Dead Show/podcast for 10/16/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 10/9/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 10/2/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 9/25/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 9/18/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 9/11/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 9/4/26
The Deadpod
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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 8/28/26
The Deadpod
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. Two Brown Eyed...
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Dead Show/podcast for 8/21/26
The Deadpod
This week on the Deadpod we have one of the fine shows the band played in late August 1972 at the Berkeley Community 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...
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Dead Show/podcast for 8/14/26
The Deadpod
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...
info_outlineThis 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