Nearly Busted in Europe ’72

At one point during the infamous 1972 tour of Europe, two buses carrying the Grateful Dead crew suddenly realize they’re about to cross the border from Sweden to Denmark and the entire bus reeks of California pot. Their European bus driver kind of freaks out, thinking he might spend the rest of his life behind bars. Someone suggests spraying the bus with air freshener, which they do, but then end up waiting for hours to get through customs. A day or two earlier, when the band had the day off, they went on a shopping spree in a costume store, loading up on clown masks, fake noses, Groucho Marx glasses, wigs, etc. They decide to wear the newly acquired costumes as they cross the border, desperate for any antic that might distract from the potent aroma of marijuana. Finally, a customs agent takes a peek onto the bus, and basically nods to allow them through. Apparently, nobody would be so stupid as to attempt to cross the border carrying illegal substances while wearing these ridiculous outfits…

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