The Deadpod

Hard to believe its been 18 years since we lost Jerry...and since this week's Deadpod falls on that sad anniversary I felt that this week's show should commemorate that loss perhaps more than most do. One thing that unites us all as Deadheads is the fact that we all feel that loss.. I decided to bring you a show from the summer of 1995, not to depress you or to point out how far Jerry had slipped by then (although it can't be denied) but becuase it still contains huge moments of genius and insight into who he was and who we are and were. This one comes from the Shoreline Ampitheater on June 2nd, 1995. I'm only going to play the second set, for that contains some truly amazing moments (as well as a few sad ones)... but there was still some of that magic there that has kept us together all these years. This second set starts out with a fine version of New Speedway Boogie, a great opener.. then Jerry goes into his cover of  McCartney's 'That Would Be Something' and this is a fine version of that. Way To Go Home and Saint of Circumstance follow.. then the band goes into 'He's Gone'.. not one of Jerry's finest versions as his playing is a bit aimless to say the least.  As the band goes into Drums however one of those magical moments that could only happen at at Dead show took place as the Dali Lama's own choir, the Gyuto Monks, appeared to chant for the crowd. After the Monks finish, the band does a pretty interesting space, then Weir leads them out with 'Easy Answers'. What follows is for me the highlight of this set, one of the better versions of  'Standing on the Moon' that you will hear... Jerry seems to really pour out his soul on this one.. and how better to remember him today than in listening to those lines from this song...  The boys close the second set as they did so often with Chuck Berry's Around and Around, but return for a fun 'Lucy In The Skies With Diamonds' encore..  Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mt. View, CA (Friday 6/2/95) set 2 New Speedway Boogie That Would Be Something Way to go Home Saint of Circumstance He's Gone -> Drums -> Chanting by the Gyuto Monks -> Space -> Easy Answers Standing on the Moon Around & Around E: Lucy in the Sky You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080913.mp3 The Music has Never Stopped, indeed.. thank  you all for your support that has enabled me to continue this project for so many years, and I hope, for many to come.....  I think back to the many times I was at a show and just stopped and looked around and wondered at the magic I was in the presence of, and know that that magic is what has kept the Deadpod going for so long too.. thanks my sisters and brothers! 

This week's Deadpod features some really unique music from the summer of 1976.. this one comes from the famous run at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco, from July 16th, 1976.. We only have the 2nd set of this show in soundboard quality so that is what I'm going to present.. I think you'll agree that this is a fine example of the more exploratory side of the band that was unfolding after the hiatus of '75 and before the signature sound of 1977.. The entire run is quite worth exploring, and many would argue that the next night, with its magnificent 'Comes A Time' would be a better choice, but we'll keep that in our pocket for a future Deadpod.. This second set has some really unique music, I'm very fond of the Playin'>Jam>Cosmic Charlie.. wowza! and what a set list... not only does Samson follow that, but another great 'Spanish' Jam.. then the Playin' reprise following the Wheel.. just when you think the surprises are surely over.. we get a GREAT 'High Time'.. some folks don't care for this more jazzy or improvisational side of the band, but after its been a bit since I've heard any I am refreshed when I hear it.. I hope you find it so as well..  Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, CA (7/16/76) set 2 Playin' in the Band-> Stronger Than Dirt jam-> Cosmic Charlie-> Samson and Delilah-> Spanish Jam-> drums-> The Wheel-> Jam-> Playin' in the Band reprise-> Around and Around High Time Sugar Magnolia E: U.S. Blues You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072613.mp3 The Deadpod is only possible through the generosity of its listeners. My sincere thanks to those of you who have contributed to keep the show on the air. Please stay in touch if there is anything I can do to make it better!

Ah summer.. in the midst of its heat and humidity its wise for us to sit back and breath it in.. and savor it for passes like dew.. this week's Deadpod is of course the second set of a show that seems to me to embody the kind of setlist that a summer GD show should have.. lyrics that speak of starlight and songs that twinkle and sparkle like the summer night sky. Crazy Fingers.. Uncle John's Band.. Terrapin.. and of course Morning Dew.. even the Quinn the Eskimo reminds me of warm summer shows outdoors watching the boys .. I hope you've been lucky enough to see Furthur this year.. for all of us we have the chance to savor this recording and close our eyes and remember warm summer nights and the music that could take us along with those breezes..  Grateful Dead Oxford Plains Speedway (7/2/88) Crazy Fingers Playin' in the Band Uncle John's Band Terrapin Station drums The Wheel Gimme Some Lovin' All Along the Watchtower Morning Dew Sugar Magnolia Quinn the Eskimo You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071913.mp3 Thank you for listening, and for your support... which I rely on to be able to bring you the Deadpod..  peace.

Here's a show that several folks have requested recently..and since it recently marked its 25th anniversary I thought it would be a great time to feature it on the Deadpod. This comes to us from July 2nd, 1988, from the Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford Maine.. I wasn't there but all accounts of this weekend seem to suggest it was a blast.. its a fun show and you can certainly tell that Jerry and the band were having a good time during this well played first set. The Iko Iko starts out hot and gets everyone on their feet, the Jack Straw is a great early July choice of course and the Row Jimmy is a favorite of mine in this first set as well. Foolish Heart was a great closer and I think you'll enjoy the second set that is coming up next week as well.. just be careful on the volume on both these sets or Phil will blow out a speaker!  Oxford Plains Speedway (7/2/88) Iko Iko Jack Straw West L.A. Fadeaway Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again Row Jimmy Blow Away Victim or the Crime Foolish Heart You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071213.mp3 My most sincere thanks to those of you able to contribute to the Deadpod.. Your contributions keep the mother rolling......... thank you!!

Happy 4th of July weekend everyone! I do hope you had a great holiday, and I hope this second set from 6/22/73 helps make the rest of your holiday weekend even better! This is really a fine set, and as fine an example of the Dead improvisational skills as any of their shows. While this is almost a complete show in itself, this 2 hour second set features both more straight ahead songs as well as some real cosmic explorations, especially by Garcia and Lesh in the post -Truckin' jam.  The show starts with one of, if not the finest 'Here Comes Sunshines' that you're likely to hear.. Black Peter and Big Railroad Blues are particular favorites of mine here in this first 'part' of set 2.. Once we hit the jam out of He's Gone and into Truckin' we move into  full bore jazz like improvisation... sit back and enjoy as the band takes us on a great journey here through The Other One, then into a fine Wharf Rat.. The Sugar Magnolia is a natural closer, but the boys go on to end the set with a nice Casey Jones then come out for a signature 'Johnny B. Goode' encore. Whew....  Grateful Dead P.N.E, Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, XCAN (6/22/73) Here Comes Sunshine Promised Land Brown Eyed Women El Paso Black Peter Greatest Story Ever Told Big Railroad Blues He's Gone Truckin' Nobody's Jam The Other One Wharf Rat Sugar Magnolla Casey Jones Johnny B. Goode You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod070513.mp3 My thanks for listening .. and for your support. The Deadpod is only possible because of the kind support of our friends and listeners. I appreciate your consideration and your kindness..  See you back here next week.. 

Here is a show that is on many folks' Desert Island list of shows they absolutely must have.. its from 40 years ago, back on June 22nd, 1973 at PNE Coliseum in Vancouver British Columbia.. This is clearly one of the classics from that great year, and I was surprised when I realized I hadn't featured this on the Deadpod before.. even thought this is the last Deadpod before July 4th, I think a great version of Jack Straw like the one in this first set quite fits the patriotic theme, even if the show was played in Canada ;)  Now there are rough patches here an there... the Bertha starts out with a pretty rough audience patch.. but have patience... it will be generously rewarded with a show that is very fine sounding and features some of the band's best ensemble playing of that glorious year.. In this first set the highlights for me include a beautiful jammed out Bird Song, Row Jimmy and the aforesaid mentioned Jack Straw, a GREAT China->Rider.. and a beautiful Playin' In The Band..  the thing is, the second set just gets better.. but you'll have to wait till next week for that one........ ;)  Grateful Dead P.N.E, Coliseum, Vancouver, BC, XCAN (6/22/73) Bertha Beat it on Down the Line Deal Mexicali Blues Box of Rain Bird Song The Race Is On Sugaree Looks Like Rain Row Jimmy Jack Straw China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Big River Tennessee Jed Playing in the Band You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod062813.mp3 I hope you have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July!!! My most sincere thanks to those of you whose kind contributions make the Deadpod possible.. thank you so very much!

The second set from Giants Stadium, E. Rutherford NJ, on June 17th, 1991 was one of the best played sets of that year. I think you'll agree that the Saint of Circumstance through Drums the band is tightly wound and playing and listening well to each other. Hornsby continues to scatter the Dark Star theme throughout the set, culminating in a flatout Dark Star Jam after Ship of Fools, (the first since June of 1974!).. The Truckin' that follows is very uptempo and moving and goes into perhaps one of the best 'New Speedway Boogies' you'll find in any performance. This leads into a Uncle John's Band.. full and well played, but he band goes back for more exploration.. into a very nice jam with an Other One tease, then back into the Dark Star Theme again... here pay particular attention to the nuances of Garcia's playing.. the boys are definitely in a fabulous place as they move slowly into Drums and Space... The China Doll that follows is just about perfect.. The boys move into a nice Playin' In the Band and an always uptempo 'Sugar Magnolia' to close the set.. The encore of  'The Weight' brings it all back home and I can't imagine leaving this show unhappy....  Grateful Dead 6/17/91 Giants Stadium E. Rutherford NJ set 2: Tuning Jam -> Saint Of Circumstance ->  Ship Of Fools ->  Dark Star Jam ->  Truckin' ->  New Speedway Boogie ->  Uncle John's Band ->  Dark Star Jam -> Drums -> Space -> China Doll -> Playing In The Band -> Sugar Magnolia Encore: Tuning The Weight  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod062113.mp3 Thank you for your support of the Deadpod - I depend on you to be able to continue this project of love..  Enjoy your summer my friends! 

This week's Deadpod has been a often requested show for some time.. I think I hesitated in putting it on the Deadpod because it was such a well-known show, and it had been broadcast back in the day on TV. Still its probably one of the finest shows of 1991, and since its anniversary was coming up, I decided it would be a great time to break it out here on the Deadpod.  This show occurred back on June 17th, 1991 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford NJ. They blow out of the gate with a spot on Eyes of the World.. I really loved seeing this on TV as you could tell how much Jerry and Bruce were enjoying the interplay on this song, and you can clearly hear it in their playing. This is only the first first-set Eyes of the World since 1975... they follow with a very good Walkin' Blues, then a very good Brown-Eyed Women, with a fine Hornsby lead in it.. what follows is quite unusual, as Jerry breaks out the Dark Star motif, which the band picks up on, and while they don't actually play Dark Star (until set 2) the thematic is present throughout the night, and adds another element of excitement to the already interesting playing.. Weir follows with a Masterpiece, then we get a fun Loose Lucy.. Cassidy and a rockin' Might As Well close out set 1.. We'll listen to set 2 next week..  Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (6/17/91) Eyes of the World Walkin' Blues Brown Eyed Women Masterpiece Loose Lucy Cassidy Might as Well You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod061513.mp3 Thank you so much for your support of the Deadpod! I could not do it without your help.. :)

This week I decided to feature a nice counterpoint to last week's show so naturally I turned my attention to an earlier era of Grateful Dead... 1970 has always been a favorite year, the band had grown and matured into a tight cohesive whole and the performances still contained plenty of vigor and raw energy.. That energy is readily apparent in this week's performance. This tape, unfortunately is only part of the performance from this date, but its a very nice sounding fragment and well worth our while It starts with the very end of Sugar Mag, but then goes into one of the years better Dark Star's.. quite exploratory and spacey.. The Saint Stephen that follows is played perfectly.. a wonderful rendition I think.. a raucous Not Fade Away must have gotten everyone up after that, but what follows is the highlight of the show for me, a unique jam that flows into and out of several well known melodies, Darkness, Darkness, and China Cat among others.. the boys then revisit the Not Fade Away before Pigpen puts on one of his unique renditions of 'Lovelight'... he must have really been enjoying himself on this night and goes out into the audience for some participation! He does drop the F-bomb on this one and Bobby repeats it in a classic GD moment... Grateful Dead Fillmore East New York, NY 9/19/70 - Saturday Sugar Magnolia (cuts in ) Dark Star > [00:25:24] Saint Stephen > [00:06:18] Drums > [00:00:36] Not Fade Away > [00:04:46] Darkness Jam > [00:00:53] China Cat Sunflower Jam > [00:00:40] Jam > [00:00:42] Not Fade Away > [00:01:48] Turn On Your Lovelight ; [00:20:22] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod060713.mp3 The Deadpod relies upon your support to continue publishing. If you can contribute to the Deadpod I offer you my most sincere thanks.  Have a great week my friends! 

This week's Deadpod comes as the result of a request from a great supporter of the Deadpod.. for many folks the only show or shows they were able to see happened late in the band's tenure. This show takes place in the Fall of 1993... while I find most shows from '93 pretty uninteresting, I do think the second set from this show offers plenty for us to chew on, so I'm going to play just that second set this week on the Deadpod. This took place, as so many great shows did, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia on Monday, September 13th, 1993.. The Scarlet Begonias is particularly bouncy and you can hear the 'lightning bolt' guitar that Jerry played at this show as it allowed him to switch tones very easily.. The Playin' In the Band is nice and spacey.. and while it goes into a not entirely satisfying and short Dark Star, the fact that Jerry leads the band out of that into a long and beautiful Terrapin is reason enough to give them a pass on it.. The Space that follows allows us to recognize the 'Tubular Bells' theme that Vince introduces and that makes the jam quite interesting. Easy Answers is not everyone's cup of tea, but Bobby's leads throughout the show are consistently interesting (and we are able to hear them!) .. The Days Between that follows is a song that you either love or hate.. Jerry does a pretty decent job on the lyrics on this one... The show ends with a Good Lovin' then the get-out-of-Dodge 'I Fought the Law' encore..  Still an enjoyable excursion into late-era Grateful Dead. I hope you find it entertaining!  Grateful Dead, The Spectrum, Philadelphia PA 9/13/93 set 2 Scarlet Begonias -> Fire on the Mountain -> Playing in the Band -> Dark Star -> Terrapin Station -> Drums -> Space -> Easy Answers -> Days Between -> Good Lovin' I Fought the Law You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod053113.mp3 The Deadpod exists due to the kind financial support of its' listeners. Thank you my friends for allowing me to continue to publish it..

Welcome to Summer! Yes Memorial Day weekend is the 'unoffical' start of summer, and while it is still feeling like early spring at times here, hopefully this smokin' hot set of live Dead from May of 1977 will put  you in the mood for some fine Summertime relaxing.. This second set from T uscaloosa Alabama features a remarkable Terrapin Station and a great Playin' sandwich.. It's really a strong show through and through, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Memorial Coliseum (U of Alabama), Tuscaloosa, AL (5/17/77) set 2 Samson and Delilah Bertha Good Lovin' Brown Eyed Women Estimated Prophet Terrapin Station Playin' in the Band drums Wharf Rat Playin' in the Band Sugar Magnolia You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod052413.mp3 Without the kind support of my listeners the Deadpod would not be possible. Thank you for your donation! Have a safe and happy Holiday! PS - happy 30th Birthday to David C... :)

During May of each year, I always try to pay recognition to the superlative run of shows the band played during May of 1977. This year as most of you probably know, the organization has finally decided to release a box set of some of these shows.. While I do not generally play shows that have been officially released, I've decided to feature one of these shows that is going to be released this week. For the true collector, this won't dissuade them from purchasing what looks like a beautiful collection. For those of us who can't afford the price tag, it gives you another opportunity to listen to what is clearly one of the high water marks in the history of the Grateful Dead.  This show comes from May 17th, 1977, and was performed in Tuscaloosa Alabama.. I think its a fine example of the virtuosity of the period. Certainly the band played a smooth, flowing style that nevertheless expressed the power of the genre flawlessly. It was certainly different than what came before and what came after.. but that what makes this process worthwhile.  Memorial Coliseum (U of Alabama), Tuscaloosa, AL (5/17/77) New Minglewood Blues Mississippi Half-Step El Paso They Love Each Other Jack Straw Jack-a-Roe Looks Like Rain Tennessee Jed Passenger High Time Big River Sunrise Scarlet Begonias Fire on the Mountain You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod051713.mp3 The Deadpod is only possible through your generous support. My most sincere thanks to those of you who contribute and allow this effort to continue.

This week we get to hear set 2 of this fine show from May 5th, 1990 at Cal State, Dominguez Hills California. This is a fine second set and starts off with a rockin' Truckin to get things rolling. The Playin'->Uncle John's Band leads into a strange and wonderful Space and Drumz. The polst-drums highlight is probably the Dear Mr.Fantasy which leads into a nice Goin' Down the Road.. The Around and Around which closes the set is fun as well.. listen to the end of it where its obvious the boys are having a good time..  Cal State Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA (5/5/90) set 2 Truckin' Crazy Fingers Playin' in the Band Uncle John's Band drums Space I Need a Miracle Dear Mr. Fantasy Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad Around and Around Touch of Grey You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod051013.mp3 My sincere thanks to those of you whose contributions keep the Deadpod rollin'  I could not publish the show each week without your help.  Have a fine week my friends! 

Oh the glorious month of May! I'm sure its one of everyone's favorite times of the year, and of course one of the great traditions in the first weekend of May is the Kentucky Derby.. this week's Deadpod features a show that paid tribute, as the band often did, to that grand event, by playing the late George Jones' "The Race Is On".. and a fine version it is .. I really felt I needed to play it this year especially in light of the recent passing of George Jones, a true country treasure. This show however is far from a one-trick pony... it features a first set  "Help->Slip->Franklin's' A fine Loser, and even a Loose Lucy! I think the One More Saturday Night that closes set one is a treat too, and a chance for me to send out my wishes to Bobby for a very speedy recovery..  I'm hoping you have a fine Spring weekend - (no snow!) and that you enjoy this week's Deadpod as much as I do..  Cal State Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA (5/5/90) Good Time Blues The Race is On Help on the Way Slipknot! Franklin's Tower Queen Jane Approximately Loser Me and My Uncle Mexicali Blues Loose Lucy One More Saturday Night You can listen to the Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod050313.mp3 The Deadpod can use your support - if you can contribute to the Deadpod I very much appreciate it!  If you have or know of someone who owns a business who'd like to sponsor the Deadpod I'd love it if you could ask them to contact me..  Thanks my friends! 

This week's Deadpod features set 2 from 4/27/85 - the Frost Ampitheater at Stanford University.. This is a fine set, and as it opens with a Scarlet Begonias, we can imagine the delight when Jerry leads the band not into Fire on the Mountain but rather into a sweet version of Eyes of the World.. This duo is such a sweet combo that it alone would justify rating the show highly but the band turns on a dime into a Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad that in turn is also very well executed. Of course this is an 85 show, and Jerry's voice is a little rough at times.. However I enjoy the rest of the set as well, in particular the Phil bombs in the rather abbreviated Other One and the Black Peter.. Hey its even been long enough that I don't cringe nearly as much in hearing a 'Day Job' encore ;) Frost Amphitheater (Stanford U), Palo Alto, CA (4/27/85) set 2 Scarlet Begonias Eyes of the World Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad Man Smart/Woman Smarter drums The Wheel Truckin' The Other One Black Peter Around and Around One More Saturday Night Day Job You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod042613.mp3 As we leave April behind I'm wishing more sunny skies and Spring weather for everyone!! My thanks for listening and for your support!! If you can contribute, I'd really appreciate it...