The Deadpod

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!

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... '

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

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!

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!