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 and updates the Dead’s history through February 2022. Mr. Allen’s series of biographies are the most accurate, detailed and up-to-date histories of the Dead ever written.

The Foreword for Were They Ever Here at All? More Epic Tales of the Grateful Dead was penned by the late Grateful Dead lyricist John Barlow, a friend to the author for more than 25 years.

Were They Ever Here at All? covers previously uncharted territory in the band’s history. Included are essays that explore Grateful Dead songs such as William Tell,
Ramble on Rose,
Wharf Rat and Terrapin Station. The mysterious death of Neal Cassady in February 1968 is examined in never-before-told detail. The meteoric ascension and post-2015 development of Dead & Company is charted.

There are stories that chronicle the rise of the Mime Troupe, and the creation of new groups such as Wolf Bros, the Phil and Bob duo, and the Bill Kreutzmann and Billy Strings band. A bevy of legendary Grateful Dead shows are broken down and explored, among them: February 14, 1968; August 16, 1969 (Woodstock); September 2, 1978 (Englishtown); April 22, 1979 (Brent’s debut); October 11, 1983; June 28, 1985; October 17, 1990, and June 18, 1992.

In his new tome, the author has penned touching eulogies to Robert Hunter, John Barlow, Gloria Jones (JGB), and Deadhead Adam Katz.

Were They Ever Here at All? also focuses on the last five years of Jerry’s life. Mr. Allen shares intimate details from the guitarist’s family and a core group of his closest friends who openly discuss on record how the Grateful Dead mistreated Garcia during the period 1992-95.

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, and Jerry. The real tale behind Betty Cantor-Jackson and her auctioned Dead soundboard reel-to-reels is revealed. As is the reason Jerry loved the Bob Dylan tune, Joey.

There’s an essay written by Manasha Garcia, who was Jerry’s partner of six years, about the first time they met (in 1978). The legendary tale of how the Grateful Dead spoiled Creedence Clearwater Revival’s chance to steal the show at Woodstock is unveiled. There are also loving tributes to tape archivist Dick Latvala, lighting director Candace Brightman, Joe McCord, and the Jerry Garcia Band.

The Kindle version of Were They Ever Here at All? More Epic Tales of the Grateful Dead contains more than 40 links to Grateful Dead songs and information that can be activated and enjoyed as you read !

The cover art and interior illustrations for Were They Ever Here at All? are drawn by college student Hannah Hopkins, who is studying architecture out west. Hannah’s art is as riveting as it is visionary.

Scott intuitively understood at the time the music was being made the historical, sociological and aesthetic importance of the Grateful Dead and its scene which is still going strong 55-plus years after they first played as a group in a local pizza joint. His books are a pleasure to read and are filled with funny and interesting stories, anecdotes, first-hand accounts, and sometimes profound observations. - Robert Pistella, Deadhead Freehold, NJ