I've been thinking about how the Parrothead phenomenon has changed over the years, also how the movement was inspired by different songs, albums and musical styles of Jimmy. This takes into account his books, the growth of his money-empire, the Internet, DVD's, etc... and how those things affect the overall experience of the fans, both at home, and at concerts.

60s.

Since there was no "BOOBIES" choice, I went with the 2000's. That's when I joined Buffettnews and REALLY started Buffetting.

The 90s... *sigh*

Tough call. The current decade is great for trading and collecting music from different concerts. With Siruis/RM and all the technology, it's great. I couldn't even say what decade is best for the *actual* music since everyone is different but I like alot of the stuff from the 70's and early to mid 80's. As for tailgating, well, the parking lots only seem to getting crazier as the years go on but personally, I think I hit my apex in the 90's. I do miss the early 90's for ticket purchasing, ie walk into a Tower Record at 11AM the day the tickets go on sale and easily get two lawn seats.

I liked it in the early to mid 1980s, when one was a fan, not a Parrothead. The audience was there to have a good time and listen to the music, not there to have a good time having a good time and the music be sort of a background thing. And Jimmy didn't shout the lyrics so much then, ha ha.

The crowds really starting changing in the late 1980s early 1990s. It moved beyond the music aspect and was mostly about wearing whatever and who was the drunkest etc. Which is fine, but it almost became an identity that lost the essence of the music (Jimmy certainly encouraged it with all those Cheeseburger shirts etc). It seems to have somewhat shifted back, or maybe mellowed out? Maybe it's because JB is getting close and closer to retirement.

70's fer sure, right on

How can you pick any decade but the 2000s? And the upcoming decade — the 'teens — will be even better. Everything that has gone before contributes to the NOW.

Being a Parrothead is like a huge pot of gumbo. The rice is good; the meat is good; even the okra is good. But toss it all together and WOW!!!

-"BB"-

I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man
Floating down Canal
It doesnt use numbers or moving hands
It always just says "now"

Couldn't have said it better. I wish I could have been along for the whole ride, though. I'm only 24. I didn't come on until the early 90's.

I'd have to say 80's since that's when I was introduced to JB. It's been quite a ride since then!

To me, the best time to be a fan was before we had a name. Just Jimmy, the guitar and the "stories he could tell" ... *sigh* ... I've enjoyed the carnival, but I miss the smoky bar days.

They've all been great, but I have to say the 2000s . . .
RadioMargaritaville, BuffettNews, IPods (Zune in my case), and all of youse guys have really made being a Parrothead pretty special.
But . . . I really like bOObies!

Well said Bill.

D) ALL of the above.

sigh...I agree with you....being a phan from the 70's...I now call myself a recovering ParrotHead....don't attend concerts any longer....tired of drunk loud people who are there to get drunk and not listen to the music...my last concert was in '93 sat next to a girl who was drunk (big surprise) and she scream and whistled through out the entire concert I use to make about 2 a year before that...

I love the now....

70's life and music was simpler then

I've been a JB fan all my life but the last 7 years I've gone crazy!! Love the concerts and
especially the tailgating parties.....I hope JB never retires cause my life would have no
purpose....would not know what to do with myself....here I come Nashville and Pittsburgh!!