Post by smosey wales on Jan 17, 2020 17:36:31 GMT -5
So I think you are kidding when you say there are only 14 Philheads right? Because I'm certain there are at least 25. Seriously though Shapiro would never center LOCKN around Phil if he thought nobody would show.
From Jerry’s Death until this day, for whatever reason we choose to believe, Phil Lesh has always been the biggest draw post Grateful Dead. Maybe it’s his “Friends”, marketing, song choice, sound, IDK. But “The Others Ones” tour in the 90’s w/o Phil paled in comparison to the tours with him. Phil & Friends regularly played venues that Ratdog couldn’t dream of filling. The one year that Bob, Bill & Mickey played NYE at Oakland it was half full, while down the street at the Kaiser Phil sold it out. Furthur was Phil’s baby and I bet if Phil called in favors and put a line up of “hired guns” together that he could out sell Dead & Co today. Shapiro picked the right horse from a business standpoint. Centering Lockn around Phil was smart & it’s gonna work.
I agree Phil has made many smart business moves, including keeping his visibility up. He surrounded himself with younger, very able musicians. And he sustained his ability, such as it is.
Bob Weir, on the other hand, was pretty low key after the initial post-Jerry Deads; Ratdog had low attendance, and when I saw him with Furthur, and somewhat at L3, he seemed really slipping. But look at him now--wow! Playing all sorts of lead guitar, carrying the vocals, huge stage presence, fearlessly jumping on stage with other bands and fitting hand in glove. I think if he had been that strong 10-15 years ago, he'd be commanding the gate.