Dead Without Garcia: Is It Worth the Effort, or a Waste of Time?

Wow!!is this article off base even Jerry would be appaled.See a show first then comment,I am a 5 decade dead head and they are better than ever with Mr.Hayes who adds dimensions that Jerry RIP never exhibited along with a much better voice.My friends and I have been delighted at multiple shows and for me the first set on 4/28/09 was among if not the best I have ever seen.Real deadheads want the music to never stop no matter the line-up. Tired of the long and tedious mourning surrounding Mr.Garcia even he would want the band to continue the legacy.

This Spring Tour revealed a tremendous amount of preparation on the part of the band. Playing old classics like Cosmic Charlie was so exciting to hear. But, for all that, the best part of the tour was the "reunion" affect of having Dead Heads and The Dead together again. Listen closely to the downloads,and the music was not that good. A few songs were great, mostly those that were not Jerry tunes. And with great respect to Mr. Brooklyn Jim, I am not supportive of Mr. Hayes in the lead guitar role. I'd prefer a John from Dark Star Orchestra or a Butch from Splintered Sunlight; guitarist who have a feel for what Jerry sounded like. Mr. Hayes was brilliant in spots, and no one is questioning his great musical abilities, but there were more moments when he lost me as a Dead Head. I thank the Grateful Dead for all the joy they have given me. I listen to their music everyday! Peace