Tonight on Dead Set Live, tune in for the JGB Radio Show, where the spotlight is solely on Jerry Garcia’s legendary live performances. Every song played during the show is a live track from Jerry Garcia, focusing on his incomparable musicianship and the magic he created with his band, the Jerry Garcia Band (JGB). Whether it’s his soulful guitar playing or his unique vocals, each track will transport listeners to a different moment in Garcia’s storied career. This show celebrates the diversity of his live performances, from his deep connection with the audience to his ability to blend genres and create unforgettable jams.
The JGB Radio Show is a must-listen for Deadheads and music lovers alike, as it offers an intimate, live sound experience that captures the essence of Jerry Garcia’s artistry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, tonight’s show will be a musical journey through Garcia’s vast catalog of live performances, all of which showcase his genius and deep commitment to live music.
The 1955 Fender Stratocaster: “Alligator”
In the late 1970s, Jerry Garcia was gifted a 1955 Fender Stratocaster by none other than Graham Nash. Purchased for just $250 from a Phoenix pawnshop, this Strat would go on to become one of the most iconic guitars in Garcia’s collection. The instrument was made from a swamp-ash body and a 1955 maple neck, and it quickly became a staple of Garcia’s performances.
This guitar, affectionately known as “Alligator,” was customized and altered several times over the years. Its original design evolved into something unique, reflecting Garcia’s personal style and the influence of his collaboration with various musicians. The guitar became widely recognized for its distinct stickers, most notably the alligator holding a knife and fork, which danced across the pickguard. This quirky visual became an iconic part of the guitar’s character.
First Played: The exact first performance of “Alligator” is not well-documented, but it became a crucial part of Garcia’s sound during the early 1970s.
Last Played: The guitar’s final performance with Garcia was during a Grateful Dead show at Roosevelt Stadium on August 1, 1973, where it was used during the song “One More Saturday Night.”
Over the years, the guitar underwent several structural modifications by Frank Fuller and Rick Turner of Alembic, who affectionately referred to it as a “Frankenstein” due to the constant changes. These updates took place between March 1971 and August 1973, with notable adjustments made in January, March, July, and December of 1972. Despite its constant modifications, the guitar was never played onstage in its final iteration.
In December 2019, Alligator was sold at auction for a staggering $420,000, including the buyer’s premium, to Andy Logan. The guitar’s iconic status and connection to Jerry Garcia’s legacy only continue to grow, making it one of the most valuable and revered instruments in rock history.
“Alligator” remains a symbol of Garcia’s legacy, reflecting both his evolution as a musician and the enduring influence of his unique sound.
