Zappa.com

I too would like to find out.

Back to topic, I must state that Grateful Dead is the only other band aside from Zappa (and perhaps Thelonious Monk) for which I cared enough to get the most I could get my hands on (albums, dick pick's, road trips and complete concert sets (things similar to YCDTOSA, etc)). From what I read (Ben Fong-Torres) their performances were really drug-influenced at the time of the Acid Tests. Then the band became somewhat more professional. Jerry Garcia (and the many keyboardists) was pretty much the only one who seemed to struggle with drugs in the 70s and 80s. That and bad eating and sleeping habits led him to face many health problems until his death.

Musically, it took me some time to enjoy the Dead. It took me time to enjoy Frank's music too. I cannot compare Zappa's bands to Grateful Dead. Zappa is much more spectacular in all its technicality (which most importantly never sounds like too much). Grateful Dead does however offer an alternate universe. It is more relaxed and conservative (roots-wise I mean: blues, country, folk etc, and less experimental). I think the Dead mood breaks the Zappa mood nicely when tired of it (if you ever get to that point). The musicians converse well on stage. I believe they have good improv instincts that are best represented on live albums (which are well worth looking into).

I suggest you get the Winterland 73 concerts (better than Live/Dead without the drugs). I understand how Zappa fans can hate Jerry Garcia. He is an emblem of drug abuse. I personally never did or even tried any drugs, only tittes and beer.