Furthur Comments

Forum Subject #7: The Other Ones: Furthur?

The Bus came by (again), and you got on (again). So now you have been to an Other Ones concert. What did you think? What were your expectations for the Other Ones? Did they meet them? How was the scene? How was the music? Would you like to see more? What was your favorite part? What would make it better? Did it help fill the void? What are your hopes for the future? Address these or any other issues you find relevant. (Posted 7/10/98)

If you would like to contribute your own review, click here.

7/25 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - woody (jack1808@netzero.net) - Tuesday July 17, 19101 @ 11:56:18

last show ? bobby needs to grow up.

- Tom Haun (goodvibe@shentel.net) - Friday September 15, 19100 @ 21:37:12

Date and Venue: Nissan Pavilion, Bristow, Va.

I trraveled just up the road alone to be with my "family" after 2 years. Wasn't disappointed in the bands. I never got to experience the Zig Man but the music definately fit the mood! Crowd was righteous! Word of the crowd: I instinctively knew that after Jerry's passing, those true to the scene would hang in there and keep us "scaled down" from the mainstream attempts to water down the scene via socio- and/or politically correct idealisms that prevailed in the "burgeoning" 80's.

The folks at Nissan were truly more accessible and earthy. One word about the venue: Nissan is a very beautiful place, and I noticed far less trashing of the area compared to venues in the past. And I truly believe that we should give a round of applause for the police and event staff! These people were so great!! I got no word yet about any hassles or busts, but from my view they were truly a decent bunch who deserve a lot of credit!

The Show? Freakin' awesome!! It wasn't to be compared to the '98 show at the same venue, but they were certainly on top of things and the crowd wasted no time showing their appreciation. However, it is fairly obvious that the very important thread missing from the tapestry was the unfortunate absence of Brother Phil.

I'm optimistic that there will be reconciliations in the very near future so that we can ALL be together again!

Until then...WAVE THAT FREAKIN' FLAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Haun

7/12 Polaris Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH - Bubby (spacecowboy27@webtv.net) - Monday February 7, 19100 @ 13:51:21

Enjoyed the show very much but thought it coud have been better. people were terrific as usual but not as many brothers and sisters as id hoped would have shown.The Ratdog show is a must see loved it very much had a good time but wished it was a little better maybe next time Your Friend & Brother Bubby,

7/4 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, NY - Tracy Hill (Deadfoot13@aol.com) - Friday September 17, 1999 @ 23:16:07

What a rainy day! And after standing in the downpour on the side of a hill with a mini-river running over my feet I did everything I could to keep my balance and dance when the sweet sounds poured over me... It is always a bittersweet experience to attend a Furthur Festival and this was a most memorable show. The guys did a great job and played fantastically and I would see them again in a heartbeat.

7/1 Great Woods Center, Mansfield, MA - Rick Wolfish (rwolfish@gfc.com) - Wednesday September 15, 1999 @ 13:47:37

Seeing Furthur with Phil is the closest thing to a GD concert we will get. I hope Phil stays healthy and tours again.

6/27 Nissan Pavillion, Washington, DC - Stan Weschler (sdweschler@yahoo.com) - Monday September 13, 1999 @ 15:36:50

First of all, I have to say that everyone who said that the Dead couldn't continue to play without Jerry should have all of their tye-dyes taken away. The Other Ones rocked Nissan. I went to the show with some expectations, but what I got, was nothing I could have Imagined. Sugaree, Dark Star, Box of Rain...that's quality Dead! I thought it was all about the music. Jerry was The Man, but Micky, Bobby, Phil, and Bruce are all The Man too. I only wish there were Another One this year.

6/25 Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA - Eric S. Crane (ChpscashdN@aol.com) - Thursday September 9, 1999 @ 02:10:02

Forget the previous Furthurs, this stuff was good, good stuff! Though I saw a few of the 98 Furthurs, including the monster of a show at Alpine on my Birthday, I will tell you about the Atlanta show, only because it was the first show outside of California. "Playin" just about had the place in tears with the opening chords, everyone let a sigh of relief that this was what we had been missing, and this was going to be good. The jam filled the air with huge splashes of color and excitement, and led into "Baby Blue," again capturing the feeling that we were all togeteher again, and that the music never stopped, a triumphant return to the stage for these members of the Grateful Dead, and their friends fit together nicely. This was as close as you can get to the real thing. Not every song was magic, but they all had their moments. I remember a spinner (did you ever think you would be happy to see spinners again?) in front of me shouting, "It's been a long time Phil," during his rendition of "Jack A Roe." It felt good again, like the gang was all here, something that had escaped the precious Furthur Festivals. The "Scarlet>Fire" was definitely different, yet in a good way. I am a fan of Bruce's version of "Scarlet" and have always enjoyed Mickey's rendition of his creation. Very urban calypso. "the Way It Is" was nice to hear with so many talented guys on stage, which led into a "Playin" jam and into Hunter's latest, "Banyan Tree." If the dark and scary spaces of "Playin" had lyrics, they would be these, great new song Robby! The "Uncle John's" was also very different, with a much stronger and ethnic drum beat, but again, the first days are the hardest part, and it had been a few years- a few years too many. "Playin" sandwiched the show, left us scrathing our heads what the possible encore could be. "Sugar Magnolia" had me sweating through my shoes I danced so hard. Wow, this was a warm and welcome surprise... And oh yeah, Alpine Valley had a tremendous "Across The River>Santana Jam!"

6/27 Nissan Pavillion, Washington, DC - Mark Morooney (terrapin@brandywine.net) - Wednesday September 8, 1999 @ 08:51:21

On Thursday the 25th in the afternoon, my father suffered a stroke and lapsed into a coma. He came out briefly in the early evening, but was unable to hear and could not move. I spent some time alone with him and told him that I loved him and we said our goodbyes. He passed away on Friday the 26th. I was grief-stricken and needed time to just be. My girlfriend and I had tickets for the Nissan show and took off late morning on the 27th for the hour drive to the Pavilion.

It had been cloudy and there were predictions of rain. The show started. I was stunned to see Herbie Hancock and loved the Headhunters show. Rusted Root was good, but a somewhat stilted and lackluster performance.

The Other Ones came out cooking. Sugaree and Jack Straw resounded. Bruce wailed on Easy Answers. I was happy that the show was good, but still focused on my dad's death. Then the first tones of Dark Star came up and from behind the Pavilion the clouds provided their own light show as thunder and lightening abounded. We jammed the rest of the night, just me and my dad.

I came home to the funeral and my family. I comforted them. They needed it since they had not been with him listening to Dark Star in the storm.

7/11 Alpine Valley Music Center, East Troy, WI - John Green (greenj@wbbm-tv.com) - Tuesday September 7, 1999 @ 10:02:45

Great Show! Very cool threading of Dark Star in and out of whole show. The DS itself was very powerful. They took a fairly weak late Dead number like Easy Answers and made it cook. Also, Tennessee Jed, which for me anyway, had become a pee break tune in the Dead's later years, really smoked in this show. Took me completely by surprise! Hornsby was awesome (he didn't have half the energy this summer, at Ravinia). One thing, however, it was difficult to hear both Kimock & Karan in the mix simultaneously. Hope they get together and do it again soon (tomorrow)!

The Following reviews were those originally posted to the forum, before it was redesigned on 9/5/99. They have been sorted by show date. Any reviews above here are listed in reverse order of their submission.

6/25 Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA - Roach (croach@surfsouth.com)

"These are my people." I gasped, just like the 4 occasions I'd 'scene' the Dead in Atlanta. This was outdoors [instead of the Omni] and the band was called The Other Ones now, but essence always precedes form.

Rusted Root made the newbies comfortable, and Hot Tuna made the veterans believe again. Then we ALL got something ~NEW~. Obligatory hommage to the big-guy aside, everybody missed Jerry and yet seemed willing to respect the spirit of FORWARD. It felt real.

The new line-up works. Competent and experimental, edgy and adept. Yes.

You can look at the set-list yourself, and hopefully find a clean tape to hear for yourself, [Any soundboards for this one? I'd love a dub!] but personally 'Scarlet Begonias' pushed my buttons best. Got sucked-up by the lights in space, and drums wrung me out. Wow!

I couldn't even make the next show in NC, but I felt so good knowing some would. The world seemed safer for the family of humans with this band about. Atlanta's Deadheads had been fed manna again, and I am thankful for their nourishment. After all, "These are my people."

6/26 Blockbuster Pavillion, Charlotte, NC - Josh Thompson (joshuat@mail.clemson.edu)

I am one of those unfortunate people that never got to see the dead live. I am now 20 years old and my ONE AND ONLY opportunity to see the dead came in the spring of 95, i was 16. My parents were pretty hard on me and would not allow me to partake in the dead experience. When Jerry died later that summer, I was devastated. My only outlet was my tape collection. This was the closest experience I had to the real thing. I heard about the Other Ones and immediately knew that I had to see them. I knew that it would not be the same, but I wanted to "fill that void." Anyway, I went to the concert at Blockbuster Pavilion in Charlotte. The scene was incredible!! Although the traffic was terrible, everyone was getting out of their cars and talking to everyone and just having a great time. The lot was pretty cool with many-a-vendor with anything you would want to buy. The show itself was incredible. The Other Ones came on stage and opened up with a Truckin. It felt so right as I listened to Bob mess up the words(I don't think he'll ever get Truckin' right). They also played one of the best versions of Birdsong that I have ever heard! They played many familiar tunes like FOTD and also some good ole oldies like Loser, Lost Sailor, and The Eleven. One of the highlights of the show was an incredible version of St. Steven. They also covered Wild Horses with Phil singing lead. The whole experience was capped off by an encore performance of Touch of Grey which had everyone singing along. The way Bob sang that song was as if he was saying that life goes on and WE KEEP ON GOING.

I know that it was not the same without Jerry, but it definitely filled that void for me. I hope they continue touring. The magic is still there, maybe not as it was before, but there is something still there. I hope they continue touring. It is something worth seeing for those who are skeptical.

6/26 Blockbuster Pavillion, Charlotte, NC - james wright (further@msinets.com)

i was at 6/26 and i just had an incredible time nothing could go wrong. the last time i had seen phill was 6/24/95 rfk. so it was cool to see that configration of the band. i loved it!!! i was then off to 6/27 blockbuster.

6/26 Blockbuster Pavillion, Charlotte, NC - luke hitt (hittt@aol.)

Great Show!!!!! Frist time wished i could see more.IT LIKE A GREAT DREAM WHERE IN EVERY EVER BODY FEELS AS ONE. mY BUDDY got me the mir. ticket.Sorry he couldan be there.Wished i could fined live show of 6/26/98 N.C.This would help a lot.Please help!!!! HITTT1@aol

6/27 Nissan Pavillion, Washington, DC - Brian Shupe (Luvthewho@aol.com)

I loved the show. I was really moved to tears at points thinking of Jerry but WOW it was a great time. I too felt like I had come home. I hope no one catches on to fast. keep the faith B

6/29 Continental Airlines Arena, E. Rutherford, NJ - nick (nschnei543@aol.com)

caught three super shows this summer, nissan, camden, and best of all the arena formerly known as brendan burn i"ve been going to shows since watkins glen and rank this in my top three along with 9-25-76 and 10-98. i say this can be better than it used to be. go ahead, break the mold; open with a rippin' goin' down the road into scarlet>fire. phil, step right up to a beautful mountians of the moon . it's time to matter. bobby, make that rain go away. drums>iko>space anyone? or how about a swirling steven>11 to rival live dead ? my strongest bobby vocals since 10-9-89 death. THIS is the season of what now ! ripple for an encore i'll take it! it's ashame the fat man wasn't there but this is a band to praise jerry as well as to bury him . and they can take you anywhere you want to go. if they would just tell the soundman that if it's worth playing it's worth playing loud !

and hey now - nissan and camden weren"t too shabby either.

6/30 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY - David L. (dal27@pantheon.yale.edu)

I caught 3 shows on the east-coast segment of the tour: 6/30 Nassau Coliseum, 7/3 Camden, and 7/8 Scranton (Montage Mountain). Before my first show, I tried to keep my expectations for the Other Ones reasonable and relatively low, out of fear of a huge let-down. I had seen Ratdog, and though they put on a nice show, it was far from a virtuosic performance. As a ninteen year-old, I was never fortunate enough to see the Dead. I knew that TOO would be the closest I would get, but if I built them up and they didn't deliver, I would have been crushed. Fortunately, the Other Ones greatly exceeded my expectations. Yet they would have done so even if I had set the bar much higher. I have been a musician for ten years, and have an extremely critical mindset when approaching music -- probably overly critical. I genuinely loved TOO, and this is NOT the product of blind admiration based on a love of the Dead and a void I was desperate to fill. Though the sound was spotty at times and the music had its peaks and valleys, the peaks were very impressive and moving. When TOO were on, they were ON, and each show I saw had its moments that floored me. Just as with the Dead, there were stretches worthy of a bathroom break and others that were pure magic all within the same 2 1/2 hour set! Bobby, Phil, and Mickey are Bobby, Phil, and Mickey, they're the real thing -- I don't think there is anything I could really say about these guys that hasn't already been said -- they are wonderfully talented musicians who, when they come together, magically exceed the sum of their individual parts. Hornsby, I felt, really shined both on the piano and on the vocals. He is a tremendous pianist who continually dropped my jaw and made me smile with his playing. After hearing him deliver solid renditions of Tennessee Jed, Scarlet Begonias, and Wharf Rat, I am convinced this guy should have free rein to sing just about any Jerry tune he chooses. My biggest complaint about the three shows that I saw was, "Not enough Bruce!!!" Dave Ellis, I felt was also an enormous asset to the band and truly helped to define TOO as a unique entity from the Dead. Ellis's and Hornsby's chops often took TOO in jazzy, funky directions never explored by the Dead, and these two fine instrumentalists were a pleasure to watch perform. Kimock and Karan really did a nice job with the lead guitar duties. The way they played together and complimented each other definitely justified the inclusion of both of them in this band. My only complaint about these two is directed towards the sound guys -- give them a little more boost during their solos, please! I realize it sounds as if I am gushing, but as a musician who has been part of a large band, I truly appreciate how difficult it is to form a high level of cohesiveness and improvisational unity among musicians, and these guys did an amazing job for the short amount of time that they were together. I promise you that I really am a cynic who just genuinely impressed by The Other Ones! I would love to see more from these guys, although I feel that they might need to start writing some new material if this is to continue long-term. Though TOO probably will never be as exciting, entertaining, and musically proficient as the Dead were (when they were on), they hold their own pretty well! Judged on their own merits, without comparing them to the Dead, TOO simple are a very good live band, arguably better than any other current group. And most importantly, TOO shows were just a damn good time! The music is great, but the experience of the show, as cliched as this sounds, definitely went beyond the music. I will be the first to admit TOO will probably never produce a show that ranks among the great live rock music performances as the Dead did, but hey, they still provided me with three memorable evenings this summer, and that is all I can reasonably ask for. I really feel as if most who are especially critical of this band just are not approaching TOO with an open mind and with reasonable expectations. Hey, even the hardest to please professional music critics/journalists are grudgingly admitting that these guys are pretty good! Though I will never have the good fortune to see the Dead, TOO have definitely helped immensely to fill the void I felt. I understand these guys now have families and other musical committments, but I would love to see this, at the very least, become an annual affair, with hopefully a few dates mixed in during the fall, winter, and spring. But please, guys, don't let this be a one shot deal. And if you do choose to make it a full-time affair, you won't hear me complain!

6/30 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY - Ed Brown (pigpen@mhv.net)

I'm writing this about a year after the fact, however the feeling is still fresh, and the vibes still good. This will be more about an overall impression about The Other Ones, rather than a review of this particular show. I went to this, as well as the nite before at Brendan Byrne (i will never give in to the comercial) and the 4th of July at the rain soaked SPAC (is it me? or did it always rain HARD every time the boys played SPAC in the 80's?...I'm still wet?)and was very VERY impressed. I am a novice as I only saw about 200-225 shows and am very much in debt to our brothers and sisters who came before me during the 70's who kept the band on the road so I was able to enjoy just a small number of our beautiful days and nites together. I was very apprehensive the nite before and tried to keep an open mind about what was comeing, and I remembered that a few weeks earlier, when the boys played the first gig at the Fillmore the following nite, a friday, they GDM had a special on QVC. Did anyone see it? Well I bought a poster and weaseled my way on o the phone in segment and asked Dick Latavia about the show. I already had the setlist and I specifically asked him about the Stepen-Eleven and his response was man...they just didn't play it THEY PLAYED IT!!!...So I was very happy to hear that the ol' time heads were happy. Well back to the show I was keeping an open mind as I say, because I tried to remember various nites that Jerry would disappear for a few minutes prior to the drum solos and rememberd that some of those jams were quite exceptional. Do you remember I do.. and so the thought of pappa not being there though sad as it was didn't seem so bad after all. (i wish billy would have bought in) well at byrne we got the stephen-11 and the Mountains on the Moon and I almost had a coronary. It was beautiful, and it seemed as if nothing had changed at all. Except the music. Isn't that why we al went nite after nite? The music always changed, and in an erie way it seemed released with Jerry's abscence and not stifled. The music was much more free- wheeling than it had been in years. the boys were exploring rhythems that were never explored before and it was great. Now on to Nassau,... there is something very magical about Nassau, the boys always had great nites there, from the return from Egypt to Branford's first meeting of the collective mind it is a special place. (jerry had some AWSOME JGB shows and Bobby and The MIdnites shows as well) It must be how the musicians hear themselves or something like that. Anyway openeing with Mystery Train proved once again that there is no limit to where we would go... yes i know Mickey started the evening off with a solo but who's counting anyway...the highligh of the evening of course was the Dark Star, and it sounded to me just like the darkstars from 1973-1974. Phil of course dominating the proceeding. Is Dark Star really a vehical for Phil? More so than it was for Jerry? Probably. Keep in mind that after the song was basically dropped from the rotation in the late 70's that whenever it popped up, it was Phil who dragged it out. (remember the 20'th anniversary shows at the greek, "we're gonna do this one nite, one nite only" and then proceeded to show slides of the planets taken by Phil during the song.) Is it me, or did you remember that all of those early Matrix shows with Phil, Jerry, Mickey and friends always had a Dark Star or Dark Star jam? Dark Star was one of the first songs the boys played, was it Phil teaching everyone how to play? Think about it, how often did the Phil-Ned Lagen portions of shows during Seastones revert to Dark Star? It makes sense, Phil was teaching a new band how to play improvosational music that creates a collective mind....WOW The shows were great, and a note to those who think that Mickey was bastardizing Fire on the Mountain....if you do your homework (tape wise) you will realise that the original demo for the song (written early 70's) had Mickey singing all along and it was sung the way he sings it now, just as he always has...again the Dead are at the forefront of music yes we rapped in the 70's before it was a genre of music. It was only copied recently by the masses who have just begun to catch up to our musical sophistication. And that is what this is all about, I know there are die hard heads out there that say this is an abberation and that they should leave the music alone and not try to continue playing. I don't believe that papa bear would have wanted that. Music always expands and it should as it is now time to do so. The mourning period is over for the band and now we need to get over it as well. We are the best audience in the world as well as the most musically sophisticated (remember disco-dead?) and we will and should listen to everything. I am disapointed that as we speak Phil decided not to repeat this year (though his health is always more important than anything else) because of philisophical differences about the musical/commercial direction that the band should take. I agree wit him. They should not be a Dead cover band but a new vehical for exploration. I don't think that a band like that would forget it's roots as it re-invents itself into a cosmic floation device and re-hashing already covered musical ground. well thanks for listening and hope that if they get it together in the future that i will see you all again. bottom line IT STILL WORKS!!!!!! yea............

7/3 Sony Entertainment Center, Philadelphia, PA - Scott G. Koerner (scottyfree@juno.com)

This was my second TOO show, the first being at BBA 6/29. What a difference being outdoors, the Further concept does not translate well to indoor venues. I thought the band sounded tight throughout the entire show. A lot of people are anti-weir, especially when he performs songs that were "Jerry's." I personally give Bobby a lot of credit for carrying the torch, and think Jerry would be (or is ) proud. It was a big surprise when Donna showed up, I haven't seen her since '78, and to tell truth I didn't recognize her at first, what with the short blond hair and the fact that she sounded GOOD! Hearing her on Playin' brought back some memories, and Bobby doing Sailor>Saint was way cool. This review is 6 mos. after the fact, so I'm going to throw in some opinions about two Ratdog shows I saw in 11/98. Although missing Mickey, Bruce, and Phil, Ratdog is starting to come into its own also, I enjoyed them mor this time around than in years past, I think Mark Karan adds a lot with his leads (as he also did with TOO.) Getting back to the 7/03/98 show, I enjoyed it whole-heartedly, and would recommend tapes of the show to anyone who wasn't there. Now that Phil seems to be out of the woods health-wise, I look forward to more TOO shows in '99, and hope that Donna will make more guest appearances. To those who put down TOO and Ratdog because they play some of Jerry's song, I say GET OVER IT!!! Jerry's gone, I miss him as much as the next Deadhead, but the show must go on. I for one enjoy hearing the songs, I don't look at it as a substitute for Jerry, but as something different, new, but still of value. May the music never stop.

7/3 Sony Entertainment Center, Philadelphia, PA - Ray Lacaba (trldg@icdc.com)

I've never been to a Further Fest, but I selected a date and venue so this note will register. I have recently reentered the US after living overseas for the past six and a half years. My last Dead show was Cap Center ,March '93. I havent' seen The Other Ones yet since I've beem back but I've seen Rat Dog three times. It wasn't the Dead, and I didn't expect it to be like a dead show. But I was really surprised and Amazed to see that there is still some of that old magic there that caught me totally unawares. I must give my unending gratitude to Bob for giving me the best shows I've seen in so many years. I hope to see the rest of the band play together this summer. I wouldn't miss it for the world. God Bless The Other Ones!

7/3 Sony Entertainment Center, Philadelphia, PA - sam graham (ikoiko78@aol.com)

i miss the Dead. i saw them play the spectrum in Philly in '93, '94 and'95 not a phenomenol # of shows i know and regret, but i treasure every second of those memories. Jerry died 2 days after my birthday, the year i was finally set and ready to follow the tour. shot those dreams out of the picture. i went to the furthur fests when they would come near home. the scene was similar the crowd was the simalar,a bit more sad but still dancin', and the music was similar,but still not the same. in 97 i still have a hard time believing it, but i enlisted in the Air Force. my lifestyle has changed drastically, but they cant touch my soul. i took leave to visit home over 4th of july and i caught the 3rd of jul show in camden NJ. the Other Ones were terrific, that old feeling was back, the crowd showed up for the band and the band showed up for the crowd. every song was awesome i especially remember ujb and st. stephen. there was a lady next to me who,when they kicked into st. stephen,threw her hands in the air, began to cry and looked at me for some explaination, i didn't have one. i nodded my head agreing that it sounded great and brought back wonderful memories, danced with all of my heart and smiled, smiled ,smiled... i hope the other ones play for many years to come, i'd like to see Bill out there playin in the band. i'd also like sping, fall and winter tours. no it's not the same but when you have to deal with what you can get, it's plenty close enough. LONG LIVE THE DEAD. peace and love, sam graham

7/4 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, NY - Ed Mancari (mancarew@maplelemoyne)

Saw the fourth of July show at the SPAC. Started raining about four hours before the show and did not let up all night.

Regardless, the scene was mellow but somewhat overcrowded. Me and my friends found our way into the venue for the last three songs of Hot Tuna's set. I felt a rush of excitement as they left the stage because I could not wait for Bob, Mickey, Bruce and Phil to come on. They opened with a high charged U.S. Blues(of course) and once again I was swept into the feeling of absolute joy and ecstasy. Although the mud was about six inches deep, it did not keep anyone from bursting into all out dance. They then belted out a delicious Bucket, and the fun was just getting started. The Scarlet was a nice suprise however I can not get used to the rap-style form of Fire. I credit Mickey for his different approach, however I feel that it is doing a tremendous tune a blatant injustice. Jerry's delivery of Fire was always so poignant and reflective, but maybe I'm just spoiled. The rest of the show was highlighted by a well-timed Looks Like Rain, and a nice jam-induced Bird Song. Hearing Phil loop his bass around The Other One brought a huge grin to my face, and Bob was right on with KNockin'. The Saturday Night encore seemed to be just thrown out there, and the lack of an encore left me somewhat dissapointed. Overall though for many moments I felt myself back into a world dominated by music I love and dancing to the musings of musicians I respect and admire. Jerry's presence was all over the place, however it was a celebration of the present. I feel he would want the bus to go on and the wheel to keep turning. See y'all later.

7/7 Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT - Billy Dougeneck (frient@maine.rr.com)

A wonderful show, just what i've been missinng for the last 3 years.

7/9 Star Lake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown, PA - Pat Kelley (pwk107@psu.edu)

I live in Erie so Star Lake is fairly close, only about two hours. I see several shows there each summer and I really like the venue. My only complaint is that the parking lot is like a big gravel pit and as the day wares on, your feet start to hurt from all the walking around. I saw the boys here before in 92 and that show was killer so I had good expectations for the show. I was not disappointed. The Saratoga and the Darien Lake shows were both well played and fun, but Star Lake was the chicken out of the shows I saw. After Hot Tuna played a really hot set, the crowd was primed for a solid opener like Scarlet. Nobody was ready for the Shakedown Street that thundered down on us, and they coupled it with a twighlight Playin'. You can find the complete setlist here and rest assured it was all well played. I really enjoyed Baby Blue. When will we start to see tapes of the tour????????

7/9 Star Lake Amphitheatre, Burgettstown, PA - Harry Moore (HJmoore420@aol.com)

I went to the venue furthest from Pittsburgh for the third time, I guess, to see what remains. I went out to a few shows around the east for years and after the '95 show in the stadium met and married a woman who had two children and who had never seen the Dead at, never really liked them, never got to see what was so apparent to all of us. We went to a Further fest a couple of years before, but it wasn't the same. Her daughter, my daughter, likes to think she is a hipie so it was funny opening her eyes to the crowd. I had high expectations and were not let down. I enjoyed it and remembered some of the time I spent travelling and all the people I met along the way and some of the tunes that I heard and where. I was like coming home. I haven't seen them since, I moved to the beach and would love to see Bobby and the boys again, I hope they come down. It was great to give a little experience to my wife and one of my children the experiences that I had not too long ago. I know this is not an normal review of a show, but I find it kind of wrong to really be critical of the guys who gave so much and asked for so little. When I look back to some of the shows, I remember hoping for the next song and not appreciating what I was listening too. Now I look a tthe lists that I download from that time and I can't believe I complained for a second. Every show was great, every song was great. We are the chosen to have seen as much as we did.

7/11 Alpine Valley Music Center, East Troy, WI - scott R. (nicom@thesurf.com)

Just returned from Alpine last nite. Having seen the Dead over 100 times, I approached this show with anxiety and mixed emotions. Man, the place was crowded! I was extremely impressed with the performance, though, and it seems strange to say, but having been to Alpine 86, 87, and 88, this was the hottest Dead show I've ever seen there, and the "scene" was pretty cool too. The DarkStar/Jackstraw opener was just mindblowing! I swear, many times during that show, I was thinking "this is BETTER than it used to be"! The sound is so full, the jamming so intense and imaginative, and Phil, Bobby and Mickey are just tearing it up!! Well, this should be kept short...but let me also say that the Eleven/St. Stephen were classic! Bobby has really stepped it up, and the show was a VERY pleasantly psychadelic surprise for me. If I didnt have a wife and three kids, etc., etc., I'd be on the tour for certain! It was so good to be back at lovely Alpine again (not so mant tents as I remembered!). Prediction: Tickets to this newest incarnation of GD will soon be very difficult to come by! Happy Trails!

7/11 Alpine Valley Music Center, East Troy, WI - Gregory Ehrendreich (gehrendreich@rushu.rush.edu)

Never got the opportunity to see the Dead, and so I approached the Furthur concert with a mix of both wild anticipation and cautious wonder. I didn't have any idea what to expect. The minute I got out of the car, someone sold me doses. Nice entreprenurial spirit!

I have never in my life had such a wonderful time at a concert. The weather was beautiful, some wonderful girl sold me two veggie burritos that helped me get through the day, and my god! the music!

Somewhere in the middle of Tennessee, I saw lightning flash across the sky, heard thunder, and felt the rain hitting my body. Then I looked around and it wasn't even raining. The music (and, yes, the acid) did something to me. I am changed as a person because of that show. I have never seen such beauty and such happiness all together in one place.

I think I'll go again to the World on the 16th...if I can find a ride.

I can still hear the music, and feel it deep in my soul. Jerry may be dead, but the music is still very much alive.

7/11 Alpine Valley Music Center, East Troy, WI - Josh Copland (jedhead@ameritech.net)

I went to this show at the last minute. A good friend and his wife had two xtra tix for me & my wife so we went. My wife and I were present at the last show on 7/9/95 and hadn't gone to Furthers past so we wouldnt muddy our memories. But I have to say I was so surprised at what we encountered from top to bottom. The lot was great, vending o' plenty and all of the cool people we missed. But on to the music. DARK STAR!!!!!! To open no less, YES! That put a smile on my face from ear to ear. It was strange to hear Jerry tunes sung by Bruce or Bobby but thay did nicely. I have no idea what Mickey is doing singing but hey he's an artist right? (BTW when did Fire become a rap song? lol) Nice to see the dancers all around too but really the show was just enjoyable until..... Box of Rain, ah the memories that brought. Then......DARK STAR AGAIN! Very cool! And just when it couldn't get better, ST.STEPHEN!!!!!! Holy Shit that was cool! I never though I'd hear that one and the Eleven too did not disappoint. And then Lovelight! Is this Filmore East 2/26/69 or Alpine Valley 7/11/98? I knew where I was but man it was soooooo cool to hear. And the Sat Nite encore as well sent me off to the night satisfied and content. So what do I think of The Other Ones......Well it was a lot like eating Low-fat Cheese: Better then nothing but something was still missing. Good to see Phil, Bobby, Mickey and Bruce working together and doing it well. VIVA The Other Ones!! BTW I have a stellar version of this show on analog daudmaster>c1 email me for a copy to trade. Josh

7/12 Polaris Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH - Lance (flintforum@hotmail.com)

Hey Now. I must start by saying we have caught the Further Festival for the past two years and were not expecting anything special this year. Jerry's death devestated so many of us in many different ways. Rhonda and I have just recently started to get over the loss, as you know, it is extremely tough. The last tour foretold the end, we were on from RFK to chicago and it WAS bad. Those of you there know its true. I have to shoulder some of the blame because I was contributing to the negative in some ways.Would I have jumped the fence in Deer Creek? I can't say for sure, but I never did in the multiple times I was outside in the past. But I digress.

I was just trying to say it had gotten pretty pathetic on tour. Back to the Other Ones, the first year was kind of strange. Mystery Box was a kind of love/hate type thing. The bands along for the ride were great. Bob had an ego problem though. And I'll be stir fryed if he didn't give the impression that this was HIS baby. I have to admit the music was mediocre, the all star jam kicked at the end, but there were so many guitars anything would have sounded phat. We swore the only way we would be back was if Bruce came back also. He seemed to honor and keep something of Jerry about the whole thing.

The scene was very small, Shakedown at Polaris was like one aisle. There was plenty of room inside also. Polaris is about the size of Deer Creek, StarLake or The Woodlands. There were not very many small vendors outside, it seemed to be mostly the larger folks. We left feeling a wee bit disappointed. The second year didn't do much for us either.

The Crows opened their set kickin hard, after the first song they were causing people to fall asleep. Let me say I got in to only 64 actual Dead shows, but I have trade tapes and listened and I had become anally critical about shows and for me 94 was a snoozer. One of the best shows I saw in 95 was the first night at deer creek, well the only night at the creek. And I feel qualified to evaluate their playing. And the second Further Fest was also just above lame at best. Sorry. Thats just my opinion.

This year we were going to go and not expect too much. Tired of being set up like a bowling pin. I am goint to email the dead folks and tell them they have hit on the right combo this time. We were so happy to see the crowd this year. The place was packed. Three Rows of Shakedown. People were actually nice to each other again, no flying beer bottles, NO NITROUS thank God. No hassels from each other or the law. It was beautiful.

I will not dwell on Rusted Root or Hot Tuna, they were good. I was amazed at the band though. They sounded nice and tight, halfway into Loser I told my wife the two guitarist and the sax player sounded like Jerry on a good night on steroids. But there was some spark or something slightly amiss. But they were hot. It just seemed like they didnt have the experience to take it to the cosmic heights. But they kicked ass. Sounded better than many Dead shows I have seen.

It was such a relief to see the whole scene so vibrant and HEALTHY looking again. Maybe our loss has made us realize how precious a thing this is, and what a shame it would have been to let it dry up and die. You dont need me to recite a set list but email and I will send it to you. The show did seem a bit heavy on Jerry tunes and at times his abscence was overwhelmingly apparent. I would have loved to hear Bob do Black throated or Looks like rain. But for once I don't have any complaints. The scene was like a nice mellow laid back Dead show at Bonner Springs or ThunderBird Lake. If you have half of half a chance to catch an Other Ones show, do it or you may be sorry. Take care of each other and keep the faith.

7/13 Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI - Bouwser (bouwser@hotmail.com)

Before going to Pine Knob, I had been talking a lot with friends on the internet. So I didn't know quite what to expect from the show but I knew it was gonna be good. My excitement started way back when the official press release came out saying Phil was to be playin this year. I knew it was to be a special day because it marked the exact day that my dad and I went to Furthur last year and that rocked too. So we get to the show. The parking lot is packed. The previous two years the parking lot has been very small before the show. So I knew this was going to be a good day. You could say it was a n omen for the day. Rusted Root! What can I say. They were wonderful. I had not seen these guys yet but knew they were good. They only played one or two new songs so I knew most of them and I sang along too. At the end they brought out Hot Tuna and did the Rolling Stone song "Can't always get what you want." That was pretty cool. Hot Tuna came on next. I can't say I really like Hot Tuna but they played pretty well. Pete Sears really jammed on the keys. Directly after Tuna The Other Ones were setting up. This drew a lot of excitement trying to figure out whose feet were whose. Then the circular thing came up and bam! Playin' in the Band. It was incredible. That all I can say. Hell in a Bucket segued out of Playin' and it too sounded great. Scarlet-Fire came next and it was very very tight. They killed this one. I can't wait to get a tape just to hear this. Jack a Roe came next with Phil on the vocals. He sounded great. And the song was great. Masterpiece came after and it too was special because Bobby whips out the gandola verse so we know this means business. A small jam lead into Bird Song and then Rainbow Cadilac. Raibow lead into a killer Phil jam. You could tell he was having fun. After this jam nobody knew what to expect. How could the show get any better. Unless they played Franklin's Tower! Absolutely sweet. The highlight of the night. Drumz came next and then space. These both were incredible and sounded tight. Out of space came Banyan Tree. I totally loved this new song and I hope to hear it again. Out of Banyan Tree came Playin' Reprise which suprise me and put a fat smile on my face. Wharf Rat was next. I love this song and Bruce sang it excelently. Throwing Stones and Not Fade Away ended this perfect night. Thank you: The Other Ones.

7/15 Deer Creek Music Center, Noblesville, IN - Lindie ((woodsne@hotmail.com))

I'm sorry to say that didn't even know of the Grateful Dead until 1997, so I never got to experience a show with Jerry, but the show i was at was so awesome. Rusted Root started the night with happy and festive mood. I saw a man about 50 with his young son just getting down. It put a big smile on my face and it showed me how these shows bring people together. I danced my ass off during Rusted Root so when Hot Tuna came on, I sat down to rest my self up for The Other Ones. They were cool, but I really didn't get into. Then the DEAD. They opened with Shakedown Street that was so funky. Bruce Hornsbey's ,That's just the way it is, was wonderful. The best part of the night was the closing song, Uncle John's Band. Everyone sang along, screaming at the top of their lungs," Come hear Uncle John's Band, By the riverside, Got some things to talk about" What a night. I'm definately addicted. I'll be at as many shows as possible this summer

7/17 Riverport Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO - the blodge (blodgett@wt.net)

Seemed like a really hot first set and it was over!!! Anybody got a setlist I can have?

7/19 Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, Denver, CO - Rolfe Sauls (ffwr75a@prodigy.com)

(We really enjoyed Rusted Root ! They can play almost any style and have some really interesting original music in a variety of musical styles: rock, country, spanish, middle eastern-ish. We noticed Phil, Mickey, and Jorma watching from the side at various times, peeking around curtains over speakers for a look. They seemed rather interested in this band. The closing number was an awesome Stones Cover, "You Can't Always Get What you Want", with Jorma and Jack joining in to make it an ultra-powerful end to the Rusted Root set.)

Hot Tuna was Hot! Jorma was in great vocal form, Jack always at his stoic but rockin' best. Their pianist was particularly rocking through most of their short set.)

The Other Ones Playin in the Band ---> (very nice opener. everybody is up, dancin', and grinning) All Along the Watchtower (cool ! Reminded me of "All along the Watch-water", a set list entry from a rain-soggy 80's RFK show) Scarlet Begonias ----> (Yeah! Still got that funky "boink-a-boink" Dead sound. Funky Funky Funky. Long jams. Yeahhh.) Fire on the Mountain (Mickey's rap version; now in 7/8 time. I prefer the traditional version, but this was ok. Nice mid jam.) Jack - A - Roe (Phil) (GO PHIL ! SUPERB VOCALS! CLEAR AS A BELL ! He really nailed this one! Loved by all !) Minglewood blues ( Yep ! Dead sound again, really great rendering, sounded a lot like the old days version) Down the Road (Mickey tune) (A rhyming reminisence of days gone by and a mention of "Garcia"; super tear-jerker.) White Wheel Limosine (Bruce tune) (Grateful Bruce Dead-sby...neat song...but no one was quite sure what to do with it...) Bird Song (started with a SLOW tempo, bassy beat, thought it was "Victim or The Crime" at first. Nice job by all.) Samson & Delilah (w/Jorma) (Rockin dance tune, but wish Jorma had done more with the lead licks) Drums (John Molo, Hornsby's drummer, had a blast all night. He JAMMED to anything Mickey tossed him. Super Drums!) BanyanTree (Bob tune) (Love this new intraspective tune. Great Lyrics!) Space ---> Playin in the Band -reprise ( Throughout Space, they each fell back into a Playin' hint and finally just went with it.) Wharf Rat (COMPLETE SURPRISE! SUPER VOCALS, even A CAPELLA on parts of verses! Wow.! ) Throwing Stones (Started out gang busters, then Bobby got so into it...he forgot the words..Hell with it , let's just jam...) Not Fade Away (Strong "Not Fade claps" and responsive verses from the audience. MUST have an encore...)

E: Ripple - acoustic (OHHHH MANNN! Okay, everyone teared up. This was a complete emotional mindblower. The audience sang along softly. It just left everyone in a blubbery mess. What a wonderful way to close.)

Overall it was a really enjoyable show. I am still looking for that X-Factor jamming and it came close at times, but it's too early to expect that from the new members. The new guitarists are still learning the ropes, but I did hear some close references to Jerry's licks which was nice and some new intrepretations which actually did work too! Bruce was in fine form and the new second drummer gave Mickey new spaces to play around!

The weather started off like an oven, but the sun got clouded over and we were treated with a lighting show behind the stage and nice, light sprinkling off and on. (Wonder if the band puzzled over what all those "Whoa! 's " were about when the lighting crackled above and behind them...?).

Here's to next year!

7/19 Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, Denver, CO - Jon Malone (Jonmalone@aol.com)

I guess Dallas,Texas is a little to close to New Orleans for a show. It sure would be nice to see one in my area.

7/21 Thomas and Mack, Las Vegas, NV - melissa (stealyerface@hotmail.com)

There was little time from the time Hot Tuna ended to when the Other Ones took the stage. Boom! Love is shakin' on Shakedown Street! Then a sweet Ramble On Rose. When the first sounds of DarkStar were heard, the butterflies flew away with my stomach. There was want for nothing, I was filled so full. They played Hound Dog and the older folks really liked that. People were twistin' and stuff. It was strange when I looked behind me and saw a guy in a tie-dyed shirt just standing there like a brick wall. How could you not dance? West L.A. Fadeaway! And Mickey's Baba Jingo! That song is still in my head.

The first part of the show was my favorite. The Drums are awesome. Sugar Mag was almost sad for me because it was my last show. The Other Ones will get better and better as they go "further". Bruce Hornsby seemed a little dominant a couple times, and it made me lose my groove, because I wanted to hear Phil and Bobby. The saxaphone player Dave Ellis is great.

7/22 Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, Los Angeles, CA - Patti Lord (plord@ucsd.edu)

I attended the two Shoreline shows, in addition to the Irvine show, and also the Warfield show in June. My expectations were exceeded. Of COURSE the Other Ones help fill the void. They help tremendously! The music was fabulous, and the scene was heartwarming. The song choices were amazing. This band rocks and jams, and also has those moments of touching delicacy, incredible sweetness, mainly due to Bruce Hornsby's evocative renderings of some of Jerry's ballads. Bruce has that subtle intensity so necessary for those songs. I say let Bruce sing as much as he wants. Dave Ellis is a tower of power, and Karan and Kimock have instantly woven themselves into our consciousness. Molo is delightful. As for Mickey, Bob and Phil, keep on truckin so gracefully. My hopes for the future? How to make it better? Three words: More, More, More. More playing together so the band can season, mature and keep climbing. More shows to fill the void. More songs and more sets; two sets is really a good idea, because we get mighty uncomfortable in the last third of a one-set show, due to full bladders, yet the show is so compelling and riveting, one cannot take a trip to the loo! Of course the band must realize that we dearly want to hear Terrapin, and I think either Bobby or Bruce should sing it. I am one of those deadheads who is thrilled when the band plays covers. I was very pleased by Mystery Train. What a great choice! In addition to Aiko Aiko, of course, at Shoreline. I would like to see them do Around and Around too. And any of the Beatles, Traffic, etc. stuff. With Mark Karan's expressed love of the Beatles, that would be good to explore! Also, Ship of Fools and Black Peter are songs that must not die! Again, Bobby or Bruce could sing, and Mark and Steve could take turns cutting loose, with plenty of Dave mixed in, and Phil, Mickey and Molo right there where we need them.

The Other Ones made us very happy. Just please, guys, don't do the bad heavy drugs, and don't leave us.

Love, Patti

7/24 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Anthony Pulsipher (anthony@eroscomix.com)

Shoreline: It seemed like these shows were populated by every stone fucking cool person I've ever seen at a Dead show. Literally the cream of the crop. The coolest of the cool. The highest of the high. The first show of Shoreline contained one of the best three hours of music I have ever heard. The Dead's set was breathtaking. They came out with a fierce jam, boom, like wow from the first minute. Then they dropped down into Dark Star and the place went apeshit. Dave Ellis blew on this man, I mean in the best possible fucking way. He blew me the fuck away, stalking the stage like a madman. Dark Star->Hell in a Bucket? I wasn't complaining, I was just so happy to be there. Scarlet > Fire, AWESOME the interplay between Kimock and Karan was the shit. Just fucking ripping Into 1/2 step, with Phil redeeming himself rather nicely for the flat China Doll of the night before and some spooky 4 part barbershop quartet harmonies emanating from the audience during the "Across the Rio Grandio...." part (instigated by yours truly). Queen Jane> Baba Jingo ( more incredibly ripping solos from Kimock and Karan) T. Jed (OH YEAH!!!!)> Bird Song (more amazing solos) > other one jam> birdsong, drums> space> Let it Grow (I foolishly yelled for Weather Report Prelude before T. Jed thereby insuring that even if they were planning on playing it, they wouldn't now. What a Jed thing to do huh?)> Across the River> Uncle Johns Band Highlife version (FUCKING LOVED IT!) > Box of Rain> Good Lovin". WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!

7/24 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Rossgita (webmaster@rossgita.com)

Driving into Palo Alto on Friday afternoon, I eagerly awaited the triumphant return of The Other Ones to their home base. Things got stranger when we walked to the ticket counter one hour before showtime. Of course, only lawn seats were available, but my wife asked if there were any reserved seats. The ticket seller pulled out an unclaimed envelope with two choice reserved seats and said, "Well, you can have these". We happily entered the ampitheatre.

As Rusted Root wound down, we made our way to our seats. Hot Tuna immediately took the stage and played an all-too-short set, easily their hottest of the two days. (Saturday's Tuna set did feature cameos from Dave Ellis and Mark Karan, however).

The Other Ones took the stage a bit after 8 pm, and plunged into a spicy tuning jam, which just as quickly melded into the familiar melody of Dark Star. However, they sang the second, or "mirror shatters" verse. It is not known whether this was intentional or not, but all vocalists stuck with it, and it segued nicely into a comfortable jam.

I'm not usually blown away by Hell In A Bucket, yet this version was lithe and powerful. Weir had his act together, and led the song through a spry workout. The additional drumbeat arrangement punctuated the fact that this was not a Dead show in a very subtle way, and the two guitarists and Ellis ably tried to make up for Jerry's absence.

Hornsby took charge on Scarlet Begonias, yet neglected some vocals. The jam was interesting enough, but a plodding Fire On The Mountain by Snoop Mickey Hart made me wistful for times past.

Phil Lesh stepped forward and read through a fun Mississippi Half Step, but the guitarists were nowhere to be found. This tune, followed by a standard Queen Jane and a Baba Jino by Mickey McCheese allowed me time to browse the fine collection of booths in the vending fair. Relax, I told myself, they're just warming up. I'm glad I was right.

A bottle of spring water later, I was back at my seat for the second highlight of the night, a searing Tennessee Jed. Karan and Kimock blended nicely on the solo portion, and the crowd cheered in excitement. Now this is more like it. Following Jed, an above-average Bird Song (post-Jerry, that is) led into a mystical jam which gave way to the drum duet.

I'm quite impressed by John Molo. He plays at a high level, and gives a charge to many numbers. Nowhere was this more evident on Friday than after the Drumz portion. Weir charged out first with a rousing Let It Grow. Remaining serious throughout, he sang with determination and intensity. Good fun! After an aborted attempt to settle back into Dark Star, Hornbsy spoke up with an incredible rendition of Across The River. Ellis led the band with lead after lead, and the guitarists again gave up the all-too-frequent goods. Bruce led the countdown into the calypso jam, which slid comfortably into Uncle John's Band. Again, Garcia was missed, and the guitarists were very quiet, but the emotional level reigned supreme, and when Phil pulled out Box Of Rain, it almost made you think, "Maybe these guys CAN pull it off!". A few vocal miscues to be sure, but still solid. Weir performed a superb reading of Good Lovin' to complete the set. Without an encore, the house light came up, the familiar strains of "Happy Trails" came over the PA, and 20,000-plus fans went streaming out into the cool California night.

7/24 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Shaun Caldwell (@cwells.globaleyes)

I was only fortunute enough to have seen the dead twice before Jerry's passing, but I was highly pleased to get to experience a darkstar. Obiviosly no one could ever replace Jerry in the Grateful Dead but what the guys have going on I thought was pretty amazing. The whole setlist of my shoreline show blew me away. I got to see songs I thought I would never get to see. The people I encountered in San Fransico were some of the kindest people I have ever met. I can't wait to get out back to the bay area and meet y'all again. Thanks for the show and the good time

7/24 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Mark Grissom (spinyn@aol.com)

The Friday Shoreline show was just excellent. I had seen the 4.20 Phil and Friends show and really saw the potential that was there to explore again, now that Phil was back on board! The situation did not look good when Stan Franks left, but, outta that mess, the boys came out smelling like roses with the final lineup!

Friday's setlist and performance has been ably described already, I only second the emotion. I was lucky enough to have seats way down low and, as a veteran going back to 1967, I can say this was no nostalgic retread. Kimock, in particular, seems capable of lifting things up whenever feels like it, and, even with the size of the ensemble, the jamming flowed quite nicely. It got particularly fierce in the conclusion of "Weather Report Suite", when I swear they did the end of Santana's "Gypsy Queen". Never heard anything quite like that from The Dead... Hornsby is always great to have on board, and Dave Elllis did a stellar job, as well.

Here's how it went for me: the sidestreet I usually park on was full, but turning around to look for somewhere else, a space had opened up! A miracle parking space...not to be scoffed at, considering the mess leaving if you use the lot. Once we got inside, I bought a beer...walking away from the booth, I realized, they had never taken my money! A miracle beer! And the seats were so low, we had to look up to see the video screen. Indeed, I was so satiated and satisfied, I passed on lawn seats for Saturday, even knowing I would miss "St. Stephen/The Eleven", which I don't think I heard live since 3.1.69! That's how strongly the show hit me...my girl and I had a fantastic time.

But, truth be told, the Phil and Friends show on the 8th topped Furthur. That was a classic night, for sure!

7/25 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Ken Eriksen (eriksen@siu.edu)

Well, Unfortunately, I haven't been to any shows yet. BUT!!!! I just received a DAUD copy of 6/4---I feel something beginning to gel. No, it's not Jerry Garcia Grateful Dead, but it definitely sounds like a refreshed Grateful Dead. Moments pass when Jer is missed, but things are developing within the OTHER ONES that may finally fulfill another day for the DEAD to play!!!!

7/25 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Tom Armelino (btarmelino@enterprise.k12.ca.us)

MY first show since Jerry left us! I've seeen over 100 -150 shows through out the years so I was excited to see Phil, Bobby, Mickey, and suprised to see Billy K. My wife and I took our 3 year old son to the show and met my brother from Colorado. The wild times(if you know what I mean) of the past are no longer needed so we settled in with a few beers and just plain family fun. I spent the first part of the show playing in the dirt with my son's toys and a few other little ones that joined us. During the first song "US Blues" I was down in the bar and watched the boys on screen. I loved it and my heart jumped to see their energy. The rest of the show was just pretty damn cool. I definitely had feelings of loss and there were definite hollow periods where Jerry's licks were greatly missed. St. Stephen blew me away! The intro. was hot and the leads were right on. Bruce nailed Ramble on Rose and Phil was awesome! Bobby was very good at times he lost the words but thats the way it has always been. If you are a musician you know how hard it is to keep all the words and verses straight. My son fell asleep during the last hour. I got to dance with my lady and groove with my bro. All the deadheads around us were cool and all respective of our son's sleep and helped protect him, from falling straglers. The night was great. The usual 2-3 hour wait to get out of the Shoreline parking lot but my wife and son fell asleep in the jeep and my bro. and I bullshitted and helped others find their cars when possible. The OtherOnes are great! I can't wait until the next shows. My boy had a great time and enjoyed Mickey's daughter dancing to a Bruce tune after drums. It was weird watching the band hug and complete a group bow at the end. It was very heart warming. I think Jerry was smiling upon the whole scene! I hope my east coast friends caught the shows there and it looks like we will all have a chance to continue the party! This is no essay - just thoughts!

7/25 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - Rossgita (webmaster@rossgita.com)

Saturday was filled with an excitement not even squelched by The Other Ones' pre-show sound check of Corinna :-) Ah, the final date on the successful TOO summer tour. We arrived early, to allow all of the karma and joy of this day to waft our way. Finally, as Rusted Root played to the masses, we took our seats for a brief and methodical set from Hot Tuna.

The main attraction hit the ground running with a laid-back rendition of US Blues...summertime done come and gone, my oh my, yes indeed...

The familiar strains of Playin' In The Band signaled a powerful version, full of crackle from Kimock and Karan, as the evening quickly turned experimental.

But wait! Not so fast! Who should hit the stage but long-lost Bill Kreutzmann, looking rested and ready! Whoops and cheers ran through the Shoreline crowd as Kreutzmann took the stick of his talking drum and waved it at the crowd. The energy flowed back to him, and he cackled and bopped around, ready to play, ready to dance, playin' in the band...

Here they were, all of the surviving members of the original incarnation of the Grateful Dead (Weir, Lesh, Kreutzmann), on a concert stage together for the first time since the death of Jerry Garcia, along with lifer Mickey Hart and honorary member Bruce Hornsby. Kreutzmann led the band into the rough beat of The Other One, and the old magic took the crowd's breath away. As the long jam, and first verse, wound down, various band members went over to Billy, as hugs and handshakes filled the stage.

Kreutzmann remained onstage as Bruce delivered a passionate albeit rusty version of Ramble On Rose, and Mickey donned the sunglasses to perform Down The Road Again. As Billy left the stage, we left the main theatre area.

The indoor vending fair at Shoreline is unique, with spacious shopping areas, and a mellow, unique vibe. A quick purchase of a new DeadBase, and a great photo of Garcia taken by Rob Cohn, and it was time to hustle back inside.

TOO performed trusty versions of Jack-A-Roe and Friend Of The Devil, yet Karan and Kimock were low on sparks. Kreutzmann was prodded out again by Weir, and roused the crowd by sitting in on a top-notch Iko Iko. Molo gave up his kit, as the two old drummers captured a taste of magic with China Cat Rider, but without Jerry it lacked quite a bit, and wisely the band touched down.

into...

Rhythm Devils.

What can be said? The first real "Drumz" in three years, and the exorcism was in progress. Afterward, Mickey and Billy hugged, and Kreutzmann left the stage. Bruce came out to perform Preacher In The Ring with Molo and Hart, and the full band followed with simple versions of Banyan Tree and Corinna. The concert started to take flight as Kreutzmann joined in on a Playin' jam, and as Bob Weir led the group through the reprise of The Other One, the musicians were again playing at optimum capabilities.

Following a nice Wharf Rat by Bruce, the highlight of the weekend came with the hat trick of St. Stephen, The Eleven and Lovelight. Karan more than delivered in spades on St. Stephen and Jorma even came out for a few rounds of Lovelight.

The double encore of One More Saturday Night and Touch Of Grey capped the weekend in grand style. The band memnbers came to center stage, put their arms around each other, and bowed in unison. Hugs, handshakes and tears onstage brought the same reaction from the crowd, and brought the summer tour to a close.

Happy Trails!

7/25 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA - eric (www.firewheelglass@hotmail.com)

" as long as songs of mine are sung, i am with you on this earth"

God bless Jerome John Garcia...........

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