Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Business Through the Music of the Grateful Dead

Martin O'Donnell: This book explains why staying true to their declarations works.

United Kingdom on Mar 10, 2022

Donnie: Having just started to follow The Dead closely for the last year or so, I highly recommend this book. It is an easy read, and the author goes into some really cool details and background about the band. It's amazing how successful the band was given their business model, which many leaders would consider counter-intuitive and unconventional.

United States on Jul 18, 2020

Hathi: I received this as a gift. I guess working for a large company and being a fan of the Dead was the reason my kids chose this for me!

I have read a lot of business books over the years. This was definitely the most fun one I have ever read! Colorful stories about a band I love were engaging, making this a page turner to me.

The ten lessons are fairly unique as well, but quite reapplicable to business across the board. "Live your values," "Be kind," "Encourage Employees to Lead" sound similar to other business books, but come with a Grateful Dead spin on it. Has given me some great ideas to try and implement at my company.

Deadhead? Business professional? Either one (or both!) will find something in this book! Recommend!

United States on Aug 28, 2019

Amazon Customer: Being born in the late 80's I knew little to nothing about the Grateful Dead. I read the book after seeing a recommendation from a CEO at a large healthcare institution. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I thought it was fascinating to see the business theories and how the Dead ran their business. I was able to gain respect for a band I knew very little about. It is a worthwhile read for anyone.

United States on Sep 07, 2018

Michael Wolff: excellent

United Kingdom on Mar 13, 2018

Mr. B. Quinn: Great lessons for a small business owner to get your business to the next level. A great read from start to finish

United Kingdom on Jun 07, 2015

Alan Stevens: I bought this after reading "Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead" by Brian Halligan and David Meerman Scott. It came up as a recommendation, and I'm delighted that I bought it. It's a great book - very readable, packed with terrific advice. It's very entertaining too!

United Kingdom on Jun 19, 2014

The Aeolian Kid: EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT BUSINESS I LEARNED FROM THE GRATEFUL DEAD – A Book Review by George Koumantzelis

I really enjoyed reading this book a lot. It’s only 223 pages long, and it reads fast. I finished it in just a few days, on October 31, 2013. If you are a Dead Head, read this book. If you are just starting a band or just joining a band, read this book. If you are about to open your own business, read this book! … Now, there are better books out there to read about The Grateful Dead, about starting or joining a band, and about opening your own business. But, I do not know of any other book that covers all three. In that sense, this is a serious pre-requisite to your career in music – if that is what you think you want to do.

The Grateful Dead hold – with distinctive honors – a unique place in the pantheon of rock and roll musicians when it comes to dealing with the music business. This is no overstatement. Among business organizations in general, and rock and roll band organizations in particular, The Grateful Dead stand out as a group of people who not only walked their talk but also put their money where their mouths were. This is rare! It is rare...

United States on Nov 07, 2013

PapaPhil: My wife and I met at a Grateful Dead concert and we were married at one. All of this took place many years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, both from my perspective as a Dead Head and a current Tour Manager for a nationally touring band. I bought two copies to share amongst the band members of the band for whom I work.

This is well-written, very comprehensive, and an insight into America's favorite band (like it or not, it's true). I learned a lot from this, both in terms of what I experienced way back when and what I am now confronting, trying to help an extraordinary group of musicians survive in today's economy.

Read this. You will come away with a smile on your face.

United States on Apr 17, 2012

Cornish Deadhead: I purchased this book, well I would don't you think. as I considered it would be a good companion to  Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History , and guess what, I think it is!!

There are some fascinating little touches in this book starting with the deadication, part of which reads:

"This book is deadicated to Augustus Owsley "Bear" Stanley III. Without Bear's efforts and involvement, it's hard to know if there would have been a Grateful Dead or what shape the band might have taken".

Another interesting note which features in John Barlow's Forward is how he describes his relationship with the band, and perhaps a telling statement:

"...the fact remains that I was probably the only outsider that was also an insider".

The book itself is just over 200 pages, and is in a small format. I would describe it as insightful, and an enjoyable read with a touch of humour. If you enjoyed the "marketing" book, then do give this one a whirl as it is a worthy addition to anyone who has an interest in the band.

United Kingdom on Jan 05, 2012