FTW 2.0

I'm glad more folks will get to see them, but I have to admit it dilutes the experience a bit for me. On a somewhat related note, don't be surprised if there's no JRAD or anything else Dead-related at Lockn this year. Phil has an exclusive contract with Shapiro, but other than that I bet ol' Pete doesn't want to water down his big Dead concert(s).

I say look for a lot more of that kind of stuff next year, when it's not a significant anniversary anymore.

I realized today that I can't go if it's the 27 and 28 th because I am officiating a wedding that weekend.
I totally get what you are saying about diluting the Chicago shows, but I'm glad they are doing them because so many people got dissed out west. They should have announced both at the same time because then July wouldnt have been such a circus. But this is the way it went down so that's what it is.
As for Lockn's line up, last year was so Dead themed and then Bob cancelled over half of that. I wouldn't have planned to travel that far without Furthur and RatBob on the bill, and am so glad I did and he canceled because it pulled me out of my GD cave and opened my ears, eyes, and heart to so much new (to me) music I never would have noticed. Sure I love the Dead but now they aren't the only band I love. Lockn delivers again this year.

2 (or more) extra shows (before July 4) of some arraignment (that doesn't include all 4 of them playing together) does not diminish the Chicago shows in the least. But more importantly, to me at least, is not the history of the "LAST" GD show with the four of them, it's going to Chicago with friends to the biggest party going. The place is going to be a GD themed insane asylum and I want to be part of that.

Even if they do announce other core 4 shows (which they won't) that in no way impacts us going to Chicago and joining the circus.

I think that if they tried it again next year it would not be as over the top as this is going to be. And I doubt I would have any interest in going.

And that is all the promise of Chicago is, all 4 together. I don't think that the SF shows, IF they happen, will have them all play together. Separately and in various combinations, yes. All together, no.

A show in Golden Gate isn't free. It costs someone. Stage, PA system, security, clean up, restoring the damage done to the park etc.

I think that JRAD is absolutely getting a late night spot. And that there is going to be a Billy, Bobby, Kimock, Chimenti, Reed Mathis combo show.

There's actually every chance the rumor started here with us, man. I could see how an elaborate game of Telephone via the web could have evolved the details to what's rumored now.

I know nossing. NOSSING!

It's a series of tubes.

But I never said "sources on the inner circle" or "west coast family" and I started everything with "a rumor I'm starting" so it must be true. And I can't imagine "free show in Goldengate Park" transforming into "ticket fiasco at Levi Stadium "
Well, maybe I can. Hey, this is fun!