Never was a big fan of the Dead, but I did have an opportunity to see them in concert once. The Dead encouraged taping, and the last few row of the floor seats

Never was a big fan of the Dead, but I did have an opportunity to see them in concert once. The Dead encouraged taping, and the last few row of the floor seats were reserved for it. It was an interesting thing to see. The back few rows was a forest of microphone stands and microphones. This was no casual thing. The other interesting thing was that the band did not talk to the audience. They walked on stage, started playing. Played a bit, paused, said "We'll be back" and took a break for intermission. Then they returned, started playing and then walked off. I honestly can't say if they said "Thanks" to the crowd, or waved, or anything. It was just their familiarity with their audience, and vice-a-versa. I guess none of that was really necessary.