Grateful Dead Members Return

Grateful Dead Members Return

http://kezi.com/news/local/189108

September 16, 2010
By Stacia Kalinoski

EUGENE, Ore. -- Sixteen years ago, the band 'Grateful Dead'
entertained a massive crowd in Eugene. Now, two of the original
members from the band are back in town and so are a loyal base of
fans from across the country.

Crews have now opened the gates for fans to get in Thursday night,
but many have been camped out here since mid-morning.

Most call themselves hippies and say Eugene is worth the road trip to
see this band.

Memories of Eugene's last Grateful Dead concert in 1994 come back
quickly for these fans.

"I followed the Grateful Dead since 1993. It was my first show. I
went to my first Dead show with a green mohawk and came home with
green dreadlocks," said Michael Weed.

Now, Weed is serving up some pre-concert stir-fry for a younger
generation of fans, many of whom were toddlers when the original band
filled Autzen Stadium.

"I'm only 19 years old and I've never seen the Grateful Dead tour, so
I'm excited to see what's left of such a great following," said Melissa Ellis.

Ellis traveled cross-country to see this band, Further, just like
many other self-proclaimed hippies here.

"I've been checking license plates and talked with a family from
Vermont," Weed said.

While some came by bus, others packed up their old cars and waiting
all day behind these closed gates. They strummed their guitars to
pass the time and met new travelers.

"There's people from all over that travel the states just by putting
their thumbs out just to see things like this," Ellis said.

"Without the friends, it wouldn't be the same," said Zane Adlum.

For newcomers, it wouldn't be Eugene without a tie-dyed shirt.

"I tell everybody that I've met on the road that Eugene is the best
place for hippies," Weed said.

"This is my first time in Eugene, and I've never felt more at
home. This is a wonderful town," Ellis said.

Tickets are still available for Thursday's concert, which you can buy
by contacting the Cuthbert ticket office. Friday night's concert is sold out.

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