A claim has surfaced regarding the Grateful Dead's 1987 music video for "Hell in a Bucket": the duck featured in the video may have been drunk on set. Lenn Dell'Amico, the director of the music video and a friend of Jerry Garcia, shared the story. Dell'Amico suggests that someone on the set of the video likely gave the duck alcohol, leading to its inebriated state.
"Hell in a Bucket" was frequently played on MTV after its release, becoming one of the Grateful Dead's more widely recognized music videos. The video's quirky visuals, including the duck, contributed to its popularity. Dell'Amico befriended Garcia in the 1980s, allowing him a unique perspective on the band and its creative process. While the claim remains unconfirmed, it adds an intriguing layer to the history of the music video and the Grateful Dead's legacy. The band has yet to comment on the alleged incident.
Grateful Dead's 'Hell in a Bucket' Duck: Was It Drunk On Set?
A filmmaker who worked with Jerry Garcia on the 'Hell in a Bucket' music video claims the duck used in the video may have been intoxicated. Lenn Dell'Amico, the video's director, suggests someone on set likely gave the duck alcohol. The music video, released in 1987, became a hit on MTV and featured the now-infamous duck. Dell'Amico befriended Garcia in the 1980s and shared this behind-the-scenes anecdote.