Meaning: The quote by Phil Lesh, a musician and founding member of the Grateful Dead, sheds light on a particular aspect of the band's experience during their tours. It highlights the phenomenon of a dedicated group of fans who were not primarily interested in attending the band's performances but rather in following them from location to location, often congregating outside the venues. This behavior, known as "touring" or "following," has become synonymous with the Grateful Dead and their devoted fan base.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Grateful Dead gained a reputation for their unique approach to touring and live performances. The band's loyal followers, known as "Deadheads," would often travel from city to city to attend multiple shows, creating a subculture centered around the band's music and communal experience. While many Deadheads would purchase tickets and attend the concerts, there was also a subset of fans who engaged in more unconventional behavior, such as attempting to gain entry to shows without tickets or simply hanging out in the vicinity of the venues.

This behavior reflects a distinctive aspect of the Grateful Dead's fan community and the band's impact on popular culture. The phenomenon of dedicated fans congregating outside venues, often with the aim of gaining access to the show or simply being in the proximity of the band, speaks to the profound connection and sense of community that the Grateful Dead fostered among their followers. For many Deadheads, the experience of being part of the touring community was as significant as attending the actual concerts, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging that transcended traditional notions of fandom.

The quote also hints at the challenges and complexities that arose from this intense level of fan dedication. Phil Lesh's observation that there was a group of people "tryin' to break in" suggests the band's awareness of the unauthorized attempts by some fans to gain access to the shows without proper tickets. This phenomenon posed logistical and security challenges for the band and concert organizers, as they sought to manage the influx of fans and maintain order outside the venues.

Furthermore, the quote provides insight into the evolving dynamics between the band and their fans during this period. The Grateful Dead's approach to touring and their emphasis on live improvisation and unique performances contributed to the development of a distinct fan culture that revolved around the communal experience of the concerts. The band's willingness to embrace their dedicated fan base and accommodate their unconventional touring practices further solidified the connection between the musicians and their audience, shaping the band's legacy as pioneers of a grassroots, community-driven approach to music and live performance.

In conclusion, Phil Lesh's quote encapsulates the unique relationship between the Grateful Dead and their dedicated fan base, shedding light on the phenomenon of touring, the challenges it presented, and the sense of community and camaraderie that defined the band's live experience. This quote serves as a window into a pivotal aspect of the Grateful Dead's cultural impact and enduring legacy, showcasing the band's ability to inspire a devoted following that transcended traditional boundaries of fandom and concert attendance.