Will I love A Long Strange Trip?

I think this is the most thorough history of the band, which is likely the result of it being written by a trained historian.

McNally had a very privileged access by travelling with the band for many years as their principal press contact. One chapter after another is chockfull of invaluable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of the band, both in its artistic development and business decisions.

I listen to some of their songs differently now after learning more about the context that produced them.

In my opinion, the Grateful Dead's music forms an important part of the soundtrack of the psychedelic sixties–and into the seventies and beyond.

They first performed under this name at Ken Kesey's acid tests in San Francisco and gained an exponentially-growing reputation as cutting-edge performers of acid rock–so much so that loyal "Dead Heads" would follow them around from concert to concert. McNally was the band's official historian, and his inside track gave him access to fascinating details about the individual band members, their music, their drug trips, their metaphysical meanderings, and much more.

This book brings me back to… show more.