On this day in Boston Celtics history, an unusual and memorable cultural crossover took place in 1985 when several Celtics players attended a Grateful Dead concert in Worcester, Massachusetts. This event, while not involving the entire team, became a noteworthy moment that blended the worlds of professional basketball and iconic rock music, highlighting the diverse interests and personalities within the storied Celtics franchise.
The catalyst for the concert outing was Bill Walton, a recent addition to the Celtics roster and a well-known basketball Hall of Famer. Walton’s affinity for the Grateful Dead was no secret; he had previously attended their shows and even had a memorable moment on stage with the band. Standing out as a towering 7-footer, Walton caught the attention of Mickey Hart, the band's drummer, who invited him onstage after a concert. This personal connection helped spark interest among Walton’s Celtics teammates.
In the days leading up to the concert, Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, two of the Celtics’ legendary players, noticed an influx of people in the area sporting the distinctive long hair and colorful, “hippie-ish” attire typical of Grateful Dead fans. They quickly connected these visitors to Walton’s known passion for the band. Curious and intrigued, Bird and McHale approached Walton after practice to find out more. Walton initially feigned ignorance, claiming he was just getting ready to practice, but the duo persisted. Eventually, Walton confirmed the Dead were coming to town and that he planned to attend the concert. Upon hearing this, Bird and McHale expressed interest in joining, which Walton welcomed enthusiastically.
Another player who joined the group was Rick Carlisle, a recent graduate from the University of Virginia who had experience attending Grateful Dead concerts during his college years. Carlisle recalled that he went to a number of shows with Walton and even got to know some of the band members and stage crew. However, not all Celtics players were on board. Danny Ainge, a prominent guard on the team, notably did not attend. Contrary to rumors that his wife discouraged him from going, Ainge clarified that he simply did not enjoy the music and chose not to participate.
On the day of the concert, the visiting Celtics teammates gathered at Larry Bird’s home before departing together by limousine to the show. The blend of professional athletes and the laid-back, communal atmosphere of a Grateful Dead concert created a unique cultural exchange. The following day, the Grateful Dead themselves returned the favor by attending a Celtics practice session. During this visit, Larry Bird even challenged Mickey Hart to a one-on-one basketball game. Hart later described the experience as "humiliating," unable to score against Bird’s defensive tenacity, and jokingly reminded Bird that he had to play drums that night.
The Celtics players returned to Worcester that evening for a second Grateful Dead concert. In a celebratory gesture, the band performed a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Bill Walton, who was celebrating his birthday around that time. Walton reflected on the experience as an “incredible blend of two cultures,” emphasizing how both basketball and the Grateful Dead represented values of teamwork, hope, optimism, peace, and love. This shared spirit made the interaction all the more meaningful for those involved.
In addition to this cultural milestone, today also marks the birthdays and career milestones of several former Celtics players. Emmette "Em" Bryant, born in 1938 in Chicago, had a solid career with the Celtics after four seasons with the New York Knicks. While with Boston, Bryant averaged 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game before being selected by the Buffalo Braves in the 1970 expansion draft—a team with a complex history that eventually became the Celtics' franchise in a roundabout way.
Mikki Moore, born in 1975 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, had two separate stints with the Celtics. His initial tenure came in 2003 on a 10-day contract after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in three games. He later rejoined Boston in 2009 for the remainder of the season, playing 24 games and averaging 4.3 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Another notable player born on this day is Matt Wenstrom, a center from Minneapolis, Minnesota, born in 1970. Wenstrom was signed by the Celtics as an undrafted free agent in 1993 but saw limited action, appearing in just 11 games