Dead Show/podcast for 3/20/26
The Deadpod
This week's Deadpod drops us into the Spring 1992 tour, catching the band at the Nassau Coliseum for a rockin' first set that showcases both Phil Lesh and Bruce Hornsby — in what would turn out to be Bruce's final tour with the band. The set runs a bit short, but that was pretty typical for the latter-day Dead. No matter — the band is in fine form. Phil kicks things off leading the charge on 'Greatest Story Ever Told,' followed by a rousing 'Bertha.' 'Stagger Lee' is another Lesh showcase, though the whole band locks in beautifully by the end. 'Beat It On Down The Line' opens with a full...
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Grateful Dead
The Deadpod
This week on the Deadpod, we’ve got the second set from the Grateful Dead’s Mardi Gras show on March 3rd, 1987. After the parade winds through, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band joins the boys for a loose and funky “Iko Iko.” It takes a minute for everyone to sync up, but it’s all part of the fun — you can feel how much they’re enjoying themselves. The set really kicks into gear with “Saint of Circumstance,” followed by a gorgeous “Terrapin Station.” Out of “Drums” and “Space,” the band fires up “Gimme Some Lovin’,” then slides into a sweet “Wharf Rat,”...
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Dead Show/podcast for 3/6/26
The Deadpod
This week we return to the post-coma Dead of early 1987 - this show took place on March 3, 1987 at the Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland. I happen to think the band, and Garcia, shows a real rebound here and hope you agree. The opening 'Quinn the Eskimo' is a perfect way to elevate the crowd's mood, and Jerry does a fine job on the vocals.. it flows into a nice 'Greatest Story Ever Told ' and Jerry again hits it with a fine 'Loser'. 'Minglewood and 'Tons of Steel' are both well performed, and Bobby does some nice jamming on a fine version of 'Cassidy' The highlight of this set has to...
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Dead Show/podcast for 2/27/26
The Deadpod
This week on the Deadpod, we roll into the second set from the band’s show at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA, on February 21, 1982. The set kicks off with a lively China → Rider that flows effortlessly into a spacious Estimated Prophet. The jam here has a jazzy, relaxed vibe, with Bobby laying down some especially tasteful rhythmic textures. Eyes of the World follows — played at that brisk early-’80s tempo that might not be everyone’s favorite, but Garcia’s soaring fills more than make up for it. After Drums and Space, the band launches into a fascinating Not Fade Away, led off by a...
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Dead Show/podcast for 2/20/26
The Deadpod
Today we head back to February 1982 and the Pauley Pavilion at UCLA for a fine‑sounding tape of a very tasty Grateful Dead set. They come out of the gate with a wonderful Shakedown; Brent and Phil are all over this one, and it makes for a perfect opener. A gritty New Minglewood Blues follows, with Bobby leaning into the slide work here and again later on Little Red Rooster. Jerry is in strong voice on Friend of the Devil and a spacious Bird Song, and the set wraps up in unusual fashion with Bertha sliding straight into Man Smart (Woman Smarter) as a first‑set closer. Grateful Dead...
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Dead Show/podcast for 2/13/26
The Deadpod
Welcome to this week's Deadpod! We're diving into the second set from the Grateful Dead's homecoming performance at the Oakland Coliseum on February 26, 1990 — the middle night of their Mardi Gras run. The boys were clearly thrilled to be back in the Bay Area, and that energy radiates through this exceptional set. The pre-drums sequence is absolutely stellar: nearly 30 minutes of Scarlet > Fire flows seamlessly into a spirited Playing, which then blooms into the full Terrapin suite. It's the kind of sustained improvisation that reminds you why these songs belong together. Coming...
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Dead Show/podcast for 2/6/26
The Deadpod
As we roll into February this week's Deadpod comes from the second night of the Mardi Gras run of 1990. I think the boys are in good spirits here and we have some nice treats here in set one, with more to follow in next week's second set. Bobby opens with 'Hell In A Bucket' and you can tell how much he enjoys delivering it. Following a nice 'Peggy-O' we get another spirited Bobby number with a really good 'Walkin' Blues'. 'Ramble On Rose' always picks things up, then we get some encouragement for Phil to sing, and he obliges with a great 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues'. The somewhat...
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Dead Show/podcast for 1/30/26
The Deadpod
This week I decided to go back and pick up this second set from the band's performance back on January 16, 1970 at Springer's Inn in Portland Oregon. This recording has some issues - especially during the first two numbers - the Cumberland Blues is cut both at the start and the end, and Me & My Uncle is cut at the start. I've included both out of a love of completeness and because they still sound great. Some highlights here include a wonderful 'Dire Wolf' - with an admonition from Jerry to sing along, a fine 'Uncle John's Band' and Pigpen's 'Easy Wind'. I think you'll enjoy...
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Dead Show/podcast for 1/23/26
The Deadpod
Honoring Bob Weir 1947-2026 This week on the Deadpod I want to conclude my presentation of the Ratdog performance that took place back on November 2, 2000 in Columbia Missouri. I'll let the music speak for itself, and hope that you enjoy this recording. I was lucky enough to meet Bob and the band this evening and the show has always had a place in my heart. Fare thee well, Ace. Bob Weir & Ratdog The Blue Note, Columbia Missouri 11/2/2000 - Thursday set 2: West L.A. Fadeaway+ Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance >...
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Dead Show/podcast for 1/16/26
The Deadpod
RIP Bob Weir 1947-2026 The passing of Bob Weir this last week brought us all shock and sadness. Speaking for myself I wasn't ready for Ace to be gone, and I know it will hurt for a long time. Since there there have appeared countless tributes and appreciations for his talent, character and life. I won't try to add another one here. What I've decided on is to present to you this week a show that meant alot to me, that took place back when I was doing a Grateful Dead show on KOPN radio in Columbia Missouri. This show took place in an intimate venue called the Blue Note...
info_outlineWe head to Shakedown Street on this week's Deadpod with a fine version from Long Beach California on November 14, 1987.
A great start to this short first set, followed, somewhat unfortunately in my opinion, by 'Little Red Rooster;, but the boys more than make up for it with the rest of set including a nice 'Althea' and 'When I Paint My Masterpiece' and my personal highlight - Brent giving us a spirited 'Hey Pocky Way'
Jerry closes things with a smokin' hot 'Deal'
We will save the second set for after our Thanksgiving special next week..
Grateful Dead
Long Beach Arena
Long Beach, CA 11/14/1987 - Saturday
One
Shakedown Street [11:31]
Little Red Rooster [8:04]
Althea [6:31]
When I Paint My Masterpiece [4:10]
Hey Pocky Way [5:25]
Deal [8:10]
You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod112125.mp3
Safe travels if you are heading out next week!