Were They Ever Here at All? More Epic Tales of the Grateful Dead is author Scott W. Allen’s third and final installment in his written histories of the revered San Francisco group, updating the Dead’s history through August 2022. Mr. Allen’s series of biographies are the most accurate, in-depth, and current histories of the Dead ever written.The Foreword to Were They Ever Here at All? More Epic Tales of the Grateful Dead was penned by the late Grateful Dead lyricist John Barlow.Were They Ever Here at All? is a positive exploration of the band’s history. Included are essays that delve into Grateful Dead songs such as William Tell, Ramble on Rose and Terrapin Station. The mysterious death of Neal Cassady in February 1968 is examined in never-before-told detail. The meteoric ascension of Dead & Company during the period 2015-22 is also charted. There are stories that chronicle the rise of the Mime Troupe, and the creation of new off-shoot groups such as Wolf Bros, the Phil & Bob duo, and the Bill Kreutzmann and Billy Strings band. A dozen legendary Grateful Dead shows are explored, among them: February 14, 1968; August 16, 1969 (Woodstock); September 2, 1978 (Englishtown); April 22, 1979 (Brent’s debut), and June 18, 1992.In his new tome, Scott has penned touching eulogies to Robert Hunter, John Barlow, Gloria Jones (JGB), Deadhead Adam Katz, and a South Bronx teacher and Deadhead named Lew Kirsch who passed away in 2020 from the coronavirus.Readers will also find stories that deepen and grow the legacies of Bill Graham; Wavy Gravy; Robert Hunter; Vince Welnick; Brent Mydland; Bill Walton; Merry Prankster Joe McCord, Jerry, and Billy.There are loving tributes to tape archivist Dick Latvala, lighting director Candace Brightman, Merry Prankster Joe McCord, Betty-Cantor-Jackson, the Jerry Garcia Band, Steve Parish, Ram Rod Shurtliff, Owsley, and Dan Healy.Were They Ever Here at All? also focuses on the last five years of Jerry’s life.I have followed Scott during his time at Relix, and on social media, for years now. His insights and stories about the Grateful Dead are always informative and enjoyable to read. He holds a wealth of knowledge about the band, its members, and the Deadhead community. I loved his first two books, and they would be a welcome addition to anyone’s Dead library. I just finished this one, and I think it’s my favorite of the three ! This book is a wonderful mix of history and personal tales that will take you right back to the good old days. - Rob Campbell, Deadhead, Jackson, MI
