The Music Never Stopped: Shifting Notions of Authenticity Amongst Deadheads

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of subculture and its meanings in today's discourse. I will also examine the post-subculture concept of neo-tribe and the differences between the two concepts. It is also my intention to show how subcultural groups undergo crises of authenticity in membership. By analyzing the Deadheads, the group of loyal fans surrounding the band the Grateful Dead, as a case study I will explore several factors contributing to a crisis of authenticity in membership within the subculture: the internet, the death of Jerry Garcia, and commercialization. I will also examine how the concept of subculture has evolved over time and been replaced with concepts such as the neo-tribe.