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Behind the Scenes of “Hell in a Bucket”: Len Dell’Amico’s Memoir on Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead

The filming of the Grateful Dead’s music video for “Hell in a Bucket” in the 1980s was anything but conventional. Len Dell’Amico, who served as the band’s film and video specialist, has recently released a memoir titled “Friend of the Devil: My Wild Ride with Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead.” In it, he reflects on his experiences from 1980 until Garcia’s passing in 1995, capturing moments filled with “love, happy chaos, and plenty of pot.”

Dell’Amico directed the “Hell in a Bucket” video in 1987, recalling an amusing incident involving a duck featured in the production. He humorously asserted to Fox News Digital that the duck had consumed champagne during the shoot, leading to some unforgettable shenanigans.

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Dell’Amico, who maintained a close friendship with Garcia, reminisced about the shoot, noting, “Bob Weir was behind the duck’s inclusion in the video, and I recall he had just returned from vacation. He was in great shape and excited for the project.” Despite initial plans for the shoot to exclude alcohol, Dell’Amico soon learned that the fowl was indulging in more than just water.

“We recognized that we were filming in a bar, where normally you would replace real alcohol with props,” he explained. “However, I was shocked to see the duck actually sipping from Weir’s glass, leading me to believe we had trained it perfectly for the shot. But much to my surprise, it appeared to have over-imbibed.” The footage initially provided comedic relief, yet it was not without consequence.

Initially, the idea for the duck in the video pleased all involved, including Weir, who suggested even more daring elements like bringing in a Bengal tiger. Dell’Amico shared that during filming, the duck grew increasingly bold, tipping its head deep into Weir’s glass. Ultimately, it gave the impression of getting tipsy, leading to an unexpected narrative in the project.

After the shoot, Dell’Amico received an upset call from the duck’s trainer, who was concerned about the animal’s well-being after “drinking” during filming. “He expressed his frustration, fearing his animal had gotten drunk.” However, Dell’Amico soon investigated and learned that Weir had indeed procured real champagne for the shoot, despite the earlier arrangement.

Fortunately, the duck recovered, with its trainer explaining that it had been trained on white grapes, which increased its fascination with the bubbly. The situation led to a lighthearted resolution, with the trainer planning to retain the duck for future training on different beverages.

Dell’Amico’s memoir delves into not only humorous anecdotes but also into his profound friendship with Garcia. He describes the rock legend as soft-spoken and modest, often eschewing the trappings of fame. Notably, Garcia would decline complimentary meals at restaurants, suggesting those with less money should be prioritized instead.

Reflecting on Garcia’s character, Dell’Amico stated, “He was someone who genuinely cared about the well-being of others rather than basking in the celebrity glow. Conversations with him often revolved around deep topics like spirituality and philosophy, rather than the superficiality often seen in the celebrity realm.” Dell’Amico maintained that nobody could remain at odds with Garcia, illustrating the bonds he fostered despite his personal struggles.

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As Dell’Amico recounts, he last spoke to Garcia just before his death. Their conversation was filled with laughter and nostalgia, but in hindsight, Dell’Amico reflects on how they discussed Garcia’s earlier years as if he had a sense that time was limited.

Garcia passed away in 1995 due to a heart attack at a residential treatment facility, an event that shocked many fans and fellow musicians alike. Dell’Amico emphasizes that while Garcia sometimes faced adversity, labeling him a tragic figure would be misplaced. Despite challenges, he lived a fulfilling life, interacting meaningfully with those around him until the end.

In his reflections, Dell’Amico concludes that Garcia’s essence resided in his emphasis on living fully and authentically. His abrupt departure did not negate the joy he spread through his music and relationships; rather, it celebrates a legacy of a man who leaned into life with remarkable courage and kindness.

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