Dave's Picks Vol. 39: The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 4/26/83

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July 30, 2021 - 9:15am

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Dead Admin

Joined:
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We're feelin' Philly 4/26/83 and its '80s highs. See what we're on about when you pick up DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 39: THE SPECTRUM, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/26/83, the final show of a three-week tour, played at the venue that the Dead played more than Madison Square Garden (there's your daily dose of Dead trivia). This one fires on all cylinders, with extremely well-played, high-energy tight sets featuring newbies "West L.A. Fadeway," "My Brother Esau," rarities like Brent's tune "Maybe You Know," precise medleys "Help>Slip>Franklin's," an inspired new pairing "Throwing Stones>Not Fade Away," and the Dave's Picks debut of "Shakedown Street." And before you come down, we've got a prime slice of bonus material from the previous Spectrum show 4/25/83 and an extra dollop of '83 from the War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY 4/15/83 (featuring the Bobby rarity "Little Star").

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 39: THE SPECTRUM, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/26/83 was recorded by Dan Healy and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman.

*2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

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October 10, 2021 - 12:20pm

#41

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

60s

It is puzzling that so few sixties have come out?
Yes their very repetitive, but look at this box, obviously that doesn’t stop em...
And yes many are short,
And there probably not as many good recordings,
but I’ll bet there’s still enough quality there to do something?
Been way too long fo sho!
October 10, 2021 - 10:28am

#42

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

Thanks gents

Icecreamed I appreciate your logic. I'd agree that ABCDs will continue to come out, interspersed with what's in the Vault. Clearly, for this St Louis box, that one ABCD reel enabled the entire box. Frankly, the list of returned Bettys is rather stunning. I'm still panting for every release and that's 50+ years after hearing AB and Skull & Roses for the first time. (Actually, I borrowed Live-Dead from a friend when it came out -- I was only 12 and couldn't make sense out of the opening to Dark Star, so I took it off the stereo and returned the LP unheard!!) And I'll leap at any '80s shows that are hot, after all, I did attend my share. Agreed, cassettes of hot shows beat multi-tracks of lacklustre performances.

Here's a curveball: whatever happened to the tape stash that Mtn Grl turned over? Those were Jer's tapes and Dave did release that killer April '70 acoustic show with the Pigpen set. But I haven't heard anymore about them, nor ever seen a list. (That probably doesn't exist outside Dave's files.) Then there are the tapes that the roadie's ex turned in, which helped create the Fox Theater/FW 69-70 release (DaP 6) and an undisclosed source of returned tapes that enabled Thelma 12-69 (DaP 9). There's a bunch we simply don't know about. And primal stuff, too. I'd think they still have a fair amount of '69 suitable for release. (DaP 40???)

Though thinking about the Vault holdings can drive me a little crazy, I'm kinda glad that Dave doesn't release a list. It keeps the surprise factor going and my earlier posts about the Vault -- how many excellent shows remain unreleased -- run to the optimistic side because Dave has many aces up his sleeve and, as I surmised earlier, he's looking for commercial patterns that could lead to a box and one-offs that work for the DaP series. I must say, while I really don't want his job, it's gotta be mighty fun. A couple tokes and a tour of the Vault would probably leave me quite worn out.

As to preservation, it's not clear to me what the process or pace is. I did get the impression from Dave's description of his DaP process that he selects a show, and THEN it gets digitized and a technical once-over to see if will stand up to release quality. I'd love to hear Dave talk about his process, which shouldn't reveal anything he doesn't want to reveal.

Meanwhile, it's been established that the OSF still has reels of GD. I asked them to keep an eye out for 9-19-72, which is in the Vault, but missing a reel. Fingers crossed, that was my first show. I did sponsor a reel myself of 1973 NRPS. OSF told me that they had opened a box marked NRPS, only to find it empty -- disaster! Yet it seems they've recovered quite a few reels somehow (mislabeled, misplaced?) since then because, obviously, they did that early NRPS box and, presumably, more NRPS releases to come in the future. Johnny Cash at the Avalon is coming out soon! They must have feelers out to innumerable artists for permission to release and they've been careful to go outside the San Francisco bands to broaden our palate. I'm, grateful.

Man, I never tire of this stuff.

And Icecreamed, the new box is pretty sweet. The setlists are mindblowing. You're gonna love it, I'm sure. I'm gonna stretch it out into the early winter just so I savor every skull fuck.

Edit: P.S. Yeah, the demographic angle (Giants box sell-out) is a strong one. I suspect that each era has its fans. I didn't see any '60s shows, but I'm on 'em like white on rice. I caught one '91 and two '92 shows after leaving the GD concert scene in '87, and I'd love to have those properly restored. And I caught shows in every year, 1980-1987, which of course I'd love to hear again. Think of it this way: if you were 25 in 1985, you're ~61 now. Still rockin'. I kinda doubt that, except for Billy the Kid, that any of us did catch '60s shows, but we're hot for 'em. Crazy good stuff.
October 10, 2021 - 10:17am

#43

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Cone kid DL

maybe that’s it Conekid, save up the working capital from profits now so they can afford to fix up and digitize, then add a DL series, but one that not only works, but excels. Ya know, something the Dead used to be known for: cutting edge, leading technology...
October 10, 2021 - 10:13am

#44

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

As far as as digitization

now that Plangent can be used on cassettes, wouldn’t they want to wait on digitization?
I agree that they should get digital back up ASAP for everything, starting with the best sounding good shows as ICCK suggests, but it seems like they wait to cover the production costs until they have the years submoney in hand?

Remember this was one of the big riffs that happened between band members: some wanted to “sell out” to some corporation who would have the financial resources to digitize the whole collection, so you could get any show ala carte, but Phil was like “I’m not turning on the TV and hear Truckin’ during a Chevy commercial” not an exact quote, but he wasn’t about just selling out, he wanted to maintain control and do it their way, well maintaining the respect the music deserved. Or remember the whole Terrapin Station debacle, where Mickey said there’d be a kiosk, so you could put your order in at arrival, and pick up your shows after you toured the museum etc,
So there has been talk at least of trying to make the vault more accessible. But now that Rhino has bought at least some level of control, I don’t think their in a hurry to do any of that, which sucks.

Now if there was any forethought, Rhino et el would of been reinvesting some of the profits from all these years of windfalls to build up enough scratch so if/when the Beatty well etc runs dry, they have the cash to fix up the better cassettes, properly!, and then start pushing them out en masse? Not sure if it’s true, but a reasonable theory, that they could be marketing to the “older” crowd currently, assuming that more of the 80/90s market is younger and thus will be around longer. That seems limiting to me, but what do I know?
Personally, I’m in the All The Years combined camp: let’s get all the multitracks from any year out first, or say one box of multi’s a year at premium rate, so they can milk it along, combined with say DaP series of Beatty’s and predominantly older stuff, (perhaps with some “normal” boxes mixed in), and also offer a no frills 80/90s outlet for everyone else to enjoy, you could call it Pedro’s Picks as I’m available ; )
Sure they might not sell as much of any particular individual format/series, but cumulatively they could be selling more total! And no offense, but their doing this to make money!
October 10, 2021 - 9:44am

#45

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

Giants Box is a grate one

Multi-track and a BluRay.
We need more video!

80/90’s multi-tracks should all be released.
And the 2-track DAT Masters if they sound good and the performance doesn’t have any major meltdowns.

As for the 80’s cassettes, if they sound good and the band is on, then release them. Especially since Plangent can now do cassettes. I would support and 80’s cassette download series, but not until Rhino figures out how to run a download service.
October 10, 2021 - 9:26am

#46

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

ABCD/80s etc

They needed to get returns on their investments.
I believe I read there is a NDA?

Theory: using say just four years of DaP only with 20k subs at $100 per sub = $2Mil per year (not including extra ala carte $, boxes, aprons, hatchets etc)
So that’s 8 million in four years just for DaPs...
So my theory is that after production costs and corporate profit etc, it’s taken a few years to pay some or all of that investment off, thereby loosening things up a bit. I’m sure you’ll see ABCD reels being used more then less until their either mostly gone, or the shows aren’t up to par. Hey, a well recorded lousy show is still a lousy show...
As for 80s shows, I’ve said it all along: have 2 series!
I think you snobs would be surprised how well a series dedicated to 80s and 90s “cover band” shows would sell.
I think there’s a huge army of silent heads just waiting...GIANTS box anyone? Sold out way quicker then 78, 76, PNW or the current one!
October 10, 2021 - 9:05am

#47

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

HF, speculation

My speculation regarding the rate of ABCD releases is based on the speculation I read on these boards. I have no additional knowledge.

Regarding the STL Box, in the seaside chat Dave explains how this Box came to be. I don’t recall the details but I think it was something like most of the shows had been selected for release at some time, and he wanted to do another regional Box, and this one came together at this time, although another Box could have also come.

I think that digitization of all the analog recordings (presumably starting with the best sound quality) is a constant process because getting digital copies stored in multiple locations is an insurance policy to keep the releases and revenue coming well into the future.
You don’t want to pull a Universal Music and lose everything in a fire.
So, I think that the library of digitized shows is constantly increasing and that Dave has an ever growing selection to choose from, and then he picks a show that appeals to him at the time. In seaside chats in the past he has said how he has more than one show in mind for an upcoming release, and then makes a decision for whatever reason.

Regarding 80-85 cassettes, we basically know what sounds good because you can get copies from the torrents. There are a lot of people who do want shows from those years released, but also a lot of people who will not buy them. The Rhino business plan may be to generate as much revenue as possible from the pre-Brent years while the people who only like those years are still alive and spending money.

This has all been speculated on in the past on these boards, and I’m just respeculating.

The USPS app says that my Box is out for delivery…..
October 10, 2021 - 8:11am

#48

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

The Vault conversation, part XXIV...

So, Icecreamed, I'm curious why you say that Dave has to deal "first" with returned Bettys? I have openly speculated here that the initial plethora of ABCD-related releases in years just passed might reflect some arrangement with the gents who are ABCD to get the material out more or less immediately. Do you have any argument or evidence that that's true? Being sincere here, not snarky.

I say this because I note that only one reel in the St Louis box is from ABCD. I don't know how many reels per show were used, but is it safe to say more than 20 reels for 20 CDs' worth of music? So the St Louis box benefited from one returned reel but is by far mostly composed of reels they had in the Vault. Neither DaP 39 or 38 were from the ABCD stash.

So I'm genuinely wondering: if there is/was a deal with ABCD to get out those returned Bettys, did the initial slew of ABCD shows (spring '77, Red Rocks, etc.) in the past 2-3 (3-4?) years satisfy that agreement and now Dave is free to intersperse Vault shows with returned Bettys? That scenario seems kinda likely, in that I can imagine an ABCD deal as described above but not one that would shackle Dave for any length of time from freely choosing shows after an initial burst of ABCD releases.

I guess we can only speculate, as a confidentiality agreement probably exists.

As for speculation that we're being softened up to accept '80s shows on cassette -- a world of difference from a Betty, I think many would agree -- that is ... disturbing, to a degree. I'd probably keep subscribing even then, because as in this year, when Dave did '87 and '83 shows, he also gave us 9-73 and 4-78. The '73 shows are a must-hear, must-have for me. So I'd suck up a few '80s cassette shows to get what to me is the really good stuff. My storage situation reflects my personal approach: I've got prime shelf space in my office for '66 thru '75 GD. '76 thru '90s shows are in a tall oak bookshelf in the basement (along with 3/4s of my Jimi, all my Dylan, and other top artists, so no disrespect, just space issues).

Blah, blah, blah! My guess is that the ABCD agreement has passed its initial phase and we're now in potpourri territory. Yes, "potpourri territory"... mmm, need more coffee...
October 9, 2021 - 3:59pm

#49

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

The Vault

GD renewed the 10-year contract with Rhino a couple of years ago and will probably renew for a third term when that time comes.
So, Greek, Frost, Ventura, and others will probably get sifted through for release.
But, Dave has the returned reels to deal with first.
I think that the 80’s DaP’s we have received so far were selected so that the ‘better’ 80’s shows can be used later when there are few pre-Brent shows remaining.
October 9, 2021 - 3:08pm

#50

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

Don't be too grumpy...

I think the Vault has quite a few iconic shows tucked away, as well as tons of shows we attended and haven't heard squat from.

I'm not a natural optimist, but remember that Dave thinks the DaP series will go for 20 years. That's 100 shows, counting bonus disc. Plus he's putting out another 7-8 shows per year in a box. Another decade of boxes is another 80 shows.

All I'm saying is that, to accomplish that, Dave has to have a long-term plan, not just plucking the occasional show out of the Vault for release. I have no actual knowledge of his m.o., but it would seem to me he's got to come up with box themes that'll fly tape-wise and business-wise. So he may very well have Frost, Greek, Shoreline, Red Rocks (that's my personal desire) shows staying intact, under the radar, to enable future boxes.

Notice I didn't say something like, "Have patience..." because I want that Rocks box NOW!!

Just sayin', there's hope.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

We're feelin' Philly 4/26/83 and its '80s highs. See what we're on about when you pick up DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 39: THE SPECTRUM, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/26/83, the final show of a three-week tour, played at the venue that the Dead played more than Madison Square Garden (there's your daily dose of Dead trivia). This one fires on all cylinders, with extremely well-played, high-energy tight sets featuring newbies "West L.A. Fadeway," "My Brother Esau," rarities like Brent's tune "Maybe You Know," precise medleys "Help>Slip>Franklin's," an inspired new pairing "Throwing Stones>Not Fade Away," and the Dave's Picks debut of "Shakedown Street." And before you come down, we've got a prime slice of bonus material from the previous Spectrum show 4/25/83 and an extra dollop of '83 from the War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY 4/15/83 (featuring the Bobby rarity "Little Star").

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 39: THE SPECTRUM, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/26/83 was recorded by Dan Healy and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman.

*2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

RIP Mr Charlie

I am not a Stones fan at all, but I have always loved Charlie Watts's drumming. Pete Townshend nailed it on the head when he said he wasn't a rock drummer, he was a jazz drummer, and that's what I liked about him. And the man knew how to dress.

carlo13 & the rockin'

Having no luck sending you a pm.

You can get me at dennis.wilmot@verizon.net

Hit me up if you still need a copy.

dennis

Dennis

I appreciate it. I'll contact you in a few days. Thank you.

Dennis

You define "cool" with that offer for Carlo.

Rock on, bro.

Yes..

PM's are mucked up at the moment. What does snafu mean again?

Live At The Lighthouse

Dennis; Nappy Rags - Did you guys receive the above captioned Lee Morgan set yet, and have you had a chance to dig into it yet? I’d love to know your thoughts.

RIP Charlie Watts, a great drummer, jazzman, and likely the most stylish dresser in the music world. RIP Rolling Stones, too, because this amazing near 60 year career is ending, and talk about a band that truly touched The World!

That Lee

Yes, Lee is in stock at the Dennis house.

I've played it out work twice, not the best environment. I like what I hear, when I listen at the store I generally only zero in on the songs I know,,, so it's the different cuts of Speedball from The Gigolo. Wings are spread on this tune. The studio album has a 5.30 minute cut,,,, the one live cut clocks in at 12 minutes.

The recording is very good. I wish I had the money to totally piss away on the vinyl copy of this collection.

Listening (once again) to the 12 minute Speedball,,,, wow,,, the piano guy is wonderful.

I'd be lying if I said I knew any of the names of his fellow band members, but they're flying on this set.

I've always love Morgan's use of tension, he can blow those lines that just seem to knot up. I feel the same sort of thing when the Dead do Viola Lee, a lot of sound with no where to go and then the resolution. I wrote a letter......

Dennis - I agree on his…

Dennis - I agree on his backup band. Except for Bennie Maupin, who I know via Herbie Hancock, the band is unknown to me. But they really stretch some of these numbers out in dynamic fashion, and as always, Morgan’s trumpet is so clean and precise. The choice of material was first rate, too, and even with all these sets captured from a three day period, and overlap in material, like the Dead or Dylan, the same song is never played the same way twice. Just a real gem of a release, and it would have been something to be in that small beachfront club in 1970 to hear these guys play. I’m glad you are enjoying it.

SNAFU?

Situation normal, all fucked up.

Mike and variety

That's the part that will take time to take in. I only know Speedball and can hear the differences between album and live. The rest I will need to study!

I made a tragic mistake, some might say two. I opted to re-listen to Atlas Shrugged (some would say first mistake),
but instead of the 12 hour abridged version by Edward Hermann, I think I got going on the unbridged 48 hour version. (second mistake),,,,,, oh why?

This will eat into time!!

Maybe You Know….

Just listened to the 8/1/73 Jersey City show. A bit late on the birthday show this year. The Deadpod’s been steering me right for many a year now. 9/26/72 before that. Smooth and absolutely perfect. Killer He’s Gone with Jerry slaying it on the outro. Both Jersey City shows where my Pops was born in the 30’s.

I liked Daves #39 a lot. Course I love me my 80’s shows and I love Brent on keys. Had only heard the melt-down version of Maybe You Know previously. Great song. Was playing again in my car a few weeks back as I argued with the palliative care crew to back off and give my Mom a chance to recover from an unexpected surgery.

Course Death Don’t have No Mercy as we know and she passed over the weekend. Rest In peace Jerry and Charlie. And Mom and Pops too.

On an upbeat note, let’s drop that sweet box soon. How has that not sold out yet? That’s pure bliss in a box. Peace all and be well!

Good Call Icecrmcnkd

I have not come across a better live rendering of the Stones than that Ladies & Gentlemen Blu-ray movie. A few years after its release the CD soundtrack came out. Must have for all Stones fans.

Rick Scott

Unknown to most. A legend to those who knew him.

A belated tribute, as I just learned of your passing today.

You are singularly responsible for turning hundreds of people into Deadheads. Well before it became fashionable.

Prodigious at your craft and a voracious bong smoker.

Much too soon my good man.

Peace. And as always, thank you for the tapes.

AJS

Wave that Flag

Sorry to hear that.

Peace.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end…………..

50 years ago today…..

August 26, 1971
Gaelic Park, Bronx, New York City, New York

Set 1: Bertha-Playing In The Band-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-El Paso-Big Boss Man-Big Railroad Blues-Hard To Handle-Beat It On Down The Line-Loser-Sugar Magnolia-Empty Pages-Good Lovin'-Casey Jones

Set 2: Me And My Uncle-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Deal-Cumberland Blues-Truckin'>drums>The Other One-Next Time You See Me-Me And Bobby McGee-Uncle John's Band-Saint Stephen>Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away

Encore: Johnny B. Goode

Deadicated to greatnorthern, Stashew1967, kyleharmon, BlissJBliss, Dschian, TheBiznizwhiz, Porterhouse10, moberg, JackstrawJay, dmcvt, Inquisitive Dantian, Dantian's Brief Interjection, Drumspacejam, mrkaos63, Crimsonandblue, Pelts, WOW69, David Duryea, SkullTrip, and dantian72, because great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty……

The last gasp/last blast of the original quintet. And what a blast it was!

Rock and roll, bobby-country-western, jamming, with a tincture of bittersweet. The last Empty Pages, and the last Pigpen version of Hard Handle, a wonderful rave-up that worked well for the Dead during its short repertoire life span.

Pigpen would soon be absent, and while he would ultimately return, it would never be quite the same………..

Rock on!!!

Doc
There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory…..

Loss

I am reminded of Philip Larkins poem, "The Mower" reading some of the posts on here, and the references to loss. Its about his feelings having accidentally killed a hedgehog, so I hope no one feels it is inappropiate - it's always struck a chord with me when I have experienced human loss. Anyway the last few lines of the poem are :

Next morning I got up and it did not.
The first day after a death, the new absence
Is always the same ; we should be careful
Of each other, we should be kind
While there is still time.

I'm not suggesting for a minute that I always live up to that standard. I'm still liable to fly off the handle at any real or imagined slight. But if anyone wants a goal in life, to live by, I can think of no finer one than that.

Nice note, DaveRock

Like many, I was reading through all the words of condolence for Charlie Watts from fellow musicians - including his band mates - and the praise for The Person was notable. You really do have to wrap your head around the passing of people like this, because they seem so immoral. I always enjoyed the Stones’ music (who doesn’t!?), they have left an incredible legacy, and the enduring image of Charlie Watts for me will always be him and that donkey from the cover of Get Your Ya-Yas Out! Something about his always bemused smile/smirk!

I chuckled

There were comments about 39 a while back about the "pretzels" on the grill in the cover art. I wasn't sure about why pretzels were on a grill, but okay.

Tonight I had to open the E72 box to pull out 4/24. And what do I see as the cover art,,,, a skeleton eating a pretzel!!

I don't recall pretzels being a thing on tour?!?!

Do you?

Cal Tjader...

Soul Sauce
Get some...

Dennis

Soft pretzels are a thing in Philly. They're not shaped like regular pretzels though, they're shaped like chain 1inks. You'll find vendors with them at the exits to the parking lots at all of the concert and sporting events. The grill is fiction; they are wheeled around in shopping carts. Years ago (and possibly still) you could find Philly soft pretzel vendors parked at intersections of busy inlets to the city.

8/24/71

Doc, thanks for the reminders on the '71 show anniversaries. I ran through DP 35 2x. Wikipedia describes DP 35 as two complete shows from 8/7 and 8/24 (plus 8/6 bonus tracks), but 8/24 is missing a bunch of songs. No Sugaree, Truckin' etc. Would have enjoyed an official Truckin' with just the Hammond post-spring. Those Spring versions feel like they're still finding their footing a little bit. Anyway, the 16 tracks on DP 35 are cool. Phil has some high bass moments, and the Good Lovin' is a bit unusual the way they work back into the Reprise - a bit pre-reminiscent of the '78 "got to have love" extended Reprise (except it's very short here - but cool nonetheless). I think I may have made up a new word there. Empty Pages has always been in my early Dead mixes. Would have liked to have heard that one more often, and maybe with some Keith, to see what he may have added. Jerry could have developed some extended nice bluesy stuff in there too (talk about your opportunities to get some Les Paul swagger in the mix). What Jerry has here is cool, but with a more regular rotation in the set, I think this one could have soared a bit more. Brokedown Palace is always welcome. Probably my favorite ballad.. They should name a box set after it.

Haven't heard 8/26 yet.

Still listening to those shows from 8/14 & 8/15 - the Gibson Les Paul shows. The 8/14 TOO => Jam => TOO belongs in anyone's "Dead Jam" play list.

Happy Veneta Day!!!....

....definitely a yearly ritual for me. It's also my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!

Pretzels "on tour"

Dennis, no idea what this sounds like, but the only time I was ever "on tour" was catching a two-nighter at Watkins Glen, hitchhiking a few hundred miles home, showering, then catching a two-nighter at Roosevelt Stadium, then again in '87 when I caught a three-nighter at the Rocks (20 mins from home), then a two-dayer in Telluride (which ended my GD days, but for two shows in Albany in '92), via a rent-a-wreck vehicle.

We weren't really "on tour," we were just haggard crispies, often cadging rides from one show to another. Never strung together three shows in separate locations; i.e., "touring." In '73 we had the clothes on our backs, a jacket, blanket and drugs for Watkins Glen. No money, no food, just water and LSD, mescaline and smoke for two days, then two days home, then two nights out at hell-hole Roosevelt (when the wind blew, the infield became a dust storm). Never had a dime for concession offerings, but man the food smelled good! It's a poor reflection on my lifestyle and profession that I was in no better financial condition 14 years later in '87, though we'd graduated to cocaine and psylocibin for the shows. Still, money only for gas and, oh, a large white rock. I was living in Steamboat Springs, making $3.25/hr as a small town reporter... but I had a good connection.....

I would have LOVED a hot pretzel in those days, but we categorically ruled out concessions -- we needed the gas money. I do recall in the late '70s at the Rocks that a long-sleeved white shirt with skull and roses was for sale, maybe $20. I LUSTED for that shirt, but couldn't pop. And, in the end, of course, all these cravings/lustings passed and ephemeral material wants evaporated. They always do.

Today, after working full-time for 47 years, I can afford a fricking pretzel, but the GD is gone and pretzels don't sound tempting anymore.

Moral of the story? None, of course. Just rambling, as always. But something about the pretzel mention made me think back to the days of yore when I'd hitchhike 200-300 miles to a Dead show in sneakers, jeans, and t-shirt with a few blotters and doobies and literally nothing else. It was a GREAT time to be growing up and misspending my youth, with Jer & Co. providing the proverbial soundtrack.

Hiya Folks

been on a bit of an isolationist mode the past few weeks...spent the last few days on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon...low 70's at 8,000 ft is always welcome...first off Goodbye Mr Watts...no words can convey what this loss means to me...I have always been first and foremost a Rolling Stones fanatic...and previously to have heard about the passing of Don Everly....the Everly's make up a good chunk of my life's soundtrack...I got to see them in '67 at the Hollywood Bowl in what had to be one of the craziest billings I have ever seen...Eric Burdon & The Animals, The Who, The Everly Bros, The Association and Sopwith Camel....crazier yet was you could get a free ticket by buying any LP on various co-sponsored record labels...

And Mike...I have possesion of the Lee Morgan but I've yet to hear any of it....been busy absorbing a new GEMS (I think) release of 8-23-68 Shrine Expo Hall show and a lot of Coltrane...will probaly get to Morgan this weekend...speaking of Coltrane did you all see the imminent release of Love Supreme - Live in Seattle release date Oct 8th...?

The aforementioned Shrine show

Grateful Dead
Shrine Exhibition Hall
Los Angeles, CA
Friday, August 23, 1968

01 Cryptical Envelopment >
02 The Other One >
03 Cryptical Envelopment
04 Dark Star >
05 Saint Stephen >
06 The Eleven
07 Death Don't Have No Mercy
08 Alligator >
09 Drums >
10 Jam >
11 Caution (Do Not Stop on Tracks) >
12 Feedback

The only bummer is that the end of The Eleven and beginning of Death Don't Have No Mercy are cut...oh well

Happy Veneta Day, indeed

I drove by the site earlier this month on a journey to Oregon

Veneta

It only seems a few months since I watched it on last years anniversary. I have had a cheeky listen to the cds inbetween times.

Second Listen

Only my second run through this show and for me it's one of those where the first set outdoes the second. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
And what was that incredible sub-sonic rumble during drums? Was that the thing Mickey has that looks like a piece of railroad track? Did not know my speakers were even capable of delivering sound that low and powerful. Great fun!
Still trying to get to the bonus material.
Cheers all!

1stshow7/7/78. Mickey Harts Beam

1stshow, the instament that Mickey is playing ,is called the beam. Type in Mickey Hart s Beam , into your computer and there is a whole big write-up on the beam. I always thought it sounded cool.

Nappy, you just cost me . . .

$14 from Bull Moose with your Coltrane news! :)

Non 39 Question...

Found a gap in my collection - bonus disc - Rockin’ the Rhein with the Grateful Dead - Academy of Music, New York City, March 1972.

Any thoughts re prices being asked? Is it worth chasing down?

Thanks!

JP

Private Message me with your e-dress, and we'll get you hooked up with the music . . .

Deadheadbrewer re: Rhein...

Tried messaging you but it kicks it back.

Please try jp1119@aol.com. That's a generic catchall but will send another one once we connect.

Thank you!

On a GD hiatus at the moment

Came upon an old punk band Stalag 13

Rockin' stuff

I liked punk prior to GD obsession

Still listen to Germs, China White, Circle Jerks, Fear, Dead Kennedys from time to time; Stalag 13 is new, though.

High energy

Set one of Veneta was at work....

....background noise unfortunately.
Set two goes to eleven at mi casa.
"Release the hounds Smithers!!"
And stoltz is on a punk thing. Nothing wrong with that. Except you left out Agent Orange and The Subhumans and Corrosion Of Conformity. Lol.
I also enjoyed punk and metal prior to.
Still do in fact. Unfortunately, the Veneta Playin' is playing. And, at times, touches every musical spectrum. Incredible.

Hendrix

About 10 years behind you. I wrote about something similar to this a week ago.

It’s been told before, but we used to hitch-hike hundreds of miles to the shows in the 80s. Back when it was a dying profession. Never had much money and what we did have was spent on drugs and booze. Rarely ate. We slept in cars, rest stops, public parks and airports. Lost jobs because we could not make it back home in time for the next workday. Way more stories than I care to elaborate on. Looking back, I cherish those days.

My last show was Dead & Company in a private luxury suite with air conditioning, catered food and drinks. Anything we wanted.

The music was mediocre and so were the memories.

Ummm....

...."My last show was Dead & Company in a private luxury suite with air conditioning, catered food and drinks. Anything we wanted."
And therein lies the problem. Distractions suck. I would've marched down into the stands while eating a shrimp cocktail and vibing.
I have one rule regarding live shows. Just get me in the venue and I'll find my spot. Might be my seat, might not.
Gotta feel the room and take advantages.
"And the memories sucked."
Exactly. Get down there man. AC during a hot show may be awesome sounding, but so does taking a shower the next day, washing off the experiences.
That's me though.

The twenty-two minute mark of the Veneta Dark Star....

....perks my ears every, damn, time.
It's like aural ice cream.

Listen to 9 4 79

Saint of Circumstance
Interesting surprises in there

Different times suit me.

Going to gigs is-or should I say was - vastly different for me too from when I was 15, to how I am now-64. And at all points in between. It was very exciting in my teens discovering live music and roughing it - getting out of my head and having adventures. I felt as though I was living the life being sung about. But I would say I enjoyed things more from my mid 20s onwards-going with a girlfriend instead of a group of people, and getting back to base in one piece. I dont think I travelled to gigs much in my 20s-30s , just saw them in my home town. When I go now, to London, I stay overnight in a hotel and have a great time. I don't remember much about what I've seen or done a few months later, mind.

Morning Rockers!

Hahaaaa, you thought it was Doc....nah, but he doesn't use that one much these days and it's such a good ice breaker.

Vguy - Just saw your post from yesterday. It seems we have more in common than cereal, dogs, and trippy throw rugs. My mother's b-day was also yesterday.

JP119 - I was bewitched with the Rhein Fever several years ago and ponied up around $120 for the Rhein bonus disc, but I've seen people pay as high as $150. I was initially hooked by Sugar Magnolia from that 4/24/72 show, and when I saw that the bonus disc had another version plus the painfully absent Uncle John's Band, I sprang for it. Playing in the Band is one of the few w/out Donna from that era. UJB has a cool lead in from Phil. Great Caution / Jam. The Dark Star is of course the diamond in the rough. Not sure what your taste in Dark Stars is, but I think this one is underrated, going by some of the mediocre comments on he heady version site. It has a little bit of everything. 23 minutes, great Dark Star theme intro and Jerry noodling; early first verse, maybe around 6 minutes in (peaceful bliss); Space then meltdown (featuring some prominent bassage); then the last 7 or 8 minutes is some great melodic jamming with maybe a familiar theme; and it concludes with a very rare 2nd verse. For whatever reason they had begun dropping the Mirror Shatters verse; it was a very rare thing to hear it between 71 and 74. You would think for a song that was running anywhere from 25-45 minutes, they could spare 90 seconds and make me happier 40+ years later. I suspect they dropped it because they enjoyed merging Dark Star with other songs in those later days, and the return to the main theme and second verse is more of a wind down to completion than a segue into another song.

Gigs And Travelling

Back in 2003 I went for 'The Dead' New Year's Eve show at the Oakland Coliseum.
Left Frankfurt on Dec. 31 in the morning and arrived San Francisco in the afternoon.
Among cool people I enjoyed a fantastic show that lasted way over midnight.
Left SFO on Jan. 2nd. Great trip, no jet lag, great experience.

VGuy/AJS

I only had access to a “luxury box” for a Dead show one time. It was night 2 if a 4 night Capitol Centre run in Fall of ‘88. First set was excellent, but at halftime, I wandered down to the back right(if stage) corner. I happened to bring a nice sized chunk of hashish that night, and I wanted to share it with my tribe. Needless to say, I enjoyed the second set exponentially more than the first. Really fine show, with Box of Rain among many highlights (for me anyway).

The Napster

Thanks for the heads up on the John Coltrane recording, worth the 15 bucks.

Luxo boxes

My wife's company has a company box at the Dallas arena. We got to go see Van Halen when they were there.

Yeah all the food shit was going on, but, you couldn't smoke because it was work related, I not a van halen fan and most of the all, the sound really, really sucked in this little corner room. The echo was horrible. Would have been great for a sporting event (if I ever went to such things), but for concert sound!?!?!

Dennis, was that 2007?

I saw Van Halen at Philips Arena in 2007 and the sound was horrendous, the worst concert sound I think I have ever heard.
And I was on the floor next to the soundboard.
The sound was turned up way too loud and all the instruments just blurred together. And then the sound system broke during Eddie’s solo.
Those sound people should have been fired.
They sounded better in 2015 but it probably helped that it was outdoors at Piedmont Park and there was no echo.

Some people blame the arena but I saw several concerts at Philips that had good sound. Probably because the bands know how to do concert sound correctly. Saw Roger Waters 3 times there and Dead & Co 2 times.

I’ve never been in a luxury box, but I’ve sat right in front of them because they are behind the last row of the lower bowl at The Palace. There are enough seats for everyone in the box, and they can go into a room that has a tv and food. I had mail order tix in that last row 6-8-93, straight back, aisle seats.

At Soldier Field for FTW I was looking at the boxes and they all had windows covering the front. The people in the box weren’t exposed to what was going on in the stadium. A terrible place to be for a concert, and even a football game.

Nappy

Ditto on Dennis’ thank you for the heads up on the “lost” Coltrane recording from 1965 in Seattle. Pure gold.

Anniversary show 8/28/82. Lane County Fairgrounds

39 years ago today we were up in Oregon to see the Dead. Interesting scene, the weather was hot. We were pretty beat , we drove all night to get there. I liked that they played Duprees as an encore, I had never seen them play it. I saw better shows in 1982, Frost, Greek ,and Ventura, but it was fun. We saw Ken Kesey driving across the field before the show ,n a big white Caddlilac. The Dead were gonna play 3 shows there in 1992, but Garcia got sick and the shows were cancelled, I still have my tickets to those shows.

92 cancellation

I remember that. I was bummed.

I heard the 82 show on tape while lysergic years ago. :)))

2nd set starts with day job. Lol.

Did you go to 8 29 82 in Seattle? That was juuust before I arrived in the Northwest to go to college. As in, two or three days.

8/29/82 Seattle

Naw, we didn't go to Seattle, we were all pretty beat, I don't think I even knew it was going on. We left the fairgrounds it was late, we drove through a hell of a large storm on our way back to the Bay Area, the sun was up by the time we got back.

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