Festival Express: The pinnacle of progressive arrogance

[Must_B_Free]

I saw a GREAT DVD the other day:

The year was 1970. A charter train was hired to transport bands to a rambling concert tour in Canada. Present were the gang from woodstock, the Dead, Janice Joplin, Buddy Guy, Shanana, etc. All the musicians were partying and jamming in the different train cars, which were loaded up with instruments.

Well the concert goers must have still been on a high from what eventually turned into a free concert at Woodstock.

At the first show, some people bought tickets, but there was a large crowd outside who just wanted to bust their way in. "The man is ripping us off", they said, "Let us in"

Garcia argues, "You know it takes money to put on these things, someone has to pay for it. If you look at the price, it's only a dollar per supergroup."

"no way, man, we want it to be free"

So by the second concert stop, the fans were actually protesting outside of the show!

After the third gig, the thing folded for lack of funds.

Excellent footage

Here is a more detailed writeup:
http://www.jambands.ca/EditModule.aspx?tabid=32&mid=454&def=News+Article+View&ItemId=48

[ET Awful]

1. Woodstock was for the fans, Festival Express ended up being for

the bands. Every member of the Dead remembers it as one of the best times they ever had.

One good ride from start to finish :)

[htuttle]

2. I believe that Janis was quoted as saying

"Anytime you want to throw another train, count me in!"

[ET Awful]

3. The Dead's song "Might as Well" summed it up perfectly

Great North Special, were you on board?
You can't find a ride like that no more
Night the chariot swung down low
Ninety nine children had a chance to go

One long party from front to end
Tune to the whistle going round the bend
No big hurry, what do you say?
Might as well travel the elegant way


Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well


Ragtime solid for twenty five miles
then slip over to the Cajun style
Bar car loaded with rhythm and blues
Rock and roll wailing in the old caboose


Long train running from coast to coast
bringing long the party where they need it the most
Whup on the boxcar, beat on the bell
Nothing else shaking so you might just as well


Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well


Never had such a good time
in my life before
I'd like to have it one time more
One good ride from start to end
I'd like to take that ride again
Again


Run out of track and I caught the plane
Back in the county with the blues again
Great North Special been on my mind
Might like to ride it just one more time


Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well
Might as well, might as well

[Must_B_Free]

4. I likes when Jerry was talking about musicians always being broke

"cause they spend it all on the scene. you know, man, musicians are always scoring dope to keep the scene going."