Bob Weir and RatDog | RatDog.Org

America's Band—National Views on The Grateful Dead

Results of a national poll, commissioned by Gordon Hensley and conducted by The Mellman Group April 1-3, 2010, can be found below.


Deadhead and poll sponsor Gordon Hensley's D.C.-area music studio
Gordon Hensley is a GOP campaign and communications consultant in Washington, D.C. Besides having served a variety of GOP senators, governors and statewide candidates for public office, he logged in 187 Grateful Dead shows between 1977 and 1995, and 132 RatDog shows between 1997 and today. RatDog continues to be his band of choice. Following the recent Furthur shows in Virginia and Radio City, and after talking to folks as young as 12 and as old as 76 at the shows about the music and significance of The Grateful Dead in contemporary American society, he decided to actually test the band's national name ID and its favorable and unfavorable ratings.

"I was especially interested in looking at the demographics of those with favorable views of The Grateful Dead," Hensley told RatDog.Org. "Bob Weir's interesting recent interview on CNBC with Steve Liesman, exploring the diverse nature of the GD fan base and the band's brand and business model, was an additional impetus to actually conduct this poll."


Says Hensley: "The Mellman Group, which conducted the national survey, is among the best polling shops in the nation, and the fun facts of the survey results are that The Grateful Dead has a 54% national name ID — which is relatively higher than I thought would be the case. In addition, and more important, the band has a 2:1 fav/unfav ratio -- a very solid image rating any incumbent or candidate running for office would be happy to have in today's political environment.

"An equally significant and somewhat mischievous fun fact is The Grateful Dead is viewed most favorably by those making over 100k annually. The CNBC interview touched on this topic — lots of 'Wall Street types' at shows these days, Liesman noted from his recent attendance at the Hammerstein Furthur shows (and even Republicans, Bobby pointed out). While more of a libertarian-oriented Republican, I always knew there were plenty of Republicans scattered throughout the venues over the past decades, and I still consider the coolest thing about the entire show experience is that one can check their politics at the door and focus on just one thing: the music.

"The Grateful Dead have been a significant, positive influence in my life and for many others for literally decades, and I've invested an enormous amount of sweat equity hitting shows in every corner of America and in Europe. My investment has been returned many times over. Thanks to The Grateful Dead, and to the founding members who continue to do what only they can do. It's gratifying to know so many millions of Americans, of every political persuasion, think likewise of their enormous contribution to our musical heritage, and to the American experience."