Grateful Dead: The Band's Turbulent Touring Years and Venue Bans
The Grateful Dead, a legendary psychedelic band from the 1960s, were known for their love of performing live. However, their extensive touring was met with challenges in the late 1980s as many venues began banning them from performing. The band's troubles began with an incident at Boston Garden in 1982 when they were caught grilling lobsters on the fire escape before a show.
Subsequently, between 1988 and 1990, the Grateful Dead faced bans from various venues and local authorities across the United States. Fans protested against bans at venues like the Ventura County Fair in California, while California State University, Stanford, and Berkeley also imposed bans. The band's dedicated fanbase, known as Deadheads, played a significant role in the bans due to their unconventional following of the band from show to show.
Jerry Garcia, the band's lead guitarist, acknowledged the importance of Deadheads and the shared experiences they had while following the band. The Grateful Dead's popularity soared after the release of their hit single 'Touch of Grey' in 1987, attracting a new generation of fans. However, the influx of rowdier concert-goers and drug-related incidents led to increased scrutiny and bans on the band's performances.
In response to drug-related issues at their shows, the band distributed leaflets urging fans to refrain from drug dealing and disruptive behavior. The Grateful Dead emphasized that their concerts were about music, not drug activities, and encouraged fans to support a safe and enjoyable concert experience. By 1991, the situation began to improve, and the band was allowed to return to Boston Garden, marking a more peaceful period in their final years of touring.
Despite facing bans and challenges, the Grateful Dead continued to perform and amassed a remarkable 2,300 shows throughout their career. Their enduring legacy and dedicated fanbase have solidified their place in music history.