Dead Show/podcast for 9/25/26

Here's a fine second set to close out September on the Deadpod. The setlist may look short, but there's plenty of tasteful jamming and exploration to round out a strong selection of classic Dead tunes.

Bruce Hornsby is a great addition to a rousing "Samson and Delilah," and "Eyes of the World" gets stretched out nicely for this period in the band's history. After "Saint of Circumstance" there's an interesting little exploration that some have labeled a "Dark Star" jam. I'd take exception to that, but it's still fun to listen to. "Drums" is also quite good, with a lot of MIDI textures, and there's plenty of Phil after drums. For the encore they break out "Attics of My Life," its first appearance since March 1990, a gap of 112 shows.

Grateful Dead
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
9/8/1991 - Sunday

Two
Samson and Delilah
Eyes of the World
Saint of Circumstance >
Drums >
Space >
The Other One >
Wharf Rat >
Good Lovin'

Encore
Attics of My Life

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

 https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod092526.mp3

'I'll get up and fly away... ' 

Dead Show/podcast for 9/18/26

This week on the Deadpod, I’m heading back to one of my favorite September stops: Madison Square Garden in New York City, for the opening night of the band’s nine-show run in September 1991.

By this point, the post-Brent lineup has had time to settle in, and Bruce Hornsby adds plenty of color to the proceedings. Phil makes his presence felt right from the opening “Touch of Grey,” providing a strong melodic foundation throughout the set. While Garcia’s vocals sound a little rough at times, his playing is right on the money. Give “Loser” a listen for a good example of both.

I really dig the “Big River” > “Maggie’s Farm” pairing, too. It’s always a treat to hear them trade verses on that Dylan number.

“Row Jimmy” and “Let It Grow” round out this week’s selection. I hope you enjoy this opening visit to the Garden.

Grateful Dead
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
September 8, 1991 (Sunday)

Set One
Touch of Grey >
Greatest Story Ever Told
Loser
New Minglewood Blues
Candyman
Big River >
Maggie’s Farm
Row Jimmy
Let It Grow 

 You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091826.mp3 

My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod 

Dead Show/podcast for 9/11/26

On this week's Deadpod, we continue with the second set from September 2nd, 1983, in Boise, Idaho.

The boys keep up the energy from the first set throughout this one, with a jamming pre-drums segment that runs non-stop through a string of favorites. A highlight, however, comes just before Drums, when Bobby and Brent stay out front together for an intense jam of their own.

Following Drums and Space, we get a pairing that's somewhat unusual for the era: "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad" leading straight into a particularly fine "Black Peter" — two Jerry-fronted tunes back to back, and a highlight for me.

And, of course, a "Baby Blue" encore is always a fine way to close out a great show

Grateful Dead
Boise Pavilion - Boise State University
Boise, ID 
9/2/1983 - Friday 

Two     

Help On The Way [3:00] >
Slipknot! [8:10] >
Franklin's Tower [14:06] 
Estimated Prophet [13:02] >
Eyes Of The World [12:23] >
Jam  [3:11] >
Drums >
Space [10:06] >
Throwing Stones [7:54] >
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad[7:54] >
Black Peter [8:17] >
Sugar Magnolia [8:36]

Encore     
It's All Over Now Baby Blue [7:02]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

 https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091126.mp3 

My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!  

 

Dead Show/podcast for 9/4/26

Labor Day is here! I've found what I think is a rather overlooked show to celebrate the holiday this week with this gem from September 2, 1983 in Boise Idaho. This was the only show the band ever played in Idaho, and I have to believe that the unique location gave them some extra energy that shows through as we listen to this show. 

 After a unique introduction by Phil, the band powers into a funky 'Wang Dang Doodle' which then goes right into a sweet 'Jack Straw'. The energy comes through in numbers like 'Big River' and 'Big Railroad Blues'. I find the set tight and well-played and hope that it makes you smile as well..

Grateful Dead
Boise Pavilion - Boise State University
Boise, ID
9/2/1983 - Friday
One
Wang Dang Doodle [6:20] >
Jack Straw [5:23] ;
They Love Each Other [7:38] ;
Mama Tried [2:43] >
Big River [6:00] ;
Brown Eyed Women [5:28] ;
New Minglewood Blues [7:39] ;
Big Railroad Blues [7:12] ;
Looks Like Rain [10:26] >
Deal [9:27]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090426.mp3 

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!  

 

Dead Show/podcast for 8/28/26

 

 

Hey Now -- this week we have a wonderful second set from one of the most memorable times in the band's storied career.. This second set from the Berkeley Communitiy Theater in Berkeley California has a mix of straight ahead rockin' and deep exploratory jams that showcases the band's versatility and innovation. I call your attention to the incomparable 'Other One' here that goes in previously unknown dimensions, as well as the closing trifecta of 'Not Fade Away", Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad' and 'Hey Bo Diddley' which pay homage to their musical heritage.

Grateful Dead
Berkeley Community Theatre
Berkeley, CA 
8/22/1972 - Tuesday

Two     
Brown Eyed Women [5:02]
Mexicali Blues [3:34]
Truckin' [9:56] >
Drums [2:24] >
The Other One [29:56] >
Stella Blue [8#;50]
El Paso [4:42] 
Ramble On Rose [6:16]
Not Fade Away [6:01] >
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [5:51] >
Hey Bo Diddley [4:09] >
Not Fade Away

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082826.mp3 My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod

Dead Show/podcast for 8/21/26

This week on the Deadpod we have one of the fine shows the band played in late August 1972 at the Berkeley Communit Theater in Berkeley, CA. In this small, hometown venue, the band plays together and listens to each other at a high level — something that would bloom beautifully a few days later at the Old Renaissance Fairgrounds in Veneta, Oregon.

They're relaxed and loose here. In this first set especially, they take their time between numbers, and I've taken the liberty of editing some of that dead air out of this presentation. I hope it makes for a more enjoyable listen. There are a couple of small cuts, but I don't think they'll affect your enjoyment.

There are some notable excursions here — a first-set "Playin' in the Band" and "He's Gone," as well as a beautiful "Bird Song." I trust you'll find the entire set worth your time.

 

Grateful Dead
Berkeley Community Theater
Berkeley, CA 8/22/1972 - Tuesday

One

Bertha [#5:11]
Greatest Story Ever Told [4:51]
Loser [6:40]
Black Throated Wind [%6:27]
Bird Song [9:57]
Beat It On Down The Line [3:03]
Tennessee Jed [06:37]
Me And My Uncle [3:13]
Friend Of The Devil [3:35]
Playin' In The Band [15:%41]
He's Gone [8:30]
Promised Land [2:47]
  
  
  
You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082126.mp3 
Enjoy these 'dog days' of August, soon enough we'll have 'snow and rain'....