Dead Show/podcast for 10/30/26

This week's Deadpod comes from close to home for us here in Michigan: Ford Auditorium in Detroit on Monday, October 30, 1972. It was the last stop on the Dead's fall 1972 Midwest run, with Jerry, Bob, Phil, Keith, Donna, and Bill on stage just months after the band got back from Europe '72.

This week we're playing the full first set, and it's a long one. It's the 1972 band at its best, mixing tight rock and roll with patient, open-ended jamming. Bertha gets things moving, and from there the Bob and Jerry songs trade off all night, with the cowboy tunes Me And My Uncle, El Paso, Big River, and Mexicali Blues alongside Deal, Sugaree, and Don't Ease Me In. Black Throated Wind and Jack Straw were both still fairly new songs in the fall of '72.

The highlights for me are a long, exploratory Bird Song and a China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider that really flies. Phil also steps up to sing a lovely Box Of Rain near the end of the set.

This is a fine audience recording, warm and full, with a real sense of being in the room. It isn't flawless: there's a splice in Bird Song, Big River gets clipped at the end, but it is said to be recorded by Owlsey. But the sound is so good for an audience tape from 1972 that the rough spots are easy to forgive.

Grateful Dead
Ford Auditorium
Detroit, MI
10/30/1972 - Monday

One

Bertha [7:30]
Me And My Uncle [3:27]
Deal [6:03]
Black Throated Wind [7:41]
Sugaree [9:15]
El Paso [6:36]
Bird Song [12:54]
Big River [4:52]
China Cat Sunflower [6:19] >
I Know You Rider [7:38]
Jack Straw [5:21]
Don't Ease Me In [4:28]
Mexicali Blues [3:38]
Box Of Rain [5:12]
Playing In The Band [10:19]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod103026a.mp3

Thanks as always for listening and for supporting the Deadpod. Happy Halloween, and enjoy the show.

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Dead Show/podcast for 10/23/26

This week on the Deadpod we continue with the second set from the Grateful Dead's October 20, 1989 show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. As you listen to this expansive set, you'll quickly hear how Brent was at the top of his game during this period. His keyboards and MIDI work really bring these songs to life. The highlight, in my opinion, is the "Other One Jam" out of "Truckin'." It's nearly 15 minutes of Brent and Jerry stretching out on "The Other One" theme, and DeadBase lists it as the band's first "Other One Jam" since 1975. From there the music flows into "Drums" and "Space," then into Brent's ballad "I Will Take You Home," before the band comes back to "The Other One" with a vengeance. This is the Grateful Dead at their most adventurous.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Grateful Dead
The Spectrum
Philadelphia, PA
10/20/1989 - Friday

Two

Hey Pocky Way [6:48]
Scarlet Begonias [10:03] >
Fire On The Mountain [13:44]
Truckin' [7:07] >
The Other One Jam [14:33] >
Drums [10:35] >
Space [10:48] >
I Will Take You Home [5:06] >
The Other One [11:11] >
Wharf Rat [10:26]
Sugar Magnolia [5:52]

Encore

Brokedown Palace [5:46]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod102326.mp3

Be well and thanks for your kind support.

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Dead Show/podcast for 10/16/26

This week we travel back to the fall of 1989 for the first set of the Grateful Dead’s October 20 show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia—a performance that’s been called their longest of the year.

This was one of the band’s high-water periods, in my opinion, and you can hear the energy and enthusiasm from the first notes of “Touch of Grey.” Brent’s contributions are a big part of what makes this show so enjoyable, not only on his own “Just a Little Light,” but on “Tennessee Jed” as well.

Played just three days after the Loma Prieta earthquake, the show also featured the Dead’s first performance of Rodney Crowell’s “California Earthquake,” which closes the first set.

Grateful Dead
The Spectrum
Philadelphia, PA
10/20/1989 - Friday

Set One

Touch Of Grey [6:19]
Greatest Story Ever Told [4:10]
Candyman [6:44]
Picasso Moon [7:26]
Just A Little Light [4:44]
Tennessee Jed [8:39]
Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again [8:56]
Stagger Lee [5:39]
The Promised Land [4:27]
California Earthquake (Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On) [5:50]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod101626.mp3

Join the Deadpod community on Facebook —share your thoughts, favorite shows, and requests!

Dead Show/podcast for 10/9/26

This week on the Deadpod we go back 54 years, to October 9, 1972, for the second set of the "benefit for the roadies" at Winterland in San Francisco, CA. It opens with a somewhat amusing, clearly well-lubricated rap from Grace Slick, who was eventually led off the stage by Bill Graham, before the band eases into "He's Gone."

The set features some really fine vocals from Garcia and great versions of "Mississippi Half-Step" and "Brokedown Palace." There's also some unique improvisation in "Truckin'" and "The Other One" that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Unfortunately, the set-closing "Casey Jones" is cut off, and the reported "Johnny B. Goode" encore isn't on the tape. Nevertheless, this one earns its place in the pantheon of fine shows from the fall of 1972.

Grateful Dead
Winterland Arena
San Francisco, CA
10/9/1972 - Monday

Two

Banter (God Is Gonna Understand) [3:13] >
He's Gone [11:46]
Big River [4:38]
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:32]
Greatest Story Ever Told [4:47]
Brokedown Palace [5:53]
Truckin' [11:36] >
The Other One [13:33]
Wharf Rat [11:16]
Sugar Magnolia [8:33]
Casey Jones [1:20] (incomplete, fades out)

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100926.mp3

Dead Show/podcast for 10/2/26

This week on the Deadpod we go back to the fall of 1972 for a show at Winterland that was billed as a benefit for the band's road crew. The night is remembered for two things: a brief, unplanned cameo by Grace Slick at the start of the second set, and the first electric performance of the much-loved "Box of Rain," which the band hadn't played since its acoustic debut in September 1970. This episode covers the first set, which is where "Box of Rain" turns up.

The fall of '72 was a very busy touring stretch for the band, and one of the high points of a great year. This show features some excellent vocals from Jerry and Bob. Phil, I guess, was warming up for "Box" when he tried to add his own contribution to "Tennessee Jed." I'm glad it didn't scare him off from bringing out "Box of Rain" later in the set.

One of several highlights here is the set-closing "Playing In The Band," which, despite being cut at the end, has some wonderful exploration.

Grateful Dead
Winterland Arena
San Francisco, CA
10/9/1972 - Monday

One

The Promised Land[3:19]
Deal [4:34]
Me And My Uncle [3:06]
Tennessee Jed [7:30]
Black Throated Wind [6:48]
Friend Of The Devil [3:24]
Beat It On Down The Line [3:14]
Loser [6:23]
El Paso [2:08#]
Box Of Rain [#6:24]
China Cat Sunflower [7:09] >
I Know You Rider [5:13]
Sugaree [7:02#]
Playing In The Band [20:36#]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100226.mp3

My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!

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'.... 
 
 

Dead Show/podcast for 8/14/26

We return to St. Paul this week for a wonderful second set from August 6, 1982. The set hangs together beautifully, with the band locked in from start to finish. The opening Scarlet > Fire features some fine interplay between Jerry and Bob, with Garcia’s lines dancing around Weir’s rhythm. That same energy carries into Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance, which spills into Space and an 11‑beat, “Eleven”-style jam that sets up some exuberant drumming. Truckin’ is not your usual 1982 fare either, with Brent and Phil adding plenty of snap and color. Post‑drums, a rare all‑Weir vocal segment brings a different flavor, highlighted by a lovely Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad into a rare non‑encore Johnny B. Goode. Jerry closes the night with a tender Baby Blue encore that feels very much of a piece with the mood of the set.

Grateful Dead
St. Paul Civic Center Arena
St. Paul, MN 
8/6/1982 - Friday

Two	

Scarlet Begonias [13:16] >
Fire On The Mountain [11:23] ;
Lost Sailor [7:13] >
Saint Of Circumstance [7:21] >
Space [4:04] >
Drums >
Space [11:51] >
Truckin' [7:13] >
Wharf Rat [9:31] >
Around And Around [4:15] >
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [8:34] >
Johnny B. Goode [4:04]
Encore	
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue/pre>

 

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081426.mp3

Dead Show/podcast for 8/7/26

This week, as we approach the end of the “Days Between,” I thought this recording—emblematic of what I think of as the Dead’s ‘third’ period—would be a fitting choice as we remember Jerry. This one comes to us from St. Paul, MN, on August 6, 1982. It’s an energetic show with a tight ensemble throughout. Jerry is playing at a high level, and Brent, along with the rest of the band, is right there with him. There’s a lot to like here, but one of the highlights for me is the 10+ minute “Bird Song,” which flows nicely into “El Paso.” I’m also partial to the “Lazy Lightnin’ > Supplication,” where Garcia adds some particularly nice color in his solos. It’s a solid first set, and I think you’ll enjoy it. There are a few audience patches, but they don’t detract much from the overall experience.

Grateful Dead
St. Paul Civic Center Arena
St. Paul, MN 
8/6/1982 - Friday

One	

Bertha >
New Minglewood Blues ;
Candyman >
Little Red Rooster ;
Bird Song >
El Paso ;
Tennessee Jed ;
It's All Over Now ;
Lazy Lightnin' >
Supplication ;
Might As Well

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080726.mp3 "Tell me all that you know, I'll show you... snow and rain"

Dead Show/podcast for 7/31/26

 This week on the Deadpod we head back to the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco for a superb show from August 3, 1969. This is the kind of set that reminds us just how quickly the Grateful Dead were evolving in that remarkable year, moving from the raw energy of their early material into the open-ended exploration that would define so much of what followed.

The set opens with a fine run of songs including “Hard To Handle,” “Beat It On Down The Line,” “Hi-Heel Sneakers,” “High Time,” and “Mama Tried.” From there the show opens up beautifully with a long and searching “Dark Star,” followed by the powerful sequence of “Alligator,” “Drums,” “The Other One,” and “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks),” before closing with “And We Bid You Goodnight.”

There are two guest artists - an unknown sax player and David LaFlame from 'It's A Beautiful Day', and they add a rich extra dimension to the sound that I really dig. 

There’s a lot to enjoy here: the contrast between the concise song-based first half and the expanded improvisational stretch that follows, the relaxed confidence of the band, and the sense that they are really finding their collective voice in real time. It’s a strong late-summer 1969 performance and a great listen for anyone who loves this transitional era of the Dead.

 

Grateful Dead
Family Dog at the Great Highway
San Francisco, CA
8/3/1969 - Sunday    

Hard To Handle  
Beat It On Down The Line  
Hi-Heel Sneakers  
High Time  
Mama Tried  
Dark Star  
Alligator> 
Drums> 
The Other One> 
Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)> 
And We Bid You Goodnight

 

 You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod073126.mp3 

Dead Show/podcast for 7/24/26

This week on Deadpod we’re back at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco for the second set from 7/12/76, a show that has that special midsummer 1976 feel I’ve always loved: relaxed, open, and full of musical space, but with plenty of spark still in the band’s step. 

The set gets underway with a very nice “Sugaree,” followed by a spirited “Samson And Delilah,” and then we move into one of the great touchstones of the era — “Help On The Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower,” played here with real assurance and flow. From there the band keeps the momentum going with a lively “Dancing In The Street,” and then settles into the deep emotional current of “Wharf Rat.” After that comes “Drums,” and then a wonderfully expansive “The Wheel” that helps push the set into its final stretch. “Around And Around” closes things out with some good old-fashioned punch, and “U.S. Blues” brings us home in the encore with just the right amount of swagger. It’s a set that really shows what was happening with the Dead in 1976: the band had found a new balance, and they were making music with patience, depth, and a real sense of possibility. I hope you enjoy it.

Grateful Dead
Orpheum Theatre
San Francisco, CA 
7/12/1976 - Monday	

Two 	
Sugaree [10:53] %
Samson And Delilah [6:46] %
Help On The Way [4:32] >
Slipknot! [7:44] >
Franklin's Tower [14:11] 
Dancing In The Street [11:26] 
Wharf Rat [12:24] >
Drums [4:41] >
The Wheel [4:47] >
Around And Around [7:07]
Encore
U.S. Blues [7:20]


You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072426.mp3


"summertime done, come and gone my oh my"

Dead Show/podcast for 7/17/26

This week takes us to Summer tour 1976 - to the first night of a six night run on the home turf of San Francisco California for a delightful show at the intimate Orpheum Theater on July 12, 1976. 

'The Music Never Stopped' provides a fine and fitting opener as the boys return to the stage on the West Coast following their hiatus from touring and the completion of 'Blues for Allah' and an East Coast swing. 

This first set is filled with old favorites colored with new tempos and some very sweet jams. Some of my favorites include 'Tennesse Jed' (here included from an audience recording), 'Row Jimmy', 'Lazy Lighting into Supplication' and a short but sweet 'Deal'.

We'll listen to set 2 next week with more 'new' material included.... 

 

Grateful Dead
Orpheum Theatre
San Francisco, CA 
7/12/1976 - Monday	

One	
The Music Never Stopped [5:23] 
Brown Eyed Women [4:25] 
Cassidy [4:05] 
Tennessee Jed [8:27] 
New Minglewood Blues [4:22] 
Candyman [7:04] 
Looks Like Rain [6:26] 
Row Jimmy [9:33] 
Lazy Lightnin' [2:55]
Supplication [4:46] 
Deal [4:37] 
The Promised Land [4:08]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071726.mp3  

My thanks for your kind support my friends 

Dead Show/podcast for 7/10/26

We return this week to the plains of Kansas for the second set of the band’s July 4, 1990 performance at Sandstone Amphitheater. The band comes back as the sun dips down and treats us to a couple of their newer songs, starting with ‘Victim or the Crime’. They lighten the mood with a fine ‘Foolish Heart’, which flows into one of my favorite Brent tunes, ‘Just a Little Light’. Knowing this was one of the last shows Brent ever played, I’m especially grateful to have seen him that final time. A wonderful ‘Scarlet > Fire’ follows—perfect for this sizzling day—and Jerry is absolutely sizzling on it. ‘Drums’ and ‘Space’ come next and lead nicely into a heartfelt ‘Wheel’. Things ramp up with ‘Gimme Some Lovin’, again punctuated by great contributions from Brent. A soulful ‘Stella Blue’ follows, and the crowd falls completely silent, hanging on every verse. The band closes with ‘Sugar Mag’, then, appropriately, returns with a raucous ‘U.S. Blues’ encore.

Grateful Dead
Sandstone Amphitheatre
Bonner Springs, KS 
7/4/1990 - Wednesday 

Two 	
Victim Or The Crime >
Foolish Heart >
Just A Little Light >
Scarlet Begonias >
Fire On The Mountain >
Drums >
Space >
The Wheel >
Gimme Some Lovin' >
Stella Blue >
Sugar Magnolia

Encore 	
U.S. Blues 

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071026.mp3  

Stay strong my friends and thank you for your kind support.  

Dead Show/podcast for 7/3/26

On this sweltering Fourth of July weekend, I’ve decided to travel back to another sweltering Fourth—July 4, 1990 at Sandstone Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs, Kansas. With temperatures well over 100 at showtime and no roof over the seating area, this was probably the hottest showtime I’d ever experienced. For me, it was a deeply memorable night: not only the last time I’d see Brent before his tragic passing, but also a show with some killer versions of classic songs.

The first set, which we’ll hear this week, is a bit short—the boys were getting scorched with the sun shining directly on them, Jerry in shorts and all—but there are some great highlights, starting with the ironically appropriate opener, “Cold Rain & Snow.” Other standouts include a fine “Half‑Step,” a rare “Loose Lucy,” and a strong “Loser.” And for the setlist nerds among us, it’s worth noting that all of Bob’s tunes in this first set are covers, from Son House to Dylan to Chuck Berry.

Even with the band and crowd baking in that relentless Kansas sun, there’s an energy and focus in this first set that still comes through on the tape. You can hear the band leaning into the songs rather than stretching out, but that only seems to sharpen the edges on “Cold Rain & Snow” and “Half‑Step,” and give “Loose Lucy” and “Loser” a little extra punch. I hope you enjoy revisiting this hot, short, and very sweet first set with me this week—and that you’ll be back next time when we pick things up after dark for the second set, where “Victim,” “Foolish Heart,” and a big “Scarlet → Fire” really show what Summer ’90 could do.

Grateful Dead
Sandstone Amphitheatre
Bonner Springs, KS 7/4/1990 - Wednesday 

One

 
Cold Rain & Snow >
Walkin' Blues 
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo 
Queen Jane Approximately 
Loose Lucy 
It's All Over Now 
Loser 
The Promised Land 

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod070326.mp3

I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July! 

stay hydrated! 

Dead Show/podcast for 6/26/26

This week’s Deadpod features the Grateful Dead’s second set from June 4, 1978, at Campus Stadium, University of California, Santa Barbara—a show that captures the band in a confident and fluid late-’70s mode.

The set opens with a lively “Samson and Delilah,” followed by a nicely rendered “Ship of Fools” that provides an early contrast in mood. The improvisational core begins with “Estimated Prophet,” which unfolds patiently before transitioning into a bright and engaging “Eyes of the World.” (nevermind Bobby stepping on Jerry's solo).  The Eyes is a bit on the fast side, I wonder if the presence of Ken Kesey and the Thunder machine had something to do with that?

“Drums” and a concise “Space” serve as a bridge into the closing sequence, where a driving “Not Fade Away” builds into “Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad” and a high-energy “Around and Around.” The set is capped by a pair of encores—“U.S. Blues” and “Sugar Magnolia”—that bring the performance to an upbeat conclusion.

Overall, this is a well-paced and cohesive second set, offering both strong song performances and a satisfying improvisational arc. As always, I hope you enjoy the listen.

 

 

Grateful Dead
Campus Stadium - University Of California
Santa Barbara, CA 6/4/1978 - Sunday 

Two     

Samson And Delilah [6:34] 
Ship Of Fools [6:57] 
Estimated Prophet [10:40] >
Eyes Of The World [10:16] >
Drums [10:#16] >
Space (1) [4:21] >
Not Fade Away [8:04] >
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [6:29] >
Around And Around [7:27]

Encores     
U.S. Blues [5:09] 
Sugar Magnolia [7:51]  

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod062626.mp3 

As always thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod!  

Dead Show/podcast for 6/19/26

This week’s Deadpod takes us back to sunny California for a Sunday show at the University of California, Santa Barbara, on June 4, 1978.

This is their first show in about a month following the excellent Spring tour, and the band sounds like they’re in great spirits—evidenced both by the between-song banter and the upbeat performances throughout the set. A somewhat unusual pairing opens things up, with “Bertha” flowing into “Good Lovin’”—be sure to listen for Garcia’s vocal touches there.

You might also notice Bobby’s vocal substitution in “Me and My Uncle,” a small but interesting moment. The whole set is strong, but highlights for me include a particularly expressive “Looks Like Rain” and, of course, a very satisfying “Tennessee Jed.” Things nearly get out of hand on the closing “Jack Straw,” which makes for a fun finish.

Grateful Dead
Campus Stadium - University Of California
Santa Barbara, CA
6/4/1978 - Sunday

One
Bertha [7:01] >
Good Lovin' [6:21]
Dire Wolf [3:21]
Me And My Uncle [3:04] >
Big River [6:03]
Brown Eyed Women [5:02]
Looks Like Rain [7:35]
Tennessee Jed [8:20]
Jack Straw [5:21]

You can listen to this week’s Deadpod here:
https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod061926.mp3

We’ll play the second set next week. For now, I hope you enjoy this fine show from June of 1978. My thanks, as always, for your kind support.