Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Source Bing.com
It was the summer of 1978, and the Grateful Dead were at the height of their powers. The band had just released their 11th studio album, Shakedown Street, and were embarking on a massive tour that would take them across the United States. But this was no ordinary tour. The Grateful Dead had their own private jet, and they were using it to travel from city to city.
The Origins of the Grateful Dead Private Jet
Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Origins Source Bing.com
The idea for the Grateful Dead’s private jet came from the band’s manager, Danny Rifkin. Rifkin had been with the band since the early days, and he knew that touring could be a grueling experience. He thought that a private jet would make life on the road a little more comfortable for the band and their crew.
Rifkin approached the band with the idea, and they were immediately on board. They knew that a private jet would allow them to travel more quickly and efficiently than they could with a tour bus or commercial flights. Plus, it would give them the freedom to fly on their own schedule, without having to worry about delays or cancellations.
The Grateful Dead’s Boeing 720B
Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Boeing 720B Source Bing.com
The Grateful Dead’s private jet was a Boeing 720B, a mid-sized airliner that was commonly used for charter flights in the 1970s. The band had the plane customized to their specifications, with a spacious interior that could accommodate the band, their crew, and their gear.
The interior of the plane was decorated with psychedelic artwork and featured comfortable seating and sleeping areas. There was also a kitchen and dining area, where the band could enjoy meals prepared by their personal chef.
The Benefits of a Private Jet Tour
Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Benefits Source Bing.com
The Grateful Dead’s private jet tour allowed them to travel in comfort and style, but it also had practical benefits. The band could play more shows in a shorter amount of time, since they didn’t have to worry about driving from city to city or dealing with the hassles of commercial air travel.
The private jet also allowed the band to avoid the paparazzi and fans who would often mob them at airports and hotels. They could fly in and out of cities without drawing attention to themselves, which gave them more privacy and security.
The Challenges of a Private Jet Tour
Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Challenges Source Bing.com
While the Grateful Dead’s private jet tour was a luxurious way to travel, it wasn’t without its challenges. The band had to deal with mechanical issues and weather-related delays, just like any other air traveler. They also had to contend with the high cost of chartering a private jet, which required them to play more shows and sell more tickets to cover the expense.
Another challenge of the private jet tour was the toll it took on the band members themselves. They were spending long hours on the road and in the air, which could be exhausting both physically and mentally. Plus, they were often separated from their families and loved ones for weeks at a time.
The Legacy of the Grateful Dead Private Jet Tour
Grateful Dead Private Jet 1978 Legacy Source Bing.com
The Grateful Dead’s private jet tour of 1978 is now legendary among fans of the band. It represented a peak moment in the band’s career, when they were at the height of their powers and able to indulge in the spoils of their success.
But the private jet tour also represents a time when rock and roll excess was at its peak. The band members themselves have acknowledged that the tour was an indulgence, and that they probably wouldn’t do it again today.
Still, the Grateful Dead’s private jet tour of 1978 remains a fascinating chapter in the history of rock and roll. It’s a reminder of a time when anything seemed possible, and when the biggest bands in the world could indulge in their wildest dreams.
