This week we mourn the passing of the great Robert Hunter. The Grateful Dead would not have been what they were and are without his voice, his words and his wisdom. Sleep in the stars, Robert. In his honor I present this wonderful set from September 28th, 1977 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle Washington. Although the first five songs are missing from this Betty Cantor-Jackson soundboard the remainder of the show sparkles and crackles with the unique energy that the band brought to their craft...
Sep 27, 2019•2 hr 16 min
This week's Deadpod features the strong second set from the band's performance at the Boston Garden on Sunday, September 26, 1993. A strong outing from start to finish, it starts with a rockin' 'Iko' which got the place bouncing. Then a well played 'Saint of Circumstance' leads into Jerry's 'Ship of Fools'. Truckin' follows and while Weir does mess up a verse, its a fairly minor slip up in a strong pre-drums set. Drums and Space are quite long, as was common during these later years, but also co...
Sep 20, 2019•1 hr 29 min
Never miss a Sunday show! Especially on Friday the 13th :) This week I'm stepping a bit out of my comfort zone to bring you a pretty wonderful show from September 26th, 1993 at the old Boston Garden in Boston MA. This show starts with a fine 'Jack Straw' then Jerry goes right into an excellent version of 'Althea'. In fact I even find the 'Walkin' Blues' here to be above average.. 'High Time' is quite well done, with some nice contributions from Vince and Phil. 'Maggie's Farm' is quite fun with e...
Sep 13, 2019•1 hr 3 min
This week's Deadpod features a *monster* Scarlet>Fire from the second set of the band's performance on September 1st, 1979 in Rochester New York. But first, take a moment to appreciate the unusual intro from Bobby to this second set :) This Scarlet>Fire is one of those rather underappreciated jams that can stand comparison to the best of '73 or '74 Dead. Enjoy the places Garcia takes you as he weaves his magic on this ride. This one takes the entire pre-drums portion of the show. Following...
Sep 06, 2019•1 hr 22 min
Happy Labor Day weekend! This week's Deadpod takes us to New York state, up to Rochester, where the Dead played a fine outdoor show during the day of September 1st, 1979. The first set which we will hear this week, breaks from the gate with a fine 'Mississippi Half-Step' > 'Franklin's Tower' combination. This is for me the highlight of this set, almost 20 minutes long. The rest of the first set is fine, high-energy Dead, culminating in only the 2nd time that Bobby sang the 'Lost Sailor'>'S...
Aug 30, 2019•1 hr 17 min
This week we follow up last week's Deadpod with the second set from the band's performance on August 16, 197 in Telluride Colorado. I have to admit to scratching my head at this 'Push' opener, but the 'Samson and Delilah' that follows is always on point for a Sunday show :) 'He's Gone' leads into a mildly interesting Drums and Space, but the highlight for me is the quite good 'Other One' for the time period. 'Truckin' leads into 'Black Peter' and a closing 'Good Lovin'. They return for a double ...
Aug 23, 2019•1 hr 25 min
This week's Deadpod features the anniversary of a show that took place 32 years ago at Town Park in beautiful Telluride Colorado. It was the weekend of the celebrated 'Harmonic Convergence' which marked a globally synchronized mediation event as well as an exceptional alignment of planets. Needless to say it did not bring about an era of world peace or contentment. Nonetheless, the boys played an interesting show which was a request from a friend of the Deadpod who is marrying his finance there ...
Aug 16, 2019•53 min
That today marks 24 years since Jerry Garcia died, strikes me as a sobering reminder of my own mortality, of how quickly our lives pass, but also as a reminder that I was fortunate to get to see him perform and experience the magic that was in this music. Like every edition of the Deadpod, this week we again celebrate that music, this time with one of their earlier performances, when they were all young and full of boundless energy and enthusiasm. Let the music carry them, and us as we go along ...
Aug 09, 2019•1 hr 44 min
For this 'Days Between' week, on the day following what would have been Jerry Garcia's 77th Birthday, we feature a wonderful set from July 29th, 1974. The band returns following a Seastones' set and leads off with an unusual 'He's Gone'. 'Truckin' follows and while Weir screws up the lyrics, Garcia breaks out into what becomes around a 23 minute jam, in and out of a hint of 'Spoonful' then 'Nobody's Fault' and the first verse of 'The Other One'. There's a great jam out of that into the tight 'Wh...
Aug 02, 2019•1 hr 28 min
Dog days of summer? Nothing beats them like some good 'old Grateful Dead - and this somewhat overlooked classic from the summer of 1974 is sure to leave you smiling.. This comes to us from July 29th, 1974 at the Cap Center in Landover Maryland. This first set contains some of the classics, of course, as well as some surprises, like the stand alone Scarlet Begonias and the beautiful 'To Lay Me Down'. The highlight here I think, is the wonderful 'Weather Report Suite ' - Garcia is on overdrive her...
Jul 26, 2019•1 hr 19 min
'm hoping that this week's Deadpod will help keep you cool during this hot, hot weather many of us are experiencing this week. This second set starts off with a cover of the Beatles' 'Why Don't We Do It In The Road?' .. clearly a goof, or so I hope :) They get into the real show with a 'China Cat>I Know You Rider' which features some nice work by Jerry and Brent (if a bit speedy :). 'Playin' In The Band' follows with some nice jazzy interludes and flows into a nice 'Uncle John's Band'. Brent ...
Jul 19, 2019•1 hr 40 min
This week's Deadpod features a show from a great run of shows that took place during the summer of 1984 from the wonderful Greek Theater in Berkeley California. We previously played the first show of this run and now we'll feature the last. This comes from 7/15/84, and while this first set is a bit short, and Jerry is a bit low in the mix, I love the recording and love how Brent shines here. This starts with a fun 'Dancin in the Streets' into a great 'Birdsong'. 'Cumberland Blues' really soars h...
Jul 12, 2019•57 min
On this fine summer weekend we get to listen to the second set of the Dead's 4th of July appearance in Austin Texas back in 1981. The set opens hot, with a great 'Feel Like a Stranger' followed by a very nice 'Bird Song' - Jerry rips it up. A nice stretched out 'Playin' In the Band' leads into Drums and Space, and a great 'Not Fade Away' takes us into the post Drums segment of the show. 'Wharf Rat' and 'Sugar Mag' close it out, and they return for a spirited 'One More Saturday Night' where Weir ...
Jul 05, 2019•1 hr 29 min
While it is still a few days off, since this is the last Deadpod before the big 4th of July holiday I thought it appropriate to bring you a big 'ol party from that date in GD history. This one comes from Manor Downs in Austin Texas on July 4th, 1981.We'll hear the first set this week, which of course starts with 'Jack Straw'... leave it to Bobby to screw up the iconic lyrics :) It's an energetic set, Jerry has some very nice runs on Big River, Tennessee Jed is fine. Loser is always a favorite of...
Jun 28, 2019•1 hr 14 min
This week we are fortunate enough to be able to hear the second set of the band's outstanding performance on October 2nd, 1972 in Springfield MA. If you caught last week's Deadpod you know this is a fine recording and that the band is at the top of their game. While the set starts out a bit slowly I think it more than makes up for it by the time we get to GSET. The Half-Step into Stella Blue is a wonderful surprise. The 'Truckin' has a great buildup into the short but sweet 'Nobody's Fault' jam ...
Jun 21, 2019•2 hr 8 min
This one's a keeper... a birthday request from Steve, a friend of the Deadpod, this comes to us from October 2nd, 1972, from Springfield MA. This is a fine recording from one of the high water marks of the band's history. This 14 song first set consists of well-played versions of many of their standards as well as some wonderful jamming and interplay - especially on 'Bird Song', 'Black Throated Wind' and the almost 21 minute 'Playin' In the Band'. Please excuse the short introduction - just had ...
Jun 14, 2019•1 hr 53 min
Here is the second set from the Grateful Dead's performance on Wednesday, May 17, 1978 at the Uptown Theater in Chicago Illinois. I love this recording, and the performance ain't half bad either ;) espcially the Dancin' In The Streets.. The Drums/Space is unusually long for this period but it is fun and contains some unexpected moments from Phil and Donna. Terrapin and Not Fade Away in particular return to the characteristic '78 sound that was a little slower and more twangy as it were, but a pl...
Jun 07, 2019•1 hr 35 min
Here's a pretty little set to send out the month of May in style.. This one comes to us form May 17th, 1978 at the Uptown theater in Chicago Illinois. This one starts with the first ever 'Mississipi-Half Step'>'Franklin's Tower' combo, and one that showcases some really nice licks from Mr. Garcia (and I should add some very nice work from Mr. Weir as well). The next two are Bobby's - 'Me and My Uncle' into a tight 'Big River'. Lovely versions of 'It Must Have Been The Roses' and 'Looks like R...
May 31, 2019•1 hr 13 min
This week's Memorial Day weekend Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at Shoreline Amphitheater on May 12th, 1991. I'm a sucker for a Help>Slip>Frank opening and I quite enjoy this one. There are plenty of Phil bombs here and Bruce Hornsby's presence is heard here as well. Jerry is quite present throughout this set and is in relatively great voice. For a post-Brent show I think this one is quite good, and the Weight encore was a favorite of mine in this era. I hope y...
May 24, 2019•1 hr 56 min
I've been thinking it was time for a post-Brent show so I've decided on this one from Shoreline on May 12, 1991. This one has an interesting, well-played setlist, including the breakout of Dylan's "It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry". Bruce Hornsby is with the band and I always enjoyed his contributions. 'Deal' is a smokin' set closer here.. Excuse the short intro - trying to type wirh a splint on one of my fingers (trigger finger ::) Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain Vi...
May 17, 2019•56 min
There's alot to love in this week's Deadpod, and that's only appropriate for a Mother's Day weekend, I suppose. This massive second set clocks in at just under a couple hours, and it is filled with extraordinary jams, soulful vocals and wonderful ensemble execution. This comes to us from their performance in El Paso Texas, on November 23rd, 1973. This is a very fine recording of a show that I don't believe is widely shared. While it starts off well enough, things really take off following the 'T...
May 10, 2019•1 hr 47 min
Here we are in the first weekend of May - and of course that means Saturday is Derby Day! In honor of the Run for the Roses I had to bring you a set with 'The Race Is On' - and boy what a set this is.. it comes from the boys' performance on November 23rd, 1973 in El Paso Texas! There are plenty of highlights here, including a dynamite 'Jack Straw', the 'mind left body jam' between 'China Cat' and 'I Know You Rider' and the complete 'Weather Report Suite'. This is one of those shows you're going ...
May 03, 2019•1 hr 37 min
Seemed to me that I shouldn't let April slip by without something from 1978 - the band had a very good month that year, so I decided to feature their efforts on April 21st at Rupp Arena in Lexington Kentucky. Some think that this first set starts out a bit slow, personally I disagree. I love the 'Promised Land' opener. Unfortunately the 'Dire Wolf' that follows is is patched with a not-so-great audience version for the first 2:40 of the selection. While 'Mama Tried'>'Mexicali' is not rare, Ga...
Apr 26, 2019•1 hr 13 min
This week I have the pleasure of presenting the second set from the band's performance on April 23rd, 1983 at the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven Connecticut. A fine set, as most that start with a smoking Scarlet>Fire, this set features some wonderful Garcia licks, especially in Space, combined with some excellent effects from Mr. Hart. A fine recording I'm a fan of the Saint of Circumstance, even if Weir gets a bit cheezy.. The Other One Wharf Rat is excellent as always. The double encore is...
Apr 19, 2019•1 hr 55 min
This show, a special request to honor a brother who passed, comes to us from the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven Connecticut on April 23rd, 1983. I considered only playing set number two, as it exists in soundboard form, but this first set has such spirited playing that although it is an audience copy I quite enjoyed it - I hope you do as well. The 'Alabama Getaway' jumps out of the box and shows the boys mean business on this night. Jerry's licks are fast and hot and it flows naturally into the...
Apr 12, 2019•1 hr 8 min
This week it's my pleasure to bring you the second set from the band's performance on March 31st, 1989 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro North Carolina. This fine recording starts with a roaring 'Hey Pocky Way' into 'Truckin'. That one goes very nicely into 'Terrapin' which has a fine little jam at the end to take us into Drums and Space. The wishful 'I Will Take You Home' makes me miss Brett all over again. It goes into a smoking version of 'Watchtower'... it leads into the most powerful...
Apr 05, 2019•1 hr 25 min
I decided to close out March with a really fun and energetic show from the Spring of 1989. This comes to us from March 31st, 1989 at Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro North Carolina. While there are no extended jams in this week's first set, the playing throughout is exceptionally energetic and quite fun to listen to. Some of the highlights for me are the fine version of 'Peggy O', the spirited 'Me & My Uncle>Big River' and Loser. The set closing 'Standing on the Moon' had yet to develop ...
Mar 29, 2019•1 hr 1 min
Let's welcome Spring with this wonderful second set from March 26th, 1973 at the Baltimore Civic Center. Since I'm a bit under the weather this week I'll just point out a few (obvious) highlights - the jam following Truckin' including the Weather Report Suite Prelude, the wonderful Eyes , and of course Morning Dew. I hope you enjoy this one, and feel free to join the Deadpod group on Facebook and offer your suggestions for shows you'd like to hear on the Deadpod! Grateful Dead Baltimore Civic Ce...
Mar 22, 2019•2 hr 6 min
A massive Deadpod this week - warning - this one is just shy of 2 hours long! While I considered splitting it in the end I'd rather eat the extra cost and give you one of these fine shows from the Spring of 1973! This one comes to us from the Baltimore Civic Center on March 26th, 1973. There are too many songs here to cover them all - suffice it to say there are many highlights, some of my favorite moments are: 'The Race Is On' - always love hearing this one, a sweet and sticky 'Row Jimmy', 'Bro...
Mar 15, 2019•1 hr 52 min
This week's Deadpod starts out with a sweet rendition of the Elizabeth Cotton classic 'Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie' - the only electric version the Dead ever played and the last time they would ever play it. This is just one of the pleasures of the second set from the first Rex Benefit that took place back on March 28th, 1984 at the Marin Veterans Auditorium in San Rafael, California. The set proper follows, with a flat out rockin' version of 'Hell In a Bucket' (aside from Weir getting a bit lost i...
Mar 08, 2019•1 hr 34 min
