Which band is better?
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The Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead is known as the first “jam” band, noted for long instrumental and improvisational music at live shows. They formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, CA with members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreurzmann, joined by Mickey Hart in 1967. They are also known for their devoted fan base known as “Deadheads” and as pioneers of the “psychedelic” movement of the 1960’s. Their core years were 1967-1995 starting with their 1965 release The Grateful Dead. Their “Europe ‘72” tour was well received along with its future album release of the same name.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
Pink FloydPink Floyd formed in 1965 in London with founding members Roger Waters, Syd Barrett, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Many consider Pink Floyd the greatest progressive rock band of all time. They had some success with their initial albums, and were joined by David Gilmour in 1967. Syd Barrett suffered from severe mental illness and famously left the band in 1968.
Their concept albums in the 1970’s and 1980’s brought them international superstar status, mostly devised by Roger Waters who was the primary lyricist for these records. The Dark Side of the Moon was released in 1973 and is one of the most successful albums of all time, as the number 3 worldwide album. It peaked at #2 on the British charts and spent 364 weeks on the charts. Their follow-up Wish You Were Here was released in 1975 and includes the title track and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”, a tribute to Syd Barrett. In 1977, they released Animals with the iconic flying pig on the album cover, supported by their first large stadium tour.
The Wall is a double record masterpiece that is perhaps their most popular and famous album. It features the single “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II), which reached #1 on the charts. The album was turned into a movie, featuring Bob Geldof in the leading role of Pink. Relationships in the band deteriorated over the years, with Waters increasingly isolating himself from the rest of the band. Waters left the band following the The Final Cut album, while Gilmour plus other members would later release two more albums under the Pink Floyd name. They’ve sold over 250 million records, making them one of the best selling bands of all time.
Their concept albums in the 1970’s and 1980’s brought them international superstar status, mostly devised by Roger Waters who was the primary lyricist for these records. The Dark Side of the Moon was released in 1973 and is one of the most successful albums of all time, as the number 3 worldwide album. It peaked at #2 on the British charts and spent 364 weeks on the charts. Their follow-up Wish You Were Here was released in 1975 and includes the title track and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”, a tribute to Syd Barrett. In 1977, they released Animals with the iconic flying pig on the album cover, supported by their first large stadium tour.
The Wall is a double record masterpiece that is perhaps their most popular and famous album. It features the single “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II), which reached #1 on the charts. The album was turned into a movie, featuring Bob Geldof in the leading role of Pink. Relationships in the band deteriorated over the years, with Waters increasingly isolating himself from the rest of the band. Waters left the band following the The Final Cut album, while Gilmour plus other members would later release two more albums under the Pink Floyd name. They’ve sold over 250 million records, making them one of the best selling bands of all time.
