Phil Lesh Says Grateful Dead Blew It at Monterey Pop, 'Didn't Really Care'

While the Grateful Dead became legends primarily on the strength of the band's live performances, there's at least one instance in which it didn't deliver, at least according to founding bassist Phil Lesh.

Monterey International Pop Festival 1967 provided several of rock's most iconic moments, and Lesh said that his band's performance was easily eclipsed.

"Our place in the show was the most unmemorable possible slot: between The Who and Jimi Hendrix," he told Rolling Stone before his Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family Band performed a headlining slot at the 50th Anniversary Monterey International Pop Festival

Lesh says all of his Grateful Dead bandmates were disappointed with how the show went.

But then again, "it didn't matter," he added, saying the Dead wouldn't have stood out, even if they were at their best.

"Between The Who tearing it up, doing a great set, and then destroying the stage at the end of their set, and then Jimi playing a fantastic set and then lighting his guitar on fire…what are you gonna remember, who came between them?"

He says the festival wasn't a career-changing moment for the Grateful Dead, like it was for so many other artists, Hendrix especially. 

"[We] have a tradition of blowing the big ones," Lesh continued. "But that was fine. We didn't really care."

Lesh concluded that, ultimately, the legacy of the Grateful Dead is one that remains alive at outdoor gatherings, especially festivals, where people come together to share and enjoy music.

"That's the only way we're going to be able to move forward, is to elevate ourselves above that left-right bullshit. A house divided cannot stand. That's my political statement for the day."


Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family Band Setlist, 6/18/17 

"The Music Never Stopped"

"Help on the Way"

"Slipknot!"

"Alligator"

"Box of Rain"

"Wharf Rat"

"Box of Rain"

"Jack Straw"

"Like a Rolling Stone"

"Terrapin Station"

"I Know You Rider"


Photo: Getty Images


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