The Deadpod

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Dead Show/podcast for 8/7/26 Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

This week, as we approach the end of the "Days Between," I thought this recording—emblematic of what I think of as the Dead's 'third' period—would be a fitting choice as we remember Jerry.

This one comes to us from St. Paul, MN, on August 6, 1982. It's an energetic show with a tight ensemble throughout. Jerry is playing at a high level, and Brent, along with the rest of the band, is right there with him.

There's a lot to like here, but one of the highlights for me is the 10+ minute "Bird Song," which flows nicely into "El Paso." I'm also partial to the "Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication," where Garcia adds some particularly nice color in his solos. It's a solid first set, and I think you'll enjoy it.

There are a few audience patches, but they don't detract much from the overall experience.

Grateful Dead St. Paul Civic Center Arena St. Paul, MN 8/6/1982 - Friday

One

Bertha > New Minglewood Blues ; Candyman > Little Red Rooster ; Bird Song > El Paso ; Tennessee Jed ; It's All Over Now ; Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication ; Might As Well

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080726.mp3

"Tell me all that you know, I'll show you... snow and rain"

Dead Show/podcast for 7/31/26 Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

This week on the Deadpod we head back to the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco for a superb show from August 3, 1969. This is the kind of set that reminds us just how quickly the Grateful Dead were evolving in that remarkable year, moving from the raw energy of their early material into the open-ended exploration that would define so much of what followed. The set opens with a fine run of songs including "Hard To Handle," "Beat It On Down The Line," "Hi-Heel Sneakers," "High Time," and "Mama Tried." From there the show opens up beautifully with a long and searching "Dark Star," followed by the powerful sequence of "Alligator," "Drums," "The Other One," and "Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)," before closing with "And We Bid You Goodnight." There are two guest artists - an unknown sax player and David LaFlame from 'It's A Beautiful Day', and they add a rich extra dimension to the sound that I really dig. There's a lot to enjoy here: the contrast between the concise song-based first half and the expanded improvisational stretch that follows, the relaxed confidence of the band, and the sense that they are really finding their collective voice in real time. It's a strong late-summer 1969 performance and a great listen for anyone who loves this transitional era of the Dead.

Grateful Dead Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, CA 8/3/1969 - Sunday Hard To Handle Beat It On Down The Line Hi-Heel Sneakers High Time Mama Tried Dark Star Alligator > Drums > The Other One > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > And We Bid You Goodnight

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod073126.mp3

Enjoy!

Dead Show/podcast for 7/24/26 Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

This week on Deadpod we're back at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco for the second set from 7/12/76, a show that has that special midsummer 1976 feel I've always loved: relaxed, open, and full of musical space, but with plenty of spark still in the band's step.

The set gets underway with a very nice "Sugaree," followed by a spirited "Samson And Delilah," and then we move into one of the great touchstones of the era — "Help On The Way" > "Slipknot!" > "Franklin's Tower," played here with real assurance and flow. From there the band keeps the momentum going with a lively "Dancing In The Street," and then settles into the deep emotional current of "Wharf Rat." After that comes "Drums," and then a wonderfully expansive "The Wheel" that helps push the set into its final stretch. "Around And Around" closes things out with some good old-fashioned punch, and "U.S. Blues" brings us home in the encore with just the right amount of swagger. It's a set that really shows what was happening with the Dead in 1976: the band had found a new balance, and they were making music with patience, depth, and a real sense of possibility. I hope you enjoy it.

Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA 7/12/1976 - Monday

Two Sugaree [10:53] % Samson And Delilah [6:46] % Help On The Way [4:32] > Slipknot! [7:44] > Franklin's Tower [14:11] Dancing In The Street [11:26] Wharf Rat [12:24] > Drums [4:41] > The Wheel [4:47] > Around And Around [7:07]

Encore U.S. Blues [7:20]

Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA 7/12/1976 - Monday

Encore U.S. Blues [7:20]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072426.mp3 "summertime done, come and gone my oh my"

Dead Show/podcast for 7/12/76 Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

This 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

Dead Show/podcast for 7/10/26 Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

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 Jerry is absolutely sizzling on it. 'Drums' and 'Space' come next and lead nicely into a heartfelt 'Wheel'. Things ramp up with 'Gimme Some Lovin', again punctuated by great contributions from Brent. A soulful 'Stella Blue' follows, and the crowd falls completely silent, hanging on every verse. The band closes with 'Sugar Mag', then, appropriately, returns with a raucous 'U.S. Blues' encore.

Grateful Dead Sandstone Amphitheatre Bonner Springs, KS 7/4/1990 - Wednesday Two Victim Or The Crime > Foolish Heart > Just A Little Light > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Gimme Some Lovin' > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia Encore U.S. Blues

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071026.mp3

Stay strong my friends and thank you for your kind support. 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 Jerry is absolutely sizzling on it. 'Drums' and 'Space' come next and lead nicely into a heartfelt 'Wheel'. Things ramp up with 'Gimme Some Lovin', again punctuated by great contributions from Brent. A soulful 'Stella Blue' follows, and the crowd falls completely silent, hanging on every verse. The band closes with 'Sugar Mag', then, appropriately, returns with a raucous 'U.S. Blues' encore.

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071026.mp3

Stay strong my friends and thank you for your kind support.

Dead Show/podcast for 7/3/90 Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

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 sun shining directly on them, Jerry in shorts and all—but there are some great highlights, starting with the ironically appropriate opener, "Cold Rain & Snow." Other standouts include a fine "Half‑Step," a rare "Loose Lucy," and a strong "Loser." And for the setlist nerds among us, it's worth noting that all of Bob's tunes in this first set are covers, from Son House to Dylan to Chuck Berry.

Even with the band and crowd baking in that relentless Kansas sun, there's an energy and focus in this first set that still comes through on the tape. You can hear the band leaning into the songs rather than stretching out, but that only seems to sharpen the edges on "Cold Rain & Snow" and "Half‑Step," and give "Loose Lucy" and "Loser" a little extra punch. I hope you enjoy revisiting this hot, short, and very sweet first set with me this week—and that you'll be back next time when we pick things up after dark for the second set, where "Victim," "Foolish Heart," and a big "Scarlet → Fire" really show what Summer '90 could do.

Grateful Dead Sandstone Amphitheatre Bonner Springs, KS 7/4/1990 - Wednesday One Cold Rain & Snow > Walkin' Blues Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo Queen Jane Approximately Loose Lucy It's All Over Now Loser The Promised Land

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod070326.mp3

I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!

stay hydrated!

Dead Show/podcast for 6/26/26 Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

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 presence of Ken Kesey and the Thunder machine had something to do with that? "Drums" and a concise "Space" serve as a bridge into the closing sequence, where a driving "Not Fade Away" builds into "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad" and a high-energy "Around and Around." The set is capped by a pair of encores—"U.S. Blues" and "Sugar Magnolia"—that bring the performance to an upbeat conclusion. Overall, this is a well-paced and cohesive second set, offering both strong song performances and a satisfying improvisational arc. As always, I hope you enjoy the listen.

Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 6/4/1978 - Sunday Two Samson And Delilah [6:34] Ship Of Fools [6:57] Estimated Prophet [10:40] > Eyes Of The World [10:16] > Drums [10:#16] > Space (1) [4:21] > Not Fade Away [8:04] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [6:29] > Around And Around [7:27] Encores U.S. Blues [5:09] Sugar Magnolia [7:51]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod062626.mp3

As always thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod!

Dead Show/podcast for 6/19/26 Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

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 interesting moment. The whole set is strong, but highlights for me include a particularly expressive "Looks Like Rain" and, of course, a very satisfying "Tennessee Jed." Things nearly get out of hand on the closing "Jack Straw," which makes for a fun finish.

Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 6/4/1978 - Sunday

One Bertha [7:01] > Good Lovin' [6:21] Dire Wolf [3:21] Me And My Uncle [3:04] > Big River [6:03] Brown Eyed Women [5:02] Looks Like Rain [7:35] Tennessee Jed [8:20] Jack Straw [5:21]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod061926.mp3

We'll play the second set next week. For now, I hope you enjoy this fine show from June of 1978. My thanks, as always, for your kind support.

Dead Show/podcast for 6/12/26 Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

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 "One More Saturday Night" delivers the expected early-'90s punch. The encore pairing of "Baba O'Riley" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" is a highlight, underscoring the band's willingness in this period to reinterpret classic rock and psychedelic touchstones in their own voice. It's a well-paced, engaging second set that offers a rewarding snapshot of the Dead in 1992.

Grateful Dead Rich Stadium Orchard Park, NY 6/6/1992 - Saturday Two Iko Iko ; Estimated Prophet > The Same Thing > He's Gone > Drums > Space > The Other One > The Wheel > Throwing Stones > One More Saturday Night Encore Baba O'Riley > Tomorrow Never Knows

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod061226.mp3

As always my sincere thanks for your kind support..

Dead Show/podcast for 6/5/26 Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

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‑flavored stretch with "Friend of the Devil" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece," before the set closes out with a sing‑along "Ramble On Rose" and a "Let It Grow" that brings some welcome late‑set energy and improvisation. This week we'll feature that opening set; we'll return to Buffalo next week for the second set and its high‑energy closing stretch. I hope you enjoy this listener‑selected trip back to June 6, 1992 in Buffalo.

Grateful Dead Rich Stadium Orchard Park, NY 6/6/1992 - Saturday One Touch Of Grey Greatest Story Ever Told Althea It's All Over Now Friend Of The Devil When I Paint My Masterpiece Ramble On Rose Let It Grow

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod060526.mp3

My thanks for your kind support!

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