Dave's Picks Vol. 47: Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO 12/9/79

Back to product page

Post reply Log in to post comments

July 18, 2023 - 9:35am

1,256 replies

Dead Admin

Joined:
April 28, 2021

Who's ready to boogie with a little Brent-era Grateful Dead from the Gateway to the West? DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 47 features the complete unreleased show from Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO, 12/9/79 and you're going to need stamina because this one is high energy from start to finish.

By the time December 1979 rolled around, Brent Mydland had fully cemented his place in the Grateful Dead canon with his twinkling keys, harmonic tenor, and songwriting skills. No more is that evident than at this show boasting 25 songs including soon-to-be classics from GO TO HEAVEN like "Alabama Getaway," "Don't Ease Me In," "Lost Sailor," and the Brent-penned "Easy To Love You." It's also packed with whirling takes on fan-favorites like "Brown-Eyed Women," "Shakedown Street," and "Terrapin Station." And you've never heard a 2nd set quite like this with eight songs before "Drums" including an improvised "Jam" launching from the end of "Saint Of Circumstance." It doesn't stop there though, with a blazing finale of "Bertha>Good Lovin'" and perhaps one of the best versions of "Don't Ease Me In" the band ever did play. We've rounded out Disc Three with an extra nugget from '79.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, this release was recorded by Dan Healy and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering. Grab a copy while you can.

Comments

sort by

Recent

Recent Oldest A to Z Z to A

Reset

August 24, 2023 - 11:41am

#711

Gary Farseer

Joined:
August 1, 2015

Dennis

Brilliant, never put that 2gether!!! Except its BK isnt it??? "You rule!"

haha got me.
August 24, 2023 - 11:12am

#712

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

Oro and Jingles

The current Burger King commerical.... don't know how they get away with it....

BJ have it your way....
August 24, 2023 - 11:04am

#713

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Agreed, both of you

Yeah, that was my guess as I’ve unfortunately never been to England.
Just thought from all I’ve heard/read that it’s definitely more outwardly reserved there, but of course jumping around like an idiot doesn’t mean yer getting “it” lol In the old days it was definitely more inward. As the crowds grew, that wasn’t necessarily the case. More doesn’t mean better lol.
I guess I mean that as our friends across the pound didn’t get to see as many shows, or travel around with the touring city, (we are everywhere is probably something folks here understand) and deal with redneck ahole cops who wipe their arse with the constitution, or experience days or weeks at a time camping/partying etc, massive Shakedown streets etc, the WHOLE GD experience, experienced from the ground up, versus “going to a concert”, you might not have been able to fully “understand”.
Now I’m not suggesting you HAD to experience all that to understand, just think there’s a socialization that perhaps was different and not as prevalent over there? Just a band/music, and not as much a way of life , and so all the years, milage, adventures, good and bad, perhaps might foster a different kind of knowing?
An Experiential knowledge perhaps, more than just a interested fan, or someone with only unbridled enthusiasm!
Perhaps more like the knowledge obtained from being in a war on the front lines, versus just studying it, or being on the periphery?
August 24, 2023 - 10:27am

#714

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

Group consciousness

I would definitely agree that American audiences are more expressive than British ones, going off those 3 Dead concerts at Wembley in 1990. It was quite surprising to me how vocal many of them were in there appreciation of the music. Nothing wrong with that at all, either - just different.

There are also, of course, exercises in group consciousness that have nothing to do with sport or music. Group meditation sessions can give you a feeling of being at one with the other participants. Whether that is imaginary or not, I couldn't say. One of my friends recently told me he once went on a Buddhist Retreat, in which all the residents were completely silent for the week they spent together. He reckoned that after a few days, he could tell what people were thinking without talking. Again, I don't know how true that was.

Oro - no offence at all in what you say. Always good to chew the fat, as they say.
August 24, 2023 - 10:06am

#715

simonrob

Joined:
June 7, 2007

Group consciousness

It depends a lot on the group. Audiences in England are far more reserved than their American counterparts. As a result there is far less of a sense of being part of a group. That doesn't mean that English audiences don't appreciate the music, rather there is less of a vibe from the audience to pick up on.
August 24, 2023 - 9:44am

#716

Gary Farseer

Joined:
August 1, 2015

Dammit

Little Willy, go home now...
August 24, 2023 - 8:52am

#717

Gary Farseer

Joined:
August 1, 2015

Sweeney Todd

Answer is? Jersey Girl
August 24, 2023 - 8:16am

#718

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Well Done DR!

Yes that’s it. And I didn’t mean to insult you or sound elitist, it’s just your descriptions of your live Dead experiences, compared to as you say other concerts etc, made me think you unfortunately didn’t get to enjoy the full Monty.
Again, no offense but I imagine seeing them under less than ideal circumstances in England, probably was not the same as tripping in the dust with several tens of thousands of dancing freaks all peaking simultaneously with the band and song, at say Hampton, or Philly, oye all that positive energy…
The example that immediately pops into me noggin is the Shakedown from 6/30/85.
I can still see and feel the multiple peaks that rolled through the dust stomping crowd completely being driven by the music. Basically, like 30k people having a simultaneous orgasm!
But you understand the point, and it’s awesome that you get some of that from just the music, but I’m bummed for you that you may not have gotten the full Dead experience.

EDIT: I guess what I’m saying is, take what you felt at those other powerful large group experiences, and multiply it logarithmically….tripping on the floor at a smoking GA Dead show back in the day was like a playoff football stadium all tripping, at tge peak of the game…. times 11! And even Nigel can’t go above 11 ; )
August 24, 2023 - 7:39am

#719

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

Group conciousness

Oro - yes, I think I know what you mean. I have experienced being in large crowds of people at celebratory events, although the 5 Dead shows I saw didn't quite affect me like that. When I was very young, still a child, seeing Manchester United, when George Best and Denis Law were still playing was amazing. I had never been amongst such a large crowd, and had only seen football on a tiny little black and white television-so the colours and sound of the crowd, even before the players came, out was amazing.
In my mid teens, the early rock concerts I saw had an energy about them - again incredible volume, power, songs I liked, and a sense of having found "my people". Of all bands, Black Sabbath were maybe the most like that -a truly joyous occasions. You'd never guess it, just listening to the albums. Seeing The Stones had that vibe for me, too.

It can also go badly wrong, of course, this group mind thing, as I am thinking about it. Gangs of people have committed all sorts of crimes and atrocities that individually they would never have done otherwise.
I also often have a tendency to stand outside things I am a part of - and maybe that happened when I was on my own at the Dead shows. When I wasn't on my own, I was falling out with my girlfriend or some damn thing. I really enjoyed the shows - but the most pleasure I have had listening to the Dead wasn't actually at live shows, but has been at home. Long may it continue !
August 24, 2023 - 6:53am

#720

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Sweetness

Ha, I knew Dennis was gonna say that lol
Don’t be messin with D trains musicals ; )

DR: I think it was more about the group consciousness obtained from being with all those like minded people, especially when so many were in a “heightened” state of consciousness, all extremely focused on the same thing, and the emotional influences of the music, and how it was taking place in that particular time and space…
It’s a sociological phenomena that can be experienced in similar ways among any large, like minded crowd.
A football stadium full of rapid fans for instance, though their group consciousness is probably not expanded in the same positive way exactly. From what you’ve described of your limited show experiences I fear you missed some of that? Getting snockered on depressants in the balcony and passing out probably didn’t facilitate this experience, but I’m sure many people go just to listen to music, not experience it on another level.
Like, it doesn’t matter what you ware, just as long as you are there …it’s a about tge overall experience as much as tge music, if that makes sense?
OK, this isn’t coming out right, it’s too early to think this much lol, somebody who “knows”, please help us out here, or DR is gonna take this all wrong and we don’t want that…

How bout,

My baloney has a first name
It’s O S C A R
My baloney has a second name it’s
M E Y E R …
Ha take that PF! ; )

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

Who's ready to boogie with a little Brent-era Grateful Dead from the Gateway to the West? DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 47 features the complete unreleased show from Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO, 12/9/79 and you're going to need stamina because this one is high energy from start to finish.

By the time December 1979 rolled around, Brent Mydland had fully cemented his place in the Grateful Dead canon with his twinkling keys, harmonic tenor, and songwriting skills. No more is that evident than at this show boasting 25 songs including soon-to-be classics from GO TO HEAVEN like "Alabama Getaway," "Don't Ease Me In," "Lost Sailor," and the Brent-penned "Easy To Love You." It's also packed with whirling takes on fan-favorites like "Brown-Eyed Women," "Shakedown Street," and "Terrapin Station." And you've never heard a 2nd set quite like this with eight songs before "Drums" including an improvised "Jam" launching from the end of "Saint Of Circumstance." It doesn't stop there though, with a blazing finale of "Bertha>Good Lovin'" and perhaps one of the best versions of "Don't Ease Me In" the band ever did play. We've rounded out Disc Three with an extra nugget from '79.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, this release was recorded by Dan Healy and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering. Grab a copy while you can.

I hope this doesn't suck. ;)

Bonus Material

My Guess is the bonus material is from 12/4/79 from Chicago after space. We got the Estimated /Frankiln’s / Jam pre drums on No. 31. But it looks tasty. I dig me some early Brent.

#47

Sweet, looking forward to this one. A little December 79.

How did you know LMG?

Like It

Fall of '79 is super under rated. Jerry was really trying to show the new kid how to play, there was soooo much good music on this tour, really, the best Brent tour until Spring of '90. Been waiting for Fall '79 since the early days of Road Trips. Now what about Pittsburgh Dave? That was the best show of the tour?

Close, but that pronunciation...

Of Billerica is only logical, Dave. I have been told by natives (who laughed at my own use of Bill-erica), that it is pronounced Bill-rick-a. They have some strange pronunciations here, I just laugh and move on while trying to make a mental note of that "correct" way to say something.

Was not a huge fan of DaP 31, the Jack a Roe and the filler jam is about all I recall from it. Listening to the Lazy Lightning now, and Bob mumbles through some verses, the sound of cassette hissing away. But will definitely give it a good listen when it comes. Don't think it will get near the workout DaP 45 and HCS box will, but I like random shows to pull out for a change, too. This could fill that need.

Don't Ease is not a favorite of mine by any means, but a band I was in started doing it, and I came to like it more then. Especially when we found it is a perfect way to do a stop on a dime segue into The Other One. So, I could see an encore version working well for a rocking closer. At least it's not yet another Around and Around.

Still waiting....

For 12/1 however any fall '79 show is worth a listen or two. I guess it's time to play DEAD & play DEAD loud. Happy Tuesday to all you kind folks out here in DEADLand.

On a side note....

.....Phish Dry Goods just dropped Rift on double blue vinyl lol.

Lake Side Dance

instead of sea side chat lol

I remain hopeful about this one, but apprehensive…

Alvarhanso & Pronunciation

ha ha, yes you've bottled that up appropriately: Bill-rickaaaah

Others that fall into the same category 'round these parts:

Stoneham = Stone-um
Worcester = Wust-ahhh
Woburn = Wuuuu-bern or just 'The Woooo'
Peabody = Pea-biddy
Cape Cod = Down The Cape

Just to name a few.

Bring on DaP 47!

From Greater Beantown,
Sixtus

Dave is Canadian we will…

Dave is Canadian we will give him a break on that pronunciation. God Bless The GD Grateful Dead!

Sounds

Unless I am wrong from long ago. What about

Haverhill: Have - rill

Leominster: Lem-in-stir

Gloucester: Glaw-stir

DaP 48 tease seems as interesting as the new release

Hi All - Haven't been here forever - hope all's well.

I like the 1979 energy. I just wish they didn't have to use cassette masters...

Most interesting was Dave's tease at the end about DaP48 - he seemed ESPECIALLY excited about that one: "I will see you here in 3 months for the DaP48 announcement. That's a Doozy! Gonna be a lot to talk about on that one!" What is it? Special guest? Special missing reel was returned to the Vault?? What could it BE???

I Was Born...(no, Not In A Desert)

In Med-fid.
Grandparants lived in Stone-um
They went round dancing in Woo-bin
Other family lived in Scituate (that's Sitch-you-It)
Vacationed in Barnstable-Bon-sti-bull
Enough!!

I will give Dave's 47 an unbiased listen, and probably tell Y'all what I think. Not that anyone would care!! :)

Music is the Best!!

Dead Head TV

More Dead Head TV released on DreamsWeDreamed dot com:

Kezar Stadium: Two Historic Grateful Dead concerts (just in time for the 'Sunshine" box!)
Dan Healy interview part three
Spring Tour 1989 Report part one
Dead Base: the Origins of the "Taper's Bible"
The Dead News May 1989

Enjoy!

Billerica

It is indeed pronounced Bill-Rick-A. I saw that night (from right in front of the very low stage) and the next at UMass. Great shows! Apparently no soundboards exist, but one can hope.

I'll Be Enjoying It

I've never heard a late '79 show I didn't enjoy sitting down with and I'm sure this will follow in kind. Regarding DaP 31 (12/3/29), a great show but a recording where the vocals are disembodied from the instrumentation-- reminds me of that Journey arcade game where you have to connect the heads to the instruments. A definite damper when you have so many other official shows to choose from. This release however sounds much more balanced. Not as dynamic as RT Vol3#1 (12/28/79), but nothing that will keep me from giving it a listen when the mood strikes. Looking forward to it. A nice antidote to all that boring '73 stuff!

Right on!

Always happy to see a new Brent era release and 79 was a good year.

Extra Nugget?

Now what that could be?

1979!

I love 1979 Grateful Dead, especially this whole fall tour. I am know I am not the only one who is slightly disappointed about not getting 11/30 and/or 12/1. Again this is minor as this show intrigues me. I have never heard it and now I am really curious about the jam that comes out of Saint of Circumstance. And what about a 2nd set composed 7-8 songs pre-drums??? I don't think that happened too often post-hiatus. I am really looking forward to this one.

The extra nugget is the post drums segment from 12/4/79, at least I think it is. We got the Estimated Prophet > Franklin's Tower > Jam > as bonus material, so now we can close out the 2nd set of that show. We are just missing the China Cat > Rider and LLR that opens the 2nd set. Still with the extra material on this release this is not a bad little nugget to have.

I am glad I have some time before this release makes it to my mailbox as I am still taking in the here Comes Sunshine box. Those shows on that box are wonderful.

Cassette Masters/Thin

Hey Thin, good to hear from you.

I think there is a possibility they used Plangent on this one as they did with Dave's #39, the 83 Philly show (MSG box as well). Cassette masters with the Plangent process makes a big difference.
We will see....

#48, I think he breaks into 91.

*re/ Deadvikes .

…in part of the art department. I graduated college, ‘ Cooper Union’ NYC , had full scholarship!

*Re/ 1979 Dead

… Dicks picks 5 is a favorite of mine! I Love 1979 Grateful Dead! Every release the Dead has been released to date are All, in Dave’s Words, “top tiers” performances from the Grateful Dead as a whole Band gives me the feeling of opening the “doors of Perception ind my mind! 1979 , especially December of 79’ is filled with’Primo Shows! Betty recorded 12/26/79 , the source used for Dicks Picks #5.
Sure wish this was a Betty board but I’m just grateful for the release no matter who recorded it, Healy, did Dave’s Picks #47, which the Dead uses for our next pick in the series!
“Smile Smile Smile “ my brother and sisters, I believe everyone is going love this latest pick!
Peace be with you all!

Daves 31....

....there is a Lost Saint.
I kinda forgot about that pick.
And that's on me.
Making up for lost time currently.
#3046.
Refresher course.
Better late than never!!
Lots of good music out there if you look at it right. And I tend to be all over the place recently.
Let's call it a mydland life crisis.
Extra nugget? Well, I've got one right here.

Fall '79....

....punchy.

My first show was on 11.9.79…

My first show was on 11.9.79 and these early shows with Brent are so sweet as he feels his way around with the band. Phil was playing so well in this time period that you can shred your speakers just to add a little more Phil.

Zero Gravity

The '60s didn't really end until 1974 or so, and the '90s didn't start till about '92. And I think the '80s got started in '79, at least as far as the GOGD was concerned.

It's kinda weird, isn't it, the way we obsess on numbers that end in zero? The way we pretend the world changes every ten years as soon as the calendar flips over to a year with a zero? Too bad our civilization didn't stick with roman numerals, everything would be different,

Anyway, glad to hear 47 is an '80s show, even if this one took place in '79. I think it's appropriate that Dave tries to represent different eras, and we were overdue for an '80s. I also think that, in this case at least, his interest in unusual set lists is likely to pay off: lots of then-new tunes on this one, and the unusual second set will be a breath of fresh air, for me, anyway. Looking forward to this one!

Meanwhile still working through the HCS box. (No defective discs so far, praise ye gods.) Like a lot of people, I was surprised and blown away by the excellence of that Des Moines show! What's that expression about "the strangest of places"?

Late '79 is strong

But we all are waiting for 12/1/79. But still, I am open to more December shows. Good energy. Another tidbit from 12/4/79 (is he gonna piece the whole show together via bits & pieces a la 3/24/90?). But speaking of '79 shows we want, I'd love 2/17/79. K&D's finale.

Still, we have had our 2 K&D shows this year (1 without Mickey, 1 with), and now a Brent. Does he go Pig or Bruce (for the first time?) for 48? A sneaking feeling #48 may be some 1970 Allman Brothers/Dead (2/11 + completing 2/13 or 2/14?). The 1973 HC sunshine box has me hoping that there was a breakthrough with the ABB on some stuff.

Allmans & Dead

Also Watkins Glen. I've been getting promotions for a Woodstock type documentary for the Watkins Glen performances coming out this year. Hoping all the music sees a release this year, including the Allman sets from RFK. Wake of the Flood 50th will also be announced soonish so there's definitely more 73 coming out this year.

For completing 79 Dead show releases there are a bunch on that first Road Trips plus hopefully a rerelease of the download shows that came out from that tour that were briefly available.

Don’t believe that I’ve heard 12-9-79 before

My favorite 79’s were already released:
10-27-79
12-28-79

Had them on cassette and knew them well when 12-26-79 came out.

Hope this release is a smoker.

interesting pick, it already…

interesting pick, it already floats around freely traded and in good to excellent quality depending your source. same with almost everyting in the 73 box set. i got it, and compared to the bear boards, miller re dos, etc the shows dont sound that much better if they do at all. i have nice 73 box set if anyone wants one... reach out to me.

It's the 55th anniversary of Anthem Of The Sun....

....going in the player soon.
Finishing up Dave's 31 first.

Phish in Wilmington ended due to storms

Mid-song second set. Had some friends there. I've always wondered about it, especially with Walnut Creek '97, a legendary Phish summer show in Raleigh on 7/22/97, with an epic thunderstorm and lightning struck the lawn or very nearby during Taste. Nobody hurt, but Phish played to the storm. Then played an unbelievable second set. Sadly, tonight went unfinished. Interestingly, String Cheese made their debut at the same venue in Wilmington last Spring and one night was stopped due to storms with the band playing a set backstage and livestreaming it on Instagram and Facebook. In 2017, was in Atlanta for Cheese and we got dumped on both nights, but the first night was far worse. Full on July Southern Thunderstorm, and my most vivid memory is running back to my car in the pouring rain and feeling I was dodging lightning to put my camera back in my car (them was the rules for my photo pass). When I went back in, I was getting a bit of shelter from the storm for a bit and overheard the stage manager being told they got lucky as the radar showed the storm moving away, one more close lightning strike and they would have shut it down. Luckily for us, it was not. A fantastic show, really inspired, as the band was loving those of us who remained dancing in the pouring rain, while a lot of people crammed under the bit of shelter at the back of the amphitheatre.

Anybody remember any times they personally or knew of Dead shows getting stopped due to storms? I know Red Rocks one year got moved to McNichols Arena in Denver, and SummerFest '78 was cx'd, but they never started.

#45

#45 finally sold out.

Which one is next?

The race is on.

Billerica

I'm hoping the billerica clue will come to fruitation. I'm not sure how many times thy played there, but the 1989? Tape I have has an amazing setlist. That tape given to me in the late 80s? A deadhead friend gave it to me, and I was hooked ever since.

Sellout

#47 is $10 less than #46, so there's that, which I don't understand. I think they'll both be around a while, and I hope I'm wrong. Maybe 47 goes first.

It seems the Grateful Dead played Billerica only once, in May of 79 so I'm not sure whats going on there.
5/11/79

Took 6 months for 45 to sell…

Took 6 months for 45 to sell out, and 46 is still available. Take your time. Forget about Dave’s comments about 48, it’s 50 I want to know about.

Joey / Billerica 5/11/79

You are right. I remember the Estimated on my tape. It's the most incredible Estimated I've ever heard, in my opinion. The tape I obtained was unlabeled, so it was hard to pinpoint which show it was taped from, especially back in the day. Thanks for clearing that up. P.S. - when I mentioned 1989?, I was eluding to the time I obtained the tape, and was clueless to what show was actually on it. I started going to dead shows in 86' but started collecting tapes around 88' or 89'.The billerica tape was the tape that got me to dig my heels in, and really start to collect and trade shows.

I knew what you meant about…

I knew what you meant about the year. There is a newer-ish Charlie Miller transfer of a Steve Rolfe recording on the archives. It sounds really good after a few minutes.

re: 5/11/79

Billerica is a good show - I recall this had come up on here a few years back and I dove in then and am re-listening now. Good FOB and I've cranked the sub. Setlist right up my alley; Half Step>Franklins opener, LL>Supp, Peggy'O; a massive Shakedown, Estimated>Eyes and a powerhouse trio to finish it off. No encore this evening.....

...Dave?!?!?

Be Well People!
Sixtus

S.F.'s Own From NY

Tony Bennett was 96. RIP
The best of the crooners.
Cheers

A raise of the glass to Tony Bennett

My wife and I got to see/hear him perform in Las Vegas in...2012? 2007?

In any case, you were a giant among entertainers, Mr. Bennett. RIP.

Dave's #48

Carousel Ballroom 1968

Joey

Cool. I'll check out the C. Miller Tr. on archives.

Off topic

Third man records is releasing a syd barret collection on vinyl.

Has anyone got their garcialive 20 yet?

DaPicks cover

Hello. I got a question. Although my "name" is Luis ( in spanish), I've never been in St Louis. I dont know why the cover has what looks like something in honor of a a dog. but I don't know.-:)

Dave's 48

6/21/71

GarciaLive 20....

....got it about a week ago. Love it.
The AC broke at work today. Hate it.
Got home. Turned the shower to the coldest I could handle to help cool my core. AC set to 75.
Brain got a little scrambled.
I'm good now.

Cronbach Bear

Luis - that's a Missouri bear sculpted of limestone by Robert Cronbach. One of two, slightly different pose for each, at the entrance to the Kiel Opera House. There are 2 grizzly bears in the Missouri state seal. The Cronbach bears seem a bit chill for grizzlies. One of them in fact reminds me of my (late) dog Spirit, a very good dog, in his demeanor.

Listening to Set II on the Rolfe pull/Miller upload of Billerica 5/11/79. Wowza. Very very nice.

Edit - actually 3 grizzlies in the Missouri state seal. One small representation on all 4 paws, and 2 larger ones standing.

Missouri Bear

Thank you, Bluecrow, always good to learn something new. -:)

Missouri State Seal

Yes, I've just Saw It on wikipedia. Also un other article They say that the population of the Missouri Bear is increasing, lately.

product sku

081227834616

Product Magento URL

https://store.dead.net/en/grateful-dead/music/daves-picks/daves-picks-vol.-47-kiel-auditorium-st.-louis-mo-12979/081227834616.html