held in mid June, for about 90,000 people with an incredible lineup with famous acts such as Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, The WHO, Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, Buffalo Springfield, Mamas and Papas, among others. The growing population of the Grateful Dead, was great at first, but when random people started hanging out outside their house, and coming in and so on, got the band into some trouble. The house was raided by the cops and the band was arrested for possession of marijuana, and other minor charges. The Grateful Deads reputation was crushed, and Warner Bros. realized that they were not the best band to have signed, they spent more money than allowed, and they were disobedient to their requests. The Vice-president of WARNER BROTHERS finally sent a heavily worded letter to GD’s manager telling him what he thought. The band began to go back to playing their so popular concerts, in parks, in hotels, and wherever they could find. Jerry’s great friend with whom he lived with, turned out to be a writer. Just what GD needed, he was hired. Their next album release, Aoxomoxoa, had left Grateful Dead over 100,000 dollars in debt to Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers timidly agreed to release the album on one condition, that they released a live album, from recorded concerts. They readily agreed. (Piccoli, p.48-60) As the seventies began, the Dead recouped their debt to Warner Bros. with three comparatively inexpensive albums; Live Dead (recorded in concert), Workingman’s Dead, and American Beauty. Live Dead featured extended psychedelic explorations, such as the classic “Dark Star,” while in sharp contrast the latter two found the dead writing concise countryish songs and working out clear-cut, well rehearsed arrangements. Workingman’s Dead (including UNCLE JOHNS BAND, and ...
