Forum Subject #1: Deadhead 101 - a formal introduction
Now that it is no longer possible to take someone to a Dead show, we would like to know which tape you would play for a friend to introduce them to the magic of the Grateful Dead. Please keep in mind that an accessable show may be more persuasive to a neophyte than your favorite melt-down jam. (Posted 4/21/96)
If you would like to contribute your own essay, click here.
6-26-94 Las Vegas Silver Bowl - Shawn (philzone13@aol.com) - Wednesday April 3, 19102 @ 02:20:05
My last show, the one I drove about 400 miles for, was incredible and I would introduce a new deadhead to them by playing this tape. Jerry put his heart and soul into this show with songs like Peggy-O, So Many Roads, Eyes of the World and Morning Dew. I couldn't have asked for a better setlist for the last time I was in the presence of such greatness. This would be it and Ill remember it for the rest of my life.
10-31-71 that halloween show - Vanilla Dime SQUAD (wklaus23@yahoo.com) - Monday March 25, 19102 @ 22:55:08
Let me say that I am a postjerrygratefuldeadhead, a moniker recited in a great song by a Chicago
10-31-71 that halloween show - Vanilla Dime SQUAD (wklaus23@yahoo.com) - Monday March 25, 19102 @ 22:50:13
Let me say that I am a postjerrygratefuldeadhead, a moniker recited in a great song by a Chicago
none none - Mark Steiniger (Steiny027@aol.com) - Thursday February 14, 19102 @ 20:52:19
Personally, I'm a seventeen year old dead head, and the way music goes these days i'm thanking god that i discovered the greatful dead... As for my friends, they're typical teenagers who listen to all the pop crap on the radio these days. However, i went out on a limb and bought my friend a ticket to a ratdog show without even asking him, and told him "your going" At first refused to listen to me, but by the time the show came he was looking forward to it. Long story short, post show I had converted one more unassuming person and turned them on to the ways of the Dead. The spirit lives on! So, my advice is take a friend to a ratdog or a phil show... the atmosphere can't be described from any recording.... If only I had been around to see the dead live in concert!
05-26-72 Europe '72/Lyceum - Michael Egan (termite@chartermi.net) - Thursday February 14, 19102 @ 16:54:39
Sometime in the mid-70s, I was listening to the local college station and its Saturday night show, Crankcase, which featured progressive rock and jazz. At the time I was into stuff like ELP, Yes, as well as stuff like Neil Young and Led Zeppelin - in short, I was pretty much your typical high school hard rock fan. I'd heard a couple of the studio "hits" of the Dead, such as Truckin' and thought they were alright, but nothing I really loved. When the announcer said they were going to play Truckin' live off of Europe '72, it seemed like it would be alright. My first impression was that it was an awfully clear live recording and the band was playing a hell of a lot better than they did in the studio. I really liked it and when the instrumental section started I was pretty impressed with the way they listened to each other and built the intensity. At about 8 or 9 minutes into the record, I started wondering, "Hey, they have to stop pretty soon here, don't they?" At about 13 minutes, when everything goes into a minor key and the jam starts getting intricate I realised they weren't going to stop before the record did and was amazed at how they were just making up this fantastic music as they went along. I'd never heard anything like it in my life. At the end of the record, my mind was blown. Next week, I went out and got the album, listened to Side 1, Cumberland Blues and couldn't believe that either. Or the rest of Europe '72. It's got a good mix of accessability and jamming, and it was certainly a good place for me to start. The tape 05-26-72, has a nice set of songs and a similar sound to the album and of course, Set 2 has the unedited monster jam that's sprawled over sides 5 & 6 of the album, with a short cut in Morning Dew. There's a lot of concerts one can introduce the Dead with - all I can say is the edited version of this was enough to get me into them.
09/02/78 giants stadium, New Jersey - rawlins (lesh25@hotmail.com) - Wednesday February 13, 19102 @ 15:16:18
A labor day weekend with not only one, not only two, but three count 'em three amazing acts, capped off by a GD show that seemed to last for hours. NRPS opened around 10-11 AM, followed by Willie Nelson (Waylon Jennings was supposed to appear but did not), and then the piece de resistance, Jerry and the gang, doing an arena show before tens of thousands, right before the legendary Egypt concerts of 1978, so you know they were SMOKIN! There was a JackStraw in the first set, so that set the mood for the day, blistering playing throughout, and all sorts of goodies for the novice DH to chew on and boogie down to, like Miracle and mellow out to, like Peggy-O. Set two started out with a Good Lovin' that Bobby was rappin' to the crowd like crazy. From there, a most solid Scarlet/Fire that reverberated off the Meadowlands like a boomerang; extra juicy extended jams in Scarlet were good for my head. Estimated Prophet left me out on the edge of Nevada Route 50, the lonliest road in the USA, and when Eyes merged in out of Estimated, all bets were off...every chakra in my everlovin' bod flew open and the twirling didn't stop way past drums. Sugar magnolia reconvened everybody back to NJ, and Saturday Night reminded us what day it was, and we still had the weekend to get our space together and say, what a first GD concert that was, come the following week, starting senior year of HS. You could tell who went to the show then...I still grin wickedly just thinking about it today. Also loved the pre-show parking lot vending and vibrations of the era. Damn, that was good!
11/3/91 Golden gate Polo grounds in memory of bill graham - Dennis (dennygee_99@yahoo.com) - Thursday February 7, 19102 @ 17:09:11
The China-->Rider was very sloppey and loose, But when John Popper joined the Boyz for that hot Wang Dang Shiiitttt that was hhooottt that was the BEST Wang Dang ever Popper had gotten Jerry to RIP. And Proud Mary ,Born on the Bayou was smokin' that week they "were on" then they did Oakland on Halloween that Scarlet--->Fire was one of the best almosy as good as the one in Berlin or the Scarlet-->Victim-->Fire at Shoreline
11/3/91 Golden gate Polo grounds in memory of bill graham - Dennis (dennygee_99@yahoo.com) - Thursday February 7, 19102 @ 17:08:58
The China-->Rider was very sloppey and loose, But when John Popper joined the Boyz for that hot Wang Dang Shiiitttt that was hhooottt that was the BEST Wang Dang ever Popper had gotten Jerry to RIP. And Proud Mary ,Born on the Bayou was smokin' that week they "were on" then they did Oakland on Halloween that Scarlet--->Fire was one of the best almosy as good as the one in Berlin or the Scarlet-->Victim-->Fire at Shoreline
8-27-72 Old Renaissance Fairgrounds Veneta, Oregon - sarah (lfrog@iglou.com) - Saturday December 22, 19101 @ 23:28:03
I feel that this is THE show to introduce the Dead. Set one is easily accesible to a neophyte. It has a wonderful Sugaree, Me and My Uncle, Deal, etc. By the time set two starts they ease into the best Playing I've heard (it takes me to another dimension every time!). Even my four year old niece can't resist the Greatest Story that wraps up set two. Whenever she hears it she starts dancing and tries to imitate Donna! Set three starts with an amazing Dark Star and the whole show wraps up with a rocking One More Saturday Night. Also the stage announcements are hilarious for the most part, light hearted and fun. They help to relate the tone of the show, it makes you wish you were there!
06-16-1985 Greek Theater, Berkeley CA - Lulu Bradley (knyaston@yahoo.com) - Wednesday December 19, 19101 @ 17:40:29
What do I play for a newbie to the Dead? That's easy -- I'd play the tapes that first got me into the Dead. 1985, and in particular this little gem of a second set. A beautiful set of contrasts: trippy yet driving China Cat > Rider; Weir's moody, contemplative Lost Sailor into the celebratory, life-affirming Saint Of Circumstance; avast Terrapin, with a folkish air to the 'Lady With A Fan' section; one of the most mind-expanding Drums of the year ... hell, let's just say that this was a year when the Dead played crisply, powerfully, adventurously, yet never flying off into the stratosphere (hey, I love those 'collapsing building' Playings and Dark Stars from 1972-4 too, but they're not 'dipping-toe-into-water' stuff). 1985 tapes to me mean friendly, compassionate music played with telepathic grace.
04-16-78 Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, West Virginia. - Kurt Johnsen (hstgeflamingo@aol.com) - Friday August 10, 19101 @ 15:13:37
It is so hard to pick one show. Many of the classics have been mentioned previously in this forum. With that in mind, I would like to give credence to one of my favorites, 4-16-78. The board tapes are warm sounding and wonderful. The whole show is great, the highlights for me are an emotional Peggy-O and a hot Scarlet>Fire. Find it, put it on, turn it up, your ears will be happy.
???? In a prison - tarn stephanos (titanictarn1968@yahoo.com) - Wednesday May 9, 19101 @ 15:27:13
A Deadhead friend told me the most amazing thing was a tape of either Jerry- or all of the Dead performing to an audience in a prison. Anyone know where and when this occoured?
peace
tarn stephanos
Aug 1969 Woodstock - tarn stephanos (titanictarn1968@yahoo.com) - Wednesday May 9, 19101 @ 15:23:35
Deadheads relish hearing the Dead at their best- but I think even the bad shows merrit a listen- the rained out Woodstock performance comes to mind. Id rather see the Dead on their worst day than Phish on their best..
. Peace..
..Tarn Stephanos
5-20-91 Las Vegas Silver Bowl - Matt Hall (wyattvegas@aol.com) - Monday April 30, 19101 @ 23:32:49
I need the set list to the 91' Las Vegas shows at the Silver Bowl
06-22-73 PNE Vancouver, BC - Chris (christopher_horton@hotmail.com) - Friday March 2, 19101 @ 12:52:14
Hey all, new to the forum, but I want to contribute this show to the Dead neophyte (or a seasoned expert who has looked it over): June 22, 1973 at the PNE in Vancouver, BC. Everyone talks about 5/8/77 as the Dead's crowning masterpiece, and rightfully so. Sure, there are the epic late-60s/early-70s Fillmore shows on both sides of the continent. And there are an infinite number of jeweles laced in between. But in the course of my conversations with Dead Heads, 6/22/73 is one unbelievable show that is rarely mentioned. To quote my buddy Todd who turned me on to the Dead, they were just ON that night....
I won't spare you needless details, but I would like to talk about the epic China-Rider. There are many, many China-Rider fans out there, most of whom have a favorite. Well, that favorite will undoubtedly change after a listen of 6/22/73. The bridge connecting the two songs is so clear, warm, comforting, reaffirming, and emotional; Jerry's notes rising higher and higher against Brent's dancing keys...ah, fuck the bullshit analysis, this piece will blow the minds of new fans and make old fans nostalgic of their early days....the whole show is long, beautiful, and expertly rendered. Greatest show ever, in my mind.
4-29-71 Fillmore East, NYC - Tom Brown (betmebrown@juno.com) - Tuesday February 20, 19101 @ 22:35:03
Actually this is an endorsement for the "Ladies and Gentlemen..." box set that just came out before Xmas, for the important reason that newbies don't NEED to know a Deadhead with a tape collection! They can pick this diamond up at the local five and dime, I've NEVER seen it offered anywhere for more than $28, and usually less, which is mighty decent for 4 discs. It's ancient history Dead for sure, but having been fortunate to see Pigpen just once (11/20/70), the old Pigpen incarnation of the band really was the best (though I'll admit I love a lot of the '72 - '74 stuff almost as much). There's an earthiness and an accessibility that reaches out to both the hardened Deadhead and the innocent civilian. Friends of mine who still think the Dead were some satanic metal band hear "Ladies and Gentlemen" and they just go "wow - these guys were really great!". The sound quality is staggering, the selections are diverse, and each disc starts you off easy, with short songs that build up to the 15 - 20 minute stemwinders, but by then the newbie is sucked in.
Second choice after the above run of Fillmore East shows would be 5-9-77 Buffalo. It's just sooooo gorgeous. It's more interesting than Cornell (and I was AT the
Cornell show - I just WISH I'd followed them to Buffalo for just one day...). Buffalo's just beautiful beyond words. Dick's #3 is sort of a simulated Buffalo, I suppose...
6/??/85 Saratoga NY - rob (LLrain82@aol.com) - Thursday February 15, 19101 @ 15:53:43
Mainly the first set that is one of my all time favorites.
There is plenty for the non fan to enjoy and many cover songs starting with
Midnight Hour then a full speed bertha one of Bobbys best Roosters (cover) some band crowd pleading and joke >Stagger Lee> elpaso on through some spacy supplication jam after fingers also a crankin Bucket.
Great tape to turn on to a friend.
08-07-82 Alpine Valley, Wisconsin - Mike Bloom (mbbloom@newnorth.net) - Friday February 2, 19101 @ 21:47:44
This was my third show, but it stands out in my memoery as one of the best I saw.
A good audience tape of this show has been around for years, but a buddy of mine
recently sent me a CDR and it is FANTASTIC! Set I opens with "The Music Never
Stopped" into "Sugaree," with a "M.N.S." reprise. There's also a killer "See See
Rider" and a SMOKIN' "Let It Grow" closer. Set II opens with a quintessential
"China Cat-I Know You Rider." There's also a majestic "Playin'," w/ a jam into drums,
a mind-altering space into "The Wheel,"/"Playin'" reprise, and an even more majestic
"Morning Dew." This was one for the ages, in my opinion. Any new fan can't go wrong
with this show.
8-16-91 Shoreline - Jim (crfeganjj@curf.edu) - Monday January 29, 19101 @ 19:05:37
With respect to 10-31-91, 6-25-92, and 8-27-72 (and you couldn't go wrong with any of those) I'm always coming back to 8-16-91 at Shoreline. Why? Start with good warm-up of Jack Straw, Bertha, and All Over Now. Desolation Row where Bobby actually remembers the words! Dark Star-IN FIRST SET! But the second set pre-Drums is what gets me off. This is where Bruce Hornsby shows us what he brought to the Dead's table. Scarlet>Fire split by Victim, and listen to Bruce lead the transitions. Great stuff. Jammin' Fire that leads into Truckin'. This whole sequence might as well be one long song, and it packs a punch every single time I listen to it. The post-Drums>Space may not have the wallop of other favorite shows, but I would match most of this show up against a lot of other tapes out there. Oops, I almost forgot 3-29-90...
05/08/77 Barton Hall/Cornell - L (scarlet2fire@mindspring.com) - Tuesday January 16, 19101 @ 21:14:05
According to lots of people, myself included, absolutely the best Scarlet>Fire ever! Notice the e-mail address. . .:-)Everything else is good, too, I think.
09-01-79 Holleder Stadium, Rochester, NY - volt (volt@alltel.net) - Thursday December 28, 19100 @ 23:04:32
My recollection of this show is vivid, though I have yet to find a tape. The second set was hypnotic: Scarlet Begonias/Fire lasted nearly 45 minutes, while cardboard rounds floated around the stadium (hundreds of pizzas were sold that day). Several people were standing above the crowd, having climbed the stadium flood lights. There was a perceptible sway to those lights. Many others were passed out on the ground, dehydrated from the Slitz draft sold by truck. Most remarkable was the lack of transportation planning. Holleder was 2-3 miles outside the Rochester city limits, and many pedestrians left the concert walking down the highway (2-3 lanes abreast)to the nearest city transit stop, where buses were dangerously overloaded; so much so that two of these buses blew airshocks. Not suprisingly, the evening newscasts about the show focused on the drug traffic, instead. This late '79 show was muggy, but thick with a magic that continues to make feel like a neophyte.
6/10/73 RFK Stadium - Carmen Creamer (CCreamer@Infinite.com) - Tuesday November 7, 19100 @ 15:55:40
I just got this tape from a friend and WOW!! I think this is the one. I never saw it but I wish I would have. 5 hours of the Allmans to open and then 4 hours of the Dead. The last set is both of them and WOW!! What a JAM!! Great show!!
6/10/73 RFK Stadium - Carmen Creamer (CCreamer@Infinite.com) - Tuesday November 7, 19100 @ 15:55:37
I just got this tape from a friend and WOW!! I think this is the one. I never saw it but I wish I would have. 5 hours of the Allmans to open and then 4 hours of the Dead. The last set is both of them and WOW!! What a JAM!! Great show!!
6/10/73 RFK Stadium - Carmen Creamer (CCreamer@Infinite.com) - Tuesday November 7, 19100 @ 15:55:33
I just got this tape from a friend and WOW!! I think this is the one. I never saw it but I wish I would have. 5 hours of the Allmans to open and then 4 hours of the Dead. The last set is both of them and WOW!! What a JAM!! Great show!!
6/10/73 RFK Stadium - Carmen Creamer (CCreamer@Infinite.com) - Tuesday November 7, 19100 @ 15:55:29
I just got this tape from a friend and WOW!! I think this is the one. I never saw it but I wish I would have. 5 hours of the Allmans to open and then 4 hours of the Dead. The last set is both of them and WOW!! What a JAM!! Great show!!
6/10/73 RFK Stadium - Carmen Creamer (CCreamer@Infinite.com) - Tuesday November 7, 19100 @ 15:51:58
I just got this tape from a friend and WOW!! I think this is the one. I never saw it but I wish I would have. 5 hours of the Allmans to open and then 4 hours of the Dead. The last set is both of them and WOW!! What a JAM!! Great show!!
09-18-87 Madison Square Garden, NYC - Bruce (boo5270@aol.com) - Thursday October 5, 19100 @ 23:32:41
The middle show of the first 5-night run at the Garden, the Friday night show was the best of the five. The second set from that night would make for nice introduction to the Dead. The Shakedown opener ("don't tell me this town ain't go no hearrrrrrrart!") is the best in New York I have always felt. A very hard song to not enjoy and dance to. Next was Women are Smarter - a nice introduction to Weir's falsetto and the harmonies/alternating backups provided by Jerry and Brent. Next up was Terrapin - no explanation needed there. A typical Drums and Space, followed by a nice Goin' Down the Road, another one hard to not enjoy. Next was a great Watchtower, followed by one of the best Morning Dews I have ever seen in my 73 shows. Jerry strains his voice high oh so beautifully at the end of his signature "4th quarter" ballad. Then a Good Lovin-La Bamba-Good Lovin that was very funny, especially hearing Jerry sing in Spanish and a good example of the Dead doing a popular cover song. Knockin' was the encore - a standard ending to a magnificent show
1969 Fillmore West/Avalon Ballroom - Bill (modrock62@aol.com) - Saturday September 30, 19100 @ 00:43:10
OK, I know these venues may be the most talked about and the "Live/Dead" CD one of the most played and beloved but for me, if you want to turn someone on to The Grateful Dead then play them an example of what The Dead are all about in their full, psychedelic, free-form, improvisational jamming glory. The "Live/Dead" CD, with performances from The Fillmore and Avalon in 1969 was what turned me into a Grateful Dead fan for life. Just let them listen to "Live/Dead's" holy quartet, starting of course with the searing "Dark Star" into the playful and yet powerful "St. Stephen" into maybe the best version you'll hear of "The Eleven" finally drifting beautifully into the most concise, compact, powerful, no frills version of "Lovelight" on commercial CD. It is a complete and mind blowing experience that will leave you addicted and a true, new Dead addict. Just see if your new convert ever stops playing the CD during the course of their lives. An honorable mention also must go to Dick's Pick's #16 from The Fillmore on 11/8/69. This is another great CD collection from the early Dead era featuring an early "China Cat"-"I Know You Rider" on CD #1. But it is on CD#2 that the intense jamming takes place. This is probably one of the longest jams I have heard and truly representative of the groups incredible improvisational abilities. This incredible jam takes up the entire second CD and goes well into the third one. It goes as follows: Dark Star-The Other One-Dark Star-Uncle John's Band Jam(A hoot)-Dark Star-St. Stephen-The Eleven-Caution-The Main Ten-Caution-Feedback. Truly incredible! CD #3 also features a 25 and a half minute version of "Lovelight". Another great choice to "teach" someone what the Dead are all about, improvisationally speaking. Two great recordings and as someone else mentioned, the band during this time was loose, energetic and obviously having an absolute great time performing and yes, Jerry's voice was clear as a bell during this time. Plus you have the great Pigpen, what more can you ask for?
1969 Fillmore West/Avalon Ballroom - Bill (modrock62@aol.com) - Saturday September 30, 19100 @ 00:42:45
OK, I know these venues may be the most talked about and the "Live/Dead" CD one of the most played and beloved but for me, if you want to turn someone on to The Grateful Dead then play them an example of what The Dead are all about in their full, psychedelic, free-form, improvisational jamming glory. The "Live/Dead" CD, with performances from The Fillmore and Avalon in 1969 was what turned me into a Grateful Dead fan for life. Just let them listen to "Live/Dead's" holy quartet, starting of course with the searing "Dark Star" into the playful and yet powerful "St. Stephen" into maybe the best version you'll hear of "The Eleven" finally drifting beautifully into the most concise, compact, powerful, no frills version of "Lovelight" on commercial CD. It is a complete and mind blowing experience that will leave you addicted and a true, new Dead addict. Just see if your new convert ever stops playing the CD during the course of their lives. An honorable mention also must go to Dick's Pick's #16 from The Fillmore on 11/8/69. This is another great CD collection from the early Dead era featuring an early "China Cat"-"I Know You Rider" on CD #1. But it is on CD#2 that the intense jamming takes place. This is probably one of the longest jams I have heard and truly representative of the groups incredible improvisational abilities. This incredible jam takes up the entire second CD and goes well into the third one. It goes as follows: Dark Star-The Other One-Dark Star-Uncle John's Band Jam(A hoot)-Dark Star-St. Stephen-The Eleven-Caution-The Main Ten-Caution-Feedback. Truly incredible! CD #3 also features a 25 and a half minute version of "Lovelight". Another great choice to "teach" someone what the Dead are all about, improvisationally speaking. Two great recordings and as someone else mentioned, the band during this time was loose, energetic and obviously having an absolute great time performing and yes, Jerry's voice was clear as a bell during this time. Plus you have the great Pigpen, what more can you ask for?
N/A N/A - Dude Love (M_Kirkpatrick@msn.com) - Sunday September 17, 19100 @ 03:34:30
*******I WOULD LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT*********
There are many shows that could be used to introduce someone to the DEAD. What everybody here has neglected to mention is the *ATMOSPHERE* that one first experiences the DEAD in. Thats the most important thing! Do not force the DEAD. The DEAD must be planted in someone, that seed grows, and they will become. Is anybody with me on this one?
My first experience was about 13 years ago on US hwy 12 in Washington. Eastbound, following the TIETON river, kayaks on the roof, indian summer, four new friends. I can't remember what show it was, I'm sure I have heard it since then. I didn't even get my first GD recording for another year or so. The US 12 moment just planted the seed. Now I'm FULL-BLOWN.
Can I just say that I love you and I love the GD. action!
08-27-72 Veneta OR - Mike Cerneant (mcerneant@hotmail.com) - Friday September 15, 19100 @ 20:50:59
WOW!!!!!!!
Unfortunatly, I was barly born when they played this show, but it is BY FAR THE BEST!!! If one can get a complete copy of all three sets (a rare find, I think)GET IT!!! They just jam!!! They also say some really funny comments through out the show. It is a great show, a long jam session!!!
5-22-77 Pembroke Pines - MJ (happyfish23@yahoo.com) - Saturday September 9, 19100 @ 18:04:35
Since this show was released as Dicks Picks 3, it has been my no-fail turn-on show for anyone new to the Dead. May of 1977 was a great time for the band, yeilding many "classic" shows, such as Ithaca and New Haven. But I think that Pembroke stands out for a few reasons: First off, the Sugaree from the first set is among the finest I've ever heard, with astouding soloing and vocals. When Garcia starts "slide-dripping" during the "shake it up now, Sugaree" section of the tune, even an avid hold-out can't deny the sheer trippiness and beauty evoked. Secondly, the show keeps getting better from there! An absolutlely mind-bending Help>Slip>Franklins with damn near PERFECT execution and some truly acrobatic feats of musical improvisation from the whole band. If the newbie hasn't "gotten there" by the time Franklins winds down, I usually take a short break and administer a serious altitude adjustment, all in preperation for what I consider to be one of the most magical hours of music ever played. Bobby starts things off with a drippy Estimated, which slowly and deliberately winds into Eyes. This sets the stage for what I would consider a "trancendent" musical experience. Eyes melts away into a gut-wretching, life affirming, get-up-and-fly-away Wharf Rat, which finds a surprising trasition into the latter half of Terrapin. Using Terrapin as a kind of "bridge accross the great divide", the band finds Morning Dew waiting on the other side. Quiet, slow, and emotional, the Dew builds, and builds, and builds. Garcia is truly beyond the pale here, weaving indescribeable patterns of energy around the band until the final, breakin'-outta-jail climax shoots across the sky and explodes like twenty tons of dynamite! Amazing! I have sucessfully turned on three people with this show (my Mother included!)and it remains one of my all time favorites.
06-08-90 Cal Expo - Jamie Breslow (ncegy26@aol.com) - Tuesday September 5, 19100 @ 14:46:33
My favorite Cal Expo show and one of the most "rocking" shows I had the pleasure to see.
see. It also makes for a wonderful tape (especially the 1st gen soundboard I had!!)
The Uncle Johns>China>Rider to open the second set was so smoking. I rarely saw Jerry
and the rest that tight. His Black Peter literally made me cry that night. The Foolish
Heart> Jam was so pure and perfect, I dont know if I ever saw anything else that good.
My other favorite show/tape was the Halloween 91, right after Bill died. See above for
info on that one.
10-31-91 Oakland Coliseum - Neil (bobmapps@yahoo.com) - Wednesday July 19, 19100 @ 17:46:21
This tape first grabbed me by the reins and lured me into the realm of the Grateful Dead. I had always been appreciative of the band's efforts, from a classic rock standpoint, but after hearing the second set from this show, I have been forever hooked. From the opening notes of "Scarlet Begonias" and "Fire on the Mountain" to the ending chants of "Not Fade Away", this tape has got it all. Also included is one of my favorite versions of "Standing on the Moon"--a glorious and beautiful ballad from Garcia's latter days. Bobby's "Truckin" and his rendition of "Spoonful" still get my mojo jumpin'. And lets not forget "Dark Star" with Ken Kesey eulogizing the late Bill Graham. There are just too many highpoints on this tape for me. Its the tape that has got me on the bus, and I can only hope that others will join us for the ride. Thank you Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Mickey, Billy, Bruce and Vince for a job well done.
6/26/74 Providence Civic Center - kamali (booglou62@hotmail.com) - Friday July 7, 19100 @ 01:56:40
Sorry to be posting again like this, but I just couldn't sleep soundly tonight knowing that I'd forgotten to mention the "Eyes of the World" encore for this show. Outstanding!!!!
6/26/74 Providence Civic Center - kamali (boogalou62@hotmail.com) - Friday July 7, 19100 @ 01:50:41
This tape has everything! One of the best "China>Rider" renditions ever, with
a fantabulous "MLB Jam" threading the two together like a little piece of heaven.
Hits like "Truckin'"and "Sugar Magnolia", are given excellent renditions. "Wharf Rat provides a nice contrast to the energy of those songs as well. Phil's bass drop before the "Other One Jam" is enough to make this tape worthy of any head's collection, and if you turn the volume way up and just make your newbie friend listen, I'm sure they'll appreciate it too. And if that doesn't do it, just pass the joint over, lay back and look up at the stars whilst digging the ethereal "Spanish Jam"
My friend handed me this tape on my way to lunch one day during high school. About three minutes into the second set China Cat openerI found myself crying on the bus, completely overcome with the power of what I was hearing. And that was before the transcendental Mind Left Body Jam! Jerry's guitar licks and Phils ridiculously phat bass lifted me out of my seat a boy and plopped me down a head. Great dance songs, sick jamming, and more than a couple of greatest hits make this a good range of what the Dead have to offer. If a newbie can't find something on this one they like, chances are...
12-18-93 Los Angeles Forum - Big Al (smersh1999@yahoo.com) - Tuesday June 13, 19100 @ 18:05:43
That's right! Los Angeles, probably the most ironic setting for a Grateful Dead show. Not only the land of glitz and glamor, but of seediness, poverty, greed, anger and violence. Not to mention a police force reminiscent of Himmler's SS, and with matching uniforms (but better guns) to boot.
Yes, Los Angeles, cancer on the body of California. But it was here that I saw probably the best dead show I have ever seen. Not that I'm a connosieur. Indeed, I've only seen a handful, and am certainly not one to go GA-GA over Space, or fruity over Jam, though I do enjoy the occasional Hart/Kreutzmann combo on Drums. Perhaps that is why I chose to put this essay in the Deadhead 101 section, rather than the Review section. After all, I myself was probably just coming out of the 101 phase of my Dead-ed. curriculum by the time Jerry passed away. So, I have a perfect understanding of what would sway a neophyte. In fact, I, too, was once a neophyte, and paid the price of not attending great shows throughout the late eighties and early nineties on the East Coast while my friends had a blast. But, while attending USC, I grew sentimental, and sought out the music of my high school buddies so that I could feel close to them again. And grew to love the GREATful Dead. Perhaps I always had it in me, being an ardent Stones fan. Regardless, it happened. And I'm just sorry I missed all those great shows. Even so, let me assure you, this show, this masterpiece which occurred not in San Francisco, not at Giants Stadium, New Jersey, nor Red Rocks, nor any Amphitheater, but in seedy Los Angeles, CA, at the somewhat dour Forum, is definitely the one to use if you want to sway those who say nay.
Here is why:
Firstly, the music was played more crisply than I, or a friend of mine also in attendance who has laways been a HUGE dead fan, had heard in a long time. Jerry seemed at the height of his powers. Bobby was electric. And the drums are massive. Also, Phil sings as well, which gives the new listener the idea that the Dead are highly versatile in their arrangements, and are not just a band set behind a single vocalist. So, you can actually have taste within the band. You can like Bobby songs or Jerry songs or Phil songs or all three. The sets are perfect for the new listener, with songs which they will definitely appreciate (though I recommend skipping Eternity, Drums and Space if trying to influence a friend. Other than that, play the rest: FIRST SET: 1.Hell in a Bucket 2.Loser 3.Little Red Rooster 4.So Many Roads (beautiful song) 5.Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues (Phil) 6.Eternity (skip it) 7.Bertha. 2ND SET: 1/2.Scarlet/Fire 3.Corrina 4.Terrapin Station 5.Drums 6.Space 7.Need a Miracle 8.Standing on the Moon 9.Not Fade Away (THESE LAST TWO SHOULD CONVINCE ANYONE WHO ISN'T A RAVE PARTY FANATIC--CERTAINLY YOUR PARENTS WHO LOVE BUDDY HOLLY BUT THINK THE DEAD ARE A PUNK BAND) 10.(Encore)Brokedown Palace (my personal favorite). Now, there's one other reason why non-deadheads might be more convinced by this one, not simply because of the mainstream NFAs and LRR's being taken to extraordinary new heights, but that there is a saxophone playing throughout the entire show, and it is being played by none other than the great BRANFORD MARSALIS, who happened to be on the Tonight Show at the time and decided to pop in to play with the Dead. What a treat! I'll never forget it. And I met my future wife at my friend's apartment that night on top of it all. We married three years later and I was given a DAT version of the show as a wedding gift! I liked it much better than the China.
Also, if you find further convincing necessary, whip out JGB's Live double LP release, or, if you have it, Chula Vista, CALIF. Summer 92. Who can resist JGB singing Shining Star. Those who can, I usually have found, are carrying a major chip on their shoulder and like noise, not music.
Anyway, that's it, and I hope this was helpful.
Later,
Big Al
Box Set too many to list - muffdiver (ls208@is9.nyu.edu) - Tuesday December 21, 1999 @ 17:04:19
If you really want to turn someone on to the dead, buy them the new so many roads box set. From the organ heavy first disk to the last screams of so many roads, this box set is a real gem. Since I cannot possibly talk about every song I will only mention a few. First it is real interesting to listen to a very embryonic version of china cat nestled in between dark star and the eleven. Bobby's lead intro is especially fast and underdeveloped and the song lacks the familiar G riff that garcia usually opens the song with. I was never a big fan of Bobby singing pigpen numbers and listening to The Same Thing remindes me why. Pigpen was just an unbelievable force when he stepped up the the microphone. His voice just shines through this number. The other one from 2/27/69 is explosive. About 7 minutes in Garcia just swirls about a thousand note per min. This version just has to be played really loud with the base turned up. Having the Watkins Glen soundcheck jam on CD is worth the price alone but there are so many priceless moments to listen to......enjoy. If you have any thoughts on this review email me back.
07-31-74 Dillon stadium, Hartford, Connecticut - MuffDiver (ls208@is9.nyu.edu) - Tuesday December 21, 1999 @ 00:46:27
A soundboard version of the first set was my first experience with the dead. From the first notes of Scarlet Bagonias I was hooked. The real gem in this set is the China-Rider. The reviews I read of this China-Rider do not nearly give it justice. The vocals are a little shaky to begin with but jerrys leads are absolutley spectacular. Listen to the transition when the feelin groovy theme appears. Jerry plays these incredible melodic runs that have to be heard. Bobbys playing is also excellent during the transition.
07-31-74 Dillon stadium, Hartford, Connecticut - MuffDiver (ls208@is9.nyu.edu) - Tuesday December 21, 1999 @ 00:46:18
A soundboard version of the first set was my first experience with the dead. From the first notes of Scarlet Bagonias I was hooked. The real gem in this set is the China-Rider. The reviews I read of this China-Rider do not nearly give it justice. The vocals are a little shaky to begin with but jerrys leads are absolutley spectacular. Listen to the transition when the feelin groovy theme appears. Jerry plays these incredible melodic runs that have to be heard. Bobbys playing is also excellent during the transition.
02-19-73 Int'l Amphitheater - CHICAGO, IL - Jeff Oyler (relyo72@netzero.net) - Tuesday September 14, 1999 @ 00:21:35
Well, first of all, it was the show that started it all for me. I received this gem from a serious deadhead when I was 15. He was a friend's older brother who had just come back from the trip of that summer. He told me about the 'Dead', the fun, and adventure that was on the road. Before he left,(I never did see him again)He handed me the unmarked 'tape' and said enjoy! He was gone! This was the second live show I had ever heard (12/31/87 oakland- live broadcast was my first.) Anyway for years I went searching to findout what show this was, while enjoying enjoying every moment of the soundboard quality of this second set tape. HE'S GONE>TRUCKIN'>THE OTHER ONE>??PLUCKIN'??>EYES>CHINA DOLL...SUGAR MAG>SUNSHINE DAYDREAM...CASEY JONES!! Finally, after lending this concert to twenty other deadheads and with A little research; we determined it was 2-19-1973! THIS CONCERT kept me sane through all the years. 11 now. Every time I listen it still sounds as fresh and uplifting... like the first time. OOH AHHH! Sorry for my incoherent thoughts, it's late and I'm wiggin'. PEACE :)
04-29-71 The Fillmore East - Alan Topal (a.topal@albany.edu)
My choice for an introductory tape would be Fillmore East 4/29/71. It's a fun performance which showcases many of the bands styles and influences. It's a smorgasboard of great songs, with little or no "space" to scare anyone away. Also, the tape includes Pigpen, so they will hear the Dead "the way they oughta be".
The show kicks off with Truckin'. Odds are this would be a familiar song to the listener, however, they would immediately see that live Dead ain't studio Dead. The show contains numerous other standards that they might know, or would "need" to know: Bertha, Uncle John's, Sugar Mag, Casey Jones, Playin, Ripple etc.
Additionally, there are several well-known cover songs, which would show the listener how well the band interprets other people's songs and makes them their own: Hurts Me Too, Hard to Handle, Bobby McGee, Second that Emotion, Johnny B. Goode, Midnight Hour.
The Alligator>GDTRFB>Cold Rain sequence shows the Dead's knack for stringing songs together, improvising great jams on the fly.
Throw in Bill Graham's "they're not just music, they're an environment" rap and you've got one heck of an intro to the Band Beyond Description.
If they like that tape, then you say "I've got this little ditty called Dark Star that I'd like you to hear"...
6-30-87 Kingswood Ampitheatre, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA - Mike Cakebread (cake@ionline.net)
If I was to introduce a friend to the magic of the Grateful Dead by playing them a tape, it would have to be this Toronto show in 1987. Considering that this was my first show, I am fairly positive that this great 21-song show packed with great jams and flavours would make a Deadhead out of anybody. The more familiar song's like Touch of Grey and Good Lovin' would also make this experience a little more "user- friendly" for some. The second set especially with the bouncy Scarlet>Fire opener and the Spanish jam out of Space into the Other One are very pleasing to the auditory senses. I have in fact used this show on many occassions to introduce friends to the Grateful Dead experience. Including the Grandaughter of a woman who I rented a room from when I was in Stockholm, Sweden for the show there in October of 1990.
2/13/70 Fillmore East NY, NY - Kimberly Story (KStory9999@aol.com)
This is the first dead show I ever listened to and it would have to be my most memorable moment. Because from that moment on I was hooked on the most beautiful sounds that I could ever imagine.
5-02-70 Harper College - Jason Gray (mikegray@sover.net)
I have only listened to the Dead for 2 years. But in these two solid years I now have a better knowledge on music and America, More background and footing to build on a generatation on. In these two years, I have learned about the 60's at an incredible rate. Due to my studys in the last tow years I can now tell you about Acid Tests, Timothy Leary, Ken Kesey, The church on the living swing, And of course the Dead. Not bad for a 16 year old. Last summer I attended my first and last concert. Highgate 95. It was nice but not the kind of music I enjoy from the dead. Then I found 3 studio tapes: Live Dead, The Grateful Dead, and Anthem of the Sun. After listening to these I realized there must be more. And I found it. A friend of mine spun 2 tapes for me Harper College Set 1 & 2 and Harper College 2 & 3. This is truly the best and most amazing tapes I have ever listened to. To say these tapes are good is an understatement. They are evoultionary. Its a time when the dead where blending past and present.
Tape 1, Side 1, finds a nice joking accoustic dead. Showing us a dead to come. With songs like I know you rider, Friend of Devil and candyman -> Cumberland Blues. Some of these versions are my favorite. The highlight of this side is when Grisman comes on to jam with the dead on Uncle Johns Band. Truly Evoultionary. Now comes side 2. The Past. And Its a powerful past. The dead open with St Stephan. This is ok, but the transition into Cryptical is amazing. Now the after a strong and short drums, the other one comes powering in, with its amazing Jams, that take you places, drop you off, and then grabb your attention again. This finishs with an astounding castle, with Jerry yelling "You know he had to die". Now from here comes a jumpy Cosmic Charlie. The band is defenitly in a groove. The song flows very nicelu Casey Jones and Good Lovin are done nicely, but defently not the highlight of the tape. I personally like the Cold Rain and Snow, even if it is out of tune it sounds really foreboding. Now comes one of my favorite parts. Pigpen stepping up to the mike and doing a great "Its a Man's World" I really enjoy that version. Now comes a nice flowing "Dancin" with some great leads from Jerry. Next is the amazing 3rd set. It starts with a nice almost soothing morning dew. The song flows nicely. Now is the highlight of the tapes. "Viola Lee Blues" the Dead by now are probably tired. But still, just go out and powefully deliver the song is like a train that builds monmentum and at the last second stays on the track. It is truly a amazing. Now a short scary feedback but then we bid you goodnight saves us all just in time. Even the band seems enthusiactic. What a brillant way to end a brilliant night.
2-9-73 Roscoe Maples Pavilion Stanford, California - Kirk Johnson (newkirk@olympus.net)
I have set two only from this show, and it is of poor sound quality, but it is one of my favorite tapes (probably top 3). I chose to include it in this survey because it contains numerous Dead standards, and because the band JAMS on all of them: They Love Each Other, Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Uncle John's Band, others. Eyes of the World is unbelievable - what a jam! China Doll is moving and beautiful. If this tape fails to demonstrate the greatness of the Grateful Dead to a newcomer, I don't know what will.
6-9-91 Buckeye Lake Music Center - Dan Decker (doubled@erols.com)
This was a fantastic show chalked full of standards and some nice jams not to mention the last Reuben and Cherise. The first set is very up and gets ya twirlin' while the second set explores the heavier side of the trip. The drums>space was one of the best I've seen. I took several new friends to this show and they all became devout Heads. I think that this was one of the best venues on the east coast, nice wide open space with lots of room for everyone to dance. This show has good solid versions of The Other One, He's Gone, Let it Grow and my personal favorite version of Ruben and Cherise.
1985-1995 All - Valerie Stevenson (Valerie_ROS@wow.com)
I could not pick-out one particular show, but I would pick something post 1985. When making a tape for someone who had never really listented to the Dead I first picked-out a collection of songs that I wanted to include and then searched through the tapes that I had to find the songs. The problem was finding a good copy of songs that were on tapes from the 60s and 70s. Early 80s tapes are okay, but not the quality of the last ten years. The end result was a tape comprised of songs from 1965 to 1993. When listening to the completed tape, it was distinctly apparent to me which songs were from which period. The music was not as clear and the lyrics were almost impossible to discern. I wound up sending copies of the written lyrics to accompany the tape. It strongly resembled the live album made from Radio City and the Warfield. For those of us who were at all of those shows, it is easy to pick-out which song was recorded in which venue.
5-8-77 Barton Hall - Cornell Univ. - Mike Roth (sroth@ashford.com)
For availability, clarity and song choices, Barton Hall is a classic. The Minglewood opener rocks, and sets the tone for a rockin' first set. Jerry shines on "They Love Each Other" and the boys follow with a classic 70's slowed down version of "Jack Straw". The "Brown Eyed" and "Row Jimmy" are classics and the "Dancin' in the Streets" wraps up a stellar first set. And so much more to come. Set two starts with a fiery "Scarlet/Fire" that goes on forever. The "St. Stephen/Not Fade Away/St. Stephen" is one you don't get every day, but combines two 70's standbys. It is followed by a stirring rendition of "Morning Dew" that still brings tears to my eyes when I listen to it. The encore, "Saturday Night" rocks the roof off, and leaves you tapping your feet just like you were there. All in all, a great example of the power of a Dead show, and a great intro for a neophyte.
7-15-88 Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA - Lee Kayne (paxlk@unix.nott.ac.uk)
It's really the last 45mins of this show that made me a deadhead ! Out of Space comes a short Miracle with Bobby in fine voice. A nice, melodic Wheel then a ripping Gimme Some Lovin' with Brent really nailing those bacground vocals... It's the Morning Dew that follows seamlessly that is THE ONE ! Jerry's voice is so ON it's scary.......used to make me tingle.......now makes me cry :-( The bridge gets so quiet and slow that it almost stops completely, until Billy and Mickey bring it back up for an all out finish. The Lovelight that forms the encore is outrageous too - Bobby's voice gets higher and higher till he's really screaming ! I defy anyone to listen to this part of the show and not instantly rewind the tape - it is the only tape in my large collection that leaves me totally drained ! RIP Jerry - we love you
05-08-77 Cornell Univ., Ithaca, Ny - Alok Appadurai (aappadurai@wesleyan.edu)
An incredible Scarlet/Fire into Estimated. The St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen>MorningDew is unmatched. Just an incredible show which will turn any rookie's heart to the Dead life
6.11.76 Boston Music Hall - Alfred Millikan (vertic8@aol.com)
As a DAT trader with around 600 hours of live goodies, people are always asking me to make them the phattest Dead tape I have. I don't even have to think about the answer to this one: June 11, 1976. Set one starts with Mighty Swell. Sure, a rookie may not know this tune yet,but the beat is too catchy not to enjoy. After great versions of "Mama Tried" and "Tennessee Jed," the tape really comes alive with "Cassidy," Bobby's crowd pleaser, and then, Jerry's turn again, with "Candyman." After these two songs, the rookie is well on his way to being transported from his meager existence! The tape just doesn't stop there as KILLER versions of Scarlet>LLRain and Roses are the perfect lead-in to an unstoppable Lazy Lightning>Supplication. By this time the rookie is able to handle the Boyz' supreme jamming! To close out this solid set, Brown-Eyed and Promised Land smoke up the tape toward the show's intermission. As set two starts, St. Stephen kicks down the primal jam for the Rookie head. Jerry plays and the notes seemingly drip off his strings. This is a solid first St. Stephen to have in a new collection. Stephen melts into a funky version of Dancin' with Music Never Stopped jamming on past Dancin', keeping the Rookie smiling (as well as the Veteran!) Jerry hasn't really had the spotlight since BrownEyed, and after a jam of that caliber a little bit of a rest is needed. This leads to Ship of Fools, which really fits nicely after Music Never, right before its old parnter Samson and Delilah. Suagaree jams after Samson taking us back to Jerry's fist solo album and into a long, melodic jam sure to please the Rookie Head. After a slight pause, Sugar Mags>Eyes>Stella>SSDD. The end of the show is PHENOMENAL! The encore JBGoode is hot to end the tape. I have given this tape to a few people, some I would not call "Rookie", yet none would be what I consider tape collectors. They just wanted the tape for the car, walkman, or whatever. Each person has expressed joy and satisfaction to me in one way or another! Peace, Alfred Millikan vertic8@aol.com derfla@well.com
11/6/77 Broome County Arena, Binghampton NY - mike morones (snapdad@psu.edu)
I would give this tape to my friend to turn him on because it has a nice mix of songs.
The 1st set has mostly tunes that are never on the radio except for maybe FOTD.
This set would be a good intro to Bobby's style. The 2nd set has a tasty Scarlet->
->Fire as well as a good St Stephen and closes the night with a classic Truckin.
The encore Johnny B. Goode smokes and is a nice cap to a nice show. There is nothing way out
like a 9/19/70 Dark Star or the Other one that may seem imposing, just a choice mix of songs.
10-9-94 USAir Arena, Landover, MD. - David (chezstak@best.com)
Need I say more ...
12-28-78 Winterland - Geoff Rowland (growland@chat.Carleton.ca)
By far I think that one of my favorite shows is this one. It starts with Bill Graham riding a 10-no wait 12 foot long joint to the stage and as he reaches the stage the band breaks into an incredible scarlet/fire. Then a killer me and my uncle into Big River. Fotd is decent (It is not one of my favorites) but its starts rockin again with an amazing All Over Now. Next the Jack-A-Row wow one of the best I've heard, a nice long stagger lee, than a heart of me into Sun Shine Day Dreams. I have only the first three songs of the second set but they are all amazing. (Samson, Ramble, Miricle. The third set... WOW. Dark Star---> Other One-----> Dark Star--->Wharf Rat--->St. Stephen. Need I say more. The set ends with an amazing good lovin. The Encores are Casey Jones, and Johny B Goode. I have also heard the play We bid you good night but I don't have that song on my copy. When I first got this show I listened to it for month's straight.
1990-1995 Sandstone Amphitheater, Bonner Springs KA.; CalEXpo, Sacramento CA; Silverbowl, Las Vegas NV. ; Autzen Stadium, Eugene Or.; Oakland Colisseum, Oakland CA....... - Veronica Barrett (GruberN@televar.com)
Everything is my favorite. It is hard to pick just one show for a novice. My only advice is to listen, and then listen again and again and again. My first show was in Bonner Springs Kansas in June of 1991, It was one of my most memorable shows. After that I was hooked. Because I live in Washington State, it was difficult to hold down a job and to tour, so I travelled in between jobs just to catch a taste of the Grateful Dead scene. Everyone always talked about the parking lot scene, and I must admit, I was awed and amazed by the parking lot scene, but as I became a bit more seasoned, the parking lot just didn't matter. My awe in the parking lot could not compare to the emotional rollercoaster I rode upon every time I went to a show. I used to get stuck into these conversations with deadheads about how good or bad a show was or what note, or lines in a song Jerry, or Bob or Phil missed.But regardless, each show evoked a variety of emotions. It's almost impossible to show a novice the intensity, of a show, because from the minute that the Dead began to play, all present were in for a ride of epic proportions. The advantage of a live Dead show is that one not only hears music, or sees music being made, but one also feels music: Music that reaches your soul and rips it apart, or inspires it to dance rejoice and just be. I saw two shows in Bonner Springs, and my ride started with Uncle Johns Band, after that, I was part of the ride. Although the Dead are no longer they are very much a part of who I am. This summer, when the Further fest came to the Gorge in George, Washington I was able to get a taste of those old feelings. Driving into George, I saw all those familiar stickers, and was taken in by the sight of all those deadheads. I can't describe the feelings that came over me. After Jerry's death, there was such a finality to the Grateful Dead, Further fest gave me some hope. When Bruce Hornsby played Warf Rat, It brought me to tears. I had heard Jerry sing it so many times, and many times it brough me to tears. So, perhaps the novice might take a trip to Further Fest, and jump on the bus.
10/31/91 Oakland - Dave Albrecht (DALB7@Aol.com)
For me, this was the show that started it all. I've only got the second set, but... Wow, what a set. Scarlet>Fire, Truckin>Spoonful, Dark Star>Drums>Space>Dark Star> Last Time>Standing On the Moon>Throwing Stones>Not Fade Away encore... Werewolves of Londen The opening Scarlet>Fire is really what got me hooked. I first heard Fire on the Mountain a few years back (on the Shakedown album), but didn't think much about it. Hearing this live version really opened my mind up though. I remember thinking, "Wow, this is cool, and hey... this Scarlet tune is pretty hot too." For somebody new to the Dead, this 2nd set has many songs that people (more than likely) have heard somewhere else. Songs like Truckin', Not Fade Away, The Last Time, and Werewolves of Londen, would make this introduction to the band a smooth one for many classic rock fans. This would be my choice for a first show, but I realize its not always practical for someone, who knows nothing about the Dead, to get turned on to a show like this. With that in mind, I would suggest for that person to pick up either the first vault release (10/13/75) or the 1990 compilation, "Without a Net."
6/12/76 Boston Music Hall - Patrick Hyche (hychepw@mail.auburn.edu)
This is an awesome show. Kieth is really hot on the piano, and Donna sounds great. The rest of the band is really on, too. Jerry's solos are smokin and the drums are killer. The second set has one of the best song runs I've heard.
1980-81 Oakland Collosium - mark woli (mwoli@hcia.com)
When people ask me about the Dead I usually recommend the Albums Deadset and Reckoning Although they do miss some jams (particularly Friend of the Devil) Between them is a good overview of what the Dead can do. Country,bluegrass, some jazz, space/drums (not too long) and some great rock and roll in acoustic and electric format.
12-26-70 Legion Stadium, El Monte, CA - Jay Goldstein (barbjay@nemaine.com)
This may not be the best tape to play for someone who hasn't heard that much Dead, but I just like it! This is what I call "the high lonesome dead"; the sound comes from down there somewhere. I love the way Jerry's and Phil's voices blend on Cold Rain and Candyman, especially. Also, This tape has an Easy Wind that rips, and also Til The Morning Comes.
7/17/89 II Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI - Jim Isaac (wangdang1@aol.com)
Just so good!! You could tell they were to play from the opening chords of china cat. Grate opener, but an even better transition from uncle john's into standin on the moon! A classic second half with GDTRFB into NFA...what next??:-) how 'bout a We Bid U?!! first since new year's '79 and the crowd just goes nuts:-) just somethin' that a new head has to hear.
??/??/77 Fox Theatre Atlanta GA. - Andrew Wiklund (awiklund@service@entex.com)
If I know some one who needs to be turned on to the DEAD, I play a show from 1977! The band was on a cloud for the whole year! The cloud was covered with neon lines, and the music shows this. The second night second set is so smooth flowing, and peaceful! The Terrapin, playing, space, wheel, playin, uncle johns can't be beat! I think I have the order right, I'm sure I'm not sure of the order since I don't have my DEAD BASE with me and I lost the tape a few year back. But that tape will be with me forever! Love Andrew Wiklund
3-20-91 (was) Cap Center, Landover, MD - Lincoln Mongillo (chinacatmom@msn.com)
Hey Now It really depends on the person you are dealing with when introducing the Dead. So many dates come to mind, but I always love this tape and I think it's a *perfect* example of the Dead preforming magic. This set is drawin from the famed Cap Center 91 run in which the boys broke out quite a few killer tunes. On the 17th we get our very first version (by the Dead) of Reuben & Cherise), and on the 20th(this show) we get Might As Well to end the first set! Then on the 21st they come out of Fire with a jam we heads like to call "Stir It Up Jam". So needless to say there was something speical going on that run. When I listen to this tape there has to be a setting. I guess Leary was right about set and setting! It's best for me to listen to this on a sunny day when the sun is about to set. That moment were the color in the sky unfolds a rainbow. That gets me in the "zone" right away. The 20ths second set doesn't have a Dark Star or or a Help>Slip>Frank. But what it does have it pure Bruce and Jerry heaven. The opening notes to Eyes is like an old book being opened for the first time in years and it then begins to glow bright plush color! Jerry and Bruce play off each other likes kids playin' tag in a schoolyard. Back and forth. Very Jazzed up version. Jerry's voice is really strong, even though on the SBD can hear him get the mubbles(I pesonally like AUD a bit more). Eyes is really long, about 20mins(i think). The jam at the end has Jerry sailing off with a wonderous MIDI flute(for a better version of MIDI Eyes check out 3-31-91). A wonderful let-down jam opens a door that Jerry notices right off the bat. He leaps right into foolish heart without missing a beat. The rest of the band notices they arn't going into a Bobby tune and head along for the ride with Jerry. Vinny(what a player!) shines on this version. He adds so much more color. Bruce add the meat to the sound, making it more fuller. Jerry is belting out the lyrics with emotion only he can muster. Then there off into the midjam of the song. Jerry start back and noodles for a while, to let the others get in a lil lead time, which Bruce takes full advantage. Then the ball is handed back to Jerry to bring the mid jam to a close, so he starts up. And then he keeps going, and going! Yes he IS the energizer bunny! I keep on wanting to go "da da, da ,da!" to close it but Jerry just won't do it! It is like a kettle boiling so much that it's ready to blow! Jerry then releases and we all get a deep breath, jer does also causing him to kinda flub the next line, but who cares after that ride! Bruce and Bobby then takes us strait into Estimated! Jerry's got the wa-wa working overtime! Healy puts the vocal touches onto Bobby that makes you just want to laugh out load. Durning the bridge portion Bobby goes way off on the "ha! ha!!!". The crowd goes blastic! The jam is so jazzy due to Vinny and his killer sax routine. The jam stays kind mellow and in the groove. After a full workout on that Jerry dips into the galloping notes of He's Gone. One of the better versions in 90,91 IMO. There is a lil jam which then tails off into drums. Folks right there you have yourself OVER an hours worth of music! I'm not kidding! Drums is almost missing due my only having the show on analog. Space is very nice! Much like something from "IR Roses" which I love. It's kinda quite to and doesn't get to noodly. Phil says enough of this and everyone crashes into the other one. Healy has bobby's voice sound like death and heaven all in one! This is one where the band melt's into the vocal's and not thunders. Right after Bobby finishes Jerry whips out a frenzy of crazed notes. And of course the Other One would not be complete without it's other half,Wharf Rat(how many have I heard!?!) This one wants me to wish they played it more! It's that good! Wharf Rat sounds subte, and Jerry really tells the story, and makes you feel it. Really a deep into the heart, for me at least. Then it's time to dance our hearts out! Sugar mag RIPPS! I love them all so, a Sugar Mag makes my day!. The Weigh encore is just a wonderful way to top off my favorite show. I love this show because it has something(and then some) that no other music I've heard has. Rich, Pure, Plush, Lovin Color! And a very jazzy show to boot. Makes me just want to go down stair and put this prize on right now!. It is a cryin' shame that not a lot of people(both DAT and Analog) don't have this show. I've had the pleaser to have the sbd and the aud. Set I ain't bad either. Check out:BTWind Althea, Stranger, and of coures Might as well.
07-08-78 Red Rocks, Co - Scott Martinson (Denmart3@aol.com)
This was one of the first tapes I had received, and had instantly fell in love. This tape has some of the best live "terrapin" era songs in it. It is without a doubt my favorite "estimated" i have ever heard. For someone just getting into the Dead, i would reccommend this tape whole-heartedly. The eyes>Drums>wharf>frank's i could liten to for days. A must have in anyone's tape library.
05/02/70 Harpur College Binghampton, NY - Andrew Davis (adavis@wco.com)
Although Harpur College is one of those tapes that appears in the "best of" as well as the "overplayed" column, I still have to say that this tape captures the raw early talent in a way that a neophyte can really appreciate and enjoy. It has the classic acoustic set which brings the new guy in with something smoking but not too difficult to assimilate, but still includes some vintage psychedelic jams with the St. Stephen, Cryptical, and the Other One, throws in some strong Pig on Man's World, and ends with a classic Bid You Good Night. How can they resist?
1990 Knickerbocker arena - Chris Spargur (RO_Spargur@Mavca0.mavca.ohio.gov:)
Dozin' at the Knick will show you just what the dead was all about, if you never had the great privlage of shakin' your bones to a live show. it's a live 3 cd set, and i'm not positive on the date because i don't feel like runnin out to my car to get the cd case but It captures their live charm and blows your face right off your head with some of the great notes of space. This c.d. offers everything from we bid you goodnight to terrapin station remember to catch this show . and just remember the skies may look gray, and nothing seems to be going your way, then all you have to do is smile
4-8-82 rochester war memorial - tjm (tjm@orcal)
My first show. A killer Alabama/Greatest and It's all over now. Also a steller Loser in the first in the first set. The second set featured the BEST Lost sailor/ Saint I've ever heard in addittion to Stella Blue and Satisfaction to end all. Highly recomended
03/18/77 Winterland, San Francisco - Iain MacKinnon (9503881m@student.gla.ac.uk)
Although I only have set II of this show it is truly stunning. This is a classic 70s setlist right through; this is the show that brought us the first Scarlet>Fire and is worth having for that alone. We have a couple of classic covers here for the newcomer in the form of Not Fade Away an an absolutely stunning Around and Around. The highlight of this show has to be the unusual version of Terrapin which blends nicely into NFA. Combined with a fantastic Estimated and a funky Minglewood Blues, all in all this is a magnificent show.
4-7/7-8 87 Worcester and Roanoke - A.Wane (Wane@aol.RAT)
Just play the beggining of these Scarlet>Fire's at top level on your stereo. I your not turned by this you a malfunction. It is pure energy
65-95 The World - Kindness ( phil@smc.vt.edu)
"Day to day, just a lettin it ride"
4/19/75 Stage West, West Hartford, Ct. - Rob Hassell (rhassell@rmc.edu)
Tough Mama That's What Love It's No Use Wicked Messenger Dynamite Harder They Come Every Word You Say The set list says it all
7/24/67 the montery pop festival - tarn stephanos (tarn@doors.com)
though im only 28 and saw the dead for the first time in 1991, i find their earliest material stands out as the best, namely a bvlistering performance at the famous montery ppop festival.The jam on Viola Lee Blues what hooked my on Jerry and his discipples- afeter hearing it on a soundboard tappe, i was compelled to see the Dead live(1991), and the experience changed my life.This performance is robrolly one of the most underrated shows the Dead have ever done- Jerry often panned it as being an 'awful' set, but it was truely ,magical.Viola Lee Blues is as close to an audio representation of haeven as i can imagine.
4-26-72 100 Year Hall - William Graney (WTG1@Juno.com)
I kind of surprised myself that I chose this one because I am very heavily 76/77 oriented and my first thought went to the killer Estimated>St. Stephen from Toronto 11-2-77. But just as 100 Year Hall threw more for a loop the first time I listened to it so it does again by finishing ahead (in my mind atleast) of all the great 77's. First of all for turning on a newcomer it is important to have a very good sounding tape and I think the 100 Year Hall cd's certainly fit that bill. Secondly it gives a good cross section of the Dead's music. The first set stuff is a little week but adequate for turning someone on. By the time cd 1 gets into Playin>Lovelight>GDTRFB it is absolutely sizzling. The dynamics are such that you can point out things like: Phil on this jam, Billy K at this point, Jerry's lead on this song, and don't forget to take in the collective whole. Hopefully the iniate would pick up on it all. The second cd would give him/her a good look into the Dead's spaceier side as well as some historical basis: Truckin/Sugar Mag. Let's face it, if someone can't get into that Other One they are never going to get out of the realm of first set listening.
03/22/90 Copps Coliseum, Hamilton,Ontario Canada - Roger (walsre87@buff.st.edu)
The popular choice for this tour is Albany&Nassau,But the Hamilton run is superb.Complete with a "mc" out front who urged the crowd not to rush in because the Dead would not start until everyone was in(He lied). He also paged people and of course someone was looking for "Jack Straw from Witchita".Hilarious. The first set is a good starting point for a first timer.A very funky Stranger to start with a balsy West L.A.Fade to follow.Then the hits keep coming in the context of straight forward Rock -n Roll that 1990 is famous(to me)for.Easy to Love You came next with solid jamming.BIODTL, Roses, and Last Time came next with everyone up front taking turns at raising the roof.Throw out Picasso Moon and you have a great first set that while not"Radio Friendly", has delicious mix of Jerry, Brent and Bob,with fantastic universal straight forward R-n-R that everyone can enjoy.
4-15-88 Rosemont Horizon - S.A. Sommers (ssommers@earthling.net)
This was my very first show. I still remember it like it was yesterday even though I didn't know most of the songs when I originally attended this concert. What an amazing first show though, and a great set of tapes to introduce someonre to the Dead with. The show opens with a Scarlet --> Fire, quickly introducing the neophyte to the Dead's improvisational abilities. The first set also includes Louie - Louie, which is a familar song to most people. The first set closes with Deal, which is a great song to introduce non Heads to since it was Jerry's favorite. Now that you've gotten them interested, pop in the second set. This opens with Hell in a Bucket and then quickly transforms itself into a showcase for Garcia's talents with Crazy Fingers --> LLR. Next comes Terrapin and let's face it, if they don't like terrapin, they'll never truly like the Dead. The set finishes with Other One --> Miracle --> Dear Mr. Fantasy --> Hey Jude --> Lovelight. Not only are there two cover tunes in there that most people know, but the second set is a showcase of the Dead's musical talent. I have hundreds of hours of Live Dead, but these two tapes remain among my favorites. This show gives the new listener a great introduction into the Dead and highlights their capabilities.
2/26/77 Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino, CA - Leandro Pari (Whlinfrank@aol.com)
If I were to introduce a newcommer to the dead I would definately choose this tape. It may not be as accessable as 5/8/77 Cornell U but since the time I started taping this particular show has been more widely circulted and now more people have it than not. Anyway, I guess I would start them off with this tape, not because it's my favorite show, but because '77 was a year (in my opinion) that the Dead hadn't reached their climax yet but were not as intense as in the earlier years. This tape would be a good introduction because it offers a good set list which lacks the "Skeleton's in the Closet" approach to the Dead which is a plethora of the most well known songs which everyone knows such as Truckin' and Uncle John's Band. the show kicks off with the first Terrapin played (and in my opinion, the best) and goes into Minglewood, TLEO, First Estimated,Sugaree, Mama tried, Deal>playin'>Wheel>playin' this is an incredible first set which anyone that loves music can seriously get into. The second set kicks off with Samson, Tenn. Jed, TMNS, Help>Slip>Frank>Promised>Eyes, Dancin'>Around+Around. This show saves the "spacy" stuff for the more experienced Deadhead and let's the newcommer enjoy the Dead with a show that excellently displays why we love the Dead so much
11/6/77 Brome Co. Arena, Binghampton, NY - nick amrhein (n980462a@edinboro.edu)
I must agree with Mike M. above and say this show rocks. All the players sound great and the are very concise as if played from a studio. This is the show I always play when in the company of non-dead fanatics. Phil's bass is super, and my main man Bobby delivers yet another screaming performance. I especially like the Mexically/Me and My Uncle transition. Its the sickest thing I've ever heard! Its rare too, I have not heard it on any other boot. Check it one time- you'll want to rewind it and listen again.
many many - Crystal Kile (ckile@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu)
Check out these documentary photos! New Orelans-based photogrpher and deadhead David Rae Morris has gone online with a photo exhibit of images from the last decade of tour. Each image is annotated with a set list from the/that day's show. Leave behind comments about photos and the memories/ideas they conjure for you... Bound to Cover Just a Little More Ground: On Tour With Deadheads/ Deadheads on Tour lives at http://www.igc.apc.org/deadheadsontour
06/20/97 see below - mushroom man (blam4ever@webtv.net)
Great question!! It depends alot on what tribe this new deadhead is coming from musically.For someone who comes from a country/folk background I'd have to go with "reckoning"(you can all look at your liner notes for info)If the person were more of a jazz/blues fan I'd have to suggest the second set 3-23-73 Springfield MA Civic Center its got a 23 minute Dark Star that is as good as any Coltrane or Monk.And lastly if they were Pink Floyd acid rock fans I'd blow their mind apart By playing 'Infrared Roses" (again I know most of us have so look at your liner notes)And by the way if I could take it to a show it would be first Aug 87 @ Ventura Fairgrounds. happy trails-MM
07-??-78 Red Rocks, Colorado - Patti Lord (patlord@eces.org.eg)
In July 1978, the Dead played a succession of shows at Red Rocks. I was there and I have the tapes too. From start to finish, these were the best. People say the Dead weren't doing well in those years. But I saw the Dead before and after those shows. The 78 Red Rocks shows, and By the way, the 79 Red Rocks shows, where if I recall correctly, I first felt the absence of the Godchauxs but enjoyed Brent Midland's contributions, well, those were fabulous shows too. I've been to lots of shows and heard lots of tapes. The Red Rocks shows of both 1978 and 1979 beat them all. The band was hot, hot, hot. Smokin'. From the first lick to the last. The tapes prove it, and they should be professionally released in the vault series. Black Peter from the 1979 show is unsurpassed, likewise Around and Around . Sugar Magnolia from the 1978 shows is monumental, I believe it must be one of the best the Dead EVER played. There was a lot of wind at those shows, but Jerry's guitar was clear as a bell throughout. He sang with gusto and feeling and everybody else was in top form. I have never understood why GD has not to my knowledge, released these tapes professionally. They release other lesser versions of the same songs! To me, these were clearly among the best-ever shows. I know there was the incident, the tragedy, where a young man fell to his death at one of those shows. But I think most people were unaware of that until after the show. Thanks for 'listening'. Best wishes and love to all. Patti
07-05-97 pittsburgh, pa - cristi morrow (sugarmagnolia15@hotmail.com)
This is a quite different answer to this question then many people would expect. Being that I have only listened to the dead for three years, and that I am the tender age of 15, I have not had the chance to ever experience an actual dead show in person. You see, the last concert they pulled in my area was in 95, and i was simply too young to go with the permission of my parents. But...on Saturday, July 5, 1997 i attended a concert that included jgb, vince welnick& mmf, jefferson starship, the band, and some local acts such as pied piper and so on. Also before the show was a drum circle. Please believe me when I say that I completely understand that it was not, in any way, a dead show. But I brought along with me my friend, who never liked the dead...and I promised her that it would be the best time she had ever had so far. Well, the great jams of all the bands combined, mixed with the atmosphere, the loving spirit in everyone there, the feeling of pure freedom, and many other things definately helped me convince my friend that what i said before WAS true, and she really did have the time of her life. It took a while, but by the time jgb decided to play "shakedown street" she was dancing her little legs off. By the end of the nite she was so impressed, and so filled with happiness....that when we came home, she threw out all of the tapes of the hate-filled bands she listened to (marilyn manson, nine inch nails...and so on) and explained to us how the concert really had shown her the light, and filled her heart with love. Now, she is going to the further fest, and jerry fest with me. I know that it was not a tape that she listened to, but the concert really gave her a different view on life.
05-22-77 Sportatorium-Pembroke Pines,Fla - Tony Pirri (pirri@netnitco.net)
The dead at their finest.One of the best MNS's ever with a soothing "sugaree" A well carried "lazy lighting-->supplication" always makes me smile. Then of course you get a touch of the dead's brilliance with right-on performance of the classic "help-->slip!-->franklin's" like clockwork!!!Not to mention other 2nd set treats like" a chilling "Estimated" with a smooth transition into my favorite dead song "Eyes" which gets carried into "wharf rat-->terrapin-->morning dew" now if that's not the dead at their finest then I don't know what is.
2-11-86 Oakland Colesium - Ian Mirmelstein (mirmelstein.1@osu.edu)
Eat Something, sit on this hill and watch the sun set. Do you see the colors, watch as they melt, melt melt. Now my bro/sis, listen to this Birsong>Music>Might As Well to end the first set. Oh by the way you may need a crowbar to rip that smile off your face and a new pair of undies. Still lovin every minute of it, or tryin'.... Ian Mirmelstein
06-25-93 RFK Stadium - Richard Talbert (recondo@concentric.net)
As a fledgling I must admit that it was a studio album that hooked me and began my own adventure with the with the music of the dead. American Beauty must be included in the lists of first strains a friend should hear. I can't say if it is my own melancholy that spurred me to write this, but I feel that every song on the disk is a good solid tune that anyone would enjoy. Combine that with the fact that we are so used to hearing the flat perfection of CD's and you have the perfect avenue to introduce friends to some great music... "You liked Sugar Mag?" "Well then listen to this one from RFK 6-25-93..." In this manner I have turned on friends and even my parents, both of whom thought the Dead were some sort of Judas Priest meets Guar devil worshipers. I can't fault them for their misconceptions, but I can commend them for their true enjoyment of the music I offered them.
6-9-77 Winterland, S.F. - J.K. (kipp.jeremy@fmr.com)
After having a newbie listen to this tape, I would throw in 5-8-77 Cornell and see if they agreed that probably the reason why everyone talks about that show is because it's so well circulated, not the greatest show ever. The Estimated > St. Stephen here is the best I've heard in the '77 era- you can't deny that St. Stephen intro is just sweet.....Terrapin is crisp, and the change into Sugar Mags is flawless. The first set has a nice They Love Each Other, Jack Straw and Music Never Stopped. What makes 6/9/77 mindblowing, though, is the Help/Slip/Franklins- I'd love someone to send me a tape of a better version. Sorry, but this medley sound best at the faster pace it got in the late '70's. I'd just tell the newbie before s/he listened to it to try to tune out different instruments during different parts of the song....just listen to Keith.....Keith and Jerry together.....Phil is everywhere on this tape- just monstrous....and to no one's surprise Jerry takes Franklins Tower into another planet...you can just tell how relaxed he is here...... I think this tape could convert a newbie because it has....several times.....
05-08-77 Barton Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. - Greyson (gmurdoff@gladstone.uoregon.edu)
I chose this show because I can't get over how awesome the second set Scarlet>Fire is. I wasn't at this show, but the energy that this tape emits is moving! It has great versions of Row Jimmy, Deal, Lazy Lightnin', and more. It also has a few 'popular' Dead tunes: Not Fade Away and St. Stephen. This tape gets me dancin' every time. It's also a good tape to play when just milling around the house looking for things to clean or while going to wherever it is you need to go. Besides any tape with Morning Dew on it is a good tape in my opinion! Smile, smile, smile!
08/06/74 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ - Jason Parmer (jparmer2@wvu.edu)
This show starts off with some nice short tunes like Mexicali, Sugaree, Don't Ease, etc. After that the newbie can get his/her feet wet with a wonderful Eyes. Then after a couple more short tunes, they will be exposed to great Grateful Dead that is the stuff of legends. It's an all around good set to expose them to good old GD.
9/9/80 10/4,11,13/80 Warfield Theatre - Vicne Griffin (vlg@tenet.edu)
I have listened to the Dead off and on through high school and college and have enjoyed everything that I have heard but it is only this year(97) that I started to collect tapes of other shows. This accoustic show to me was a great show to begin with and I have since shared it with others and they have felt the same.
10-22-1997 . - Deadhead Steve (deadhead@bestweb.net)
Easy question...Dick's Picks Vol.5/Disk 2. Give it a listen sometime. Peace all --- Deadhead Steve
4/7/85 Philadelphia Spectrum - Patrick (jpatrick@silcom.com)
The band always seemed energized in Philadelphia, and Phil coming out to his mike while they were tuning up with, "HiYa Kids, HiYa, HiYa Hiya Kids!" confirmed the general excitement. The show opens with DO IT IN THE ROAD and just never slows down with every member of the band crisp and fast on HALF STEP, CC RIDER, a wonderful, fast, and joyously raucous BIRDSONG, fantastic DANCIN (which was hot as i t was in 85), ending in DEAL . It's only 45 min., but if you were new to the music and didn't want to hear more, there's no hope for you here-Try the country music network
The second set is an excellent example of what a truely wonderful evening sat a show was all about. SHAKEDOWN continues the 1st set momentum, a jammin' good time, Jerry touches your heart with SHE BELONGS TO ME, and the DEW. The jams on GIMME SOME and SMOKESTACK should entertain. TRUCKIN and SUGAR MAG. are their as old familiar favorites. Pull it out of your collection and remember the days when we were youngŠ
3/18&19/90 Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Ct - Tammy Swartzwelder (Bssgrl@aol.com)
I would have to say that if I was to try to help someone experience the magic of the Grateful Dead that it would have to be through these two shows. These shows in Hartford were unfortunately the last shows in Ct before Brent took his life, but the talent and enhancement to the band were completely evident, even though he had failed to realize this. The harmonies throughout these shows were completely in synch on songs such as "LL Rain" & "He's Gone" (3/18) and others such as Brent's completely moving rendition of "We Can Run" (3/19) brought tears to one's eyes from the love that was felt throughout it. It was apparent that the boys were at their top of the world. It was a show that completely captured the spirit & love of the band and family of fans.
07/01/85 Merriweather Post Pavilion - Beth (eai@keene.edu)
I only have the second set to this show, and its not real good quality but this has been my favorite tape for a good 3 years now. I would have someone who never heard the Dead listen to this for two reasons. The songs are awsome and the crowd is so psyched it makes me jones for a show every time I listen. I know a lot of people don't dig the audience in their tapes, but this one is just amazing. Maybe its the combonation of songs and screams, this tape is very nostalgic for me. It starts off with Scarlet-->Fire, Playin', Uncle John's then Drums/Space, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Goin' Down the Road, Good Lovin', Satisfaction, and Baby Blue. It brings back memories of many a nights dancing in the woods with good friends and a big bonfire.
06-21-95 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY - John M Prewitt (prewijohnm@quinnipiac.edu)
This is show is one of the dead last greatest shows. If I am going to introduce a tape of a dead show to someone, I want to introduce a show that I have been to and can describe in detail about. This show has a spectacular Scarlet>Fire and Vince play's "Under the Boardwalk" before the Scarlet in the second set. The dead played the last Morning Dew ever and it was magnificient. The first set really took the cake with great renditions of Take me to the River and a Row Jimmy clocking in at almost 20 minutes! The Hell in a Bucket was killer and fast paced. Broken Arrow was well sung by Lesh Promised Land appropiately closed the first set. This is a great show and underrated. This is a favorite show amongst 90's lovers and is well appreciated. Everyone says the dead played the best in the 70's but I beg to differ. It's not that they were better, they just played different. There was more fury and grooves in the 90's and the music was played at a faster pace. The dead have been known for great shows at the Knix, and this show is one of them.
4/9/87 Pavilion, UI at Chicago - dan (dan@trail.com)
For the newcoming into the Dead, set II is one I'd feel comfortable recommending to any rocker. The set starts off with Scarlet>Fire>Playin'>Uncle John's Band. It picks up again after Drums with one of the best China Dolls of the 80's. The encore of U.S. Blues will knock the socks off any deadless rocker and send them on their way to more,more,more............ This show gets very little comment from heads, so all you out there that haven't heard set II, it's musically genuine Dead!
06-25-92 Soldier Field - Kim Dvorak (Kim Dvorak@email.msn.com)
This first set is one of my all time favorites. In fact I just loaned it out last night to a new recruit to get him going. Has definitely the qualities to arouse anyone's interest. From a Johnny Cash cover "Big River" which I recently read was one of those Bobby songs Jerry coudn't stand to play, to all-time true rockers like "Bertha" and "The Music Never Stopped" this tape will deliver. I've also been making a few Rat Dog tapes and spreading those around. Anything to help out one of the boys. I suggest you do the same.
05-29-95 Portland Meadows - Max Mulkey (shuffle32@aol.com)
I would definately pick this show to introduce someone to the environment that only the Good Ole Grateful Dead could provide. And to tell you the truth, I actually did take one of my friends to this show and he became an instant Head. Finally, the Dead were in my home town!!!! It was only my third show and I was expecting the best from the band I love. The Boys came through big time with a great show that I feel is underrated. The first set was pretty standard, but it had a great version of THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED to end the set. Then the fun began... Boom!!! The second set kicked off with that earth-shattering beat that only SHAKEDOWN STREET could have. It was an epic version that even my non Deadhead friends could enjoy. A couple songs later came the majetic flow of a beautiful and well-played TERRIPIN. The DRUMZ>SPACE was a trippy journey to the unknown and the LASTTIME that came out of space was a rocker! The slow DAYS BETWEEN came and it was hard not to gently sway to the gentle beats. The final song of the second set was the best SUGAR MAGNOLIA that I've ever heard. The Dead left the stage with the fans begging for more. As they came back out Bobby got the fans laughing by saying: "Did someone just say fuck the Christian Rite?" The boys left us by playing the relatively new LIBERTY with that great courus: "Oo, Freedom, Oo, Liberty. Oo leave me alone! I can find my own way home! I can find my own way HOME!!!! I still keep the ticket stub of this show in my wallet as a constant reminder to remember the good times.
10/15/77 Moody Coliseum, Southern Methodist University, Dallas - Paul Goode (pkgoode@aol.com)
I'll come right out and admit that this was my first show, so there may be some bias here. But I'll tell you what: It's not nostalgia that has me listening to this tape more than any other. This was a really tight, energetic show even by '77 standards. Even when they blow an intro it happens as a unit and they recover as a unit. From the loping, elegant Bertha->Good Lovin' that opens to the tense, driving Let It Grow that closes, the first set runs the gamut from a intricate, poignant Peggy-O to a playful Mama Tried->Big River and a stinging Ramble On Rose. All of which sets the table for a relatively short but powerful Mike Tyson of a second set opened by an up-tempo Samson and anchored by a brilliant Terrapin->Stephen->NFA. The transitions between these three are as good as it gets, believe me. And check out Bobby's extended vamp to open Sugar Mag -- it resulted when Jerry suddenly broke a string shortly after the opening chords. And while the Truckin'->Saturday Night encore might sound anticlimactic, it isn't. Something about that Texas evening imbued these two chestnuts with a freshness that made them seem positively new. Don't miss this tape!
05-07-77 Boston Garden - Andrew Gustin (agustin@sps.edu)
The first set is perfect introductory material - not too "advanced" :) - just a fabulous setlist, and incredible work by Jerry. By the way, I have nearly a 100% success rate using this tape. It hardly every fails to captivate the heart of anyone with half an ear for good music.
2-28-69 Fillmore West - Tim Strange (tstrange@cnu.edu)
This show began my tape collection, and from that moment I was instantly into the wonderful world of Grateful Dead and tape trading. It has many of the songs that are so well known, when thinking of the Dead, and the versions are well crafted and thoughtfully improvised the whole show around. This is also where the Dead really began the approach the style of care-free jamming that they are so widely remembered for. The band is in in full force and everyone is following each other very carefully, and the result is a beautiful and textured blast of sound that would make a blind man see the light. To give examples it would probably be appropriate to discuss the show at hand. We begin the journey right into the pulsating bass bomb of a wonderful, early Morning Dew, that has Jerry singing in top form, and the band starting off the show in top form with superb jamming from all. Jerry's voice during this period was a lot more clear, than compared to the later years, where the long 30 year hall did hell to his body and voice. We then move on to a long version of Schoolgirl, complete with all of the signiture Pigpen-laced raps that also made this period of the Dead so uniquely different from the rest. The band follows his raps with their instruments perfectly, becoming the musical landscape for his raw, and powerful vocal improvisations. A simple, but happy Doin' That Rag follows, and this gives everyone a little break from all the jamming of the previous pieces. Again Pigpen delivers the punches on an excellent Kingbee and Lovelight that proves the band was having a lot more fun here, than compared to later years when they dealt with all the huge stadiums, constant touring hassles, members dying, and the plague of commercial merchandising that this band was never even attempting to do. They take a "short break" and we are plunged into the wrath of the second set. Cryptical>Other One>Cryptical was played at top form here, especially on the Other One segment of the suite. The playing of this song during the 60's was played at rapid fire, and full of the energy and ripping licks that many of the later versions simply lacked. The 70s-90s versions were slowed down quite a bit and the Cryptical potions dropped (except some attempts to revive it in 85), and this version is very representative of the song's power that just seemed to dull over the years. The common Dark Star>Stephen>Eleven that follow are played at excellent levels, and the listener gets a chance to listen to the classic Dark Star that has always been home to some of the Dead's best jams of all time. The way in which one song is jammed into the next is also a key element in the Dead's style that a new listener should be made aware of, because it was followed to the very last show. There is then a very emotional Death Don't Have No Mercy, that again displays Garcia's moody vocals during this period, and also brings a calm to the lightning pace of the previous selections. It is the next part of the show which is the most interesting in my opinion. We first get a little talk from the band as Weir tells the audience that the band is trying to figure out what to play. Again, we see that this is the laid back days that the Grateful Dead were all about. An Alligator>Caution follows that is filled with some of the best jamming I have ever heard. There is a brief Drums out of Alligator, and this showcases the drum solos that have always been a tradition at the shows, and then a long period of frenzied jamming follows all the way into Caution. The jamming is so wild it is hard to tell that Caution is begining, until we hear Pigpen begin to do his thing again. The peice melts into feedback, and dissolves the show into ruins. They close off with a We Bid You Goodnight, and all that is left is one of the most fabulously played shows in the band's entire history. The tapes are widely available in excellent qualtiy soundboard, and it is the perfect way to start any new listener off in the unique realm called the Grateful Dead.
01\30\98 THE BEST OF SKELETONS FROM THE CLOSET - JEREMY (PLANET-21@WEBTV.NET)
GRATEFUL DEAD IS THE WORLDS MOST FOLLOWED BAND OF ALL TIMES. ALL THE LOVELY FREAKS FOLLOWED THE BAND AROUND RELIGOUSLY, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE WORLD THAT COMPARES TO A DEAD SHOW AND NOTHING THAT COMPARES TO US DEADHEADS. LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF A DEAD SONG AND LET YOUR SELF GO TO A WORLD LIKE OZ
09-03-77 Raceway Park, Englishtown, New Jersey - Brandon Lagana (shandon@juno.com)
"Don't worry about me!" These were the first words following the most interesting sounding music I had ever heard at age 13. I did not know the name of this song was "Estimated Prophet," and I was not sure if its segway partner "Eyes of the World" was a separate song. I was accustomed to listening to the crunching guitar of Clapton and Page, but this "new sound" for me gave me that wondeful tickle in the center of my rib cage (don't know how else to describe it). It would be five years later that I would have most of that show (September 3, 1977 from Raceway Park in New Jersey) that featured the first two Dead tunes to which my hears began that dance. This show has remained my favorite all these years mailnly because of the sound of Bobby and Jerry's voice and the '77 jamming-- say no more. This show is great as a starter for those new to the Dead. The songs are played with an energy and a sound that will become familiar as the '77 sound once one becomes accustomed to the many sound changes of the Dead. The songs also showcase some of the Dead's most enduring music: "Good Loving," "Loser," "Truckin'," "Sampson," and of course, "Estimated>Eyes." Although I have a special connection to this show, 1977 was an amazing year!
8-4-94 Giants Stadium - Tom Spavlik (GGrady1@AOL.com)
This show seems to be a good beginners guide to the Grateful Dead. The show features all 4 vocalists getting a turn, a special guest Bruce Hornsby for set 2, and some jamming which gives the listener a taste of the Deads potential. The show has a good song assortment of radio classics, Deadhead Classics, covers, and new tunes. The first set starts strong with Box of Rain - Jack Straw, and remains solid throughout. The trio of So Many Roads - Eternity - Childhoods End showcases 3 newer tunes with plenty of potential. The set closing Deal ended a solid set on a very high note. The second featured Hornsby on accordian, and although he was a bit low in the mix, his presence inspired the band to play a generous set. Picasso Moon is an unusual second set opener but it earned its position with a charging start. China Cat - Rider was fun and featured a nice middle jam. Way to Go Home featured Vince on vocals for the only time of the evening, but was very standard. Playing - Uncle Johns was my favorite moment of the night, Plying featured a good spacy jam and Uncle Johns was solid as well. The post drums featured some tired standards but all were done with a little more energy than usual, again Hornsbys presence may have lit a spark. Brokedown was a very good encore to a solid show. While this show probably won't appear on any favorite of all time list, I feel it fits the topic pretty well. I remember when I was first exposed to the Dead I felt more comfortable listening to the songs I was familiar with, and the fact I attended this show gives it some special meaning.
07-04-89 Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y. - Todd Anderson (toddaand@brigadoon.com)
This is a good tape to use to introduce a friend to the magic of Grateful Dead. They played Touch of Grey, which they probably already like. Just take a look at the set list. 1: Bertha> Greatest, Cold Rain, Walking Blues, Row Jimmy, Masterpiece, Stagger Lee, L.L. Rain> Deal 2: Touch> Woman Smarter, Ship of Fools> Playin Reprise> Terrapin> Drums> Take You Home> Watchtower> Morning Dew> NFA E: U.S. Blues !!!
08-13-75 g. americ. music hall - sn (stuart70@hotmail.com)
crisp sound. into it crowd. #1 from the vault! this isnt a meltdown its a jam man! both drummers! got to thave that full sound. every band has guitars keyboards bass but aaahhh 2 drummers. i am sure gans would agree. dont dig deep into a tape collection non-deadheads dont like that!
5-8-77 Cornell University Ithica, NY - Ryan Proctor (JGB057@aol.com)
This was my first show on tape and i actually did introduce a friend of mine to the magic of the Dead with this tape, it has one of the best first sets in my humble opinion, especially Dancin', but the second set is cozmic! The absolute best scarlet>fire that ive heard, the transition is so smooth and so perfect and so amazing! and sthephen>nfa>stephen is killer! my friend was enthralled saying how amazing the music was and there just isnt anything else like it, morning dew is very tasty also and the sat night encore is great, being brainwashed from his experience that night, my friend then went home to listen to a ratdog tape i had given to him which he listened to over and over again
05/08/77 cornell - steve (szinno@brooklaw.edu)
Everybody knows this tape-- it is one of the classic that even neophytes know and love. But the idea of this contest (as I see it) is to turn on an unsuspected head to the vibes of the dead. the scarlet->fire kicking off the second set was enough to make my geandmother a believer. I won't even get into the magestic St. Stephen/Not Fade Away jam... but the Morning Dew is so true, it brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. SAB.
10/9/89 Hampton Coliseum - Bobby-the-Head (rmcneer@richmond.edu)
People were giving away tickets in the parking lot. Miracles were hanging from the trees! But the real miracle occured inside.
09-06-80 &01-08-79 Lewiston Maine & MSG, NYC - Jay Jacobs (betsjayj@gateway.net)
These are the two shows I play to introduce friends to the Dead. They are two of the hottest shows of Iv'e heard (and been to). Lewiston is one of the band's more stellar performances. 3 1/2 hours of continuous energy and variety. Sugaree shows off Jerry at his best and the set closer Chinacat>I Know You rider>Promised Land are the first set gems. The energy can't help but move listners, you have to dance. The whole second set is amazing on its own(especially given its lenght equals that of whole shows in the 90's. Hot shakedown, sweet Lost Sailor>Saint of Circunstance and very pretty Althea. The high point is the Playing>Uncle John's Jam, few better are out there. Uncle John's is pure fun. The show finishes Not Fade Away(no clapping, thank goodness!!!!!!!!)>Wheel>Uncle John's >Playing>Sugar Mag. Each one a gem. 1/8/79 is a gem in its own right. While every song carries an enourmess amount of Dead energy, its the Freind of the Devil and Lazy Lightning that make this show special. Friend of the Devil is as sweet as sugar and displays the Band's emotinal depth. Jerry's solo can bring you to tears. The Lazy Lightning, is simply put, the HOTTEST song Iv'e heard them do. The Jam at the end is simply out of control, its hard to believe that even Jerry could play that hard and fast. Its more reminicent of a late 60's Viola lee than anything else, but much tighter. I've been listening to it for almost 20 years and I'm still in awe every time I hear it-it never fails to bring a huge grin to my face. Between these two shows I've turne on a lot of people over the years.
9/28/72 Stanley Theatre, Jersey City, NJ - David Ogilvy (DAVIDOg11@aol.com)
After seeing 300 shows between 1980 and 1995 and collecting over 1500 hours of dead tape, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what my favorite tape is. I keep coming back to 9/28/72. Besides a rough start, I think it's an excellent tape for a first-timer' full of GD standards and great covers. The mix is great, similiar to most '72 tapes The Playin' is mindblowing. They jam St. Stephen during Greatest Story. Brokedown Palace is early in the second set and has some very heartfelt background vocals. The Me & My Uncle that follows is my all-time favorite version. Although there is no Dark Star, I still love the jam that follows He's Gone' winding in and out of the Other One. It visits a lot of places, including Me & Bobby McGee, before it ends with Wharf Rat. Sugar Magnolia and an incredible Not Fade Away / Goin' Down The Road follow. There is no encore to this seemingly mediocre-looking set list. HA!
12/31/72 Winterland - Toryhippy (toryhippy@aol.com)
Particularly "not fade away"!
11-14-73 San Diego - Mark Cartier (macartier@stoel.com)
Two dozen songs. All well played - not a lemon in the bunch. Excellent first set (Sugaree, China/Rider, Here Comes Sunshine - for example) With a very tasty second set (Truckin, Other One, Wharf Rat, GDTRFB) Not too spacy for the uninitiated - but a great show to sit and listen to.
08-06-74 Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ First Set - Tom Granados (tgranado@yahoo.com)
Well where do I start..... The Bertha they open with is the most unique version I have ever heard, you would think it's They Love Each Other from the openning beat, but it's not. Then we shuffle on into the middle of the set with the most expansive Eyes of the World, it must run on for about 10 to 15 minutes and goes into the Slipknot type of jam and rocks on heavily through it. Next and last in the set is the most unique thing, Playin in the band into Scarlet and back into Playin'!!! What a set closer. The jam in the middle just transitions into Scarlet with little to no effort on the part of the performers, it's like it just wanted to go there and lo and behold! This show isn't the most popular, but isn't the most hard to find either. Very, Very, Very enjoyable show.
9/18/87 Madison Square Garden - Ryan Williams (RyanWillms@aol.com)
In any case if I was to pick a show that embodied the mastery of technique, and the spirituality of The Grateful Dead, in order to introduce them to a friend, the show would ultimately be based on his/her generation. But if I was to pick one show that surpassed generation, it would have to be in the later stages of The Grateful Dead, one that had a taste of all the years of experience and song packed into one. In my personal opinion I'm listening to it right now. Madison Square Garden, September 18, 1987. They kick off the show with a taste of Bobby's humor as he addresses the crowd with his whimsical rendition of Bullwinkle: "Hey Rocky, watch me levitate Garcia." It is almost as if he is implying the mental state and supernatural heroics of Jerry that evening: beyond human comprehension. For those of you who have seen a show at MSG you know the impact and the energy the band brings with them and releases to the pleasures of the audience, as the Garden is not too intimate, and not too distant. It is the perfect place to view the Grateful Dead in my opinion, smaller than a stadium, and larger than a bar; but then again I'm sure all of us if given the chance would jump at the opportunity to see the Grateful Dead up close and personal. The tape quality in and of itself is what pleases me, and thus encourages me to share it with others. It is a SBD tape with a little hint of the crowd, so when Jerry hits his notes with all force you can not only hear the crowd react, but also hear Jerry react to the crowd. He feeds off of their appreciation, and it is manifested through him. I sit there listening, and question if it is even Jerry playing the guitar, or rather the guitar playing him this evening. It's like he has tapped into all the energy of the crowd, and somehow channels it through his system, whether concious or not, and it causes him to be as awe-inspiring as he is that evening. With that greatness, it is Jerry saying in a booming voice, "No, Thank You!," and he PLAYS. Thus, the evening begins with a rip-roaring Hell in a Bucket into a masterful Sugaree, a taste of both old and new, with the band coming right out at you, playing TIGHT and singing STRONG. It continues into a jubilant Walkin Blues, and then when given the chance Jerry slows it down, almost in an attempt to show the crowd how beautifully he can sing, as he settles into Candyman. But it doesn't stop there as they continue, after pausing for a fraction of a second, into a cover of Dylan's Masterpiece, with Jerry packing those punches behind Bob at back-up vocals. It's almost as if you can here the band smiling. If there was to be given any criticism about the first set, it would have to be that it was too short. After Masterpiece the band jumps into the set-ending, elemental Bird Song, with Jerry giving it his all, and the crowd reacting. It is a perfect song to end the set, especially for someone yet to experience the Grateful Dead. Up until the point of Bird Song, the newcomer has mostly heard the vocal acheivements of the band, they have yet to experience the improvisational aspect which is The Grateful Dead. It is a song, sung with eloquence, that prepares the audience for what they are about to experience in the second set. At the same time it leaves them anxiously waiting, craving the band we know and love as The Grateful Dead. And what a second set it is! They come out and start things off with a spicy extended version of 70's Shakedown Street, and though there are a few vocal flaws,(with Bobby and Jerry singing different lines over each other,) it is easily made up for by Jerry. Bobby stops singing suddenly as he realizes they are singing different lines of the chorus, paving the way for Jerry to sing the song by himself, which breaks down into a bouncing of vocals, by all three singers,off each other and back again into Shakedown and on further into Women R' Smarter. Jerry didn't want to stop singing! Women R' Smarter is a wonderful, energized rendition, with the notes grabbing hold of your body shaking you into dance. On from there without missing a beat they continue into Terrapin, a classic, and definitely a must-be-heard song for any newcomer. Terrapin is Terrapin. Jerry is singing his best this evening. I've always loved Terrapin into Drumz into space, it is a matching of auras, so to say. It is almost like one continuous song, with drumz and space embodying the mystery and musical aura of Terrapin. It is almost as if the band breaks down Terrapin to the last note of space and provides a path, to each his own, for all to solve the philosophical question: What does Terrapin represent for you? "For all who don't believe the compass always points to Terrapin!" Drumz>Space is something everyone should experience. It is a experimentation of tone, rhythm, tempo, melody, color and harmony. It is a time when the form of the song is abandoned and the elements that create music are called into question. It is an adventure into the 'higher spheres of music,' as John lennon so eloquently called it. There are no walls, there is no structure, it simply is. With having blown the minds of everyone at the show, some perhaps questioning if drumz>space will ever end, Jerry filters into the contradictory Going Down The Road Feeling Bad. With two different themes, one optimistically musical, the other pessimistically lyrical, the band gives to you once again the humour-related mind of the Grateful Dead. The band builds and builds that last chorus to the point of explosion, the crowd erupts, and the song drains into a cover of Dylan's All Along The Watchtower. It is to say the least INTENSE! As quick as it comes, it goes, dropping from one note to the next as everyone questions what Jerry is going to play next. Descending down the melodic scale of mystery to one note, THE NOTE, that launches the crowd into hysterics and ascends to, in my opinion, the greatest rendition of Morning Dew there ever was. Ascending to the heavenly climax, that only Jerry Garcia can provide, that has on occassion brought me to tears of joy, and always to an enormous smile. This is why the tape was chosen to be played, it is Jerry Garcia not in body, but rather in spirit. IT IS HIS SOUL SINGING! And the crowd loves it, and he loves it. To describe the song in word wouldn't even come close to it's power and strength, perhaps only the greatest of authors could come close, and even they would be far from the essence of it. So what next after the greatest song to ever be played, but one that speaks of LOVE. Jerry busts into Good Lovin', another blast from the past, and Bobby accepts the challenge of performing after sheer perfection, and succeeds with flying colors. But we haven't heard the end of Jerry just yet in the second set, as he splits Good Lovin' with a couple verses of Richie Valen's La Bamba. They are sung with discumbobulated strength, questioning if Jerry is even singing in Spanish during one verse, but not on a negative note, quite the contrary. He is so involved in the moment he belts out each word as if he is sure of his efforts, and in doing so takes the climax of Morning Dew to a new level. One can't help but smile and sing along. We are taken back into Good Lovin' with Bobby performing his spoken message for all to love thy neighbor, and though we can't imagine it ever stoping, it suddenly comes to an end, with the Garden shaking and the Grateful Dead fully aware of the fact that they just ROCKED that joint. It is a concert of the ages, FOR all ages. The band is called back to the stage by 30,000, and sing the perfect song to end a perfect evening, a rendition of Clapton's Knockin' on Heaven's Door. It is as if the band is summing up where they had brought MSG that evening, into whatever you want to call it, nirvana, paradisio, heaven, etc. It is a realm of goodness, an everlasting positive energy that embodies all and everything, and here they are knockin, asking to be let in, unaware that with their efforts and mastery, we all are already there because of them. The greatest thing about this tape is the end of it, the singular, soulful voice of Jerry Garcia singing "Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door," as it fades to silence. He didn't want to stop singing! In memory of Jerome Garcia, we all miss you!
5-22-77 Pembroke Pines, FL - Gandalf (JoshWeil@aol.com)
This tape, otherwise known as Dick's Pick's III, has always been the show that I introduce the Dead with. My more musically inclined freinds have always been able to get into the Sugaree, Estimated and Dew, but my greatest accomplishment was with my grandmother. She always was an avid classical music fan, so I told her to listen to Morning Dew as if it were a symphony. She never liked it before then, but that blew her away. Now she makes me play different Dews all the time. All thanks to 5/22/77.
10/31/91 Oakland Coliseum - Scott (Jamnsalmon@aol.com)
Halloween with Bruce Hornsby and other guests, I was fortunate to have attended the show. The first set is very nice but the second set is just amazing. Dark Star w/ Ken Kesey!
??-??-87 New Oreans, LA - edwin everett (edwin_everett@cargill.com)
I apologize for ambiguous date, but it was my first show....great show! where can I look for tapes? I heard a bad dub of the show and wondered if there was a good one out there? edwin everett edwin_everett@cargill.com
12-31-76 Cow Palace - andyhof (andyhof@worldnet.att.net)
Never have heard Jerry & Phil work so well together. This tape made me a head...now it's your turn!
12-31-84 CIVIC CENTER/SAN FRANSISCO - Keith (deadair77@aol.com)
the only thing i can say about this show is damn......the dead can do no wrong
06/28/74 Boston Garden, Boston, Mass. - Dan Zakydalsky (danzak@hotmail.com)
This show would be perfect to introduce someone to the band. The Sugar Mag-Scarlet split is the first time the Dead split up Sugar Mag. The real highlight of the show is the Weather Report Suite-Jam-U.S. Blues. The intro to U.S. Blues is just awesome, with Bobby filling in with some of the funkiest licks he's ever played. There is also a Promised Land-Goin Down the Road and Sunshine Daydream to close the 2nd set out. I got this tape on the weekend that we left for Pine Knob in 1991, and it's been one of my favorites ever since.
Spring, 1981 The Milky Way, Amsterdam, Holland - kirk noah (n.420203@cc.wwu.edu)
!!THE OOPS CONCERTS!! THE LAST TRULY SPONTANIOUS AND ADVENTUROUS SHOWS THE DEAD DO!!!!! You could not showcase the band in full glory without giving the first timer a taste of both ends of the spectrum: an ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC SET. Harken back to the spring of 1981, the DEAD are in Europe to finish a tour THE WHO had started and chose not to finish. The guys had a couple days off between gigs so rather than sit on their asses, they flew to Amsterdam, borrowed all the gear from local music stores (amps, PA, guitars). They rent a music hall called THE MELK WEG for a couple of nights and procede to blow the roof off the sucker. The 2nd night, Bobby Weir's 34th B-day, is what I'm talkin about. 1st Set ACOUSTIC: On the Road Again Dire Wolf Monkey & Engineer Bird Song Cassidy Ain't No Lie The Race Is On Ripple 2nd Set ELECTRIC: Playin' In The Band Hully Gully THE WHEEL Samson and Delilah Gloria Turn On Your Lovelight Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad Playin' In The Band -slight reprise- Black Peter Sugar Magnolia Unfortunately I have never been able to find a tape or even the exact dates of these concerts but I understand they absolutely rocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no email but if anyone else know's about the OOPS CONCERTS: Kirk Noah 1772 Old Samish Road Bellingham, Washington 98225
3-31-87 The Spectrum, Philly - Joe Wallace (joepwallace@hotmail.com)
At first I was going to submit the standard 5/8/77 show, because it is spectacular especially for a neophyte. But then I thought more about a realistic dead show. One that comprised of more tunes and a more aged feel. I love 3/31/87 for that reason. Without a doubt my favorite Jack Straw. There are literally "explosions" at the climax of the songs. I know it was common in the 80's for Franklins' to come out of Jack, but when you hear the crowd react, You'd swear it was the first time ever done. It's just pure magic. Every time I listen to the first set of this show, I imagine myself being there and jumping up and down and smiling and hugging my fiends. It is a lock. Play it for someone who "hates" the dead, you know the type, They WILL convert. -Piece- JoeP
spring '85 Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME - Voodoo Chile (rudemol@email.msn.com)
HELP! I'm sure I'm not up to par with the connisseurs who post here but desperately seeking a setlist from my first Dead Show way back when. Was oblivious to the Dead at the time but went to the show on the advice of some good friends. The only song I actually knew that night was their encore, DAY TRIPPER! But oh, the jams, the sublime grooves had me dancin' non-stop all night long. I believe they also played He's Gone and Candyman that night if I'm not mistaken. If you can help a friend in need it would be greatly appreciated indeed.
3/31/89 Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC - Jay Rusmisell (jrusmise@charlotte.com)
This is a great intro show for a new Dead Head.....It was my first show and I'd have to say they played an AWESOME array of some of their best tunes. You'll find it all here - cowboy tunes, old standards and some truly classic dead tunes that some never got to see. Uncle/River stands out for me as do Terrapin, Minglewood, Peggy-O, Morning Dew and of course Brokedown Palace. Add to that a smoking Hey Pocky Way (I was always a big Brent fan) and a decent Watchtower and you've got an easy and varied show that make for a great first time listen.
3/31/89 Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC - Jay Rusmisell (jrusmise@charlotte.com)
This is a great intro show for a new Dead Head.....It was my first show and I'd have to say they played an AWESOME array of some of their best tunes. You'll find it all here - cowboy tunes, old standards and some truly classic dead tunes that some never got to see. Uncle/River stands out for me as do Terrapin, Minglewood, Peggy-O, Morning Dew and of course Brokedown Palace. Add to that a smoking Hey Pocky Way (I was always a big Brent fan) and a decent Watchtower and you've got an easy and varied show that make for a great first time listen.
9/25/80-10/31/80 Warfield Theater, San Francisco & Radio City Music Hall - ~~lisa colon~~ (hippiechick99@Hotmail.com)
If I was to introduce anyone to the beauty of the Grateful Dead for their very first time, I would most definitely let them listen to Reckoning, recorded at the Warfield Theater, San Francisco, from 9/25/80 to 10/14/80 and at Radio City Music Hall on 10/22/80 until 10/31/80. Why? Simple: it reveals all the magic in the Dead...the songs, their style, the lyrics. The album contains classics, including Monkey and the Engineer, Ripple, and To Lay Me Down. It shows off their unforgettable bluue-grass/blues/classic sound. There is really no way to explain to a person how great of a band this is, nor only one album that contains every style they've used, every captivating verse, but Reckoning is such a tremendous example of the fun and happiness there can be just listening to the sounds of a Dead show: the fans cheering and singing along, knowing every last word to every song played, the jams they have in concert, and, very simply, the happiness and magic that can be explained only as the Grateful Dead. I grew up listening to the Dead and the JGB, because of my wonderful parents. They exposed me to so many sounds, and of all their albums, I feel Reckoning is the best.
10-30-68 The Matrix - Mike Bonella (organic@flinthills.com)
It is difficult to decide which show to turn a person onto. I feel that deadshows are unique like people are. Certain dates have certain qualities that others do not. My current favorite is The Matrix from 10-30-68, or at least that is what is written on the tape. I enjoy this tape because it is one nonstop jam. There is only a song or two where the boys, Jerry in particular sings. Though I love to hear my favorite band sing, sometimes I just love a nonstop hard driving jam. Phil really stands out in this choice tape. I have passed it on to several friends who claim it to be one of their favorites as well.
5-5-77 New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Bill Gaudio (Gauds@aol.com)
Dear friends, If I had the opporunity to play some kind sounds for you, I would pop in 5-5-77 from New Haven,Ct, for several reasons. For one, this show is so often overlooked because of it's brethren from Cornell(5-8-77) & Boston Garden(5-7-77). However, if given the chance, I think this show matches up as just as solid as it's counterparts. The band jumps out of the gate with a real solid Promised Land that features Keith tickling the ivories real smoothly, and the Sugaree that follows is arguably the best I've ever heard. The solo's he tears into after each stanza are bone rattling & I often find myself in disbelief when I hear it, even to this day. The Mama Tried>El Paso duo next is also real tight, with some fun Western swagger. The next two tunes, Tennessee Jed & Looks Like Rain, are again some of the best versions as well as Lazy Lightnin', Deal & Peggy-O. Overall, you can't beat the performance & song selection! Please get it!!
08-??-99 LIVE CONCERT TAPERS GATHERING - neonbeing (neonbeing@hotmail.com)
. Dear Friend, Hello from the rolling hills of Virgina. If I could beg a moment of your time I would really appreciate it. I am planning a live concert tapers get-together ..... convention ...... confab ..... gathering ..... flea market .... meeting ...... hoe-down .... fest .... o'rama .... shin-dig ......party .... and ALL VEGETABLE BAR-B-Q..... to be held in the summer {August} of 1999. This would be a two day/weekend event with camping on site. The site is 400 acre tract near the historic town of Harpers Ferry, W. Virgina. This is about 70 miles from Washington DC, about 50 miles from Dulles Airport, 80 miles from Baltimore, 200 miles from Pittsburgh. The tapers I know are most enthusiastic about this event, but then, they are a VERY enthusiatic bunch most of the time anyway. Especially when music and the possibilities of GETTING music are concerned. Everyone knows how important networking and tape grading and being able to listen to tapes prior to trading is to having a GREAT COLLECTION ! Any and all types of music are welcome. NEWBIES are MOST welcome! A PA system will be set up in a large performance space (called the Octagon) and anyone may sign up for an hour long stint as a DJ using this system. It is expected that some VERY RARE, and now PRECIOUS, music will be played during these hours. Many people have expressed interest in trading and bringing blanks to have dubs made on the spot. Another bunch wants to bring used recorders and microphones and taper related stuff to sell. A third group wants to bring their guitars, drums, kazoos, calliopes, (no french horns or bazookas) and jam... while a fourth group wants to tape THEM!!!{they also want to PERMIT french horns and bazookas} This is all fine. Food will be available and the proceeds will go to a pro-environment/ organic farm/ children's school located on the site. They will be serving organically grown food from their own gardens which have never been subjected to pesticides or chemical fertilizers. So we ask that no food be sold by others... of course you can bring your own. For those camping over Saturday night.... a bonfire and drum circle is planned. A small number of rooms for from two to eight people are available on-site for those who are not avid campers. There will be space for over 400 exhibitors outside, and a couple of hundred smaller sized inside spaces. Exhibitors can camp at their outside location. Inside exhibitors can camp a short distance from the main building. If you would be interested in attending as an exhibitor or as a trader or just for a day of good music, email this address.... neonbeing@hotmail.com You will get details as soon as they are finalized. THANKS !!!! neon himself ~
05-08-77 cornell university - DrNutz (scassidy@home.com)
The best jams I think i have ever heard, the second set blew my mind. Dancing in the street isn't one of my favorite tunes of all time, but they played such an amazing jam on it, that it allmost became one of them. Saint Stephen->not fade away->saint stephen in the second set was one of the absolute best performances I have ever heard. For someone who has never heard the dead, its a good show to hear, and to get an idea of what the true dead sound was.
09-01-79 Holleder Stadium - Rudy Graf (rcgraf@aol.com)
This may be a stretch based on availability, but I've always loved this tape. Particularly Set II. Set I contains Half Step, Franklin's Tower, Me and My Uncle/Big River, FOTD, LL Rain, Don't Ease Me In, Lost Sailor/Saint. Nothing dramatic here, but consistent with any performances in this period. Set II, the entire first side of the tape and the beginning of the second side is Scarlet/Fire/drumz/space. Space evolves into Wharf Rat, followed by Miracle, Bertha, Good Lovin. The encore is Saturday Night. This set really takes you through two distinct sides of the Dead. The Scarlet/Fire combo has such a contagious, strong reggae groove, probably inspired by the outdoor venue and the 90 degree temp. The remainder of the set takes you a string of rock&roll songs, each one an attempt to outrock the last one. No rare tunes, but a nice assortment of the familiar (even radio friendly) and concert staples.
11-19-93 hampton colsuime - russ tatum (sleeping_monkey_420@fcmail.com)
erry band my frist show .jerry and john where ripping how sweetit is when i walked and i was completley blown away ..but actully my da was a is a dead head so i have been listen to the dead all my life but that jerry and john rip shit up tha night.
10-8-89 Hampton Coliseum - James Gilbert (morning_dew77@yahoo.com)
This tape is awesome. The Help>Slip>Frank is great, and the Morning Dew at the end is really sweet. While not as mind-blowing as some, it gets the job done. The Wheel is pretty cool as well. My 2nd gen AUD is really clear and I love this tape, and any newbie should hear this one.
12-30-77 Winterland - Julie Ranz (jranz@indiana.edu)
Estimated>Eyes>St.Stephen>Sugar Mags...kicks ass...enough said...5-7-77 at boston garden has a way of turning people on, too, the Terrapin is moving.
10-11-83 Madison Square Garden - 33rd Street and 8th Avenue NYC - Ed Brown (pigpen@mhv.net)
I picked this show as a way to "bring someone in" because it represents a good cross-section of songs and if the tape is an audience tape it will also represent the joy that came out of the spontanious cumbustion when certain tunes were played. The firs set begins with Wang Dang Doodle and as a suggestion, I would play, or give the tape to someone without the song titles on it, because if you remember your first show, I'm sure that you didn't know all of the song titles and the evening "just happened", well back to the tape after knowing that we'll be here "all nite long" the boys go to a rousing Jac Straw and then slow it down to catch your breath with Loser. Me and My Uncle into Mexicali will show off our "cowboy songs" and if you listen closely Bobby lets us know "it's polka time everybody." Birdsong begins the first spacey segments of the show and then a "new" song for the NY crowd - Bucket into Day Job. Second Set China rider Miracle-Bertha-space-china doll-drums-space......ST STEPHEN well... it was a little spacey but that was a big part of what it was about, and now why I say use an audience tape...during the space prior to the Stephen you can hear a pin drop. then just as the boys seem to be playing nothing at all Brent uses an overall space ending chord and jerry noodles his way into the Stephen... Listen closely.... on the first note a few people in the crowd realise what they are hearing and can't believe thier ears...then the 2nd and 3rd notes - more people understand -- 4th-5th then the band drops in -- more creschendos of applause and then the beginning of the words - all the others in te audience who did'nt figure it out begin to react -*** -wow what a response it was over-whelming (keep in mind that this was the 3rd to last time it was played and a breakout after 4 or 5 years) the noise just kept growing and growing - beautiful. you can hear it on the SBD but not as distinct as on the AUD - i once had an AUD and it disappeard anyone out there listening let me know if you have one:) anyway you can also hear the collective groan when the answer to the answer man becomes throwing stones... well jerry must have heard that to because this particular throwin stones becomes a classic during the jam. my head felt like a tuning fork that nite and if you listen to jerry fanning away you will understand why---awsome then just when you thought you heard it all jerry turns in a pseudo sugar tease into his "new" song Touch that was brilliant prior to being ruined by adding the break for the vynl record that would come years later. i thought about reccomending some acoustic shows but i figured that newbies don't really listen to folk music that much and i would shudder at the thought that someone would call our acoustic herritage unplugged.....ugggghhhh THen if they like what they hear, play Harpur College in it's entirety, including the NRPS and look at the face of the person after the Viola Lee/ Bid u Goodnite...and if they are still standing -* remind them that we don't get to do this anymore and that the tape represents only a billionth of what the vibes were
8-27-72 VENETA, OREGON - DICK CAMPBELL (CAMPBELLD@INTELOS.COM)
THIS WAS A GREAT SHOW!!!EVERYBODY TALKS ABOUT THE GREAT DARK STAR...NOT THAT I DISAGREE. IT WAS A GREAT DARK STAR BUT THE PLAYING IN THE BAND WAS OTHER-WORLDLY. JERRY'S LEADS WERE MOST ENERGETIC..A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SOUND THAN ANY PLAYED BEFORE OR SINCE! MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THIS SHOW SO THERE IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENT THAT I COULD SAY.. THE SONG SELECTION ALMOST FELT AS IF THEY WERE TAKING US ON A JOURNEY MUCH LIKE THE GHOSTS IN SCROOGE. THEY SEEMED TO EXAMINE THE PEAKS AND VALLEYS OF LIFE FROM A PERSPECTIVE THAT ONLY THE DEAD COULD PRIVLEGE US WITH.
2-13-70 Fillmore East, NYC - Peter Lavezzoli (dharmadrum@aol.com)
I would still give someone 2-13-70 first. This show has it all--psychedelic masterpieces like the unmatched Dark Star and Crypt>Other>Crypt, combined with the earthy blues of Pigpen with legendary versions of Lovelight and Smokestack, not to mention a taste of the acoustic side with lovely versions of UJB, Sadie, Black Peter. In my mind, someone hearing GD for the first time needs to be exposed to the classic era when Pigpen was still a vital force, the band was young, the jams had a visceral psychedelic impact, and there was still a great deal of identification and interaction with the crowd. I wouldn't introduce someone to later-period GD until they heard the vintage stuff first, and 2-13-70 is as powerful and diverse as it gets. Not a bad note in the whole show, and they go from complete silence in the middle of Dark Star to thunder at the end of Lovelight. This is great music.
7-18-90 Deer Creek, Noblesville, IN - Sean Michael Wallace (stymie420@hotmail.com)
This was the tape that did it for me. Solid Help into an exploratory Slip into a joyous Franklin's melted my brain and made me hungry for more. Rocking Minglewood follows, as well as great, great, *great* versions of Masterpiece (my vote for best), Cassidy, and Deal to close the first frame. Second set has a fluid China>Rider, a terrific LLRain, and the granddaddy of all Terrapins - this one is rather eerie, with an extended exit jam into a hysterically laughing Drums. Space is interesting but a little long, but the band makes up for it by raging into (imo) the best Other One of the 90s. Other One veers into Dew, another positively raging version. Encore is the Weight, with Phil's verse getting huge cheers from the amazed Heads. This show is killer from start to finish, and remains an excellent representation of the latter days of the Dead.
12-15-71 Hill Auditorium, Michigan - Lizzy (lszuba@hotmail.com)
This tape rocks, and anyone who hears it would love it, everyone who listens to it, and is not familiar with the Dead, enjoys it. My favorite, B.E. Woman is on it, I love that song, that is also my screen name! Can you dig my heavy? Also, we have Run Rudolph Run, um China Cat>I know you rider, Althea, Bertha, the works, You should get it if you don't have it. Hey if anyone wants to trade tapes get in touch with me, I love'em all. Peace and Love, Elizabeth "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!" P.S. I would love to trade with anyone who has Lady with a Fan on tape, excellent song!!
6/24/85 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati,Ohio. - william bradford (wharfrat82@hotmail.com)
WELL IT WAS MY FIRST SHOW!!! I BECAME AN INSTANT DEADHEAD, AFTER THAT. A GREAT BOARD TAPE EXISTS OF THE SHOW. BEAUTIFUL FLOW STEAMY HOT LICKS FROM ALL THE BOYS. FROM THE 1ST. SET ALABAMA>GREATEST TO 2ND OTHER 1 DRUMS>SPACE.COMES A TIME WHARF. CRYPTICAL. JUST A REALLY FANTASTIC SHOW FOR A FIRST TIMER.( although my daughter seems to think they don't sing enough).
06-30-85 Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD - Roscoe (jpr@alaskalife.net)
Who can resist "Shakedown"? Those first few driving notes, shaking you to the core. Impossible to resist. Once they get your attention, it is obvious that that they are taking shakedown to new heights this night. My favorite aspect of this recording is that you can really hear Bob's strings. It is obvious that the boys don't want quite the song. Jerry's voice is a little raspy, but thats what makes me feel like I am home. For the uninitiated, I would play tapes from all era's. Dancin(Ithica0, Pre drumz(3-28-87),Drumz(12-06-89)any show from spring/summer 1990, The list goes on. The beauty of initiating someone is that the music does all the work. All you have to do is push play. Anny of the Dick's Picks would certainly do the job as well. Fare thee well, Dick. Peace to all
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