Thursday, July 15, 2004

the dead

as if in reply to the question hanging at the end of my calvin and hobbes post, i turned on 60 minutes last night, a show i watch only by chance and there were the members of the grateful dead.
 
i've never considered myself a deadhead, but i was pleasantly surprized to see the old guys (and i use that term endearingly) were still kicking and making sweet music.
 
the grateful dead admittedly never set out to make millions. they set out to make music. they are "the most successful touring band" ever, i believe is what i heard last night.
 
the grateful dead are so far ahead of the music industry, they allowed--even provided a special area for--recording their shows. it didn't kill sales as industry big whigs (and lars of metallica) would have us believe, it inspired fans.
 
the band didn't care if the music was taped, because once it was performed, "they were done with it."
 
the band has only had one hit, "a touch of grey." and only became "famous" when they made a video for said hit. but they didn't cash in on that hit. they played it every third show, in "rotation."
 
the band admits any success they've was "backed into" it wasn't planned. the things they failed at, were the things they planned.
 
anyway, i've linked the story to this post, 60 minutes tells their story better than i. but i thought it was God saying, check them out.

they seem a band of artists who are in it for the art, not the fame, not the money.

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