Some positive takeaways from the Grateful Dead and their Fans

Some positive takeaways from the Grateful Dead and their Fans
The Grateful Dead celebrated their 50th Anniversary recently and one wonders how a Rock n Roll band can maintain such a successful run for so many years. There are many examples of bands who went from stadiums to smaller venues due to a waning audience, but the Dead have never had that problem. Their live shows over the years have always filled large venues. Even after their Lead Guitarist Jerry Garcia died, off shoots of the band with the remaining members, still attracted large audiences. The Dead's most recent 50th Anniversary shows sold out and many folks who couldn't get tickets ordered pay per view due to the excitement over the event. So what is it about the Grateful Dead and their fans that keeps their community vibrant? The main factor most would say is the music, but the band and fans also played an important role in their continuing success.

So what positive takeaways can we draw from the band and their fans?

Even though the Grateful Dead and their fans are far from perfect, there are some aspects of the community the band and their fans have helped create that can be helpful to any organization.

Generally speaking:

• The Fans love and are devoted to the Grateful Dead and their music - the band is devoted to their fans and invites them into being part of the bands musical experience

• There is a great amount of community, fellowship, love, joy, kindness, and harmony amongst the concert goers - the concert atmosphere the band has created in relationship to their heart and love for their music, create this environment for community, love and joy amongst the fans

• The fans are excited about the music and attending the concerts - the band loves their fans and goes out of their way to make sure their concert experience is special

• The band does not use hype to make themselves something they are not - The fans love the authentic atmosphere behind the band and their music

• The Fans are more than fans, they are followers - The music is part of the background and inspiration for their lives.

Just Sayin................Dave