Product Description

"The standard text for firsthand Dead wisdom" (Rolling Stone), updated with band-member interviews, and a new introduction by the author.

A collection of interviews-some vintage, some recent, and some brand-new-Conversations with the Dead is the first (and only) book in which the Grateful Dead speak in their own words about their music and their lives. David Gans, a self-professed Deadhead and host of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Grateful Dead Hour," asked Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and the rest of the band the questions their fans would have asked if given the chance. And Gans goes far beyond the musicians, talking with such often-overlooked key players as the recording engineer, sound man, and road crew -those who have had the coveted opportunity to witness the Dead's decades of music-making. This updated and expanded edition includes rare, never-before-published interviews with former and current members of the band and a new introduction by the author. With a readable combination of intensity, inquisitiveness, and candor, Gans has created an unprecedented portrait of a band who, after more than thirty years of music-making, have earned a unique place in American culture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #327168 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04
• Released on: 2002-04-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 424 pages

From Library Journal
This volume is considered the definitive interview book with the band the Grateful Dead. Gans is a noted expert on the Dead, with several books to his credit, and was the producer of a few of their albums. The volume essentially is a collection of interviews with members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Dan Healy, Mickey Hart, and Jerry Garcia, who, alas, is no longer grateful, just dead. The interviews range from 1977 to 1991, and the text is buttressed with numerous photos. This edition also includes a new introduction. The band remains immensely popular, making this a solid purchase.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
David Gans is a musician, the author of Playing in the Band, and the host of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Grateful Dead Hour." He has also produced three albums, including the Grateful Dead's gold-record-winning boxed set, So Many Roads (1965-1995). He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Customer Reviews

Another Must-Have for Deadheads
This is probably the single best book I've ever read about the Dead. It's so much more immediate and satisfying to hear how things went down from the Dead themselves than from a faceless biographer. David Gans asks the questions *I* would have asked Jerry & Bob & Phil & Mickey & Billy. You'll feel like you're there hanging out in their living room with them. A wonderful insight into what made that magical machine run for over 30 years... --Mike Dobbs

Great Birthday Present for My Cousin...
My cousin Craig is 45 years old this year and he has spent many of his years as a huge fan. I still have the books to give to him, but I know he will enjoy them.