Deal

By Bill Kreutzmann & Benjy Eisen

Deal - Bill Kreutzmann & Benjy Eisen
  • Release Date: 2015-05-05
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 227 Ratings

Description

The Grateful Dead are perhaps the most legendary American rock band of all time. For thirty years, beginning in the hippie scene of San Francisco in 1965, they were a musical institution, the original jam band that broke new ground in so many ways. From the music to their live concert sound systems and fan recordings, they were forward-thinking champions of artistic control and outlaw artists who marched to the beat of their own drums.

Bill Kreutzmann, one of their founding members and drummer for every one of their over 2,300 concerts has written an unflinching and wild account of playing in the greatest improvisational band of all time. Everything a rock music fan would expect is here, but what sets this apart is Bill's incredible life of adventure that was at the heart of the Grateful Dead experience. This was a band that knew no limits and Bill lived life to the fullest, pushing the boundaries of drugs, drums and high times, through devastating tragedy and remarkable triumph.

But at this book's beating heart is the music--theirs and others. Some of the greatest musicians and concerts were a part of the Grateful Dead's career, from sharing the stage with Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and The Who, to playing in the Acid Tests, The Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock and Altamont. Bill's life is a chronicle of American music and pop culture history and his epic personal journey is one of sonic discovery and thrilling experiences.

Reviews

  • Deal by Billy Kreutzmann

    5
    By kbrownfred
    Billy has a photographic memory of the greatest phenomena in rock music history - the Grateful Dead. Deal is a fascinating and thrilling ride, and although Billy fails to see the silver lining in many of the Dead’s gifts, such as the added feminine voice of Donna Jean to the early 1970s, in songs, such as Playing in the Band and Scarlet Begonias - he is a master at drumming, composing and living the life of American music legend. This is a great book!
  • Thanks Billy

    5
    By Yoach
    Billy and a great job you did on this book your insights were phenomenal. I appreciate your candor and your down-to-earth touch. that's probably why you're living on an organic farm, not to mention to be with the woman that you love. This book has been such a nice little journey into the past thanks again.
  • Deal

    5
    By Gibson Js
    Thank you for writing the book, great read. Your tale is both unbelievable and believable. Keep the beat and we all will try and keep catching it.....
  • Deal

    4
    By BIg guy chairman
    This was an extremely pleasant read. Mr. Kreutzmann chronologically delivers the real deal; to the bone raw truth and mostly unapologetic, as I believe it ought to be. I shed many tears through the read. Most were tears of joy and some of course, not so much. There are many hilarious passages throughout Deal that had me laughing out loud. Even though this story is not over it tells a great story about a man and his love of family, friends and music. It also speaks to loss, depression and coping. I'm a better person for having read Bill Kreutzmann's memoirs.
  • On the Bus with Gratitude

    5
    By Nevada Lone Wolf
    A fine personal story of life,love, and music inside The Grateful Dead Family. Thank you, Billy and Mates for the many years of magic.... 'May the four winds always, blow you safely home again.' I love you and yours, more than words can tell. Namaste. 🌄