Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The unexpected, Jan. 10th death of Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir has not only shocked fans for the much beloved band, but for niche retailers who specialize in selling Dead-related merchandise, they are bracing for a new wave of sales.
That is the case with Terrapin Station, a Hertel Avenue store that has been selling Grateful Dead and jam band-related items for more than 37 years.
"I hope more people come in," said Barry Cohen, Terrapin Station owner. "We'll see."
That was the case in August 1995 when Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia died and, again, in October 2024 when another band co-founder, Phil Lesh died.
"It is a really a special thing," said Bob Colasanti, who co-founded Terrapin Station with Cohen. "I mean the Stones and Beatles don't have stores like Terrapin."
True, there are retailers who sell all sorts of merchandise related to rock bands, but the Grateful Dead are unique that there are waves of stores across the country that dedicated themselves solely to the band.
And, whenever and wherever the band - including its post-Garcia incarnations like Further and Dead & Co. play - parking lots are loaded with vendors selling everything from t-shirts, jewelry and smoking devices to grilled cheese sandwiches and other merchandise The vendors constituted "Shakedown Street" - a traveling Dead-related retail village.
Thanks to virtually of all the band's shows being recorded - and the same is true for the side bands - there will be no shortage of releases from the Grateful Dead camp.
That, Colasanti, will keep retailers going.
"The music will live forever," Colasanti said. "I'm sure the fans will keep it alive."