“ALWAYS A HOOT”

Jerry Garcia, the legendary frontman of the Grateful Dead, was a kaleidoscope of creativity,
humor, and contradictions. Known for his lightning-fast guitar work and soulful voice, Jerry
had an unmistakable ability to channel pure joy through music—and life. His catchphrase,
“Always a hoot!” often exclaimed after gigs, encapsulates the playful, larger-than-life persona
that endeared him to millions. It is said to be the last words to Bob Wier as they walked off the
stage together at Soldier Field, one month before Jerry passed.
Jerry’s zany humor was as much a hallmark as his music. Ever the prankster, he once tricked an
audience into believing that the Grateful Dead had learned to play Beethoven overnight, only to
launch into a freewheeling jam that was anything but classical. His sharp wit extended to his art
as well; Garcia’s doodles, like his music, were whimsical and unrestrained—his way of seeing the
world as a fantastical playground.
Offstage, Jerry’s life was a tapestry of quirks and unexpected turns. Despite his countercultural
fame, he had a soft spot for ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia remains a tribute). He was
equally fascinated by banjos, comic books, and sci-fi novels, a blend of high and low culture that
shaped his eclectic worldview. Yet, he never took himself too seriously, often laughing at the
sheer absurdity of his fame and the Deadhead phenomenon.
For all the chaos that followed the Dead’s touring circus, Jerry’s perspective remained
grounded. In interviews, he’d reflect on life with a mix of profound insight and disarming
simplicity, acknowledging both the absurdity and beauty of it all. His humor—both dark and
light—was his coping mechanism, a counterbalance to the pressures of fame and the demons he
wrestled with.
Gone too soon at 53, Garcia’s legacy is as vibrant as the tie-dye shirts his fans still wear with
pride. His life may have been short, but it was rich with laughter, wonder, and a soundtrack
that still reverberates through the decades. In “Always A Hoot,” his playful spirit shines on—a
tribute to a man who found joy in the madness and turned it into art.
About the Piece:
The guitar is a TRAVIS BEAN T-500.Founded in 1974 by Clifford Travis Bean, Marc McElwee, and
Gary Kramer, during the “golden era” of guitars. Garcia used this guitar from 1976-1977, and recorded
Terrapin Station with it. These names and dates are found in the piece along with the specs and features
of this new innovation. Check out the aluminum neck. The outer edge of the guitar body is a time line
of Jerry’s life. The outline of the pickguard has some highlights of the guitar in Jerry’s hands. The
pickups are the serial #’s 11 & 12; the two Jerry had. The Bridge is made up of some of Jerry’s
influences. The 3 Control Knobs have the’ oft said phrase: “Gas, Ass, or Cash”. Nobody Rides for Free.
Jerry had this sticker on the guitar. The pickguard screws show the $243,000 the guitar sold for in 2012.
The 3 pick-up toggle switches show the date of the Terrapin Station Recording. The headstock has some
of the best known songs, and the tuning pegs are the members. Face: The pupils are The Eyes of the
World. Grateful Dead members and bandmates are in the head hair. Some lyrics from Terrapin Station
fill his face. Brad Beyer 12/24