The Deadpod

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...

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 s...

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 pre...

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 inte...

This week's Deadpod features the second set from June 6th, 1992, a performance that captures the Grateful Dead's late-era mix of looseness, drive, and exploratory spirit. The set opens on a joyful note with "Iko Iko," before shifting into a spacious "Estimated Prophet" that leads into a rare second-set "The Same Thing." From there, the mood turns inward with a heartfelt "He's Gone," setting up the transition into "Drums" and "Space." Out of "Space," the band launches a powerful "The Other One," bringing a darker, more intense energy before easing into "The Wheel." The closing run of "Throwing Stones" and "...

This week's Deadpod comes from a listener request, as we head to Buffalo, New York, and the Grateful Dead's performance at Rich Stadium on June 6, 1992. It's firmly in the early '90s period, with Vince Welnick on keys and the band leaning into a more polished, modern sound while still drawing on their deep songbook.

In this first set we get a very '90s opener with "Touch of Grey" into "Greatest Story Ever Told," followed by a focused "Althea" and a lively "It's All Over Now." The mood then shifts into a more acoustic‑fla...

This week's Deadpod continues our visit to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, as we present the second set from May 8, 1981. After last week's well‑played opening set, the band comes out strong here with a big "Shakedown Street" into "Samson and Delilah," then digs deep with "Terrapin Station" flowing into a wide‑open "Playin' in the Band" and on through Drums and Space. Ken Kesey even joins in on harmonica during Space and the "U.S. Blues" encore, adding a unique extra flavor to the proceedings. The home stretch features a fiery "Not Fade Away," a beau...

For this Memorial Day weekend edition of the Deadpod, we're traveling to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, for the Grateful Dead's spring tour stop on May 8, 1981. This is early‑'80s Brent Mydland era, and the band sounds sharp and energized: Jerry's in good voice, Brent's keys add color and bounce, and the rhythm section keeps everything moving with plenty of drive and nuance.

In this first installment we feature the opening set, a compact but very satisfying run that opens with "Jack Straw" and "Peggy‑O," moves through "Me and My Uncle," "Big Rive...

This week on the Deadpod, we travel to Nassau Coliseum on May 14th, 1980, for a second set that finds the Grateful Dead settling confidently into the early Brent Mydland era. The band sounds relaxed yet focused, blending that familiar late‑70s drive with a more expansive, textural approach.

The set opens with the cool, pulsing groove of "Feel Like a Stranger" and flows into a beautifully unhurried "Sugaree," then turns inward with the reflective pairing of "Lost Sailor" and "Saint of Circumstance." From there, the music loosens into space, only to coalesce again around a hea...

The Dead have a long history of great Spring performances, and 1980 was no exception. This week we go to Nassau for the May 14, 1980 show at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. This was the first night of a three‑show run, with the last two nights later compiled on the 2002 "Go To Nassau" release, leaving this opening show as the odd one out from the official catalog.

This show comes shortly after the "Go To Heaven" release, so they open with "Alabama Getaway." Jerry gives us a fine reading of "Candyman," and the arrangements on Weir's "co...

This week's Deadpod takes us back to Pasadena, California, and the Rose Palace on May 10, 1969. This is a fierce, high-energy slice of early Dead, complete with a few rough edges from the road. "Hard To Handle" and "Morning Dew" both run into technical trouble, with the band's frustration coming through loud and clear, but the real centerpiece here is the long psychedelic run from "Dark Star" into "Saint Stephen," "The Eleven," and a nearly half-hour "Turn On Your Love Light."

It's primal Dead, unpredictable and powerful, with all the danger and electricity of 1969 still crackling through the...

Saturday night in Chi-town brings us a second set that opens with the soon‑to‑be‑released "Touch of Grey," delivered in a tight, confident reading. A funky "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" follows, with Jerry and Brent locking into some lively interplay that keeps the energy high. "Terrapin Station" then unfolds and the band shows their trademark virtuosity, taking us on a vibrant, narrative‑driven ride. From there they drop into a deep, heavy Drums and Space segment—one of the real highlights of the set—before slamming into a powerful "Truckin'."

That sets up the ballad slot, and Je...

This week's Deadpod takes us to the first Midwestern stop since Garcia's coma, and it seems clear that Jerry is determined to show the fans that he is back and kicking! Following the 'Hell In A Bucket' opener, Jerry delivers a resounding 'Sugaree' with plenty of sparks and flourishes. Bobby's 'New Minglewood Blues is nicely paced - especially brimming with Brent's B3 contributions. The 'Loser' that follows however could well be the highlight of the set - the crowd is really into it and Jerry delivers a masterful reading. Brent's 'Tons of Steel' follows - Brent gives this track...

 They open with a bouncy "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" before Jerry brings out one of his more poignant ballads, "To Lay Me Down." The introspective mood continues as Bobby rolls into "Lost Sailor," but things pick up speed as he moves into "Saint of Circumstance." Drums and Space follows, slowly building momentum until Phil drops a huge bass bomb leading into "The Other One" — the jamming, psychedelic rendition here is the highlight of the set. They then drift into the haunting "Stella Blue" before "Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad" carries us toward the close, punctuated by a high-energy "Sat...

We roll into the Spring Tour of 1982 on this week's Deadpod, visiting Rochester, New York, where the boys always seemed to play a great show—and this one is no exception. They open with a jumping "Alabama Getaway" that slides into a tight "Greatest Story Ever Told." From there the feel shifts from an easy‑rolling "Dire Wolf" into a bluesy "C C Rider." The band takes flight on a soaring "Bird Song" that stretches out just enough to let you really sink into the jam. They move back into the barroom with "It's All Over Now" and a brui...

Nassau Coliseum, March 12, 1992 — and the second set is where the real action is. Bobby charges out of the gate with a muscular 'Saint of Circumstance' that rolls straight into a gorgeous 'Ship of Fools', with Vince's backing vocals elevating the whole thing. Then comes 'Corrina' — percolating along until Phil takes the wheel and steers them into a reprise of 'Playin' in the Band' from the night before, a rare thread connecting two consecutive shows. Drums and Space are worth the listen on their own tonight, before Phil drops the bass bombs that detonate into 'The Other One'. Jerry answers with...

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 t...

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 "Wh...

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...

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...

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 wi...

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 out of Spa...

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 h...

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' an...

 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...

     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 C...

This week we have some 'Good Ol'Grateful Dead' for your listening pleasure.. This comes to us from Springer's Inn in Portland Oregon on January 16, 1970. 

The opening 'Casey Jones' has a number of sound problems, but bear with it the rest of the set is quite good - especially when you consider it is 55 years old.. There are a number of highlights here - the 'Black Peter' is exceptionally soulful,  and Pig gives a great rap and jam in 'Hard To Handle'. I love the 'China Cat' as well - listen for Garcia before his second solo.. 'Good Lo...

As we turn the calendar to 2026, we present the second set from the band's performance at the Boston Music Hall on December 1, 1973. 

This is a very interesting second set, with songs that you don't always associate with that second set making an appearance.  They open with what is often a set closer - 'Around and Around' Then ease into some more traditional fare, with 'They Love Each Other' and 'Me & My Uncle' Things get interesting for me with 'Me and Bobby McGee' a favorite from the period, then 'Mississippi Half-Step' before we get to the real meat of...

 Merry Day-After-Christmas!!

For your boxing and unboxing pleasure I thought this show, from the legendary year of 1973 might be just exactly perfect.. this comes to us from the Boston Music Hall from December 1, 1973. This show took place in the middle of a three show run at this famous venue, both of which have been previously commercially released.  This is a nice long, first set, as was customary at the time, and includes some standout renditions. These include a nice first set 'China>Rider', a sweet 'Brokedown Palace' and a long and very nicely done 'Weather Report Suite'. 

This week's Deadpod brings us the second set from the band's performance in Long Beach California on December 14, 1980. 

This is a fine high-energy set, punctuated by guest appearances by Fora Purim, Airto and Matthew Kelly but full of outstanding renditions of some classic numbers. 

I am always pleasantly surprised when I get a 'Must Have Been the Roses' and really enjoy this one. This is followed by a screaming 'Estimated Prophet'. This leads into the heart of the set, a great 'Wheel' going into an amazing Drums/Space then flowing into a otherwordly 'Other One'. Th...

This week we go back 45 years to an excellent show the band played in Long Beach California on Sunday, December 14. 

They open this first set with a standard 'Bertha>Greatest Story', then 'Althea' goes into a raucous 'Little Red Rooster' this one with Matthew Kelly joining in. The 'Loser' that follows is a personal favorite.  The rest of the set is first rate as well, culminating in a most excellent 'Candyman>Looks Like Rain>Don't Ease Me In'.  

Grateful Dead
Long Beach Arena
Long Beach, CA 12/14/1980 - Sunday

Set 1:

Tuni...

This week we pick up the second set from the band's performance on November 14th, 1987 in Long Beach California. 

A strong opening finds them opening with a nice 'Maggie's Farm' into 'Cumberland Blues'.. Bobby flubs the first line of the vocals but nevertheless a great high energy start. 'Playin' In the Band' follows, while a bit short, this still contains some nice jamming. 'Terrapin Station' is very well sung and leads nicely into drums>space.  

Post Drums highlights include a heartfelt 'Stella Blue' and a wonderful closing 'LoveLight'. 

'The Mighty Quinn' was always a gr...

Happy Thanksgiving! 

As is my tradition here on the Deadpod, Thanksgiving is the time for Acoustic Dead. This year I've found two sets of fine acoustic Dead that I thought you would enjoy. The first is from July 30, 1970 at the Matrix in San Francisco and the second from earlier that year, on May 14th, in Kirkwood Missouri. 

There's only one repeat in the two sets - Candyman - but I didn't think you'd mind..  

Grateful Dead
The Matrix
San Francisco, CA
7/30/1970 - Thursday

Three - 25:26:00     

To Lay Me...

We 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 ne...

 We continue with the second set from the Uptown Theatre in Chicago on November 18, 1978. 

This one starts with a fine Scarlet>Fire, perhaps a bit shorter than some, but with some nice Garcia intensity leading into Fire. Miracle follows leading into an excellent 'He's Gone' - there's an interesting jam here unlike most you'll hear in this song. The recording really brings this one home. Instead of going right into Drums, we get Bobby and Phil leading the band into a fine 'Other One'. Once they do go into Drums, they go into a unique Ollin Arageed sp...

This week's Deadpod takes us to Chicago - to the Uptown Theater home of many fine Grateful Dead shows. This one is from Saturday, November 18, 1978. 

Our tape starts, unfortunately, with an abbreviated 'Jack Straw', but what we have shows us the energy the band came on stage with on this evening. A soulful 'Candyman' follows, then the 'Me & My Uncle>Big River' combo - marked by an exceptional Big River marked by some very nice solos by Garcia. He's just warming up however, as he follows with a great 'Sugaree' The rest of the set is equally w...

 Happy Halloween!! 

In honor of the fact that this week's Deadpod falls on Halloween, I decided to go back and find an appropriate show that the band played on this date... I think this one from 1969 is certainly worthy of a listen.. 

The show starts out with a truly nasty recording of Casey Jones - I left it in for the sake of completeness, but I hope you will stick with it as the recording greatly improves after that. There is a fair bit of hiss throughout but nevertheless this is a wonderful artifact of the...

We continue with the second set from the Grateful Dead's performance at the Moody Coliseum in Dallas Texas back on Saturday, October 15, 1977. 

The 'Samson and Delilah' opener is a great start to a fine set.. Donna follows with a nice version of 'Sunrise'. The 'Terrapin Station' that follows is not as monumental in its buildup as some but is a fine delivery by Garcia. The meat of this set comes with a very nice 'Saint Stephen' into 'Not Fade Away' into a sweet 'Stella Blue'.. the band then rolls into a rockin' 'Sugar Magnolia' to close the s...

This week we join the Dead as they play the last show of a 3 show run in Texas during October 1977. This one takes place on the campus of SMU in Dallas Texas on October 15. 

The first set opens with a spirited 'Bertha' into 'Good Lovin'. They move into a more laid back mood with 'They Love Each Other' then the 'Mama Tried' into 'Big River' ramps things bck up. A nice 'Ramble on Rose' is marred here with a nasty cut..sorry about that. The 'Peggy O' that follows 'Looks Like Rain' has some very nice vocals, a...

http://deadshow.blogspot.com

This week here on the Deadpod is a fine second set from the band's show over in London England on October 4, 1981.

I'm sure you'll agree that this is a fine performance by the boys.. Some of the highlights are a smokin' Samson and Delilah, the jam between Scarlet and Fire, and an interesting 'Lost Sailor'. Drums is notable for the 'Spanish Jam' leading into a fine 'Other One'. All this is captured in a fine recording.. 

Grateful Dead
Rainbow Theatre
London, England 10/4/1981 - Sunday

Two