MARCUS STARR

Bob Weir… ah man…. where to begin? The beginning, I suppose.

My Grateful Dead journey started during my college years. I was an avid rock and blues enthusiast, and I dug the 60's hippie vibes (Beatles, Floyd, Zep, Stones), so the Dead seemed the logical next step. It was… but it took time. 

Getting into the Dead isn't easy. Especially for someone who missed out on catching Jerry Garcia live. Their music isn't four-minute pop rock. Nor is it conventional. And many of their albums are dreadful (a few notable exceptions, of course). But I liked the ‘idea’ of the Dead. The scene, the dancing (I don't dance, but I play a mean air guitar). Problem was, I hadn't heard the bootlegs. 

After seeing the Fat Cats (local jam gurus) I started to ‘get it’. Then I heard a bootleg tape show 6-9-77 Winterland. I was enamored! I couldn't believe my ears. The grooves, the tone, the songs, the jams… I was sold. I got it. Then I went down the rabbit hole… and stayed there.

Initially, I dug Bob's voice the most. He'd really come into his own in the ‘70’s, and was very relatable. Yes, Jerry was the heart and soul of the band… but I’m not hear to discuss Jerry. Back in my college years, I was primarily a rhythm guitarist. I could solo over rock songs, but couldn't improve much in the way of solos. (I hadn't learned my scales yet.) So Bobby's rhythm playing was tremendously important to me. Although my lead playing was limited, my rhythm skills were vast. I could get funky on a dime, and I loved playing the supporting role (and still do).

Let's fast forward, shall we? My first Dead & Co show was Blossom Amphitheater, 9/7/21. WOOT! What a show! The show was an official release, too, so you can check it out for yourself. I met a famous rock star while waiting in line for the restrooms (but that's a story for another time). 

Bob Weir aged like fine wine. That's the best part. He carried himself well, and kept the mystique. And his legacy lives on. See you on the other side Bobby.