Sixty years. Six decades. That’s how long the Grateful Dead have been weaving their unique brand of musical magic. To celebrate this monumental milestone, Deadheads are in for a treat: the “Enjoying The Ride” 60-CD boxed set, a sprawling collection of unreleased live performances that captures the spirit of the band’s legendary journey. Buckle up, because this is going to be a long, strange, and utterly fantastic ride!
A Cross-Country Musical Odyssey
“Enjoying The Ride” isn’t just a compilation; it’s a meticulously curated road trip down the “Heady Highway,” stopping at 20 of the most iconic venues that shaped the Grateful Dead’s live legacy. Think Winterland, Frost Amphitheatre, Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks – the places where the Dead truly came alive.
What makes this collection so special? Almost all of the music is previously unreleased, spanning a quarter-century of performances from 1969 to 1994. That’s over 450 tracks and 60 hours of pure Dead magic! Seventeen of the shows are presented in their entirety, while others, like the Fillmore West, Fillmore East, and Boston Music Hall sets, are curated highlights of multiple performances.
Exclusive and Limited
This treasure trove of music will be available exclusively on Dead.net starting May 30th. With only 6,000 individually numbered copies, this 60-CD boxed set is a true collector’s item. For those who prefer digital, ALAC and high-res FLAC downloads will also be available.
A Taste of the Magic
To whet your appetite, unreleased versions of “Scarlet Begonias,” “Touch Of Grey,” and “Fire On The Mountain,” recorded live at the Greek Theatre in 1984, are available digitally right now. It’s a glimpse into the magic that awaits in the full collection.
For the Casual Listener: “The Music Never Stopped”
If 60 CDs seems a bit overwhelming, Rhino Records is releasing “The Music Never Stopped,” a more concise 3-CD and 6-LP set that offers a curated journey through the band’s live history. It features at least one song from each venue in the deluxe set, providing a perfect introduction to the “Enjoying The Ride” experience.
A Labor of Love
Rhino Records President Mark Pinkus and Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux both share their personal connections to this project. Pinkus highlights the inclusion of his first-ever Dead show, while Lemieux emphasizes the challenge of narrowing down the venues and the importance of capturing the journey itself.
More Than Just Music
“Enjoying The Ride” is more than just a collection of songs. The custom keepsake box and detailed tour guide, featuring liner notes, essays, and stunning photos, make it a true celebration of the Grateful Dead experience.
From the Avalon to the Boston Garden
The collection takes you on a chronological journey, from the psychedelic underground of the Avalon Ballroom in 1969 to the poignant final show at Boston Garden in 1994. You’ll hear the band’s evolution through different eras, with contributions from all the iconic members.
Highlights to Look Out For
- The Avalon Ballroom (1969): An acoustic opening followed by a mind-bending “Dark Star.”
- The Capitol Theatre (1971): A rare electric “Ripple” and early versions of classic songs.
- The Spectrum (1978): A percussive frenzy featuring Bill Walton.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (1979): Early live airings of “Althea” and “Lost Sailor.”
- Greek Theatre (1984): The revival of “Dark Star” after nearly three years.
- Capital Centre (1993): A 44-minute jam linking “Playing In The Band,” “Dark Star,” and “The Other One.”
The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast
Don’t forget to tune into the 11th season of the “Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast,” which features a tribute to Phil Lesh and explores the music featured in “Enjoying The Ride.”
“Enjoying The Ride” is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. It’s a celebration of the music, the journey, and the community that made it all possible. Whether you’re a seasoned Deadhead or a new fan, this collection is a must-have.
Enjoy the ride!
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