Are you implying that commercial success is directly related to talent?
i hope you are not imlpying that the dead were commercialy successful. they did enjoy some but not near as much as many other much less talented bands. they only got to be where they are at because of the devotion of their fans. a far as commercialy though they were actually not all that successful. i could name 100 bands that get 100 times more air play than the dead. and on the top of that list is zep. but there are sations that play nothin but the dead. but again this would be "underground" radio.

but im a lifelong dead head so i am partisan
"its a dead thing, if i have to explain you wouldnt understand"

bt as far as commercial success no they dont have to have talent, look at sid vicious. very untalented but we love him anyway