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Dead Show/podcast for 10/16/26 Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

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 Dead's first performance of Rodney Crowell's "California Earthquake," which closes the first set.

Grateful Dead The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA 10/20/1989 - Friday

Set One

Touch Of Grey [6:19] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:10] Candyman [6:44] Picasso Moon [7:26] Just A Little Light [4:44] Tennessee Jed [8:39] Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again [8:56] Stagger Lee [5:39] The Promised Land [4:27] California Earthquake (Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On) [5:50]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod101626.mp3

Dead Show/podcast for 10/9/26 Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

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 cut off, and the reported "Johnny B. Goode" encore isn't on the tape. Nevertheless, this one earns its place in the pantheon of fine shows from the fall of 1972.

Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/9/1972 - Monday

Two

Banter (God Is Gonna Understand) [3:13] > He's Gone [11:46] Big River [4:38] Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:32] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:47] Brokedown Palace [5:53] Truckin' [11:36] > The Other One [13:33] Wharf Rat [11:16] Sugar Magnolia [8:33] Casey Jones [1:20] (incomplete, fades out)

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100926.mp3

Dead Show/podcast for 10/2/26 Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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 excellent vocals from Jerry and Bob. Phil, I guess, was warming up for "Box" when he tried to add his own contribution to "Tennessee Jed." I'm glad it didn't scare him off from bringing out "Box of Rain" later in the set.

One of several highlights here is the set-closing "Playing In The Band," which, despite being cut at the end, has some wonderful exploration.

Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/9/1972 - Monday

One The Promised Land[3:19] Deal [4:34] Me And My Uncle [3:06] Tennessee Jed [7:30] Black Throated Wind [6:48] Friend Of The Devil [3:24] Beat It On Down The Line [3:14] Loser [6:23] El Paso [2:08#] Box Of Rain [#6:24] China Cat Sunflower [7:09] > I Know You Rider [5:13] Sugaree [7:02#] Playing In The Band [20:36#]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100226.mp3

My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!

Dead Show/podcast for 9/25/26 Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

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 there's plenty of Phil after drums. For the encore they break out "Attics of My Life," its first appearance since March 1990, a gap of 112 shows.

Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York, NY 9/8/1991 - Sunday

Two Samson and Delilah Eyes of the World Saint of Circumstance > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Good Lovin'

Encore Attics of My Life

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod092526.mp3

'I'll get up and fly away... '

Dead Show/podcast for 9/18/26 Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

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 really dig the "Big River" > "Maggie's Farm" pairing, too. It's always a treat to hear them trade verses on that Dylan number.

"Row Jimmy" and "Let It Grow" round out this week's selection. I hope you enjoy this opening visit to the Garden.

Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York, NY September 8, 1991 (Sunday)

Set One Touch of Grey > Greatest Story Ever Told Loser New Minglewood Blues Candyman Big River > Maggie's Farm Row Jimmy Let It Grow

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091826.mp3

My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod

Dead Show/podcast for 9/11/26 Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

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 highlight for me.

And, of course, a "Baby Blue" encore is always a fine way to close out a great show

Grateful Dead Boise Pavilion - Boise State University Boise, ID 9/2/1983 - Friday

Two

Help On The Way [3:00] > Slipknot! [8:10] > Franklin's Tower [14:06] Estimated Prophet [13:02] > Eyes Of The World [12:23] > Jam (1) [3:11] > Drums > Space [10:06] > Throwing Stones [7:54] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad[7:54] > Black Peter [8:17] > Sugar Magnolia [8:36]

Encore It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [7:02]

Comments (1) Bob, Brent, and Drummers

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091126.mp3

My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!

Dead Show/podcast for 9/4/26 Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

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 that it makes you smile as well..

Grateful Dead Boise Pavilion - Boise State University Boise, ID 9/2/1983 - Friday

One Wang Dang Doodle [6:20] > Jack Straw [5:23] ; They Love Each Other [7:38] ; Mama Tried [2:43] > Big River [6:00] ; Brown Eyed Women [5:28] ; New Minglewood Blues [7:39] ; Big Railroad Blues [7:12] ; Looks Like Rain [10:26] > Deal [9:27]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090426.mp3

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Dead Show/podcast for 8/28/26 Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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 Women [5:02] Mexicali Blues [3:34] Truckin' [9:56] > Drums [2:24] > The Other One [29:56] > Stella Blue [8#;50] El Paso [4:42] Ramble On Rose [6:16] Not Fade Away [6:01] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [5:51] > Hey Bo Diddley [4:09] > Not Fade Away

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082826.mp3 My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod

Dead Show/podcast for 8/21/26 Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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 couple of small cuts, but I don't think they'll affect your enjoyment. There are some notable excursions here — a first-set "Playin' in the Band" and "He's Gone," as well as a beautiful "Bird Song." I trust you'll find the entire set worth your time.

Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 8/22/1972 - Tuesday

One

Bertha [#5:11] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:51] Loser [6:40] Black Throated Wind [%6:27] Bird Song [9:57] Beat It On Down The Line [3:03] Tennessee Jed [06:37] Me And My Uncle [3:13] Friend Of The Devil [3:35] Playin' In The Band [15:%41] He's Gone [8:30] Promised Land [2:47]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082126.mp3

Enjoy these 'dog days' of August, soon enough we'll have 'snow and rain'....

Dead Show/podcast for 8/14/26 Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

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 all‑Weir vocal segment brings a different flavor, highlighted by a lovely Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad into a rare non‑encore Johnny B. Goode. Jerry closes the night with a tender Baby Blue encore that feels very much of a piece with the mood of the set.

Grateful Dead St. Paul Civic Center Arena St. Paul, MN 8/6/1982 - Friday Two Scarlet Begonias [13:16] > Fire On The Mountain [11:23] ; Lost Sailor [7:13] > Saint Of Circumstance [7:21] > Space [4:04] > Drums > Space [11:51] > Truckin' [7:13] > Wharf Rat [9:31] > Around And Around [4:15] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [8:34] > Johnny B. Goode [4:04] Encore It's All Over Now, Baby Blue/pre> You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081426.mp3

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