Current:Home > StocksRick Carlisle shares story about how Bill Walton secured all-access Grateful Dead passes -GrowthInsight
Rick Carlisle shares story about how Bill Walton secured all-access Grateful Dead passes
View
Date:2025-04-16 06:48:13
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took a moment during his pregame press conference ahead of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals to share an amazing story about Bill Walton, who died Monday at 71 years old.
Carlisle and the Basketball Hall of Famer were teammates on the Boston Celtics for two seasons during the 1980s, including the Celtics' 1986 title-winning team.
But Carlisle's story wasn't about the days of yore on the parquet hardwood of the old Boston Garden. His tale included Walton, Walton's beloved Grateful Dead and an unforgettable first date.
"I have him to thank probably for being married to my wife, Donna. Our first date was to a Dead show in Washington, D.C. I called Bill and, this is 1987," Carlisle said. "I said 'Look, I got a date with a girl who I think is pretty cool. I'd love to go to the Dead show ... I don't have any tickets. Can you help?'"
Carlisle recalled that Walton had specific instructions to go to the back door, ask for a certain individual and told him to say, "You're Rick Carlisle from the Boston Celtics," and followed up with a "everything will be just fine." Walton hooked Carlisle up with all-access laminated passes ("one said 'Bill Walton' and one said 'Susie Walton'"). Carlisle wound up meeting the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart later on.
In all, Carlisle has said he's attended 25-30 Grateful Dead shows.
Carlisle also was among a group of Celtics players — which included Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish — who attended a Grateful Dead concert with Walton in 1985.
"It was really great because it’s a cultural experience," Carlisle said. "I had seen them once when I was in college at UVa. But it’s such a different experience going with Bill Walton."
Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
veryGood! (521)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- College Football Playoffs new six-year contract starting in 2026 opens door to expansion
- Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth among PGA Tour stars who miss cut at Players Championship
- Home sellers cut list prices amid higher mortgage rates as spring buying season begins
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Donald Trump wanted trial delays, and he’s getting them. Hush-money case is latest to be put off
- Celebrity chef José Andrés' aid group has sent 200 tons of food to Gaza. Who is he and what is World Central Kitchen?
- Horoscopes Today, March 15, 2024
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- America is getting green and giddy for its largest St. Patrick’s Day parades
Ranking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- 'Billy Bob' the senior dog has been at Ohio animal shelter for nearly 3 years
- Squid Game Star O Yeong-su Found Guilty of Sexual Misconduct
- Host, radio station apologize for 'offensive' quip about South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- MLS Matchday 5: Columbus Crew face surprising New York Red Bulls. Lionel Messi out again for Inter Miami.
- Bernie Sanders wants the US to adopt a 32-hour workweek. Could workers and companies benefit?
- Maui’s mayor prioritizes housing and vows to hire more firefighters after Lahaina wildfire
Recommendation
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
Home sellers cut list prices amid higher mortgage rates as spring buying season begins
Prosecutors seek from 40 to 50 years in prison for Sam Bankman-Fried for cryptocurrency fraud
'Giant hybrid sheep' created on Montana ranch could bring prison time for 80-year-old breeder
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
11-foot, 750-pound blind alligator seized from Hamburg, NY, home, gator used as attraction
The Daily Money: Do you hoard credit-card perks?
What to know about mewing: Netflix doc 'Open Wide' rekindles interest in beauty trend