Photographer's Notes - Grateful Dead:

These photos not only represent some nice close up shots of the boys but looking back it really was a culmination and pinnacle for me when I talk about my love of the music created by Jerry, Bob, Phil, Mickey, Billy, and Brent. I saw my first show in early 85, did an east coast spring tour 87, fall tour 88, and all the big west coast shows at Frost, Greek, BCT, Forum, and many others. By 1990 the Dead and especially Jerry were riding a wave of musical creativity that began 3 years earlier and it's no secret they were really hitting their stride before Brent tragically passed on(this would be the last time that we on the west coast saw him alive). We were hoping for magic and it seemed foretold weeks earlier when we received our tickets in the mail.

When we got these tickets via GD mail order, I was almost disappointed to see that we were in the second row(section 102 row BBB), so close to the very front but oh, so far. When we got down to our seats we were amazed to find out that there was no row AAA, and we were in the very front, Dead center!!

Our incredible luck put us in a joyous mood the minute we got them, and we were soon in store for more magic. No matter how you look at it or who you talk to, there can be no denying that these were 3 consistently awesome shows. Based on song selection alone these rank as 3 of the best west coast shows in 5 years (see HJK Sept 9, 10, 11 1985 for a close second) and if you don't believe me just go buy the One From the Vault 3 on DVD, as it is from 2nd show on Sat Sept 16, 1990. We got it all the big ones: Help>Slip>Franklins, Scarlet>Fire, China>Rider, Shakedown, Big Boss Man, China Doll, Playin>Eyes.

The two night photos, on the gallery page, were taken on Friday June 15th and the other 4 on Sunday June 16th from section 101 in about row CCC.

I'll be posting more from the Friday show very soon!

Aiko!

Tony