Deadheads: An American Subculture (Part 1)

This documentary on Deadhead parking lot culture aired on PBS in the early 90s. Produced by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Institute on Popular American Culture. Featuring sociologist Rebecca Adams, Michael Kaern, Ph.D. from Boston University, and a cast of thousands. Part 1 of 3. Topics include an introduction to the Deadhead culture and its persistence.

Channel: Entertainment
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm
Author: markvs1

Length: 08:23
Rating: 4.74
Views: 15660

Tags: Dead Deadheads drugs Garcia Grateful hippies Jerry psychedelic Rock Roll subculture

Video Comments

schofizzl (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

i was so happy when i walked into psychology class (blazed) and my professor popped this in on a big projector screen. we spent two wonderful days watching this great film.

RedSoxBlues (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

" If the Grateful Dead came to town, I'd beat my way in with a fucking tire iron, if necessary " - - Hunter S. Thompson

howlinmadmurphy7 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

you moe.ron

marklar1025 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

blast from the past - i used to have this on vhs back in the early 90's. Crazy seeing it here. Great job with it btw. I always thought how clever it was that somebody figured out and achieved getting a grant to tour. This may or may not be true - buts thats what I remember about it. miss ya jerry

dru024 (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

moe. fans, or moe.rons may not travel like Dead Heads but we are a dedicated bunch! I have seen moe. 7 times now in 3 1/2 years and am looking forward to 8 & 9 in about a month. I am not a hippie believe it or not, but don't take that as a slam against hippies, I just love the music. I believe its always been about the music, whether it be The Dead, Phish, Wide Spread Panic, moe., or any other of the Jam bands. They all must pay homage to The Dead, and they do. Peace, Love, and Rock-n-Roll!

doggietailz (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

For me it has always been about the music and the relationships I made along the way - 1978 until today. The people I experienced the GD with and those I counted among my closest friends throughout the early days are still with me. Our collective experience shaped who we are ~ and the GD is an intergral part of that still. Much has changed but much has remained the same in terms of my values and beliefs. The GD legacy for me is about those who emerged from the scene to make a difference.

ChicoEscuela (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

The difference? Wow, good question. I find this documentary ham fisted but for me the difference for me musicaly since 1995 is the absense of Garcia and, aside from that, moving on to 'other trips.' Part of what made this such a social entity also weighed it down, and certainly helped to insure its demise. The immense pressure kept Jerry propped up instead of a proper rest, rehab and a freaking bypass. We killed him. Sad but true.

WORDTOTHEDAY (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I directed and produced this film in 1989. I'm curious to know if and how Deadheads who followed the band in those days are able to recapture that community in 2008. I haven't been on the road with the Dead or any other jam bands. Is the community the same? If not, what's changed in your opinion?

rainbowpagun (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

I went to over 300 shows from 85-95. I've been to every state in the continental US. I've seen mountians, deserts, oceans, and valleys. I've been to every major city as well, all on account of the Grateful Dead. Along the way I met amazing, happy, free, people, and the whole thing had a soundtrack of the gratest rock band ever to go along with the experiences. I smoked a lot of herb, drank too much beer, and ate more than my share of acid. I'm college educated, married, sane and happy.

vadmbfan (December 31, 1969 at 5:59 pm)

Amen drewdman! I am with you and I miss those days so bad. There will never be anything like it, God bless the grateful dead!