Jerry Garcia - 1983 June 2nd - Complete Interview - MTV Studios, NY (LoloYodel)

(Thanks to the originally posted three-part segments by "August West", in 2011. Here I simply put ... the THREE parts into ONE part with a couple minor changes). Apparently, this video was initially shared by "grner1" in 2008.
This was recorded between The Grateful Dead's 05-15-1983 Greek Theater show and the upcoming 06-18-1983 show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY. The JG Band were playing some 4-5 nights in the NYC area around these dates.
Interviewed by Nina Blackwood, MTV.
00:41 : ... TV preparations & chat, "Twilight Zone" ...
01:24 : interview officialy starts
01:46 : difference b/w the GD and your solo JGB groups ...
... differences b/w electric and acoustic guitars
05:38 : "my solo career started ..." "... I would get horny to play ..." !
07:00 : the GD "culture ...?" (difference b/w licorice and buttermilk ...)
10:40 : back to the 1950's, initial guitar inspirations ...
13:23 : moving up in time .. how did you meet ? (the Warlocks, GD ...)
13:30 : "when I met Phil, he was a lunatic classical composer ..."
16:08 : Pig Pen ...
17:19 : The GD on vinyl ..."difference between building a ship in the bottle and being on a row boat on the ocean" !
The GD experience, concerts, composing, improvising, new record, a video, the 80's counter-culture ...
(26:43 : slight cut)
27:24 : end of the "official" interview
27:26 : off-record ... Jerry ! post-interview chat ... (cut)
30:03 : end ...

[@Sleepy_Alligator]

Garcia was the best interview ever. He had such an interesting, sort of quirky, deep, broad, enthusiastic way of approaching all subjects. Kind of analogous to his amazing approach to making music. I love the sweet, mischievous grin, and the shine on his face as he talked. One of a kind, never see someone like him again. Miss him allot.

[@chrismichael4976]

www.gnosticmedia.com/manufacturing-the-deadhead-a-product-of-social-engineering-by-joe-atwill-and-jan-irvin/

[@chrismichael4976]

look up cognitive dissonance if you are still sober enough at 10 am to read that is

[@stevenbenson5241]

I feel sorry for people that can't detect authenticity. Jerry had it.

[@novakaya]

Chris Michael hey Chris. The people you reference in that theory are life long dear friends. We do holidays together, celebrate birthdays, write and call and have for many decades. I’ll tell you and anyone else reading, they are some of the most genuine, funny, caring, creative, inquisitive and gentle people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling my friends. As are most if not all the friends I made in the audience at Grateful Dead shows. It’s a culture that deals in joy, love, music and peace. If that was all the result of CIA engineering so covert the victims are still unaware of being manipulated 55 years later- I’d say they failed miserably. All that resulted was a kinder more beautiful earth and an enduring cultural legacy that carries on strong to this day. I jest though - my close friends 100% are not products of nefarious CIA spooks. Trust me, I would know. Take care, peace be with you brother.

[@justinnardine8564]

I miss him too.

[@ronson232]

Jerry was always a great interview because he always treated each interviewer with respect, and spoke to them conversationally, as equals. He never once came across as arrogant or condescending or just bored with it all, like virtually every other rock star on the planet has. He was an honest guy who liked to talk to people. So even for MTV, one of the more vapid outlets out there at the time, he is courteous, funny, candid, and intelligent. If you interviewed Garcia, you were assured of a very thoughtful interview; guys like Jagger and McCartney are a lot more superficial.

[@bamadeadhead]

Seederman he helped the interviewer too if they stall or get lost I’ve noticed.

[@thehapagirl92]

bamadeadhead Yes that’s always great when the artist helps out shyer people.

[@jeffclemetson5582]

I've seen a few eye rolls at really stupid questions, but yes for the most part he's an exceptional person in interviews

[@sacluvsBM]

I agree. Jerry wanted to treat people the way he felt he should be treated. And Jerry would tell you if he could you are way off base about James Paul McCartney. Way off base.

[@arlenmargolin1650]

And somebody always treated Jerry to cocaine especially on this interview

[@owenwilberforce6138]

Humblest yet most seasoned performer of his era. No matter what, Jerry was always just down for a jam. His timeless good humor made him a classic American folk hero.

[@jackiemanuel]

Jerry was absolutely singular. I'm so grateful to have been able to see him play and a part of me will never get over his death.

[@jtb1649]

THAT WAS ONE OF THE SADDESR DAYS IN MY LIFE

[@jtb1649]

THE OTHER BEING JOHN LENNON DRING MNF

[@chefaugustine83]

Saw him at 11 years old at soldier field 95. Don't remember anything but the energy and feeling can be or do whatever I wanted. Went on tour early age rat dog string cheese and widespread. Don't think needed to see him to be a head

[@humanbeing2420]

Jerry's playing and singing had deteriorated over his last few years, and he'd all but stopped writing new songs, so while his death sucked, I try to look on the bright side and be glad we were spared what could have been a prolonged period of poor or possibly embarrassing performances. Instead we remember him as he was not to far off from when he was at his best.

[@GLiC]

"I don't like that counter culture idea.... its not like there was a culture for them to be counter to..." - fucking brilliant

[@tonifrancis2189]

So nice to see and hear him, speak. Miss him so much

[@acoustifried]

Someone like Jerry comes around once every 1000 years.

[@musicmavenpublishing2265]

Toni Francis He misses you too!

[@waynej2608]

@@acoustifried So true! 😎

[@venniey]

I could watch Jerry talk forever.

[@irishelk3]

I love listening to his videos.

[@chrismichael4976]

www.gnosticmedia.com/manufacturing-the-deadhead-a-product-of-social-engineering-by-joe-atwill-and-jan-irvin/ something to keep in mind "Im Uncle Sam, that's who I am. I been hiding out, in rock and roll band....." truth IS stranger than fiction my friend.

[@musicmavenpublishing2265]

venniey 😌

[@jesusflores2121]

I fall asleep listening to his interviews. They calm me.

[@little_jerry_garciasbaseme9689]

Me too!

[@schoonat]

"why do you play 4 to 5 hours?", he answers - "takes us that long to get it together", lol! humble indeed

[@andrewwiley2296]

Andy Schoon humility . Their humility, it’s extraordinary

[@sacluvsBM]

And seeing them 36 times more than occasionally they were too fucking loaded to play. As Jerry said "when we were good we were very, very good and when we were bad we were horrid. And we have the most forgiving fans anywhere".

[@vincethompson82]

approx 3:30 mark, Jerry says "my so called career". Humble to the end. Forever Grateful....

[@MrForestExplorer]

I always admired the modest and humble way Jerry and the GD described themselves. These people, Jerry particularly, define the word "cool" for me. Extremely talented, creative, intelligent, worldly, hip, savvy and....just, cool. Into the coolest things. Created some of the coolest music of all time.

[@777jones]

Watch interviews with all the rock stars and pop stars. See if you find anybody to match Jerry. I never have.

[@TheAceofcupcakes]

It is so wonderful to see Jerry smile and light up when he talks about the deadheads and playing music.He was so passionate and authentic. Mis you Jerry you live on forever in your music and out hearts

[@stonejackballer482]

So well said. If he couldve just stayed clean could you imagine th musi they may have come out beyond?

[@dyrwolf]

@@stonejackballer482 10 more years was easily attainable. just tragic

[@tomwilck3289]

One of the most intellectual person I've ever heard in interview. He's so quick in his responses. You can't trip him up even if that is the intention. Not saying that was an intention by any means...the cat was just on. Beautiful. Such a smart and talented guy.

[@grkbymariage]

I love how he speaks more than the interviewer (Nina Blackwood I think). Jerry is so warm, and articulate. He gives more in an interview, than anyone I have heard. Thank you for sharing this. Always Grateful.

[@zorroonmilkavitch1840]

My psychic side has told me that they were copious amounts a Coca being consumed before this interview.

[@traplogic5717]

Word.

[@deanl0]

and the doobie 🚬 cigarette at the end too much

[@mykelc205]

Oh yeah

[@simplechronology2605]

Garcia was one of the most articulate and compelling interviews among all rock stars. No matter how vapid the interviewer was, or how inane the questions were, he was able to run with them and turn them into something insightful and enlightening.

[@chynnadawl9022]

Agree!

[@jtb1649]

THATS BECAUSE HE WAS A GREAT GUY TREATED EVERYONE LIKE A PERSON

[@daniellyons914]

Her job was to be vapid, but Nina Blackwood was actually bright enough.

[@direwolf6234]

was interesting hearing his take on switching instruments as there was a period in 69 - 71 where he'd play an acoustic set then pedal steel and then electric... who knew it was challenging as it all sounded great...

[@tracymanning5024]

Jerry was probably the most intelligent and articulate of all musicians in the rock world. Very well read guy, and it came through in his playing.

[@danvincent2600]

Apart from captain beefheart

[@coopcoop8]

And Neil Peart

[@bluebear1654]

Man, Jerry was high as hell during this interview. He never lost himself in it though. Always about music and others…! Love you Jerry

[@777jones]

He was burning the candle at all three ends in this period.

[@RobotMillionaire]

“I don’t want a solo career in that sense, I just like to play is really what it’s about” Perfectly sums up why the Grateful Dead made it as far as they did

[@sammack1564]

I'd get horny to play!!! And I wanted dope money.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Jerry never acted like a celebrity. His interviews are like sitting on the porch with a good friend who speaks honestly and with warmth.

[@jtb1649]

THOSE ARE THE BEST KIND

[@rknprs]

Nena Blackwood did an excellent interveiw!! I'm loving this!

[@Twotontessie]

rknprs she was good

[@keithkersten5586]

Great interesting interview!

[@Twotontessie]

I love how someone (or multiple people) in the set clap after the interview is over. And someone says “it’s a big hole on the channel “ not having a Dead video. He assures them “We will.” And it took four years but they did and it rocked!

[@lbshore]

It was a great stretch back then. I was seeing the Dead at the Greek Theater in Berkeley and Jerry at The Stone a few blocks down from my apartment on Telegraph Hill and the shows were just terrific. He was such a treasure. Always fascinating. So lucky to have gotten my fill.

[@Meyzen76]

That voice.....along with the warm, gracious, articulated conversation... Jerry was the man! Glad I got to see him. RIP

[@randihawkins3577]

I miss Jerry a lot. what a great interview he ga've, always articulate, intelligent and happy. Love you lots and thank you for all the great Dead and JGB shows.

[@brucerussell1401]

My first show was Greek Theater Sunday 5-23-82. Like Jerry said I went "hey this is for me". Went to 98 shows up until '93.

[@gregfaircloth6440]

His mannerisms make me so happy, idiosyncrasies and a wrinkled eye brow here and there never spoke so volumetric he’s alive and well in our hearts and the music will never stop.

[@jennifermarquard-clanton5664]

I just love this man..,

[@jeffreystark435]

perfectly flawed like you and me. jumped on in 1978. I am forever changed.

[@bobwobbabble5151]

RiPHRaPH 83 for me. The world seems so empty without him

[@andrewptob]

I jumped on in 2016. Wish I could've seen him live, but forever grateful for the tapes and videos.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@andrewptob Check out archive.org if you haven't already heard of it, they have pretty much every show in the band's history and sometimes multiples of the same show ranging from sounboard to audience tapes and many of them just kjller quality.

[@andrewptob]

Bucky O'Beaver Yessir, I’ve been going through shows from archive.org for awhile now. What an amazing gift that is! I can’t imagine any other band leaving such an amazing catalogue out there for people’s free consumption. I’ll literally just type a show date into google (literally just 9-3-77 and nothing else) and the top results are always Dead archive shows. It’s really amazing...

[@DjFled]

Love the way he explained individual vs group perspectives regarding his creativity.

[@Sarah113ify]

Yes, he's so humble. At the beginning when she asks "How's the tour going?" He says "Pretty good." Most people these days would say "fabulous" or something and talk about themselves.

[@joero4610]

Sarah C. Mickey hart... haha but hes the a member of the dead. Gotta give him that

[@curtiseverett1671]

Hahaha yes! Awesome....... The tour is going awesome!!!!

[@jtb1649]

SO SAD I NEVER GOT TO MEET HIM. MET BOB WEIR BUT HE WASN'T NICE

[@jtb1649]

AND MET RICK DANKO AT THE SEVA SHOW.LOTS OF FUN

[@jtb1649]

KEN KESEY AS WELL. WAVVY GRAVY IS STILL TRYING TO GET HOMEAND THIS WAS IN 2003

[@allagoon]

Jerry is laugh out loud funny when he gets going.

[@LudiCrust.]

A good anti drug message is to look at him here and compare it to how he was in 1987 after he got sober again. In almost 4 (!) years of abusing heroin daily and also using a lot of cocaine he aged a good 20-30 years and destroyed his body. If you want to go further compare him from 1976 to 1986 which is shocking. The whole thing is really sad he was an incredible guitarist and the music he wrote to Robert Hunter’s lyrics was exquisite.

[@todddeckard7771]

Incredibly humble and a great spirit

[@barbaranicholas9855]

just saw Melvin Seales and the girls, JGB a big hole without Jerry, of course, but they jammed! Man did they jam. Had my kids and us dancing all night! Missing you Jerry.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Wonderful, I used to enjoy the JGB with Melvin shows even more than the Dead at the time. The venues were a little more intimate, the singers were great, Melvin is a beast on the organ, and who doesnt love a nice Tangled Up in Blue jam?

[@LL-bl8hd]

They're coming to my area this fall, might go check them out. Hoping to see Bobby and the Wolf Brothers first! Unfortunately I missed Phil who was just here. Really wish Bob, Phil, Mickey, and Bill would get together one more time while they're still around! I know they played for decades together and they don't owe that to anyone, but as a new fan it would sure be great...

[@StarDarkAshes]

He has the enthusiasm of a kid at Disneyland.

[@nancychace8619]

Lol - the "emptiness" of the 70's? Into the void I danced... my first time to see Jerry play was at the Rio in Santa Cruz in 76. Tip of the iceberg... I was just getting started, he was just starting to shift gears... Near miss Jer - He'll know what I'm talkin about - God bless, RIP.

[@BDB78]

I love this man. Not a more genuine soul has graced this Earth. Miss him deeply.

[@curanderoverde]

Some people like black licorice or butter milk🤣🤣

[@scottbrady7499]

the greeks, july 13,14 &15 were some of the best shows ever. my last hurrah in north cal before a long hard year in omaha nebraska. the beginning of mtv, before "reality shows." in other markets, that cable station still shows rock videos. (not just vma's and ema's) tbe jgb with john kahn gave me and my crew something to do on the weekends. on broadway, the stone and mabuhay gardens let minors inside if you had tickets. most of the big tracks that would become "in the dark," are performed on this summer tour, and wouldn't be an album until years (and lyric changes) later.

[@krisscanlon4051]

What is seemingly odd is that I was introduced to Jerry and the Dead via their videos...it was like this unknown supposed cult band come to life...unforgettable to my 18 year old self...im a casual fan and really enjoy JG playing

[@steves1588]

How clueless is this interviewer. "On tour, which is your first in quite some time." This man played and toured his whole life and never stopped. I should know I was there. Thank you Jerry for your love of music.

[@daniellyons914]

I guess she meant with Jerry Band.

[@steves1588]

@@daniellyons914 I can't believe why I would think I need to be know it all, ego guy. Especially when we are talking about the most ego less guitar man of all time. Heaven help the fool.

[@DittonWilson]

@@steves1588 I cant what I think I know to believe it all either, buddy.

[@dannypound7626]

It's strange, one expects to see this wreck of a junkie nodding off every few seconds during this period. He's lucid, warm and funny here (looks much older than he should, granted). Love the guy.

[@nonoozabletodogmaisaiah4577]

Danny Pound . I have a feeling our musical friend jammed more than he slept. What a legacy they left. And wasn't he a happy man?

[@JimzAuto]

Ever been around a diabetic when their glucose is low?

[@PeacemongerDesigns]

Dee Dee Dickerson - ex wife of AJ Dickerson - who used to sing with my old friend and favorite all time Jerry clone (and overall fabulous guitar player from St. Louis) Nick Romanoff in a band named "Laughing Bones"

[@StarDarkAshes]

I was hanging on to every word right up until the very end where he starts talking about the Acid Tests...and then it cut him off mid story. 💀

[@mkapsch]

Just a good dude at heart. Legalize all drugs. The issue is not the user. It's the system. However, please take care of yourself!

[@afellowamericanafellowamer5317]

Gone almost 25 years. It does not seem possible

[@jtb1649]

LAYNE STALY GONE 21

[@jtb1649]

HE WAS A FORCE OF NATURE

[@josephfinkelstein5117]

He looked like he was just at the tipping point here because I've seen some other videos/pictures of him in about 6 months where he looks the worst I think he ever looked. I'm not trying to be rude but their is this one picture of Jerry in 1984 where he looks like he may be leaving a personal residence or his own apartment maybe where he looks the worst he ever looked in my opinion. He has a hunch that any opiate addict would recognize from a mile away. His hair his in a ponytail and his skin is somewhere between green and grey and yellow. And it's terrifying. As an opiate addict I feel empathy when I see it. Not pity or sympathy. Just pain.

[@Twotontessie]

His stories about Phil are amazing - huge respect.

[@LoloYodel]

Happy BDay dear ol' Jerry Sir !

[@waynej2608]

Thank you for sharing this great interview with Captain Trips. As stated, he was such an intelligent, articulate, and engaging cat.

[@samuelsergi3462]

Garcia was not a rock star just a star

[@toddmichaels-haggardlawfir2860]

I could just listen to him talk forever.

[@andrewbowen6875]

The interviewer sounds like she’s on the Persian as well lol. Heroin voice is a real thing but nonetheless Jerry was a treat to listen to

[@stonejackballer482]

Jerry oozed charisma.

[@Chrispypullen]

his voice takes you on waves of enthusiasm. i get high from it

[@vincentparrella272]

I could listen to Jerry talk all day long,hes articulate and his stories really come to life like your there.

[@gratefuldrifter6588]

Jerry just a cool dude.Happy and peaceful,always having fun.....

[@joewerner7060]

The First Joker they let out to be free and make ..... what did he make?

[@christopherchristopher4482]

He's so funny. The meta aspect of being interviewed must have amused him. Making faces at the camera. Love listening to him

[@MrMaenambeach]

In all of the interviews I've seen with Jerry Garcia, he always comes across as a nice guy.

[@saintofconsequence]

Cool. I always wondered why he stopped playing pedal steel.

[@tresorngray]

Very eloquent enunciation voice!!!

[@tresorngray]

Love his voice!!!

[@tresorngray]

Love him singing with Mel Saunders- he passed also Rip!

[@GuitarfiendIII]

DAMN,I MISS Jerry !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This makes me SO SAD :( :( "::(

[@bobtrebor6730]

This makes me sad too... It's over w/jerry.. & on my worst days, just wanna kill the self... but jerry wouldn't approve of such a Thing.!

[@nonoozabletodogmaisaiah4577]

Bobby Dudley . Oh yes but wasn't he alive while he was alive? And he was very happy.

[@justinnardine8564]

Lighting up a cig at 1:20 would only happen on Joe Rogan these days

[@b2theran]

I thought only pot is smoked there

[@justinnardine8564]

mark man unless Roseanne is the guest

[@justinnardine8564]

As Phil Lesh would say- “A cool dude.”

[@jtb1649]

FOR ME NO JERRYEQUALS NO GD

[@gfulphan2563]

love the man. thanks for everything, jerry

[@englitguy7076]

Even when he was suffering, he always showed a bright and clever mind. Loved the solo side projects, as they showcased his musical influences (old timey jazz, standards, and of course bluegrass). Furthur, the venues and crowds were more intimate. My last Jerry show was a JGB gig in San Berdoo adjacent. Thanks for posting!!

[@jazzmanchgo]

Yes, I've seen interviews where his nose was running, his skin looked faded, his eyes were either darting around in his head or looking glassy, he was squinting -- obviously jonesing -- and he still managed to be affable, relatively cheerful, attentive, and well-spoken. Powerful mind and deep-running, charitable spirit that not even the most sinister poisons could extinguish. That light never went out.

[@skyking4771]

Miss that jolly spirit, there's nothing like a grateful dead show, an or tent city.

[@JimVarneyHaHa]

I like her hair. I miss womens 80’s hair-doos

[@jgfunk]

I love when he says it's a major trauma to change guitars. 4:57

[@tmjmccormack]

Why are all old interviews distorted

[@The_Klystron7]

"must have to shave 3 times a day" check out Jerry's last film interview May of '95 santa clara valley historical society)

[@JimzAuto]

link please?

[@charlescolucci6074]

They broke the mold ,the world suffers without him

[@Petequinn741]

I miss this man's music..have to many gd and jgb shows to sit and count and still smiling from everyone of them. Nothing compares to Jerry and the good ole grateful dead

[@stuffbyken]

Did TV on the Radio get their name from this interview?

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

I had the same hair style and beard style t-shirt in 2011. People started following me around department stores, throwing me out of bars after one drink saying your cut off, and like that. But I had no glasses, I lost my glasses and couldn't get another pair - my conclusion is - the look needs the glasses. People need to see the glasses with that......

[@depps74]

ANyone know the source of the inteview on "Long Strange Trip" where he jokes about being revered as a deity? His words when asked what he thought of heads that thought of him as a god he replies: AS long as they dont come for me with the nails and cross I'm ok with it.

[@sacluvsBM]

Jerome and the interviewer are not speaking the same language. She is speaking English and Jerry is speaking fluent hippie. Something is lost in translation.

[@johntudorhallelujah2976]

fluent hippie ! Nice one

[@LL-bl8hd]

I wish we could have heard which Talking Heads video/song he liked! So cool to hear that he appreciated them.

[@XX-121]

den den don den dunny-nu if you want to hang out, you got to, take her out, ......

[@XX-121]

;)

[@tubularbill]

I think Jerry was only 40 here

[@davenicholas644]

I like my licorice...

[@jorgerivas1795]

i dunk it in my buttermilk

[@amandastarr1977]

Love that licorice

[@Therealjasonduerr]

Dave, Where are you???

[@richtomchuk1584]

Dave's not here, man.

[@halbrandt2104]

great time capsule - too bad it fades just when Nina B gets him talking about Kesey and the Acid Tests - RIP JG

[@joelarkin3714]

Tribal

[@Keenbeaver]

It’s crazy that all of the people I have known to want to nod off all day and night on opiates were morons that you couldn’t have a conversation with. But Jerry is a real interesting thinker and smart.

[@b00mk1n]

Thanks for sharing

[@johnr8820]

What was it about the talking heads? Jerry was such an electric guy...seemed to be in his own world most of the time..I can relate to that

[@unclejimy]

Funny funny guy man! Always having fun!: ☺️ Cool cool dude 😎🤣

[@JamesSteven-mb8zf]

Coolest chilled awesome 👌 ❤

[@OGRE_HATES_NERDS]

its a different set of chops

[@myinnereyemike4200]

Greg Errico from Sly & The Family Stone. Awesome drummer.

[@barryfreed6868]

jer comparin deadheads to ppl thaat like licorice is the most succinct thing ive ever heard :)

[@ahnanda68]

Thank you for uploading this because I really miss the true Grateful Dead experience as it was a big part of my life. My daughter is 15 now and she's at the top of her class so maybe probably shy to show too much. I've met people in my line of work and around in general 20 years older than me that just accidentally notice things and it's nice to come across people with the same mindset

[@knutbaardsen6437]

Jerry, its all downhill from here. They sure didnt have your vision about selling the videos.

[@LucyLennon20]

Jerry wearing one of his zillion black T-shirts.

[@bamadeadhead]

7:40 this is interesting because TODAY or couple years ago the dead is all I heard about during the reunion shows👍🏼😂👍🏼

[@CrimeThinkBeats]

Wow, he's pretty high here, but fully coherent. Almost seems like he's speeding a bit or had some blow.

[@joewerner7060]

Me miss u Jerry Bear

[@ramblinrose421]

I miss him so much! NFA🌹⚡🌹

[@alexmolina9482]

Jerry was the best!

[@samiam7342]

I've never seen an interview with him where he was not smoking a camel!

[@taylorw2199]

I miss Jerry!!