I maintain that the Dead are still influential. And you???

Question

even so long after Jerry's death, I still think the band is enormously influential. Agree-ers or Naysay-ers out there?
(and support your argument, please...)

Answer 1

Yes, they are currently influencing bands that are playing now. Look at Widespread Panic, Phish, Leftover Salmon, every live "jam" band. Many bands have discovered that touring and NOT albums, ie packing live venues is the way to go, and be profitable. They set the work ethic, and 99% of their music wasn't officially "recorded," but like the pizza tapes will emerge. While the former poster wrote that he didn't hear it, that does not equate to lack of influence, as clearly their omnipresence has affected his thinking.

Answer 2

My aunt opened for them. My first and only concert as an infant =]



Anyways, yes. They'll continue being influential throughout anything, just like The Beatles or The Who or Blink-182. Hah.



Because as long as their fans still support them and listen to their music, they'll live on forever.

Answer 3

Not really. They never influenced me cause I never really liked them to begin with, but I don't think they're influencial now because they aren't picking up new fans. They don't tour anymore and most of their popularity came from touring. Radio doesn't and never did really play anything besides Touch of Grey. Without new (and particularly younger) fans, who is going to be influenced by them and where is music influenced by the Dead going to come from?



Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Sabbath, and others are still influential. The Dead... not so much.

Answer 4

Absolutely.

I am of the younger generation and my band plays covers of their songs all of the time. I still know a lot of kids that listen to them and enjoy a lot of their work. I have a couple of their t-shirts myself...

As long as our generation keeps them alive, I think they'll be influential for years to come.

Answer 5

I'm sorry, but I think Grateful Dead is one of the most over-rated artists in music history. I see their t-shirts and posters everywhere, and people rave about Jerry Garcia, but when I hear their music I don't hear anything great or even very good. I know I'll get a lot of thumbs down for this, but Grateful Dead doesn't have anything of interest to offer me...and I love classic rock.

Answer 6

I agree Raymond!



Some of the "influenza" floating around those Dead 70's and 80's concerts I invested in may have had slightly more long term influences than I had originally bargained for.



(:

Answer 7

They influenced me to never smoke pot or wear tye-dye... Other than that, I can think of no ways that they are influential. They were overhyped in their prime and are over idolized by college rock loving stoners of today. I personally don't get it. I'm with GK Dub on this one, and I see nothing important that they were direct inspiration for, except for the incredibly delicious Cherry Garcia ice cream by Ben and Jerry.

Answer 8

Yes...just the other day I saw a Christmas ornament with the Dead'y Bears for sale...the proverbial van is still a rockin'.

Answer 9

Obviously.



And they will be for quite some time too.



I'm not a huge fan, but it's impossible to deny their impact on music, and subculture.

Answer 10

Influential to whom?

Answer 11

Not in my life.