Guardians of the Gates — Part 3

I’ll file this one under “fantasy” and call it a day. I obviously have no expectations that something like this could or would EVER transpire, but hey, a guy can entertain the absurd, right?

The photo above is from this past weekend, when Dead and Company honored the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Reportedly close to 180 thousand fans of this timeless, transcendental music gathered for three consecutive nights to celebrate together in what apparently was a “real good time.”

I was lucky enough to receive access to a private link with a video livestream, and even marveled about this technological feat on Facebook with the disclaimer that I’m someone who often disdains technology in the first place. But I was blessed to be able to tune in from the comfort of my living room couch. And that is simply amazing and awe-inspiring.

On one of the nights, as the band closed the first set and Bobby uttered his standard “Well be back in just a little bit,” I started fantasizing about a timeline in which I were given a shot at appearing on that stage during set break to perform JUST one song. Now, I’ve performed in front of audiences of several hundred on several occasions, but THIS? Imagining peering out past the stage at a sea of 60 thousand hippies? Would I be able to pull it off without fail?

I honestly believe so.

If such a ridiculous dream were to come to life, anyone who has ever been part of one of my ensembles — be they my Grateful Dead projects or even my Spectrum of Song recitals at St. Bart’s — would in such a scenario carefully caution anyone and everyone to “stay the hell out of that guy’s way!” And they would likely be right, as I’m sure my nerves would be absolutely wracked leading up to that commencing chord. But, after taking in the terrifying sight of such a massive multitude, I would catch a deep breath, close my eyes, and have an honest go at it. And I believe I would mesmerize the crowd.

And then my music career would officially launch into the stratosphere.

A delusional envisaging, to be sure. But, given the opportunity, I would not let myself down — or the original authors of the song I chose. Or the audience, for that matter

So, obviously this is an incredible pipe dream. But, yet again, it got me pondering. WHAT IF Dead and Company invited just ONE dead cover musician to enact this scenario at every show they ever played? And for that matter, what if ALL jam bands offered this opportunity? Or even ALL professional big arena acts? Think of how many careers could be catapulted  with just such a 5 minute window to wow the crowd. It would cost the band nothing, the setup would be sparse and simple, and I doubt the lucky chosen ones would even THINK about remuneration. I sure wouldn’t. I would be just thrilled if afforded the chance to finally step up and EARN that fan base that obviously exists out there but which I just can’t seem to secure.

Again — as I posted last night — I honestly have no true interest in fame or fortune. I simply want to be able to practice my craft without fear of finding myself homeless — which could still likely happen in mere months. I imagine a short guest spot on stage in the big leagues would afford me at least that sense of security.

So, BIG NAME musicians and bands out there: do us all a favor and recognize that you, too, ostensibly serve as a de facto “guardian of the gates” and could change someone’s fortunes forever. Not only that, but you might enlighten the lives of multiple music fans as well. It’d be similar to having an “opening act,” but devoid of any mess or fuss whatsoever, as you’d only have to plug in one instrument for 5 minutes.

I personally stumbled upon one of my favorite local musicians many years ago when she was the opening act for the band I actually went to see. I have since seen her many times, purchased merch, and shared her with friends and family. You all have the power to do this many times over with zero commitment.

I’d be ready if I were ever to get that call.      

I’d choose this rendition, as it’s one of my strongest from their repertoire. And it would take almost the entirety of the song to get to that grand flourish crescendo at the end, but I guarantee you at that point, I’d command the attention of the entire crowd of 60 thousand. And then, barreling off stage likely hyperventilating with my knees a knocking, I’d probably parrot what Jerry said as he exited his very last performance with the Grateful Dead at Chicago's Soldier Field in 1995:

“What a HOOT!”

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