John Barlow and Phil have made public statements regarding this matter:
Barlow -
You have no idea how sad I am about this. I fought it hammer and tong, but the drummers had inoperable bricks in their head about it.
What's worse is that they now want to remove all Dead music from the Web. They might as easily put a teaspoon of food coloring in a swimming pool and then tell the pool owner to get it back to them.
It's like finding out that your brother is a child molester. And then, worse, having everyone then assume that you're a child molester too. I've been called a hypocrite in three languages already.
How magnificently counter-productive of them. It's as if the goose who laid the golden egg had decided to commit suicide so that he could get more golden eggs.
This is just the beginning of the backlash, I promise you.
This is worse than the RIAA suing their customers.
Phil -
It was brought to my attention that all of the Grateful Dead shows were
taken down from Archive.org right before Thanksgiving. I was not part of
this decision making process and was not notified that the shows were to be
pulled. I do feel that the music is the Grateful Dead's legacy and I hope
that one way or another all of it is available for those who want it . I
have enjoyed using Archive.org and found it invaluable during the writing of
my book. I found myself being pulled back in time listening to old Grateful
Dead shows while giggling with glee or feeling that ache in my heart
listening to Jerry's poetic guitar and sweet voice.
We are musicians not businessmen and have made good and bad decisions on our
journey. We do love and care about our community as you helped us make the
music. We could not have made this kind of music without you as you allowed
us to play without a net. Your love, trust and patience made it possible
for us to try again the next show when we couldn't get that magic carpet off
the ground. Your concerns have been heard and I am sure are being
respectfully addressed.
- Phil
I wonder who is calling the shots.
?
TZ
