Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links: UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Dean Reed was an American actor, singer and songwriter, director, and Socialist who became a huge star in Latin America and the Eastern Bloc. Neil Jacobs is a guitarist who first met Dean Reed briefly while renting accommodation from Will Roberts, who directed the documentary of Dean Reed called “American Rebel”. Neil served on the US Cultural Delegation to the Moscow World Youth Festival in 1985 and unlike most of the participants, he was assigned by the Soviets. I did not go through any of the screening processes that the American Delegation had undergone, and therefore has a unique perspective on the event. It was at this event he began his friendship with Dean Reed. Additionally, he traveled with Dean Reed extensively both in the US and in the Eastern Bloc from 1985 -1986 and was one of the last people to see him before his death. 0:00 Introduction and Content Warning 4:46 Neil's first meeting with Dean Reed and their friendship 7:03 Filming and Screening of "American Rebel" 11:26 Dean Reed's Mentoring and Support for Neil 15:00 Dean Reed's experiences at the World Youth Festival 20:18 Dean Reed's Relationship with Host, Ian Sanders 24:44 Dean Reed's Struggle to Reestablish a Career in the US 28:19 Dean Reed's Controversial Stance on the Berlin Wall 32:46 Discussion on German Fascination with American Western Cowboy Culture 41:21 Dean Reed's Unexpected Death and Speculations 46:19 Mysterious Deaths of Celebrities in East Germany 51:54 Fears and Speculations about Dean Reed's Death 54:14 Impact of the Chernobyl Incident on Dean Reed's State of Mind 55:06 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments to Supporters Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Listen to our other Dean Reed episodes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode97/ https://coldwarconversations.com/episode98/ The battle to preserve Cold War history is ongoing and your support can provide me with the ammunition to continue to keep this podcast on the air. Via a simple monthly donation, you’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.  Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Photos and videos relating to this episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode274/ Neil Jacobs web site https://www.neiljacobs.com/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices