Grateful Dead

Back to the NYE shows.
NYE shows I went to; 12/31/81, 12/31/84, 12/31/86, 12/31/88,12/31/89, 12/31/90 . Of the six official New Years Eve shows I attended I also went to the complete run each of those December’s. Throw in (almost) NYE Grateful Dead, 12/31/75- Jerry Garcia w/ Nicky Hopkins, 1/2/70, 12/29,30/77.
Most other New Years Eves I’ve experienced seem tame.

Aptly titled documentary for the Closing of Winterland.

Even after I've listened to it hundreds of times, 12/31/78 can conjure the magic.
It was fun to go there again.

The Return of Dark Star.
In my early days of collecting GD music, this tape above all others had a real mystique to it.
Let's remember in '87 there was no internet, the first Deadbase had just come out if you knew of such things (I didn't), Unless you were connected Dead tapes were hard to find (we weren't).
And so this Tape with Dark Star from 1978 was crucial.
I had the '84 Dark Star, I'm not sure about the '81 and was unaware of the 2 from '79. And 1989 hadn't happened.
So within that context.
This show was proof, to me anyway, that magic could still happen.
It epitomized the idea that you never knew what you might get at a Dead show.
And it made me wonder, what other tapes like this are out there?!?!

Well Thirty-three years later, there's a lot of tapes out there. But not a lot of other tapes like this out there.
It's a special night for sure.
And that's just one memory. I'm sure there are a million about this show.

Dick Latvala would say it was the greatest night of his life.
The only regret had about the DVD release by Jeffrey Norman & David Lemieux was that Dick wasn't alive to see it and deadicated the release to him.

What an amazing show and time.

Super glad that I watched Set 3. Seeing the band (Jerry in particular) rock like that, smiling and having a good old time.
Priceless.
And the Extras were calling me.
I found my Bill Graham's favorite moments interviews.
Both Parish & Bob tell great stories about the 12/31/72 NYE at Winterland and the guy on the rope / wire.
And then Scoop Nisker interviews Bill Graham and he tells the story too and says it's his favorite memory of the place.
Great Stuff.

Also, I learned something new. I always wondered who those two guys were interviewing Bob, Mickey and then Kesey.
They're just so awkward, I would watch and be like.. who are these guys?!?!
Well now I know, they're KSAN DJs Glenn Lambert (wrote the liner notes for Cow Palace '76 & '78) and Norm Winer.

Alright.. By the next NYE the band has a new sound and a new member and we're heading into a new era.
The Brent era.

And for many of us here it's going to be a good one.

Strider... let's hear a Joan Baez story!
And I second the notion of having listened to more Grateful Dead this year than ever before.
I didn't think it was possible. But it is and I've been doing it.

1981 NYE let's do this.
(And for you warriors, sit through that Joan Baez set ;)

This past year I listened to basically the same amount of live GD recordings as I have in the past 20-25 years. That’s because live GD is about the only thing I listen to, ~99% GD, the remainder being Jerry bands, then everyone else.
The difference over all the years being an increase in the sound quality of the unofficial releases (cassettes > CD-R’s > torrents, with Miller upgrades along the way), and an ever growing quantity of official releases. There’s a lot out there to keep us busy. I wouldn’t want to have to endure a pandemic without the Good Ole Grateful Dead.
That 76 Box was really what we needed when the shutdown and quarantine hit.
WMD and AB 50th’s along with stellar sounding Port Chesters.
4 new DaP’s, although some people may still be waiting on delivery of one or more.

Keep the releases coming Dave and Co.

I haven’t been keeping up with the NYE shows, but will try to get a few in this week (I did listen to 12-31-77 and 12-31-90 2-3 weeks ago).
Watching 12-31-78 on NYE is looking more and more likely.
Also have the 12-31-87 video, maybe will give that a spin this week too.

I’ve been watching a lot of roc docs lately on the streaming channel Tubi (I ditched cable, have the TV connected to Ethernet). Anthem to Beauty was made as part of the Classic Albums series, there are a lot of episodes out there of other bands. Those and other roc docs are on Tubi.
Last night watched a doc on The Police, narrated by Andy and including photos he took during the years. After a tour in Asia Andy and Stuart stayed in Asia on vacation. He narrates “while at the resort we met John Belushi”, a couple of photos of John are shown, “then we realized that there was a cafe serving magic mushroom omelets”......
Then it cut to commercial....
Anyway, it was funny because I watched Animal House a couple days ago.

I guess that brings us full circle to 12-31-78 and the Blues Brothers video which I will also watch on NYE.

Joan Baez was very maternal with the children of the 80s. I’ve been listening to the complete 1981 NYE New Years run. 12/26/81 is amazing for the drums into the 11 section with exploratory improvisation. 12/27 has an awesome extended Playing in the Band into drums. The final Passenger was performed that night. I listened to 12/28 last night.
That time in my life was exciting as I was in my 20s. I was moving south from seven years in Montana to New Mexico where I still live 39 years later.
That New Years run along with 12/12/81 were my re-entry into live Grateful Dead after a four year hiatus. 12/31/81 was my first official NYE Dead concert. 12/31/75 was a quasi mini NYE dead show by default with Bob Weir and Mickey Hart sitting in at midnight. Close but no cigar (phatty).
1981 was my first time seeing Brent live. Also my first time seeing Jerry play his Doug Irwin Tiger guitar.
Joan Baez was incidental to the three nights I saw her play with the Dead acoustic 12/12,30,31/81. When I listened to 12/12/81 a couple weeks ago I was very impressed with Joan and the Dead playing Warriors of the Sun. What my impressions of these concerts are now 39 years later are most likely vastly different in perspective as to what I was experiencing then.
Overall summary of December 1981 Grateful Dead, they were still a very exciting youthful improvisational band.

Literally.
So many upgrades dropping it feels like Christmas!!!

Holy moly.

Great stuff Strider, thanks for sharing man. I dug the back story. And you sure were in the right place at the right time in December '81. That run is a hot one! I'm kind of jonesing to hear more of it after yesterday.

Great great Playing In The Band on 12/31 and Dark Star never hurts.

Blair says it was his first and favorite NYE show as well.

BTK Blair also said he watched NYE 1978 on TV with friends and has never regretted it.

Ah good stuff!

And today we get... the first Brent song played on NYE.
Seems about right.

Set 1 NYE '82 sounding good.
How'd these guys do it year after year?
Maybe don't answer that ;)

Good times.

All that 12/29/77 talk makes me want to try and hit that up too.
At least Three of our denizens here were there 43 years ago.
Pretty cool.

Holy Fuck Look At All Those Balloons! - Bob Weir 12/31/82

Many thanks.. everyone on this thread is a strong contributor. There is some great music being tossed around.

I saw Cousin's comments on 12/29/77 on I think the subscription thread and I just have to hear at least part of that show. I always like the transition between China Cat and I Know You Rider from that night. What a breakout and the transition is smooth as butter. I will get into the 81 show after that. I think that was my suggestion, so I cannot miss it. I liked the GD's performance that year and in 82 I thought the Tower of Power stuff is classy, top shelf GD.

Again.. thanks to all of you cats. This place is a safe refuge and a safety line from the 2020 delirium that is seemingly grinding on all around us.

That’s a lot of tanks. Just say N2o.

I have had a pack of those cartridges sitting around in my tool room for a few years. I might have to break out my whipped cream canister and live it up NYE this year. ...by making whipped cream of course :D.

I haven't gotten to 12/31/78 yet.. I might have to savor that one for NYE. It's been forever and a year since I actually watched that DVD. I have been drinking nothing but those 100 cal IPA's for a couple of months (for obvious reasons). I might have go rouge and get some anti-100 cal beer for the occasion, some Imperial Stouts or Christmas Ale or something special. I plan to celebrate in grand style, except 2020 style (pretty much devoid of anything resembling people outside my immediate family that breath air).. Still, I have no plans on getting up early on 1/1. Laughing gas and Grateful Dead seems about right. Let's flush this 2020 shit-show down the toilet with style.

Okay Jim, who makes a 100 cal IPA??

I tried Bells Light Hearted Ale this year and it was not good.

There are quite a few.. I have had the following and like them all

Slighty Mighty - Dogfish
One Y IPA - Oscar Blues
Fly Jack - Firestone Walker

But I think I will go the beer store tomorrow and restock with some turbo

Been drinking scotch lately too.. I have never been a scotch person, but I have taken a liking to some on the island of Islay.

....you lost me at light.

What a drag it is getting old. I just can't consume carbs like I used to, an unfortunate side effect of age and genetics.

So a little cutting back here and there never hurts. The three I mentioned, to me at least, taste quite good. Hoppy and balanced.

Guinness is 4.2% alc, and 210 calories for a pint.

I haven’t tried any of the light craft brews yet.

I’m drinking a Pseudo Sue currently. Tastes great, and probably not too light on the calories.

I wanna thank you guys, and I wanna thank the Grateful Dead for having me.
Because we’re all about the same thing.
And uh…
I’d like to thank Bill Graham.
The guy that’s always putting on the good stuff.
- Etta James 12/31/82

NYE 1982
Set 3 is a one-of-a-kind good time.
The crowd must’ve been going nuts.
Hard to imagine later but Lovelight in '82 was a rarity at best.
Hard To Handle, hadn’t happened since ’71 (unless you were there the night before) and never happened again.
And a Midnight Hour closer.
Conjuring up the spirit of Pigpen in ’82-83.
What’s not to like?
I’ll let you decide that, I dig it.
Enjoyed watching the video of Set 3.
I mean, this show is a good time party.

And speaking of good time parties.
I’ve been enjoying this one here on Dead.net.
Thanks to all who have and continue to contribute.
It’s been a real hoot!

Good Times and a Happy New Year!

Speaking of New Years, what a difference 7 of them make.
As we jump ahead in the space time continuum to hear the confident swagger of the Grateful Dead 1989.
Once again it's almost an entirely different band, but then again somehow the same.
Listen to how Jerry delivers that Touch of Grey. As if he's been doing it for years.. which he has.. seven of them.
Compare the versions of Man Smart, Woman Smarter.
That 1989 sound.
I think it's gonna be another fun ride.
Enjoy!

PS - Bonnie Raitt is kicking ass with the boys on Big Boss Man. She sounds great!

PPS - 12/29/77 is Off the hook, never gets old. Wowzer energy!
Great great stuff, glad I put on the end of Set 2 at least on it's anniversary.
Damn you all that were there.. Tell some more stories about what that was like. Last times at Winterland Strider did you have an idea that would be the case?

....I'm still on '81. But making progress slowly but surely. I got HBOMax for the family for Christmas. Lots of good content. Only so many hours in the day.
edit. South Park Pandemic episode. Oh. My. God.

I really enjoyed '81. It's been forever since I listened to that show. Seems releasable to me.. envious of those that were there.

On to '82. Agree with GOGD.. that Tower of Power set rules.

....Cold Rain & Snow, CC Rider and Cumberland.
I'm going in.
BTW. Theres an an app for that.
Deadhead Archives. It's in your play store.

76 playing now. Mighty fine.
90 yesterday. I thought I had listened to it a few weeks ago but actually had just loaded it on the music player but never played it.
82 - I forgot about the set with Etta, thanks for the reminder Good Ole. Will put that video on tomorrow’s playlist.

....Jerry going off on Cassidy. Good stuff.
Followed by Ramble On Rose.
Underrated tune. Loving this first set.

They're not the best at what they do, they're the only ones that do what they do.
Cheers

P.S. And so are you!

That sentiment really seems to fit the Grateful Dead's NYE show performances.
While they may not be the greatest shows in the cannon.
They were high on every heads list to attend, one big wild party, and they all sound Fun!

Listening to NYE 1989 yesterday it too meets the fun quota and we got the fourth Dark Star of the year, the first time in 15 years they'd played the song with that much frequency.
And that begs the question... "What's the Frequency Kenneth?"

Well it seems only fitting that our New Years Eve Extravaganza would end with Bill's final NYE show.
After his passing, nothing was quite the same.
And the show is off to a nice start with a rather varied song selection for NYE.

Alright, jump in and let's rock this old year out and ring in the new!

Happy New Year to all you radio listener's out there.

Listened to 12/30/69 yesterday, later checked 12/30/81. Will check 12/31/81 & 12/31/90 today. I also checked out 12/29/68 a couple days ago.
Good cheers and health for 2021.
I would like to add that the Joan Baez set on 12/12/81 and 12/30/81 were interesting and had high points. I feel lucky to have seen her.
Looks like I may need to also listen to 12/31/90 as that was my final New Years Eve Dead show I attended, 30 years ago (read sobering)

Well our 8 days of New Year's Eve shows has been fun!!! Hope everyone has enjoyed it.... I remember taping the 1990 show off the radio when I was home from grad school. Being in Ohio the show didn't finished until pretty early in the morning or late at night... All the regular radio listeners were pissed because their requests for Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg couldn't be played!!! They didn't care about a Dark Star!! I've enjoyed our past year of Pick of the Day selections and look forward to reading everyone's thoughts and reviews.... Bob t

Anybody going for the Wolf Bros. PPV? I'm thinking I might default to the Closing of the Winterland DVD.

Goodbye 2020 and Happy New Year to you all. 2021 has be better.

The 76 Cow Palace show is still the tops in my book. What a show and the recording is sooo good. I am hoping to check out Ticket to New Years later from 87. Always thought this was a good show and the interviews with the band are great. "Bob Weir, when if ever are you going to get the lyrics to Truckin right? "

Thank you all for making this part of the year a fun place to hang. I keep learning more and more about the band after all these years.

Looking forward to keeping the Pick of the Day going into 2021.

Everybody hang loose!

Just watched Blues Brothers 12-31-78.
Now on to the main course from that night.

But first, a decision to make.
Dolby 5.1 or DTS 5.1?

They should put little audio snippets of each format on that menu page so that you can compare and determine which sounds better on your system.

Edit:
Dolby 5.1 sounds better in my living room.
Party on Wayne.
Party on Garth.

I made it through all the new years on the list except 78 and 89.

I think I am with Deadvikes, hard to beat 12/31/76.. but 72 was Grade A as well as was my bonus show 12/29/77. If I can get away with it.. I will toss on 12/31/78 later. I enjoyed this week of New Years shows, great idea and well executed.

Tracking nicely on '78. Gonna finish it, I don't know. :D

Yo! Rockers!!

Doc here,

Yes I have come out of hibernation, because it is the golden anniversary of that great great Grateful Dead year 1971. To honor, commemorate, and celebrate that year, I will be offering any and all 1971 recordings to any and all that are interested. No limits. You can ask now, you can ask on the anniversary of any shows, or you can ask at any time up to and including midnight on December 31, 2021. After that, only the Shadow knows………….

Friends, I understand that 1971 is not everybody’s cup of Grateful Dead kool-aid. Perhaps you know little about it, maybe want to dabble, merely poke around, or heaven forbid go all in. Let Doc be your guide. Haven’t led anybody astray for decades……

I will also be posting, on the show anniversaries, comments, recaps, and opinions on every 1971 show. That’s right, you have to put up with my rants, raves, and ramblings for an entire year!!! And, for any & all interested, the “1971 Project” is almost completed, and available upon request……

You know where to find me,

Doc
One may understand the cosmos, but never the ego; the self is more distant than any star……………

I thoroughly enjoy 12/31/71. Not a classic show, but like many NYE shows, great fun and yes, it really does have its moments...............

Rock on!

Doc

The longest 365 days of any year I can remember.
Happy new year.

Hello 2021, we made it!

How does Dave's Picks #13 grab you? 2/24/74. Skeleton Skaters.

Quite possibly my favorite Dave's Picks.

I'm all in.. Up quite late last night, so I purposely have nothing on my plate today. ... except 2/24/74. They should have done a mini-box out of that run.

I'm looking forward to those 1971 posts, Doc! My knowledge of 71 Dead is lacking, I'm afraid....

Epic party last night at Club Icecrmcnkd.
Just me and my dog, and lots of Grateful Dead.
Warmed up with Blues Brothers 12-31-78, then watched all of Closing of Winterland. Been a while since I sat through the whole show. Very enjoyable. Seemed better than I remembered it being.

Then 12-31-82 Set3. Etta sure was having fun. Wonder if they dosed her.

Then 12-31-87. Also better than I remembered it being. Not sure if I watched the whole show or just Set2. Was pretty lubed up by that point.

2-24-74 is hitting the spot right now. Good call.

The Year of Doc.
Looking forward to the play by play calls.

https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/abb-dead-nye-1973-butch-acid/

Never ever get tired of listening to this one!! Absolutely love the It's All Over now Baby Blue encore..... oh and that Playing and Dark Star>Morning Dew are pretty good too...

....started with Dave's 30 1.2.70 before checking in here. My bad.
2.24.74 is a winner, winner, skeleton dinner. Good call vikes. I mean, its got a Dark Star -> AM Dew! Jeez Louise.
Spent New Years Eve playing chess with Phish then watching Studio Ghibli movies. Got pretty high.
Could be worse. 2020 was a rough ride. Like a roller coaster with a broken wheel. We didn't even put up our Christmas tree. Glad to see it in my rear view mirror. Here's to brighter days.....
https://apnews.com/article/illinois-marijuana-crime-6aebb02cc0c725bd757…
....this is a good start.

....to start the second set.
Fuck yeah. Good call on which band member decided on that selection. I bet it was Bill the Drummer.

5-21-95 Vegas playing now.
Nice Drums/Space/Spanish Jam/Other One.

2-24-74 was an excellent listen today while recovering.

Vguy Knights to play outside at Tahoe.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2021/01/01/lake-tahoe-nhl-out…

I'm linking this for no particular reason except its on repeat in my heart right now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

and Skeleton Skaters (hat tip to KeithFan for coining that name) is a fantastic release - haven't done a cover to cover for awhile but its always in the rotation.

best wishes to everyone here and everywhere this new year

....saw that. No attendance though. Or I would be there in a hartbeat.
Dark. Star.
Ice Petals

....how about Dave's 30. Fillmore East 1.2.70.
That is all.

..and it flows into 1/3 nicely.

Something tells me I need to listen to that today. Happy New Years.

What a show. Like others, this is one of my favorites. The recording is excellent and the whole show rocks. The disc 3 with the Dark Star into Morning Dew through the It's all over Now Baby Blue is so well played and it moves me.

Yes, would love to see the two other shows from this run released. So many good Winterland Shows.

On to a little 1/2/70, Dave's 30. Good call Vguy!

#37 is around the corner.

....gets a pretty cool theme going around the 21:00 mark. Check it out. You won't be disappointed. Gets the Vguy stamp of approval.

If it doesn't have a Cumberland I'm not interested.

:D

I wasn't able to get 1/2 under my belt yesterday, hoping to get 1/2 and 1/3 up and running today. I love this release! An instant classic, just add jello.

I was not disappointed.

Also Sprach Zarathustra

Nice Pick you all!

The liner notes are definitely worth a read, love em.

If this was my first show, I'd listen to it every year on it's anniversary at least!
Pretty stoked on this release.

The Angel Share's recordings that were released last year, cast a new light on these shows for me.
And 1/2/70 you get all of Workingman's Dead shortly before they head into the studio to record those demos.

Think I'm gonna camp out on this for awhile today.

Wasn't able to get to all of 2/24/74 yet, but man that Playing In The Band!
Great picks to start off the New Year.

Good to see so many old and new faces still hanging out.

Doc lay on the '71.

....if you look up no brainer in the dictionary, there's a picture of this show.