The Alligators Share Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan Tribute Video
By Andy Kahn Sep 8, 2020 • 6:38 pm PDT
The Alligators shared a video remembrance of Ron “Pigpen” McKernan on what would have been the Grateful Dead co-founder’s birthday today. The pro-shot video features footage of “Hard To Handle” from the 2019 Skull & Roses Festival.
Longtime Grateful Dead crew member Steve Parish can be seen introducing The Alligators at the start of the video, which was edited by Hal Masonberg. Included between scenes of the band’s performance are photos of Pigpen taken by photographers Baron Wolman and Rosie McGee. Originally formed in 2017 for what was to be a one-off perforance, The Alligators features vocalist PetePen Carona, guitarists Steve Ravioli and Steve KimChee Warrior, bassist J.J. Gator, keyboardist Berkee Gator, drummer Scottie Gator and percussionist CJ McSwamp.
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“Hard to Handle” was recorded by Otis Redding and released in 1968. Pigpen, who died in 1973 at the age of 27, regularly led the Grateful Dead through covers of “Hard Handle” during his tenure in the legendary band. Watch The Alligators tribute to Pigpen below:
