Title: Grateful Dead Fans Find Comfort and Community in DMB and Phish After Jerry Garcia’s Passing
Date: [Current Date]
Downingtown, PA – In the wake of Jerry Garcia’s untimely death in 1995, Grateful Dead fans, commonly known as “Deadheads,” sought solace and camaraderie in the music of Dave Matthews Band (DMB) and Phish, according to Jeff Travitz, a passionate fan who has recorded over 100 DMB concerts.
Travitz, a 61-year-old franchise development manager from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, noted the unique appeal of both bands while acknowledging their role in filling the “major void” caused by Garcia’s absence. For many Deadheads, DMB and Phish became a meeting ground to congregate with friends, tape shows, and exchange recordings.
Despite drawing comparisons to Phish, Dave Matthews, the lead songwriter of DMB, downplayed any intentional resemblance to the famed jam band. Emphasizing the importance of improvisation, Matthews explained that although the bands were categorized together, their individuality surpassed such generalizations. The term “jam bands” became an umbrella label, irrespective of their musical differences.
Devoted fans of DMB have gone to great lengths to express their loyalty. In 1998, the band launched the Warehouse, an official fan association that offers members exclusive benefits such as pre-ordering tickets, participating in contests, and access to an online message board. Steve Roberts, a teacher and Head of a prominent DMB Facebook group with around 850 followers, reminisced about his dedication to the band. Roberts confessed to stealing his mother’s credit card to join the Warehouse in its early days. Today, he purchases additional pit tickets, which range from $50 to $150, and distributes them at face value to group members, combatting the prevalence of scalpers.
Echoing fan sentiments, Dave Matthews himself expressed frustration with the current ticketing business model, calling for profits made by ticket brokers to be redistributed to artists, theaters, or charitable causes. Matthews believes that these intermediaries, who profit significantly from scalping, should give back to the industry that supports them.
Despite decades passing since Jerry Garcia’s passing, Deadheads continue to find solace, connection, and a sense of belonging in the music and community fostered by DMB and Phish. These bands have provided a refuge for fans to share their passion and keep Garcia’s spirit alive through their continued love for live music.
Sources:
– Travitz, Jeff. Franchise development manager in Downingtown, PA.
– Roberts, Steve. Teacher and DMB Facebook group organizer.
– Dave Matthews, lead songwriter of DMB.