Phil is 73. Anytime I think that I'm to old to go dance at shows, I think that if Phil can play I have no excuse to not dance. Or at least show up. Row Tim's post (see above) is true!

Chester wrote:

The only way I can manage....I'm so glad I'm not the only oldie...I was getting a little worried that I might not be able to keep up with you all in Broomfield! I, too, find it hard to stay awake for the couch tours, but when I'm there live, the energy of everyone around me & that fact that I'M REALLY THERE AGAIN keeps me going. I was a bit of a late Dead bloomer, so I'm just gettin' goin'!! Bring it on!!
Oh yeah, I'M A SENIOR BOARDER NOW!

This is the first time I am glad I was too young to see the Dead. I went hard for NYE, and didn't have too long of a recovery time. I didn't really do activities during the day (usually, I was tripping INTO the morning/day), but come nighttime I was refreshed and ready to shroom or dose again.

Don't feel pressured to stay on the floor; sit down whenever you want; stay hydrated; get proper sleep; eat well; don't feel like you have to hit it every time it comes around; know your limit on substance use; get and give plenty of REAL hugs; stay in shape; let the music heal you.

Dancing is not only for young people.

Going to work everyday and raising a son makes me feel old. Going to shows and dancing makes me feel young. I have a much harder time recovering from work than I do shows

The secret? I love to party, but prefer to go light for shows. You're safe to drive home and remember the show the next day. Probably helps that I only go to shows in the Denver area so I am in my own bed every night and then don't hit the lot until an hour or two before showtime. Days of all day partying in the lot and psychedelics are long gone for me.


Edit: Floor at Broomfield can get crowded up front, the seats in the back bowl usually have space to dance and good sight lines.

Phred wrote:


Your body will tell you when to let up. It has tremendous recouperating powers, yet once you begin to abuse it, it will let you know. Nobody has ever beaten booze or dope. ITs as simple as that.

You cant beat ole John Barleycorn.

Im 53 and its harder now then 30 years ago, BUT, its a labor of love. Im doing more shows, three or four a week, every week, then I ever have. My advice is rest to up during the day and eat properly so your body is happy.

There is an old Hells Angeles expression: Live fast die young and leave a good looking corpse. No wait, this may not be the correct thread to share this inspirational wisdom. Perhaps Tim and Wondurlands posts are better suited to help geriatric heads dance.

Drink lots of water all day. Eat well, not too much before show, no food comas. Smoke after the first note, not upon entering the lot, or all day. If psychedelic increase from first through last, a break makes for better experience. Sure Phil's going strong, I believe he's been sober for a while, I tried it, it helps!

nycdave wrote:


Geriatric heads know that the saying is from an old Bogart film, not the hells angels. I don't know if any hells angel would make a good-looking corpse

The best defense is a healthy active lifestyle outside of tour time. God I hope 50 isn't considered old I always thought that was middle age good thing I ride a bike 15 miles everyday, hopefully ill be ready two decades ain't very long!


The only thing that kills me on multinight runs is more than one night of flasked wild turkey rare breed