It’s safe to say that fans of the Grateful Dead are eagerly awaiting the release of Long Strange Trip, the new Grateful Dead documentary directed by Amir Bar-Lev and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. The documentary will be formally released via Amazon Prime on June 2nd, with a number of live screenings ahead of the streaming release at movie theaters across the United States and iconic venues, such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Capitol Theatre, on May 25th. However, even though the formal debut of the movie is just around the corner, fans are still devouring up the little tastes of the film that have been slowly being released over the past few weeks.
Watch The Trailer For The New ‘Long Strange Trip’ Grateful Dead Documentary
Today, a new clip from Long Strange Trip was released, and it’s one of the best yet. The clip, which was premiered on Consequence of Sound, outlines the various subcultures within the vast category that is Deadheads, and it’s an illuminating look at the diverse fanbase that congregated around the Grateful Dead. At just over a minute long, the clip likens the Dead’s fan base to a “mandala,” then describes how the various groups fit together, referencing Phil Zone and Jerry Side folks, spinners, Wharf Rats, tapers, and more—plus how their relationship with the music changed based on which group they fit into. Most interestingly, the clip talks about the “Deaf Zone,” where the hearing impaired would gather holding balloons to feel the music and watch the sign language interpreters convey the lyrics of the music. You can watch the clip for yourself below, and get excited for when Amir Bar-Lev’s Long Strange Trip comes to a theater or venue near you (or, for those not close to one of the upcoming screening, a couch near you).