trivia

Two weird rock items I've learned from skimming books at work:

1) In 1990, Bob Dylan (at a low creative point) phoned the Grateful Dead office to ask if he could join as a perminent member. All but one (unnamed) member said yes. Veto power held. Prior to that, he showed up at a Dead show asking to play, but said he only wanted to play and sing on Dead songs. After a couple it was clear he didn't know them at all, so the Dead said "we know your stuff-let's just do those". I'd like to hear that tape.

2) In Johnny Cash's FIRST autobiography, published in the late 70's, he credits Mike Nesmith for one of the most important things anyone ever said to him. In 1969, freshly off drugs and hosting his new TV show, Cash invited Nesmith to stay at his house after the Monkees were on the show. Nez said (paraphrase), "well, Johnny--now you have it all. You're healthy, you're rich and the establishment has accepted you. How much do you wanna bet you're gonna let them eat you alive and you'll end up back where you started?"
Cash said "I'll take that bet. I'm not gonna let that happen". And he says he remembers that whenever temptation strikes.

Huh.