a mix of different spiritual beliefs. The ideal was not the reality, though. Jerry gave an interview in the 80s where he quoted what he said in the 60s. Jerry said back then something to the effect that the band aspired to be many steps ahead of society in terms of living a more evolved existence. When Jerry heard his own quote in the 80s,, he said something like, “ I said that ? Well……right now I’d settle for just one step.” I appreciated his honesty. The hippy dream turned into a nightmare for me. The dysfunctional result of that lifestyle is reflected quite well in the song Touch of Gray. “I see you got your fists out. Say your peace, and get out.” Or, “Kid can’t read at 17, the words he knows are all obscene. It’s even worse than it appears, but it’s alright”. No, sorry Jerry, it’s not alright. If a friend of the Devil is a friend of mine, there can be no real peace and love. I found the real deal when I found Jesus Christ, who showed His love by taking my sin upon Himself, and dying on a cross for me. That’s amazing love ! I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and serve the only one worthy of worship, and hope and pray you do the same while there’s time.

[@geminidreamno2]

I was never a dead fan. Mostly because I preferred shorter rather than elongated compositions. But I did develop a respect for their artistry and work ethic. What really caught my attention later was “Touch of Grey”. I was immediately attracted to the song. It was catchy and melodic, and short. And the music video was great too. After that, while still not a dead head, I paid attention and they had earned my respect.

[@RobinMarks1313]

I'm old. So, Touch of Grey is working it's way up my charts to the top... one day, there will be an old dog run off with my bones. I don't think the Dead would ever been main stream. Why? Because the mainstream ain't hip, MAN! "They are the MAN!" Squares. Uptight. Worried about money. Not the music... I should have been a Dead Head....and travelled with the circus.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was mostly boring, typical music fare.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

As a volunteer for the Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinic - Rock Medicine Section, for fourteen years, I attended more GD concerts than I can count, including the Closing of Winterland in 1979. We staffed all Bill Graham Presents productions. Some of those shows were extremely busy events medically speaking. For us, the GD shows were a break. Why? Because although many in the crowd were using, they had a universal ethic of kindness toward one another. As a result, the worst that happened might be a tripper who had lost his way and needed some talking down, or through. Many just needed to rest in a place we would designate as "The Space Room." I was never a Dead Head, because I am not given to groupie psychology. But in my memories of those years, they are the band that I always felt most at home. Unpretentious. I was so unintentionally involved with them that I ended up with one of the family members as a patient in my private practice and would hitch a ride with me to local Bay Area shows My vote for the best all-time GD song is "Ripple." PS My Google handle choice was influenced by this history. But it is also meant to indicate that I am retired.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A heartfelt thank you to you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You are so, so phenomenal. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

[@Elhastezy888]

🎵"Must be getting early, clocks are running late Faint light of the morning sky looks so phony, Dawn is breaking everywhere Light a candle curse the glare, Draw the curtains I don't care 'cause it's alright I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive" 🎶 🥰

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so good.

[@_i_am_unceded]

@@ProfessorofRock indeed

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Jukebox poetry at its finest.

[@andrewmiller1258]

'Paint-by-numbers morning sky looks so phony'.

[@wishingb5859]

When I watched Billy and the Kids Billy and the Kids - Grateful Mahalo all I could think is that they still LOVE the music in a way that many performers probably never experienced. It is almost impossible to feel depressed or angry while the music is going so you watch the performers like Bill Kreutzmann and for his birthday, he wanted to get together with his favorite musicians and jam playing Grateful Dead songs. And then, after filling up on their amazing collaborations in the gorgeous outdoors, you turn on the computer and find the late night couch sessions because jamming all day wasn't enough.

[@docwill184]

TWO hit songs actually. 'Truckin'" broke the top-10 in '70 and is still being played...

[@JasonSmith-vj1de]

Truckin' did not get to the top 10. It peaked at #64.

[@isthiswherewecamein6130]

Still one of my favorite lines from any song, "Must be getting early, clocks are running Late!!". What a great line.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

To answer your question ProRo Earth Wind and Fire 🔥 remember I told you kids that David Copperfield was the head of their stages how and lighting, Parliament and Funkadelic Garth Brooks I have seen Garth Brooks 25 x and I never left feeling cheated or that he didn't give his all for his fans. And his tickets are hella cheap compared to other music acts Prince and the Revolution!

[@toddmorrissey8372]

Garcia did NOT collapse in a coma backstage. It happened 3 days after the last date on the summer '86 tour. It also was not "right after drinking a glass of fruit juice". He was dehydrated, suffering a massive onset of adult diabetes, drug addiction and an impacted, abscessed molar. All he felt like doing was getting high, urinating and drinking Tang(thats likely where you got the "fruit juice" thing from). He collapsed in his bathroom and was found by his gardener, Nora Sage. Good job, nonetheless!!

[@seaninness334]

I was never really a fan of the Grateful Dead but had lots of Dead Head friends. Fire on the Mountain still bothers me. BUT I did go to one show and had a really great time. I went to a Chinese New Year show in Oakland in the early 90's.

[@driddels]

Bothers you? Why?

[@seaninness334]

@Doug Riddels It's annoyingly repetitive and THE song for dead heads to bliss out to in cringy ways. Shudder.

[@carlwalker1623]

This release was the first time I wanted to see the Grateful Dead . I went down to Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit to buy a ticket and was told it was sold out. I started asking around for an extra ticket and a Deadhead hooked me up for face value. Once inside the Deadheads were offering all kinds of free drugs , very friendly but I turned them down. It was an audience that I’ve never seen before. Great show, once in a lifetime experience. But once was enough.

[@trinaq]

I adore your shirt, Adam. Brian Wilson is indeed a genius! 😍🎸

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen to that one!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The shirt got it right once again.

[@Ammo08]

I'm so glad to have been listening to The Grateful Dead for so long...the rock stations in my area wouldn't play them....anytime I went to Memphis I would buy another Dead album..I saw The Grateful Dead five times...

[@groovemedium]

I've been watching this channel for just a few weeks, and I was wondering if you were going to talk about the Dead or if you already had. I knew from the thumbnail that this one was about Touch of Grey. I was 7 when that song came out, and I always liked it and the video. I didn't really get into the Dead until about a year after Jerry died. I even saw Robert Hunter solo acoustic in my home town that year; '96. I've since seen every surviving member in various configurations many times. Now where's the video about Phish? You probably won't, because they have 0 hits and they're far less mainstream; less mass appeal. But they've been at it since '83 and they're still going strong. Their fanbase is just as loyal as the Deadheads, and with a lot of crossover, myself included. I'm really enjoying the channel, it's right up my alley. I'm a major music nerd. The video about Fire and Rain was very moving. Thanks for telling all these great stories.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! Phish is coming!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a cool video.

[@groovemedium]

@@ProfessorofRock super cool! Who else could play 13 nights at Madison Square Garden ~3 hour shows without repeating any songs? Nice little fact for the video. I appreciate the response.

[@Frankybroadcast]

I'm the same way. T.O.G. was my first ever introduction to the Dead. I was an 8 year old skateboarding guitarist back then, kinda still like now, and I was into Bones, Graffiti, and All kinds of music, whatever I could get my ears on. Saw the video. The skeletons initially caught my attention, but the music was even better. I've been in love with the music since. 87 was when I was first introduced to them and I've never looked back. Best Band EVER!

[@todsimpkins8908]

Top 40 is not a good indicator of good music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's very true.

[@charleshetrick3152]

Your fans being stoned out of their minds isn’t either.

[@_i_am_unceded]

@@charleshetrick3152 Walk a mile in another man's sandals.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Insert - "not necessarily" Nothing is always or never.

[@pumpkinking5174]

@@charleshetrick3152 Saw the Dead dozens of times.....stone sober. So get painting with that broad brush dude.

[@rabby-u]

I met a deadhead in '91. Didn't like him, didn't get the Dead. I was a Beatlehead, into Tears for Fears, Steely Dan, Eagles. Since then? We've swapped tastes, or say, enlarged our horizons. He's a best bud who's into George Jones and I'm an Evangelical Deadhead who misses Jerry, the guy can croon with the best of them. Live music is real music, no canned shit served at my table!