Remembering Bill Walton: Basketball Star and Grateful Dead Superfan

In this episode of the Deadhead Cannabis Show, Larry Mishkin covers various topics, including a historic Grateful Dead show, personal concert experiences, and music news. Larry starts with a deep dive into the Grateful Dead's June 3, 1976, concert at the Paramount Theater in Portland, Oregon. This show marked the band's return after a year-long hiatus, featuring five new songs and a revived tune from a four-year break. He highlights the opening track, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, which nostalgically reflects on the band's Festival Express tour, a legendary 1970 train journey across Canada with prominent rock bands.

Larry then discusses the song "Lazy Lightning," introduced at the same 1976 concert. Written by Bobby and John Perry Barlow, it became a fan favorite for its melody and message of living in the moment, though it was retired from the Grateful Dead's repertoire by 1984. He transitions into music news by honoring Doug Ingle of Iron Butterfly, who recently passed away. Larry reminisces about the band's iconic 1968 track "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and its influence on the late 60s music scene.

The podcast also pays tribute to Bill Walton, the legendary basketball player and devoted Deadhead who passed away at 71. 

Larry shares stories of Walton's deep connection with the Grateful Dead, including his record of attending 869 concerts, significantly more than his total basketball games played. Larry recounts Walton's influence on fellow athletes and his unique presence at Dead shows.

Finally, Larry describes his recent experience at a Dead & Company concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He marvels at the venue's immersive visual technology, which enhanced the concert experience, likening it to a planetarium. Despite the advanced visuals sometimes overshadowing the music, Larry enjoyed the performance and the unique atmosphere. He also mentions a mini-exhibition featuring Dave Lemieux's tape collection and the significance of tape trading in Grateful Dead fandom.

In summary, this episode covers a blend of Grateful Dead history, personal concert experiences, tributes to influential music figures, and the latest in concert technology, providing a rich narrative for Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike.

Grateful Dead

June 3, 1976  (48 Years Ago)

Paramount Theater

Portland, OR

Grateful Dead Live at Paramount Theatre on 1976-06-03 : Free Borrow & Streaming : Internet Archive

First show back after 1975 year off

Prior show:  Sept. 28, 1975 – last of the four shows in 1975, this show is 9 months later.  Long wait for Deadheads.

Dead did not disappoint with five new songs and a breakout after a 4 year hiatus.

INTRO:                                 Might As Well

                                                Track #1

                                                1:15 – 2:50

“Take that ride again”

                Might as Well” is a song written by Jerry Garcia with lyrics penned by Robert Hunter. Released on Garcia’s 3d solo album, Reflections, in February, 1976.  It’s one of the tracks from Garcia’s solo career, showcasing his musical versatility and unique ability to transform personal experiences into joyful music.  The song takes a nostalgic look back at the Grateful Dead’s time on the Festival Express Tour, a memorable rail trip that brought together prominent artists of the '60s for a raucous, whisky-fueled journey across America.

                Festival Express is the 1970 train tour of the same name across Canada taken by some of North America's most popular rock bands, including Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Buddy Guy, Flying Burrito Bros, Ian & Sylvia's Great Speckled Bird, Mountain and Delaney & Bonnie & Friends.  Later made into a movie

            Festival Express was staged in three Canadian cities: Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary (Montreal and Vancouver were also originally scheduled but both dropped)  during the summer of 1970. Rather than flying into each city, the musicians traveled by chartered Canadian National Railwaystrain, in a total of 14 cars (two engines, one diner, five sleepers, two lounge cars, two flat cars, one baggage car, and one staff car).[5] The train journey between cities ultimately became a combination of non-stop jam sessions and partying fueled by alcohol. One highlight of the documentary is a drunken jam session featuring The Band's Rick Danko, the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, New Riders of the Purple Sage's John Dawson, as well as Janis Joplin.

            Here, it is played as the show opener.  Ultimately, became more of a first set closer, a popular one along with Deal, another Garcia solo tune.    

                Played 111 times

                First:  June 3, 1976 at Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR, USA  THIS SHOW  19 times that year

              Last:  March 23, 1994 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY, USA – only time played that year, 6 times in ‘91

SHOW No. 1:                    Lazy Lightning

                                                Track #6

                                                0:00 – 1:46

Written by Bobby and John Perry Barlow, paired with Supplication in concert and released with Supplication as the opening tracks on the album, Kingfish, released in March, 1976.

Lazy Lightning is often interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the pursuit of a carefree and leisurely lifestyle amidst the chaos and hardships of reality. The lyrics depict a whimsical scenario where the protagonist encounters a bolt of lightning that transforms into a woman, symbolizing the allure and transitory nature of fleeting pleasures. The song encourages listeners to embrace the present moment and let go of the rigid expectations and responsibilities that burden their lives. It is a celebration of spontaneity, freedom, and the pursuit of personal bliss.

Lazy Lightning became a fan favorite due to its infectious melody, poetic lyrics, and the sense of liberation it evoked. Grateful Dead fans often resonated with the song’s message of embracing the present moment and shedding societal expectations. It became a rallying cry for those seeking to live life on their own terms, igniting a sense of camaraderie and freedom among concert-goers.

Usually, a late first set number.  Unfortunately, dropped from the repertoire in 1984.  I got to hear it three or four times.  A fun number.

Played:  also played 111 times

First:  June 3, 1976 at Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR, USA  THIS SHOW!!

Last:  October 31, 1984 at Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA, USA

MUSIC NEWS – Intro music:  In A Gadda Da Vida:  IRON BUTTERFLY - IN A GADDA DA VIDA - 1968 (ORIGINAL FULL VERSION) CD SOUND & 3D VIDEO (youtube.com)

Start - :45

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