Grateful Dead

My only New Years Show. What an event. Though I know that there were other New Years that smoked this one, it is mine. We had a blast. I loved the shows being in the city. The Goodnight Irene still stands the test of time. I loved the version. Big Boss Man is also one of my favorites. Dougles

My friend Al and I really had a blast (and I chose that term before I read Dougle's comments; he's right, it was so much fun, I don't think I've ever had a better time.) The Civic had a bar, too, which, while I normally wouldn't care, a New Year's show should always have, in my humble opinion.

Another of Charlie Miller's offerings, lovely sound Looking forward to the encores with Maria and Rick Bob W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Spanish Jam

my first new years show.myself and three friends mail ordered,they all recieved ticket denial notices,what a surprise it was when i recieved all 4 tics requested.took the 3 to the shows.bill G. gave everyone sack breakfasts after show.

I use the term "attended" here liberally...I'd dropped a monster V8 into the camper pickup and decided to road test it with 3 pals and a Dead run. Guzzled half my pocket money on fuel alone on the trip up. We got up there from LA on the 29th and overnighted for the 30th show. Saw Bill Graham buzzing around out front. Pals Joe and Ralph found tickets and enjoyed the great 30th show while Mike and I heard the rumbles and rattles of the hall from my truck. I'd secured one of the last hotel rooms in the "Bay Area", which turned out to be Concorde with no Dead New Year's broadcast reception, so we went back to SF and the venue with a ghetto blaster tape recorder/receiver to get a broadcast tape. Before showtime, Mike and I were the only ones walking behind the hall a fair distance apart when a guy walked out the back door and holds up a plain white paper label with absolutely nothing on it and asks if I want one "backstage pass" for $30 bucks. Sounded unbelievable, but he DID walk out the back door. I felt kinda bad that I'd dragged Mike up here with no tix (and I'd spent most of my $ anyway), so called Mike over, he pays the dough, the guy simply walks off into the night and local neighborhood, and Mike cautiously walks up to the back door and disappears inside for hours. We could hear the rumble of the gig starting from out front, but the broadcast didn't commence until 3rd song Minglewood. The three of us stood around the blaster with other Heads. We were also joined by some noticably loopy locals including a big bearded guy who was very amazed the concert in the hall was coming out of the blaster, and some very nutty black cat who would keep rolling his eyes toward heaven and holding a sililoquy with a repeating yowl and falsetto of "Ooowwwwww! Mutha!". Finally, Maria Muldaur joined the band for Goodnight Irene, we've bagged a tape of the new songs Esau and Ashes To Ashes (Mickey sounded very gushy when interviewed moments later), and Mike comes out after "breakfast" with backstage tales of folks in various states of doo-dah, dispatch, and disrepair!

I made a major move by myself as none of my friends could figure out how to get to SF. So I snagged a ride with my brother who was going to Phoenix and then I flew to SF from there in time for the 31st without a ticket. I scored one for face of all places on the Wharf who had gotten in an argument with his girlfriend the night before and was selling her ticket. Super luck. Went to the show and though I was without immediate friends, I immediately had several new ones. This was my first New Years and it was a great time. I laughed at the fact that I had pulled it off and just got off on everything about that night. The third set was fun and breakfast was cool too. I remember walking out of there and it was really late(or early depending on how you look at it), I was still high and still smiling!

To my recollection, this was an awesome New Years Eve show. There were two things that made a big impression on me. First, The Band was playing a set before the Dead came on and during the last song or two, Jerry was off stage right boogying llike crazy. I'd never seen him dance before - obviously he was very much into The Band. Second, Goodnight Irene was incredible. This was the first time I'd heard it since listenting to a Frank Sinatra recording of it that my Mom had when I was a kid. Way cool!

Bill pops out of this globe ( huge mirrored ball) with a diaper on !!! .. Maria M. was sounding great and since my middle name is Irene ..I knew they were singing to me alone ha !SEMPER FI on the poster outside with skull and roses ! Please do random acts of kindness !

I taped this concert while listening to it where I was living on Long Island...it has my favorite "Eyes". Can anyone point me to a copy of the show

My only New Years as well. Had such a blast. Here is the full video of The Band's performance that night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXJ9HHwAmfM . Is there any video from the Dead that night? Sushi cookies!!

Just came across the video on you tube of this one.

Now the entire show is up on video in the most amazing quality

We were in the basement of my parents house listening and taping the National Broadcast of this show on the East Coast, by Drums 4am I was done. First time I ever heard Touch, the Big Boss Man, Iko, Midnight Hour, Good Night Irene is awesome. That tape was crystal clear you could hear the balloons being popped during Sugar Mags which is a rocking version

It was a great show. The San Francisco Civic was a great place to hear the Dead and no, I'll never forget!