The Grateful Dead knew their niche.
The Grateful Dead was a rag-tag bunch of misfits and malcontnets. They weren’t the best musicians. They weren’t slick. They never had a “hit” record. And yet they were (and still are), wildly popular.
They became friends with famous artists such as Salvador Dali. Their fan base consisted of U.S. Senators, lawyers, doctors, professionals, and working people.
They went from giving free concerts to a multi-million dollar organization that employed several hundred staff members.
At one time, the Grateful Dead sold out the largest music venues in the country. Generally for two to three days at a time. Sometimes, twice a year.
The organization still makes a bundle to this very day, and yet they have not released any new music.
Lesson 1: Know your niche.
The Grateful Dead did not try to become all things to all people.
They knew early on, their appeal was very limited. While they released music albums, they got very little commercial radio air play.
They understood their audience and their audience understood them. The Dead’s model was to take their music to the people.
They become known through word of mouth. One person would go to a Grateful Dead concert, and they would tell their friends. Soon, they would tell their friends. And on and on.
Their shows became viral messages, as more and more people attended their concerts.
Through it all, they concentrated on their fans. They never tried to appeal to everyone.
The Grateful Dead understood their niche and put their energies in devloping that niche.
you can listen to a great version of Truckin”, right here. (Song starts after 20 second intro…)
End of Part One: Internet Marketing Lessons from The Graeful Dead.
Discover some other Dead music here:
Have a Jerry Christmas and a Happy New Weir,
albert grande
Pizza for Dead Heads