Keith Moon Destroyed Jerry Garcia's Hotel Room

[@paulmakesvideos]

I saw the Dead in Oakland & Berkeley a lot. I saw them play onstage with The Beach Boys, Carlos Santana, Ornette Coleman and others. By the late '80s, the crowds got younger and better looking and, for me, the original vibe that brought me to my first show back in the '70s was fading. Not long after, the drugs took Jerry. For me, I came out the other side sober and with my health intact. Not true for too many. As a fan, I remember the fun times. And, the music has never stopped. Thank you. Good story.

[@otisgibbs]

Here's the link to the book. amzn.to/3xI1M2c I published this in the mountains outside of Chattanooga this morning while watching the sunrise and then drove to Florida. It's been quite the day. If you buy anything from this link, I'll get a tiny bit of cat food money.

[@jeffnorris7789]

When are you going to write your book? Come on, I know you want to.

[@minxlabrada]

Cloudland Canyon near there is worth a look.

[@bewaremyswirlyblades6775]

Be safe, man

[@daddydothang8635]

​ Now you're on my side of the Hill. 😂

[@mbass718]

Thank you Otis. I'd definitely like to get the book.

[@2ChukBuk]

I happened to be in SF on business in December 1986 and knew the Dead were playing the Oakland Coliseum. So I drove to the venue, parked and walked the parking lot with my finger up hoping for a miracle ticket. I got one! It was Garcia's first show after recovering from his diabetic coma and it was great. On the way out, I noticed a small group of people hanging out on the concourse. As I walked by, it was Joan Baez engaging with a number of fans. So much fun!

[@ish474]

Man I do not miss being drunk and high for one second I used to read these stories in my teens and early twenties and think they were just such great stories and now I hear them or read them and all I can think about is what the next day felt like

[@howardjohnson6189]

BAMM!!

[@ericleiter6179]

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean...I loved hearing all the Keith Moon stories, now I've grown up and have an autistic son who completely destroys rooms/things and all I can think when I hear Moon stories now is...I'm the only one who gets to clean all this shit up!!!

[@mlchaelpycik8158]

Let me tell you something buddy they are great stories. Just cause you got old and can't handle your shit that doesn't change how great these stories are!!!!

[@JCSteel2112]

I saw the Who in 81; saw the Grateful Dead from 79-95. Society drove the ideas and influenced the music; drugs enhanced the whole thing; it wouldn't have been the same without the drugs. It all packaged up in to one hell of a crazy time. Oh what a long strange trip it's been. Now then, I do agree with you about substance addiction and getting help when things are out of control.

[@gregbaxter7871]

I was lucky enough to see the Dead with Jerry 18 times before he passed. I've since seen some of the combined or individual music projects and while they can be quite good, each time I'm reminded that Jerry was the spark in that band that I enjoyed the most.

[@andrewzacks]

I attended the Etta James Dead show at the Kaiser. Don’t remember much. But i now live within a stones throw of the auditorium.

[@markr.k8260]

Saw the Dead and the Who in Oakland. One side of stage was American themed the other side was British themed ( mail boxes, phone booths and trees). I remember seeing Keith Moon’s broken drum heads hanging from branches of the trees and when the Who finished their set Keith deposited his drum sticks in the British Mail box! Great show got in for free.

[@josevillarreal9920]

You attended a Dick's Picks Vol.33 show. An amazing performance of The Grateful Dead where Jerry's guitar finesse was as silky and smooth as can get. He was playing the Travis Bean, I believe.

[@kennedyterence4209]

Morning Otis, When I was about a freshman in high school my family started working For Bill Graham, my sister eventually becoming the ticket manager. An education that I'm sure my parents probably wouldn't appreciate. I saw so many shows in ways that I couldn't have seen had I not had the connection. Getting in before the shows start, setting up stage a few times, working as an usher, or just visiting my sister because I loved music so much, and it was just a blast! And yes, the behind the scenes could make a truck driver blush. I have seen The Who and The Dead more than 20 times. Never had the pleasure of seeing Moon behind the kit though. And The Dead shows at The Greek theater in Berkeley, at The Oakland Auditorium and New Years Eve shows at The Oakland Coliseum were more like a Cross of the Renaissance Pleasure Fair, a farmers' market and family reunion than a straight up concert! I still cherish those memories so much. I miss Jerry and Bill Graham so much, San Francisco has never been the same since we lost them! Gonna have to check out Rock's book for sure! Have a great Weekend!

[@artemisXsidecross]

They were exceptional good times. I remember in early '67 The Grateful Dead showing up in the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park on a flatbed truck to play unannounced. The same happened a week or so later with Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding company. After the '67 'Be In' it all seemed to go down hill especially when 'Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair' hit the radio. Expectation deludes novelty.

[@willisjefferson5886]

One of my favorite Garcia stories was He was waiting in a Heliport in NYC to go somewhere, Parish came in and said Sinatra was coming and would Jerry like to meet him. He did. They sat and talked till they flew. No idea what they talked about, I just love that Jerry met Frank

[@zendixie]

My first Dead show was in 1973. That began a close to twenty year experience . If I could only remember more about those adventures I would also write a book. 😂😂😂😵‍💫🐲🐉🍄💀

[@tourhead]

Interview your friends who are still around. Combine what memories you have and the ones they have. A book might come out of it.

[@2112CO]

What a time to be a Dead Head.

[@RonBaker456]

"Kerouacian Roman Candles" - LOL. What a great phrase.

[@catheryndenton1766]

Great Band name! Dr. Jack & the Kerouwakian Roman Candles 🎉😂

[@minxlabrada]

Actual LOL, when you said the President of the United States was in the same hotel as all this. Another great Keith Moon story. Thanks!

[@mountart2]

This just might be one of the greatest rock 'n' roll stories ever!

[@bodegabonsai7069]

I read "Full Moon" by Dougal Butler many years ago. Non-stop laughter. I thought everything Keith did was hysterical. Same with this story, burrowing through the wall to get back into his room. And, he was arguably the greatest rock and roll drummer to ever sit behind a kit.....and then destroy said kit.

[@waynead754]

My first Who show was March 30, 1967, at the Murray the K Show- their first US tour.

[@travlintexas3118]

I saw the Who open for the Grateful Dead in 1981. They were taping a German television show called "Rockpalast". I was in the Army and stationed in Germany at the time.

[@erikt454]

I think Pete joined the Dead on stage, too.

[@trajan6927]

The Who never opened for anybody after 1967. Certainly not 1981. The Who did open for The Beatles and Stones from 1962 to 1964.

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

The " Scully " Book - Legendary Dead Road stories... " That Clockwork-Orange Orb of a face that is Keith Moon" - Rock Scully saw the DEAD - 123 times between "85-95

[@randalclarke5487]

Wonderful epilogue Otis! It's sad how addiction was so common and normalized then, and still is somewhat today. From having been an active addict and working musician I appreciate your final statements that you don't have to live like that to create great art 😊

[@howardjohnson6189]

Exactly!! Some of the wisest words of a lifetime for far too many folks but words we definitely hope they can position themselves to repeat to many others over and over again for a lifetime!

[@drybayoudan5429]

Many thanks for your continued Saturday shows ! Everyday man dialogue, &. content is always refreshing. You’ve turned me on to more good books than the library. Thanks for giving a damn !

[@drybayoudan5429]

I’m ready to tune vintage 60-70s wrasslin from Memphis now, after a bit of guitar playin’.

[@3340steve]

Thank you for sharing this wisdom about creative people not needing to endure the car crash to both create fun fantastic work and also to have a memorable experience. Loved the story.

[@WillyKellyMusic]

Man, I love the stories you choose to tell. I’ve been gigging for over 50 years and the early stories are funny because we survived! Haven’t been wasted for over 37 years and lovin’ it. Still playing, still having lots of fun, and still enjoying what you’re putting out here! Thank you… 😎

[@MC-mi4ck]

Love that book. FYI there is video footage on KZbin of that Etta James-Grateful Dead show. I think they play Lovelight and some other Pigpen tunes. Thanks Otis!

[@mbass718]

Thanks. I'm gonna have to check out the footage. Always loved when the Dead broke out Lovelight. With Etta James it must have incredible.

[@Oldcrow77]

Mama cooked a chicken, thought it was a duck. Stuck it on the table with its legs sticking up. I believe that’s how the line goes.

[@KittyCarlile-490]

​@@Oldcrow77I've heard that by the late great David Lindley

[@artemisXsidecross]

The Grateful Dead was a different group when Ron McKernan was a part of the band. His friendship with Janis Joplin was also a part of those mid 60’s music scene in San Francisco. His early death in ’73 in his late 20’s has for some has still not received the appreciation deserved.

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@KittyCarlile-490 Hope you are well, out of a medical lock up, and walked away feeling better. ☮ ‘Let Me Live Until I See You Again’ Rachel Faro

[@scottkidwell3601]

Happy Saturday, Otis and friends! Great story! I can't imagine living in that time and being in a band. I mean, I grew up in that era, but was a little young for that legendary lifestyle. I like both The Who and The Grateful Dead, never saw either in concert. Be good to you 🙏🏻🤍

[@daverogers5556]

Never knew the Who & GD connection. What a story! Thx Otis

[@stephennepa9737]

Have a great weekend Otis. Saying high from Delaware ❤

[@MarkKramKarmVI]

Great story and your narration is top tier❤👌🦅

[@BryanMeekins]

I remember reading this book back in '96 when it first came out. It's chock-full of great stories but I've always found this one to be my favorite. Thanks so much!

[@tkreitler]

Keith Moon seems so loveable from afar but it had to be hell for those close to him. Anyone who has ever lived with someone who gets manic understands how difficult and exhausting it can be.

[@paul_grimsley]

Never apologise Otis 😂. Thank you for your videos. Just brilliant 😂

[@jimshaw-realtor3734]

Great Message, thanks Otis!

[@jeffcramer2463]

Thanks Otis. Old dead head. Didn’t know Jerry loved The Who. Very cool. Have a great day man 😊.

[@chadkeltner1779]

Always entertaining, Otis. Thank you again.

[@BrianRoberson-k7g]

It's amazing that Keith Moon lasted as long as he did.

[@matthewwillis4892]

Looks like a great read, Thanks Otis. Here's a tidbit not sure if you know or not but Ramblin Jack Elliott was a dear friend of Jerry's and they share the same birthday, he's still hanging out with Bobby.

[@johnrichardson1917]

Otis We Love because you are So real exactly who you are! We love you because you don't try to do stupid, phony baloney accents. And your Golden advice at the end is exactly why we keep coming back! Truly 1 of You tube's Greatest treasures! Thank you Otis!

[@efrenmeza4817]

I did see Santana open up for the Grateful Dead in the mid 1980s I have to tell you that you’re reading and telling the stories was so great that I close my eyes and visualized everything you said I was totally taken in great job. Keep up the good work.

[@jeffclement2468]

My older sister took me to see The Who in the Spring of '68 in Houston. It was a matinee, and the place was only half-full. (Houston was kinda slow catching on) Moon was a human wood-chipper. Broken drumsticks were flying in the air every few seconds! Pete was wearing that gold lame jacket, and he did the guitar smashing bit, ultimately tossing it out into the audience. Over people's heads into the empty seats. A statement perhaps? Anyway, it remains my favorite concert. I saw them 2 more times, (once with Kenney Jones) and countless other bands but that first one was EPIC! 😻😎

[@markcraven3842]

Excellent, Thanks Otis...Saw Moonie at the 76 first Boston show for about 2 songs and he collapsed on his kit. Missed the make up show. Had to go back to school. My first Dead show was Colt State Park, Ct. 1976 Many more after that......

[@wanagie]

Some Good Drugs and a real party. PS: 40yrs sober with my own memories of 70s crazy.

[@GaryStockton]

Moonie was a looney. I remember listening to radio 1 with my little earpiece and transistor radio late one night learning of his passing. Tragic, he was trying hard to get clean. Overdosing on Heminevrin in the same Mayfair flat where Mama Cass died.

[@taxi134-y1q]

A flat that belonged to Harry Nillson,another tragic,doomed musician.

[@GaryStockton]

Harry Nilsson bought the flat, then sold it quickly to Townshend after Moon’s death.

[@matchedbook1]

I saw the Dead and the Who at Woodstock in 1969. I don’t remember much… Thanks for the stories, Otis. Now I need to order another book!

[@jroc2201]

Thanks for letting me know about the book!

[@sayeager5559]

Hunter S Thompson vibes.

[@jameshauer8554]

My first Dead show was Oct 9, 1976. It was also my first time seeing The Who as the two bands shared a bill, actually two days (Oct 9-10), that day. I saw The Who only one more time (mid-90's, The Quadrophenia tour), but saw the Dead and JGB approximately 150 times. I make no special claims except to say they are two of my three favorite bands (the third being the ABB) and it was an important part of my joy for those 19 years. Such a variety of experiences, never boring.

[@trajan6927]

You mean The Dead opened for The Mighty Who. The Who never shared the bill after 1969 Woodstock.

[@brucesnider5890]

Thanks for another great video Otis. I first saw The Who in 1980, after Keith passed unfortunately, but was fortunate to see The Dead several times in the mid-80s. That said, I still consider myself a bit of a latecomer when it comes to seeing The Dead live. I’ll be sure to pick up that book; sounds like a great read. I read Dead/Garcia roadie Steve Parish’s book “Home Before Daylight”, and some of the things he describes are similarly incredible to read, and not always in a good way.

[@deanrouleau8403]

AMEN! No OUT of Control needed! IWT 1985-1995❤

[@Caperhere]

Don’t adjoining hotel rooms share a connecting door?Thanks, Otis; hope everyone has a great day. BTW, one of our provinces is collecting eclipse glasses to send to the next place to see an eclipse. People might want to check to see if there is anyone local collecting them.😊

[@mbass718]

There's another solar eclipse that'll be in totality happening in Egypt in 2027. After that it'll be something like 30-35 years til we see another one in totality. I'm hoping to go to Egypt for it as well as visiting tons of sites from the ancient people who built the pyramids, the Sphinx and so many other incredible sites long before most archeologists think they were built.

[@markisskajellafetti]

Did'nt get to this til Sunday. Great stuff Otis.

[@JimsIfitaintbrokefixit]

Over the fence with this one. Thanks Otis.

[@rjphoto66]

Saw the Dead many times in the early 70s while living in Oakland, also Gerry in various trios at the Keystone Corner good times and recreational menu some gas tanks were in play too.

[@mrwhite2628]

Great story, Otis! One to remember for sure. There is a reason the best music comes from back in the day. Blow was everywhere! It was like Lay's potatoe chips. Nobody could do just one. Hahaha! It's a wonder any of us made it out.

[@daveclark8788]

I saw the Dead on New Years seven years in a row, from '76 to '82, which is when Etta showed up at Oakland and did Midnight Hour with Weir and the boys, along with the Tower of Power horns-terrific fun. Somewhat overshadowed by the Blues Brothers at NYE in the last show at Winterland in '78, but all good, all very, very, veeeery good!

[@josevillarreal9920]

The last show at Winterland '78. Now that is an amazing show from start to finish. Beautiful performance ⚡

[@billyshane3804]

Otis you are a natural born storyteller, and songwriter, love everything you post. Thanks for the music and the stories and interviews too.

[@greggtrubee9565]

Great story! Going to order the book. I need some good entertainment! Thanks Otis!

[@briano.1503]

Thanks for the heads up about the book Otis! I saw the Grateful Dead a whole bunch of times from 88 to 90. And saw The Who 4 times in the Zak Starkey era. It's over.

[@TheOldYellers]

This is a great book. Funny. Great stories.

[@christophercampbell1677]

Deadhead here. Love it. ❤️ thanks otis. Ps the grateful dead are not for the faint of heart 😂😂

[@jammininthepast]

Great stuff man. Where can you get Jerry Garcia, Jack Kerouac (quotes) Kieth Moon and President Carter in the same pod? Is it a stretch to say Moon's part in this is totally believable? Thanks Otis, you're appreciated brother.

[@carol-1-1-1-1]

I just ordered the book, thanks so much! The drug culture was so different back then you just had to have lived in the 60’s and 70’s when it was normal to see lines of coke on the table, qualudes, black beauty’s and so much more. Most of us just wanted to smoke pot and outgrew the drug culture. I saw Keith Moon literally leap from behind his drums, he was spectacular! Most of us crazy folks walk a fine line but you know what in spite of his addiction he was stunningly talented ❤️

[@brianmobley1720]

Very cool story Otis!! Gunna have to pick up that book!🐿️😎🐿️

[@nickdoormaster1930]

Really liking all the dead related vids you’ve been doing. Keep it up 👍👍👍

[@xjamesramos]

WOW great story! Gonna have to get that book! Thanks Otis! Come to Dukes on 4/20....I have some friends performing. :)

[@mattcalendinemusic5661]

Great book! Read it a long time ago, this makes me want to revisit it! Rocknroll fantasy world!

[@Molt408]

Wow! I've read that book and it is completely nuts, there's an audio book that Rock Skully narrates and it tells all. Once a prankster always a prankster and they were! I'm from the Bay Area and saw the Dead hundreds of times but missed that show. didn't see em till 85. Thanks for the great stories!

[@kmaher1424]

The Gianf Rat of Sumatra! One of the cases of Sherlock Holmes. Only mentioned ny AC Doyle in passing, never written up Until the Firesign Thester used it in a skit. They ẁre an immensely talented team whose records were even more hilarious to altered minds. Mostly simple herbal alterations in my set...

[@davidstirba6382]

A real good read, much of it completely hilarious.

[@chickenmessiah]

Check out Alice Cooper’s experience with Keith Moon staying at his house. My condolences wife.

[@stevelafler]

Rock Scully wrote a wonderfully entertaining book about the Dead and his time with them. It is worth noting, members of the Dead family have opined that Rock has a very a good imagination and may have EMBROIDERED a few details of some of his anecdotes! Still, I've read this book a couple times over and treasure it. It's spirited, brilliant. And, it does tell the tale of Jerry's descent into addiction in a frank manner. Interested parties may want to read "Garcia: An American Life" by journalist Blair Jackson. It's a more factual book, but just as entertaining as Rock's book. Thanks for the grand tale, Rock Scully (Rock left us a few years back.)

[@andrewmcreynolds4677]

I saw the dead in Gainesville Florida in 1979 in the old gator alley bought some acid did it the next day at a party tripped for 3 days it was the last time the dead played in Florida took me 2 weeks to learn to read and write again!

[@jodyphillips4284]

I seen the who in 76 at the gator bowl, LaBelle and black oak Arkansas open the show the place was half full, the laser show was awesome and it had the largest speaker set up I have ever seen!!!

[@julesotis13]

love the Otis editing snippets....... and with blow you wanna shout out or shoo the TV sounds like sportsball people tooo

[@gratefuldev23]

I was at that New Year's Eve show (1982/3) with Etta James, but never knew the story behind it until reading Scully's book. Thanks Otis, love your channel! PS Bob Weir's dog was also named Otis.

[@littlejimeeeerr]

Love ya Otis, you are a cool human being🎉

[@richabolistic]

Insiders will tell you that Scully’s book may contain some embellishment, but entertaining nonetheless. And it is a reflection of the times.

[@artemisXsidecross]

I remember from late ’64 for it all to be an embellishment from the placid 50’s. ‘On the Road’ by Jack Kerouac, Ken Kesey, Hunter S Thompson, naming the more obvious writers followed. Music is a metastable business and the playing for basket money has been replaced for fractions of a penny being paid for streaming.

[@johnnyrockdog]

I’m a Deadhead and a road crew member! I like your comment about comedians who think they are edgy have nothing on road crew guys!

[@brettsanders616]

Read this from a library in Kentucky believe it or not it's good thou thanks for posting

[@ronnie5129]

Mr. Moon Destroyed a Lot Of Things, The Car he drove in the swimming pool, The John Lennon Lost Weekend , John and Mr. Moon Destroyed a lot of things,

[@truthtoad]

I didn't see the Eta gig but I hurt my back taking a few of those 65's backstage. Danced it off at a Spurtles show!

[@tgwsci]

Love it!

[@alvarhanso6310]

Keith Moon was the most insane rock star of all time. One very popular tale is of him passing out midshow and a fan from the audience replacing him for the end. What's often left out is the full context: it was the opening show of the Quadrophenia tour in the US, and Moon was given up to 8 elephant tranquilizers, and supposedly took them all after being told half of one would be a massive dose. They played about 90 minutes, including the whole of the Quadrophenia portion, and then he passed out. Was revived, came back out, passed out again. The guy from the audience, Scott Halpin played 3 songs, was competent, and afterward said it was the most tired he's ever been in his life. Jon Fishman, the workhorse drummer for Phish said that the night they played all of Quadrophenia for Halloween was the most tired he's been in his life. It's astonishing Moon made it to 31. All that insanity aside, he's also my favorite drummer. He's uniquely perfect for the bombastic music Pete Townshend wrote. His playing style made John Entwistle go from a single 50 watt amp to a 100 watt and soon 2 100 watts, with Townshend keeping up with the bassman, creating the Marshall stack, later the Marshall double stack, all because of Moon the Loon. They shouldn't make a movie about him, they should make a mini-series. The good, the bad, and the horribly ugly. This story was pretty benign, even though he could have easily died. Always love hearing about Jerry's love for The Who and Townshend's love of the Dead. Wish there were stories of Phil Lesh and John Entwistle talking music, or maybe a missed opportunity.

[@richierugs6544]

thanks man

[@oughtssought1198]

well done again brother Otis

[@lifelongfan07]

I’ve gotta get me a copy of this. Hilarious! Didn’t Rock Skully rob the dead, or was that someone else? Unfortunately, I have no stories to tell as I was too young to go to concerts at that time. Great advice at the end Otis!

[@justpeachy4938]

Lenny Hart, Mickey’s dad, stole a nice chunk o change ($70,000 was it?) from the Dead. Was partly why Mickey left from ‘71-‘76.

[@deanrouleau8403]

I think Rock Scully might’ve left because he was an enabler??

[@lifelongfan07]

@@justpeachy4938 thx for the clarification!

[@lifelongfan07]

@@deanrouleau8403 ha ha! Yeah and they had Bear!

[@erikt454]

A friend of mine went to see The Who in Montreal in '73 and stayed at the Bonaventure - famously trashed by a couple of members of The Who that night. My pal was somehow (joking - he was a fan in high school at the time) not invited to the Who party, but if he'd known I'm sure he would have tried going in! Funny how many of us are reminded of mornings-after sh!t-show nights, though... myself included.

[@haroldneilhampton7716]

Nice one Otis, that book is non-stop entertainment. It's in my top 3 books on the Dead. The others are Garcia- An American Life by Blair Jackson and Dark Star by Robert Greenfield if you're interested.

[@libertywilly7519]

"And the wild man he layed the thunder down"😊

[@HamCubes]

Tap, tap, tapping on my window!

[@artemisXsidecross]

Music on the road is akin working the carnival and side shows. Not all of them are the same. Strong psychedelics are an inward journey of your own mind’s landscape; being out of your mind is only the wish. Instead you may be locked in with your own mind’s boxed in landscape. It is not a coincidence that good writers are always a step away from good music. Any good mechanic solves problems like intaking a tank of nitrous oxide by using their imagination found just outside of their tool box.☮

[@trevorthomas5552]

I read that book when it came out in ‘95 at the too young age of 15. Some fantastic stories in there but, yeah, it gets pretty dark in some places.

[@lyndellucas161]

Good one Otis

[@alphadogstudio]

Unfortunately, I never got to see the Who with Keith Moon. I saw them in 1982 (I believe) on their first "farewell" tour. They were still great, even without Moonie.

[@erikt454]

I love Scully's book.

[@jeromemurphy7018]

After a Good Ol’ Boys show we went to the Navarro and waited and met Frank Wakefield and he was friendly and kind.

[@williamperkins7318]

One of my favorite books.

[@TimSpacek]

Love Jerry’s playing. Listen to him so much I think I’m starting to play like him. Just kidding. Thanks for the story.

[@julesotis13]

Otis not that every thing you post aint great as evidenced by how when i type i rewind it can take me three times aas long as the video to watch when i miss pieces some i watch repeated and this is you at your best......bravo and thanks - SJOCR

[@scottcachopo5632]

I saw The Who play with the Grateful Dead at the Oakland Coliseum 👍🎸🎸🎸seen both bands many times after that

[@reteipdevries]

Grateful Dead - 5/10/72 - Concertgebouw, Amsterdam. Who was there as well?

[@bradhardisty1652]

I know Jim Lauderdale did some things I have with Jerry's lyricist. Did Lauderdale know The Dead? I'm trying to think of I ever had a dead connection but I don't. Sammy Hagar does.😊