After All is Said and Done: Taping the Grateful Dead, 1965-1995

The Grateful Dead is a rock and roll band that has become an international institution with a vast backing organization, a massive and devoted fanbase, and archival recordings. After All Is Said and Done is an exploration of the history of these bootlegs, which solidified the Deads legendary status and are a saga of homegrown psychedelia, anarchic graphic styles, and black market fandom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Anthology Editions

The Grateful Dead is a musical act that has transcended the simple categorization of "band." By the time they stopped performing in 1995, the Dead had become an international institution with a vast backing organization, a massive and devoted fanbase, and archival recordings both official and bootlegged. The cultural significance of these bootlegs, live concert cassettes that solidified the Dead's legendary status even as they occupied a legal gray area for decades, is utterly unique in the annals of music, and the story of their creation, trading, and endless proliferation is a people's history unto itself.

Featuring dozens of interviews with tape enthusiasts and members of the Grateful Dead organization as well as the show-stopping visuals from hundreds of archival cassette covers, After All Is Said and Done is artist Mark A. Rodriguez's exploration of that history, a saga of homegrown psychedelia, anarchic graphic styles, and black market fandom as written in magnetic tape.

The Grateful Dead's impact on music cannot be overstated. They were pioneers in the jam band scene, blending elements of rock, jazz, and folk to create a unique and immersive musical experience. Their live shows were legendary, with long, improvised jams that often stretched into the early morning hours. The band's vast catalog of music includes countless classic albums, such as "Steal Your Face," "American Beauty," and "Dark Star."

But it's not just their music that has made the Grateful Dead an enduring institution. Their fanbase is one of the most devoted and passionate in the world, with millions of people around the globe who have followed the band's journey for decades. The Grateful Dead community has created a rich tapestry of art, music, and culture, with countless festivals, concerts, and events dedicated to the band.

The creation and trading of Grateful Dead bootlegs is a fascinating story that reflects the band's unconventional approach to music and their relationship with their fans. Bootlegs were first recorded in the 1960s, but they became particularly popular during the Grateful Dead's peak years in the 1970s. The tapes were often recorded by fans at live shows, and they were traded and shared among fans in a way that was both illegal and underground.

Despite the risks, bootlegs have played a significant role in the band's legacy. They have allowed fans to access rare and unreleased music, and they have helped to preserve the band's history and culture. Bootlegs have also been a source of inspiration for countless artists and musicians, who have drawn inspiration from the Grateful Dead's unique style and approach to music.

In recent years, the Grateful Dead has embraced the bootleg market, releasing official archival releases and even licensing some bootlegs for sale. This has helped to legitimize the trade and provide fans with access to even more rare and valuable music.

In conclusion, the Grateful Dead is a musical act that has transcended the simple categorization of "band." Their impact on music, culture, and fandom is immeasurable, and their legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. The creation and trading of Grateful Dead bootlegs is a fascinating story that reflects the band's unconventional approach to music and their relationship with their fans. While bootlegs may be illegal, they have played a significant role in the band's legacy and have helped to preserve their history and culture. As the Grateful Dead continues to celebrate their 50th anniversary, it is clear that their music and influence will continue to grow and evolve, and that their fans will continue to cherish and honor their legacy for years to come.

Weight: 1720g
Dimension: 260 x 282 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781944860509