What do you think?
Rate this book
Home Before Daylight: My Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
The untold story of life on the road with the Grateful Dead, written by an insider who lived it from the early days to today.
Steve Parish was never one to walk the straight-and-narrow, even during his childhood growing up in Flushing Meadow, Queens. Busted as a teenager for selling acid in the summer of 1968, Parish landed in Riker's Island. The experience changed him and after getting out he did his best to stay out of trouble, securing a job moving music equipment at the New York State Pavilion. The first show he worked was a Grateful Dead concert in July of 1969 and Parish was captivated by the music. A life seemingly headed nowhere had suddenly found its calling as he fell in quickly with a band of likeminded misfits who formed the nucleus of what would be the greatest road crew in rock 'n' roll history.
Parish traveled to California where his apprenticeship began. Working for the band for free and learning his craft, Parish got to know Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Billy and Mickey and through the years their relationships forged an unbreakable bond. He became very close with Garcia in particular, acting as his personal roadie and later manager for his solo performances and Garcia Band shows. He was there during times of trouble (like when a pimp held Garcia hostage at gunpoint in a New York hotel room), spending hours by his bedside when Garcia was in a coma in 1986, and performing the duties of best man at his wedding. He was also the last friend to see Garcia alive.
Throughout the Dead's historic run, there were parties of biblical proportion and celebrity run-ins with everybody from Bob Dylan to Frank Sinatra--but there was a dark side to life on the road and tragedy didn't just strike the musicians.
But Home Before Daylight is a story of friendship, of music and redemption. It is a piece of music history, one that reflects the American spirit of adventure and brotherhood. Seen through Steve Parish's eyes and experiences, The Grateful Dead's wild ride has never been so revealing.
Steve Parish was never one to walk the straight-and-narrow, even during his childhood growing up in Flushing Meadow, Queens. Busted as a teenager for selling acid in the summer of 1968, Parish landed in Riker's Island. The experience changed him and after getting out he did his best to stay out of trouble, securing a job moving music equipment at the New York State Pavilion. The first show he worked was a Grateful Dead concert in July of 1969 and Parish was captivated by the music. A life seemingly headed nowhere had suddenly found its calling as he fell in quickly with a band of likeminded misfits who formed the nucleus of what would be the greatest road crew in rock 'n' roll history.
Parish traveled to California where his apprenticeship began. Working for the band for free and learning his craft, Parish got to know Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Billy and Mickey and through the years their relationships forged an unbreakable bond. He became very close with Garcia in particular, acting as his personal roadie and later manager for his solo performances and Garcia Band shows. He was there during times of trouble (like when a pimp held Garcia hostage at gunpoint in a New York hotel room), spending hours by his bedside when Garcia was in a coma in 1986, and performing the duties of best man at his wedding. He was also the last friend to see Garcia alive.
Throughout the Dead's historic run, there were parties of biblical proportion and celebrity run-ins with everybody from Bob Dylan to Frank Sinatra--but there was a dark side to life on the road and tragedy didn't just strike the musicians.
But Home Before Daylight is a story of friendship, of music and redemption. It is a piece of music history, one that reflects the American spirit of adventure and brotherhood. Seen through Steve Parish's eyes and experiences, The Grateful Dead's wild ride has never been so revealing.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
89 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
About the author
Steve Parish
313 books8 followersSteve Parish is an acclaimed Australian photographer, naturalist, and publisher whose work has shaped public appreciation of Australia's natural heritage. Born in Great Britain in 1945, he developed a deep love for nature early in life through activities like spearfishing and hunting. At 17, he joined an expedition to Kangaroo Island led by underwater photography pioneer Igo Oak, an experience that ignited his passion for photography and natural history. After joining the Navy at 18, his posting to Jervis Bay allowed him to hone his diving and photography skills, contributing to research for the Australian Museum and resulting in his first book, Oceans of Life.
In 1985, he founded Steve Parish Publishing, which became a multimillion-dollar enterprise producing widely acclaimed nature books, travel guides, and educational materials for all ages. At its height, the company employed 125 people and distributed to over 3500 outlets. Despite its forced liquidation after the 2011 Brisbane floods, Steve continued his mission through Steve Parish Nature Connect.
Recognised with numerous awards, including an Order of Australia Medal in 2008, Parish remains a leading figure in conservation education. His work continues to inspire environmental awareness through photography, publishing, and online learning initiatives.
In 1985, he founded Steve Parish Publishing, which became a multimillion-dollar enterprise producing widely acclaimed nature books, travel guides, and educational materials for all ages. At its height, the company employed 125 people and distributed to over 3500 outlets. Despite its forced liquidation after the 2011 Brisbane floods, Steve continued his mission through Steve Parish Nature Connect.
Recognised with numerous awards, including an Order of Australia Medal in 2008, Parish remains a leading figure in conservation education. His work continues to inspire environmental awareness through photography, publishing, and online learning initiatives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 17, 2025
It seems like Parish could catch shit for being a Jer Bear enabler. A Bearnabler. I don’t give a fuck; Garcia is not within my purview of judgment on life choices. In fact, I can only judge myself, having no idea what anyone else’s reality is to them. So read this not as Scully or Rankow or…anyone but you. We all have long nights, sometimes. They can last for decades. Hey, shit, might as well tour it.
Parish is effectively the state of New York shaped like a road crew member speaking in a pidgin of Bayonne and Buddha. He’s honest, doesn’t sugarcoat some disgusting behavior, and largely seems like a guy who, in another life, I hope to enjoy a beer, joint, and tunes with behind some bar in the desert. Oh, and he loved Garcia fiercely. Guy would’ve taken a banana clip for him. Jerry preferred his company to most anyone; I let that speak for itself.
Oh: worth it for all the ‘Micky is a fucking asshole’ stories. Parish isn’t hitting below the belt, but sometimes people just butt heads. Besides, Micky is an asshole. Dead Logic assigned Parish as percussion tech for 3 years…Makes for some funny.
Parish is effectively the state of New York shaped like a road crew member speaking in a pidgin of Bayonne and Buddha. He’s honest, doesn’t sugarcoat some disgusting behavior, and largely seems like a guy who, in another life, I hope to enjoy a beer, joint, and tunes with behind some bar in the desert. Oh, and he loved Garcia fiercely. Guy would’ve taken a banana clip for him. Jerry preferred his company to most anyone; I let that speak for itself.
Oh: worth it for all the ‘Micky is a fucking asshole’ stories. Parish isn’t hitting below the belt, but sometimes people just butt heads. Besides, Micky is an asshole. Dead Logic assigned Parish as percussion tech for 3 years…Makes for some funny.
April 5, 2022
Though the book is not really worth a five star rating in a literary sense, the historical significance takes precedence over any flaws in the writing of it. Steve Parish has proven to be an adept chronicler of The Grateful Dead witnessed by his entertaining and informative weekly program on SiriusXM Radio featuring Big Steve Parish. I thoroughly loved reading this book about one of my favorite bands, perhaps my esteemed favorite if not for having to compete with The Beatles, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and so many others I have cherished as well.
March 25, 2012
This book is actually something I looked forward to a great deal although I did not encounter it until it was on library shelves. As the minder (in many ways) for Garcia's instruments for over 25 years, Parish relates the tale of how he came to work for the band, the many psychological tests and torments, and the joys which sometimes seemed fleeting, but left him with the knowledge that he kept his integrity about himself while working in a high-pressure and often tense atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to meet Steve on a night I was introduced (by him) to the Dead's female vocalist, Mrs. Donna Godchaux (I didn't meet her husband Keith that evening, although we shared an interesting time that night as well) and the Jerry Garcia Band's then manager, Richard Loren. (And happily enough, had a brief encounter with the man himself, on his way out to his car afterward). I had often heard about this supposed "fierce personality" of Parish's, but I never saw any evidence of the truth in the way I was personally treated, as a fan and hanger-on. He really is a warm person, but the pressure of their working situation is that there's an awful lot of crap the band generally had -(has)- to go through just to be able to get up on stage- and the crew were no exception. If you minded yourself and kept out of the way, then they were all too happy to have you around (or, as my friend TC once put it, in a different context, "They were as happy to have me there as I was to be there!") and the evening itself remains one of my fondest memories from the years I managed to stick to my guns as a die-hard Garcia loyalist.
It also dwells - and this was where he and I really saw eye to eye- on the frustrations of having to deal with Jerry's recalcitrant and intractable heroin problem. As his daughter Annabelle put it, "in those days, you really had to walk on eggs around him." A lot of things I might have said- or did, in fact, in a friendly letter, as he recovered from his diabetic coma incident- could not be said to his face, and the effort the entire band went through to try and get him to leave off and garner real concern for his life and health are documented here. If anyone could make you laugh or cry, it was Garcia, dead or alive, and this book is a very special testimony from the inside of the all-too-attractive GD whirlpool. As Mrs. Godchaux (I think) once said, "the Grateful Dead has an ability to suck people in in ways that are sometimes harmful to them." Not all of us bought "the need for" the Persian just because JG did, Steve amongst them. I am grateful to him for all the years he gave the best of himself- and empathize deeply with the personal losses he also recounts herein- as well as for that particular night I shared with the JGB in Palo Alto. Read it and figure things for yourself. There will never be another Grateful Dead - nor another Jerry Garcia. And this book gets you at least, a little bit further into understanding a few of the reasons they (and no others!) became the premier survivor rock and roll band in the USA.
I was lucky enough to meet Steve on a night I was introduced (by him) to the Dead's female vocalist, Mrs. Donna Godchaux (I didn't meet her husband Keith that evening, although we shared an interesting time that night as well) and the Jerry Garcia Band's then manager, Richard Loren. (And happily enough, had a brief encounter with the man himself, on his way out to his car afterward). I had often heard about this supposed "fierce personality" of Parish's, but I never saw any evidence of the truth in the way I was personally treated, as a fan and hanger-on. He really is a warm person, but the pressure of their working situation is that there's an awful lot of crap the band generally had -(has)- to go through just to be able to get up on stage- and the crew were no exception. If you minded yourself and kept out of the way, then they were all too happy to have you around (or, as my friend TC once put it, in a different context, "They were as happy to have me there as I was to be there!") and the evening itself remains one of my fondest memories from the years I managed to stick to my guns as a die-hard Garcia loyalist.
It also dwells - and this was where he and I really saw eye to eye- on the frustrations of having to deal with Jerry's recalcitrant and intractable heroin problem. As his daughter Annabelle put it, "in those days, you really had to walk on eggs around him." A lot of things I might have said- or did, in fact, in a friendly letter, as he recovered from his diabetic coma incident- could not be said to his face, and the effort the entire band went through to try and get him to leave off and garner real concern for his life and health are documented here. If anyone could make you laugh or cry, it was Garcia, dead or alive, and this book is a very special testimony from the inside of the all-too-attractive GD whirlpool. As Mrs. Godchaux (I think) once said, "the Grateful Dead has an ability to suck people in in ways that are sometimes harmful to them." Not all of us bought "the need for" the Persian just because JG did, Steve amongst them. I am grateful to him for all the years he gave the best of himself- and empathize deeply with the personal losses he also recounts herein- as well as for that particular night I shared with the JGB in Palo Alto. Read it and figure things for yourself. There will never be another Grateful Dead - nor another Jerry Garcia. And this book gets you at least, a little bit further into understanding a few of the reasons they (and no others!) became the premier survivor rock and roll band in the USA.
July 5, 2023
You can read this one within a 24 hour time period pretty easily. The writing is great.
January 16, 2022
I love the Grateful Dead and really appreciate this insightful view of Jerry Garcia from his best friend and manager. I must admit I was getting worn down from the darkness and devastation of Jerry’s heroin addiction, but Steve Parish lifted the end of the book to great heights and respectful remembrance. I love hearing about those early days when the band was full-heartedly searching for the lost chord. “Fare you well, my honey. Fare you well, my only true one. All the birds that were singing, have flown except you alone.”
March 17, 2015
Well...
Rock Scully's book resonated more to me. Parish wrote with too much apologies. I just wanted him to tell the story.
Rock Scully's book resonated more to me. Parish wrote with too much apologies. I just wanted him to tell the story.
December 8, 2021
I've been wanting to read this for awhile and I'm glad I finally did. Due to Parish not being one of the guys out front, I had hoped his take on things would be different, mostly because he had to no ego to protect. Though I was mostly correct, in the end there was any dirt being dished, rather I felt Parish is still doing his job as being one of the protectors of Jerry and the rest of the band. He told things raw, just stating facts. I don't know if he didn't overly spotlight anyone, or if everyone had their own fair share of bad habits. He never painted anyone as a choir boy, especially himself.
For Deadheads, this is a must read, and I honestly don't know how much this wil entertain the casual even rock n roll reader. Though I enjoyed that the story wasn't told completely linear, and he seemed to touch upon every aspect of rock n roll life, this is by no means a bio of himself or the band. If you're looking for dates and figures and facts, there are better sources.
As a Deadhead, I throughly enjoyed a glimpse into behind, behind the band. The most interesting stories being those of moving gear around the country so other people could be famous.
In the end though, it was a story of a guy who found a home. And a life long friendship, in the midst of the hurricane of The Grateful Dead and ultimately became an inseparable part of the family who accepted all. It was the story of a misfit finally fitting in. In Jerry's own words to Parish "It was ok to enjoy whatever weird things life brought my way. It was ok to have something in common with the Bowery Boys and the waterfront drunks because that connection made you more human, more complete. It made you a better person."
For Deadheads, this is a must read, and I honestly don't know how much this wil entertain the casual even rock n roll reader. Though I enjoyed that the story wasn't told completely linear, and he seemed to touch upon every aspect of rock n roll life, this is by no means a bio of himself or the band. If you're looking for dates and figures and facts, there are better sources.
As a Deadhead, I throughly enjoyed a glimpse into behind, behind the band. The most interesting stories being those of moving gear around the country so other people could be famous.
In the end though, it was a story of a guy who found a home. And a life long friendship, in the midst of the hurricane of The Grateful Dead and ultimately became an inseparable part of the family who accepted all. It was the story of a misfit finally fitting in. In Jerry's own words to Parish "It was ok to enjoy whatever weird things life brought my way. It was ok to have something in common with the Bowery Boys and the waterfront drunks because that connection made you more human, more complete. It made you a better person."
July 8, 2022
I started the year off with "Home Before Daylight" which is a book written by Steve Parish who was Jerry Garcia's main guitar tech and roadie for 20 years. Ever since I was a kid, I loved reading liner notes on albums and learning the details behind the music. I've read a lot of music biographies and most of them follow the same pattern; I practiced, we got a break, we got rich, we got drug problems, such and such died, I lived and got sober (or not) and here I am. This one is slightly different in that it is written from the roadie perspective, which is basically the ultimate fan perspective. I found the book rather sad because Jerry was basically a junky who traded his life for heroin and the 1 thing he cared about, being the music, suffered. In this case, the story is; we came, we saw, we partied....for a long time, Jerry died, it ended. One could argue that Jerry lived exactly how he wanted and the ending was predictable. I'm not actually here to judge that (or Jerry).
The bottom line on the book....it's "ok". If you are a fan of the Dead or Jerry, it's interesting enough. Nothing new but "ok".
The bottom line on the book....it's "ok". If you are a fan of the Dead or Jerry, it's interesting enough. Nothing new but "ok".
March 1, 2025
Home Before Daylight: My Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead by Steve Parish is a must-read for any Deadhead or music enthusiast interested in the behind-the-scenes world of one of rock’s most legendary bands. Parish, a longtime roadie and close confidant of Jerry Garcia, offers a deeply personal and candid account of his years with the Grateful Dead, capturing the magic, chaos, and camaraderie that defined their journey.
What sets this book apart is its raw authenticity—Parish doesn’t just recount tour stories; he immerses readers in the culture of the band, from the highs of performing for thousands of devoted fans to the struggles of life on the road. His deep love for Garcia and the Dead shines through, making this more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a musical era like no other.
For those fascinated by rock history, counterculture, or simply great storytelling, Home Before Daylight delivers an unforgettable ride through the golden age of the Grateful Dead.
What sets this book apart is its raw authenticity—Parish doesn’t just recount tour stories; he immerses readers in the culture of the band, from the highs of performing for thousands of devoted fans to the struggles of life on the road. His deep love for Garcia and the Dead shines through, making this more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a musical era like no other.
For those fascinated by rock history, counterculture, or simply great storytelling, Home Before Daylight delivers an unforgettable ride through the golden age of the Grateful Dead.
May 16, 2025
Too bad it's not read by Big Steve, who sounds exactly like Otto the Bus Driver on The Simpsons. But it's an enjoyable listen, feels more like an extended podcast than a book. Interesting about his upbringing on Long Island and how it prepared him for life with the Dead. Some juicy stories, of course. Worth it alone for the chapter about Jerry being held at gunpoint by a young enraged Mafia-type in NYC. A few other bits like that. Drug-fueled orgies, tragedies, and tragedies narrowly averted. Interesting that he's the nephew of Mitchell Parish, a famous songwriter of old standards (Stardust, Sentimental Lady, Volare, etc), something that won Jerry over. Sometimes I skipped ahead through stories about Hell's Angel friends or when he strayed too far from the band. But definitely someone with insider information (roadie starting in '69, JGB manager, best man at Jerry's wedding) and worth a look or listen if you're working your way through the GD genre as I am.
January 4, 2019
I read and re-read this tome like Mormons do the Book and The Doctrine. Steve does not give an F who you think you are. He knows the secret, We all the exact same. Carried hisself as such too, like a soldier, like a lady, like every gentleman ort. Not cocky, but self-assured. He knew he was just as important to the magic as Jerry Garcia. Hell we all were. Jerry didn't set out to create a rock star, but magic, art, using light, sound and us, dance. Steve just told the truth about it all. First story I read with no punches, all truth, eidetic memory, for all the good stuff. Hard Same.
May 31, 2023
Raw and real and from an insider point of view. It is worth saying that the outsider view (the effect this music and culture has on its fans or you as an individual) may ultimately be more important.
This book has an emphasis on the struggles of Jerry by the man who unquestionably knew him best. The stories are insightful and most of them new to me (I thought I knew just about everything about the GD - nope). Really was intrigued by this and probably the book I finished fastest this past year because I really wanted to know what was next.
This book has an emphasis on the struggles of Jerry by the man who unquestionably knew him best. The stories are insightful and most of them new to me (I thought I knew just about everything about the GD - nope). Really was intrigued by this and probably the book I finished fastest this past year because I really wanted to know what was next.
July 10, 2022
What surprised me about this book is that I thought it was going to be another book about the Grateful Dead. But Steve’s life is fascinating and his connection to the Grateful Dead is just one part of that. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of Dead and Jerry in the book. But it really is a look back at the crazy stories from this guy’s life.
It was a nice change of pace from many of the bio’s in this genre.
It was a nice change of pace from many of the bio’s in this genre.
September 12, 2024
Another great book about the history of the Grateful Dead as told by roadie, Steve Parish! I love how each one I’ve read picks up or fills in on stories or anecdotes from the others. Steve’s book really talks a lot about his view of Jerry, as he was one of the closest people to observe Jerry and his evolution throughout the years of TGD. Although truly tragic at times, it leads an outsiders view to the world of drug additions and the toll it takes on friends and family.
March 16, 2021
Fun read from a different angle. Rock from the perspective of the road crew. Lots of sex and drugs and hanging out with the Hell's Angels but the most interesting part was Steve Parish's relationship with Jerry Garcia.
August 1, 2023
Yet again, I am blown away by a memoir!
I should note that prior to this book and aside from the name and the Ben and Jerry's tribute, I had no knowledge of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia's contribution to the music scene of the 60s and the counterculture era. This detailed account of life on the road and all of the sacrifices, along with the rewards and repercussions that come from such a life are all very well documented and told by its narrator.
Needless to say, if you're a fan of 60's rock or the history of the 60s, then I highly recommend this book.
5/5 🌟
I should note that prior to this book and aside from the name and the Ben and Jerry's tribute, I had no knowledge of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia's contribution to the music scene of the 60s and the counterculture era. This detailed account of life on the road and all of the sacrifices, along with the rewards and repercussions that come from such a life are all very well documented and told by its narrator.
Needless to say, if you're a fan of 60's rock or the history of the 60s, then I highly recommend this book.
5/5 🌟
November 3, 2023
A fun, touching romp through the history of the Dead, and music in the last 50 years. Fairly unflinching memoir of his life, and relationships with the band and others. Great stories, and his radio show fills in some more.
January 20, 2024
As a younger deadhead who listens to Steve on the radio, but never had the pleasure of seeing Jerry live, this was a magical trip of memories, realities and tragedies. I learned so much and feel blessed to look in the window of Steve's life on the road with my favorite storyteller.
July 4, 2017
Beautifully written
The book was a wonderful insight into the life of working with the Grateful Dead. I highly recommend this book of you are a fan of the music.
The book was a wonderful insight into the life of working with the Grateful Dead. I highly recommend this book of you are a fan of the music.
July 4, 2018
Good Easy Read
Steve gave good i sight into what it was like being in the crew. He also offer glimpses as to the personalities of the band members with a lot of focus on Jerry.
Steve gave good i sight into what it was like being in the crew. He also offer glimpses as to the personalities of the band members with a lot of focus on Jerry.
November 2, 2018
Smooth
Great stories from someone who was actually there. If you’re a fan of the big Steve hour on Grateful Dead radio then this book is for you.
Great stories from someone who was actually there. If you’re a fan of the big Steve hour on Grateful Dead radio then this book is for you.
February 25, 2019
Really enjoyed the Parish detail on the scene, the bands and Garcia. Terribly sad portrayal of Garcia’s physical, spiritual and musical descent into junkie hell and death.
July 16, 2019
Amazing
October 15, 2019
He has an interesting world view, but he should have dished more.
April 13, 2020
Love Big Steve...
April 21, 2020
Who doesnt love stories about the Grateful Dead??
July 1, 2020
Loved every bit of it.
October 28, 2020
main “roadie” for Jerry and Mgr. of the Jerry Garcia Band after 1970 or so gives us 9 hrs of Dead tales - Jerry & the boys sure saved his life- some more good stories
3½***
3½***
April 16, 2021
Great to hear Big Steve's version of the tale of the Dead!
September 5, 2021
Brutally honest. Unpleasantly so in some ways. But, honest and raw to the core.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews