“Thirty-five years ago is a long time,” said Hart, the band's percussionist. Like a Dead show itself, details are a bit hazy – fact, fiction and myth woven in a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. They both have the ability to inspire, encourage and to allow you to be you and to become something that is bigger and better and more important than you as an individual.” The Grateful Dead, that’s a family as well. “The Celtics and the Grateful Dead represent so much of everything I believe in, live for and try to do with my life,” Walton explained. “Because of the culture Red (Auerbach) had built, the Celtics were a family organization. 'THEIR WORK WILL CONTINUE': NBA players prioritizing social justice initiatives over symbolic protests next season REWIND: 10 times sports figures challenged President Donald Trump in the last four years “Two of my favorite subjects – the Grateful Dead and Boston Celtics,” Walton told USA TODAY Sports on Monday.įor Walton, basketball and music are passions, and he ascribes a personal philosophy to both. Thirty-five years ago, Walton enticed members of the Celtics, including Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Rick Carlisle and Robert Parish among others to attend two Grateful Dead concerts on Nov. Sitting off to the side on the stage that night were members of the Boston Celtics, including noted Deadhead Bill Walton. Band members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Brent Mydland, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann checked their instruments, ensuring they were ready and then launched into the set opener “Alabama Getaway.” The Grateful Dead took the stage at The Centrum in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Nov.

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