Photo Credit: Gillian Garcia

Anthology Editions has announced the Sept. 20 release of a new book that delves into the extensive history of the Grateful Dead’s cassette trading community. Entitled, After All Is Said and Done: Taping the Grateful Dead 1965-1995 and written by Mark A. Rodriguez, the forthcoming book showcases the author’s experiences alongside the effervescent circle of devoted tapers. 

The new book, available at the end of the month, dives into Rodriguez’s groundbreaking work alongside a thriving group of individuals who understood the power and uniqueness of a Grateful Dead concert and the unknown and excitement that each live show brings. 

After All Is Said and Done includes a myriad of personal interviews with members of the tape trading community, enthusiasts of the practice, and members of the Grateful Dead organization, who collectively paint a picture of their unmatched experiences. Moreover, the book includes a foreword written by Jerry Garcia’s daughter, Trixie Garcia and an introduction by poet and art critic Stuart Krimko. 

Since gaining footing in the Grateful Dead tape trading community in the mid-90s, Rodriguez has worked with more than 27,000 tapes, making the book a natural next step for the artist and author, who hopes to share his experience with fellow Dead enthusiasts and those interested in the history of tracking live shows. 

Rodriquez is an artist who splits time between Los Angeles and New Mexico. His practice draws from his experience as a collector to hone an approach to sculptural work that explores motifs of cultural ownership, folk art and technological obsolescence. 

For those interested in purchasing After All Is Said and Done, visit this link.

Watch a video that previews the forthcoming book below.