Grateful Dead - Santa Clara

[El Dingo]

Good question.

This article on Metallica reveals the expensive truth behind popular bands. They are basically corporations that require a lot of money to pay the staff: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.aux.tv/2015/03/metallica-is-broke/">http://www.aux.tv/2015/03/metallica-is-broke/</a><!-- m --> .

I'm not sure if the Dead fall into this category, but they do employ a lot of people to maintain their websites, fan clubs, lawyers etc.

I kind of wondered why they stopped touring after Jerry died. Yes, Jerry was the iconic figurehead, but as this tour shows someone can step in and try to fill those shoes. Queen did it, Van Halen did it, Pink Floyd did it etc.

The difference with the Dead is the loyalty of the fan base. Many would say "it's not The Grateful Dead without Jerry". But something is better than nothing.

So that leaves the question, "Why stop touring as the Grateful Dead"?

Maybe there were some internal conflicts (like every other band). I believe Jerry's death was an excuse for everyone to take a breather and pursue individual projects, and years had to pass before they were ready to play together again (like Led Zeppelin).

I think they may play as The Dead again, but everyone is really old now and this may be the last time they are all healthy enough to do it.