The Grateful Dead and Happy Trails: An Unlikely Closing Tune
Have you ever wondered if the iconic rock band, Grateful Dead, ever closed their shows with the cowboy singer Roy Rogers song, 'Happy Trails'? This intriguing question has sparked curiosity among many music lovers. While the Grateful Dead didn't typically use this song as part of their setlist, there were other notable occasions where they closed with different types of songs that provided a unique and memorable experience for their fans.
Quicksilver Messenger Service and 'Happy Trails'
Adele, a passionate music enthusiast, remembers the Grateful Dead's setlist during their early days. However, another band, Quicksilver Messenger Service (QMS), is known to have performed Roy Rogers' 'Happy Trails'. This 1960s psychedelic rock band recorded the song for their 1969 live album, 'Happy Trails'.
QMS's recording of 'Happy Trails' is a 25-minute version of Bo Diddley’s 'Who Do You Love', showcasing their extended psychedelic jamming style. The album, similar to the Grateful Dead's 'Live/Dead', is a mix of studio and live recordings. Despite the humorous inclusion of the studio recording, it's unlikely that QMS ever performed 'Happy Trails' live during their shows.
Grateful Dead's Setlist
Joanna shares a story about an experience she had with the Grateful Dead, even though the band didn't use 'Happy Trails'. In 1966 or 1967, she attended a show where the Grateful Dead played the traditional tune 'Lay Down My Dear Brothers' before the encore. Another band, Van Halen, also used to close their shows with a spiritual tune, indicating that it was a trend in the late 1960s rock scene.
The Grateful Dead, known for their eclectic mix of music, often closed their shows with spiritual hymns. Indeed, the traditional tune they played often during their live performances was a rendition of 'Lay Down My Dear Brothers.' This was part of their unique sound and interpretation of music, blending psychedelic rock with spiritual elements, a signature of their era.
Other Rock Bands Utilizing Spiritual Tunes
Van Halen, another band that prospered during the early club days, would similarly close their shows with spiritual tunes. This practice was not unique to the Grateful Dead and Van Halen, but it was an essential part of the countercultural movement of the late 1960s to 1970s.
During the concert in Sacramento, while the Grateful Dead faced initial sound system issues, they were eventually able to perform well and delivered an unforgettable setlist. The problems they faced and the adjustments made provide a glimpse into the spontaneity and improvisation of live performances during that era.
These spiritual tunes were more than just closing acts; they were an expression of the countercultural values of the time. The Grateful Dead's spiritual tunes are still cherished by their fans and remain a significant part of the band's legacy.
Conclusion
Although Grateful Dead didn't often close their shows with Roy Rogers' 'Happy Trails', they did incorporate spiritual tunes into their setlist. The practice of closing rock concerts with such music was a reflection of the broader cultural and spiritual values of the era. If you're a fan of live rock music from the 1960s, the Grateful Dead's unique blend of psychedelic rock and spiritual tunes is worth exploring.
Whether it's hearing Quicksilver Messenger Service's 'Happy Trails' or experiencing the Grateful Dead's closed spiritual tunes, the music from this era continues to captivate and inspire music enthusiasts worldwide.