Conversations with the Dead: The Grateful Dead Interview Book [Paperback]

David Gans (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2002

A collection of interviews—some vintage, some recent, and some brand-new—Conversations with the Dead is the first (and only) book in which the Grateful Dead speak in their own words about their music and their lives. David Gans, a self-professed Deadhead and host of "The Grateful Dead Hour," asked Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and the rest of the band the questions their fans would have asked if given the chance. And Gans reaches far beyond the musicians, talking with such often-overlooked key players as the recording engineer, sound man, and road crew—those who have had the coveted opportunity to witness the Dead's decades of music-making. This updated and expanded edition includes a rare, never-before-published interview with Seastones composer Ned Lagin and a new introduction by the author. With a readable combination of intensity, inquisitiveness, and candor, Gans has created an unprecedented portrait of a band who, after more than thirty years of music-making, has earned a unique place in American culture.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This volume is considered the definitive interview book with the band the Grateful Dead. Gans is a noted expert on the Dead, with several books to his credit, and was the producer of a few of their albums. The volume essentially is a collection of interviews with members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Dan Healy, Mickey Hart, and Jerry Garcia, who, alas, is no longer grateful, just dead. The interviews range from 1977 to 1991, and the text is buttressed with numerous photos. This edition also includes a new introduction. The band remains immensely popular, making this a solid purchase.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

David Gans is a musician, author of Playing in the Band, and host of the nationally syndicated radio show "The Grateful Dead Hour." He has also produced three albums, including the Grateful Dead's gold-record-winning boxed set, So Many Roads (1965–1995). He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (April 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306810999
• ISBN-13: 978-0306810992
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #175,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Must-Have for Deadheads, May 9, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations With the Dead: The Grateful Dead Interview Book (Citadel Underground Series) (Paperback)

This is probably the single best book I've ever read about the Dead. It's so much more immediate and satisfying to hear how things went down from the Dead themselves than from a faceless biographer. David Gans asks the questions *I* would have asked Jerry & Bob & Phil & Mickey & Billy. You'll feel like you're there hanging out in their living room with them. A wonderful insight into what made that magical machine run for over 30 years... --Mike Dobbs

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Primary Dead, December 22, 2010

By 

Robin Russell (Pembroke, Bermuda) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conversations With The Dead: The Grateful Dead Interview Book (Kindle Edition)

This is the best collection of primary material available on the Grateful Dead. David Gans is a well informed interviewer who asks the right questions. As a musician, Gans is able to delve into what made the music of the Grateful Dead so arresting. Insights galore on every page, plus excellent photographs, often by the great Herb Greene.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Conversations With the Dead, March 8, 2011

By 

JEzrine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conversations with the Dead: The Grateful Dead Interview Book (Paperback)

I think years from now the book will be pointed to as a benchmark in the art of interviewing-- at the very least. It's of course by far the most revealing portrait of these people, what makes them tick, what they are about, that has ever been produced.