The term "Shakedown Street" was later used colloquially to describe the area outside of Grateful Dead concerts where vendors sold their wares.
Production
"Shakedown Street" was produced by Lowell George.[4] The song was recorded and mixed at the band's studio, Club Le Front, in San Rafael, California.[5] The recording took place throughout July 31, 1978 and August 18, 1978. "Shakedown Street" is found on the band's original album Shakedown Street (1978) as well as single recordings on Shakedown Street/France (1979), and Alabama Getaway/Shakedown Street (1981).[6]
After the song's success, many Grateful Dead followers, or Deadheads, used the name for the vending areas outside of Grateful Dead concerts during the 1980s and 90s. These areas were a place to purchase merchandise, food, and often illicit items.[3]
In more recent years, the music and arts festival Bonnaroo has used the term to describe the concert's long strip of vending.[8]
References
^"Take a walk down 'Shakedown Street'". Massachusetts Daily Collegian. 2023-11-15. Retrieved 2024-01-27. "Shakedown Street" is a direct result of the pop music climate of the time.
