The Longevity and Mystique of the Grateful Dead

By Quinn Eaton

"Casey Jones?" "Truckin'?" Everyone knows the Grateful Dead right? The band has existed in some form or fashion for 54 years, and along with them has resided one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in all of music (they prefer the term "Deadheads"). Talk to anyone that has seen the Grateful Dead, or other renditions of the band, such as the Other Ones, the Dead, or the now touring Dead and Company, and they will tell you that the atmosphere is unlike any live show you will ever attend. The music is cranked, the vibe is kaleidoscopic, and air is abundant with...well you know what the air is abundant with. The remaining band members that tour still manage to pack venues and amphitheaters across the country, and in the band's heyday, it was often difficult to grab a ticket to a Dead show. How have the Grateful Dead managed to keep one of the most ardent group of followers coming back again and again while also reinventing themselves to appeal to generation after generation?

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