Tonal and Expressive Ambiguity in “Dark Star”

Abstract

Abstract In the vinyl Valhalla of rock, the Grateful Dead have earned a special place. Born in 1965 amid the flourishing countercultural movement of San Francisco, the Dead pioneered in the development of musical performances as druglike “experiences;” featuring long, unpredictable improvisations and an eclectic mix of influences. As the hippie movement faded, the Dead provided the impetus to a vast culture of followers, known as Deadheads, whose musical and social ideals stem directly from those of the hippies, with elements of pacifism, openmindedness, hedonism, and the use of psychedelic drugs. The Deadhead movement has flourished down to the present day, showing no signs of abatement up to the disbanding of the group in November 1995 after the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia. In that year the Dead still ranked fourth in the country in earnings from touring, thanks to the sellout crowds at their many performances; in 1991, they ranked first.