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    Friend of The Devils: April 1978 (Dead.net Exclusive) [19 CD]

     

    WHAT'S INSIDE:
    Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL 4/6/78
    Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL 4/7/78
    Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL 4/8/78
    Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA 4/10/78
    Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA 4/11/78
    Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC 4/12/78
    Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA 4/14/78
    Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, WV 4/16/78

    Recorded By Betty Cantor-Jackson
    Newly restored and speed-corrected audio by Plangent Processes
    Mastered by Jeffrey Norman
    Liners By Author Steve Silberman
    Artwork By Acclaimed Artist Matthew Brannon

    Limited To 10,000 Individually Numbered Copies
    Dead.net Exclusive

    It’s been said before but April ‘78 was an incredible month for the Dead. Like May ‘77, you could throw a dart and guarantee you hit a stellar show. - KyloRensPecs, r/gratefuldead, Reddit

    .... April/May '78 has a lot of the same qualities of Spring '77 but with some extra edge and a much bigger sound from the Rhythm Devils. A really special era that often gets neglected. - viewtiful_alan, r/gratefuldead, Reddit

    Sportatorium - April 7, 1989

    when drums started I thought, oh s*#!, i hate drum solos and Billy and Mickey stopped me in my tracks. Wow, these guys are really good. Little did I know the pervasive influence this phenomena would have on my life. - pearlybakerbest, Dead.net

    Huntington Civic Centre, West Virginia – 16 April 1978

    This is another must-hear concert by The Grateful Dead. The sound and mix are almost ‘absolutely perfect'... It’s difficult to pick out highlights because everything is played so well; the band are tight, Donna is great and the set list is strong. - Grateful Ted, gratefulted.co.uk

    We're hitting the bullseye with the eight previously unreleased stellar shows that make up FRIEND OF THE DEVILS: APRIL 1978. Filled to the brim with peak performances from the Grateful Dead's post-hiatus period, this collection captures the historic tour where "Drums" begat "Space," morphed into "Drums">"Space" and cemented the Rhythm Devils' second-set power move from the music business to the "transportation business."

    Spring 1978 finds the Dead consistently weaving spontaneous magic, showing signs of great promise and potential - from the no-nonsense rock'n'roll in Tampa, where scholars cite the first "Drumz" leading into "Space," to the lengthy communal get down in Pembroke Pines to Jacksonville where the twain emerge fully formed, offering the primordial opportunity for "soul retrieval." It's evident in the dynamic range delivered on back-to-back nights at the intimate Fox Theatre and through the laid-back unity of the band's performance in Durham at Duke, a comfort that carries over to Virginia and West Virginia where the playing is unbridled, bursting with momentum, threatening to carry itself away. And nowhere can you hear that more clearly than through Betty Cantor-Jackson's original recordings, reliably crisp, bright, and vivid.

    Individually numbered to 10,000 copies and exclusive to Dead.net, FRIEND OF THE DEVILS: APRIL 1978 has been mastered by Audio Engineer Jeffrey Norman using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Steve Vance designed the collection’s custom box, which features a removable wave drum. (We invite you to unleash your inner Rhythm Devil.) Acclaimed artist Matthew Brannon created the set’s original artwork. The collection also includes a 48-page book with original liner notes by author Steve Silberman and photos by James Anderson, Bob Minkin, and more.

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  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    do you really get a little drum with this box?

    interesting

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    my own little experience with heavy duty stuff

    in 86 I was working at a restaurant as a prep cook. Got severely scalded. OUCH. Two weeks in burn unit.

    Dilaudid was prescribed. Me on that med: "Burns? What burns?"

    The Munsters on telly was REALLY funny.

    A commercial for chocolate chips and "lumpy bumpy cookies" had me laughing real good.

    After discharge I was prescribed some med (not Dilaudid). Being at home was a lot less fun; and, they wouldn't re-up the at-home med. "Tylenol for you, bro." Bruh...

    edit: "some med" was codeine, I believe.

  • Gary Farseer
    Joined:
    So Jump Right In

    Let the Music pull You In...

    Anyone know that one?

    Listened (recorded) live over the weekend.

  • Oroborous
    Joined:
    Re Jamiers

    I here ya Hoss.
    But besides last years HCS 73 box, I don’t think they’ve ever done any anniversary boxes. I think overall that’s good, not predictable that way. But I also think it’d be appropriate for certain years, like 74!
    Maybe don’t want to run out of 74 shows since Dave was talking 20 more years…
    Really curious about 60th next year?

    And topics lol, well we do like to freak freely here, for good or for Ill ; )
    Personally, I love all the stuff we get up too. I’ve learned more about topics both cool and otherwise from rapping here with our little family. Especially Jazz! My collection is infinitely better thanks to the kind and knowledgeable folks here.
    And let’s face it, most of us ain’t getting any younger, and the support of our DH brothers and sisters is a special part of our community.
    See, this place isn’t just a fan site. Sometimes it’s much more…which is nice!
    So jump on in, the waters nice!

  • simonrob
    Joined:
    I hope sense prevails...

    ... regarding the packaging of the Friend of the Devils box, but I somehow doubt it. The desire to win awards seems too strong, with the result that we frequently get boxes in absurd packaging and frequently in weird formats. This time we're going to get a drum included. Wow! We will be able to play along with Rhythm Devils! Join the band. Maybe some people like this sort of thing, but I was happiest with the Fillmore West 69, Winterland 73 and 77 and RFK Stadium 89 boxes. More than that seems excessive.

    On the endlessly fascinating subject of colonoscopies, I am astonished to read that most, if not all recipients of this invasive examination are anaesthetised for the procedure. I have such examinations every few years and have always remained wide awake throughout. That way, one can watch the monitor and follow the progress of the endoscope as it makes its way ever further onwards. Luckily I have never seen the back of my teeth during the procedure. Another advantage of being med-free is that I can drive home as soon as the examination is finished, I'm dressed and have consumed the sandwich and cup of tea offered. Of course, real men don't do anaesthetics.

  • ronmarley1
    Joined:
    Dave

    PM sent

  • Gary Farseer
    Joined:
    Me and My Opiates

    MMMMM - in moderation.

    PT - The laws concerning opioids, I think, has made it where docs shouldn't provide over 7 days (depending on state you live - not even sure that is correct.) That will have nothing to do with how long you will be on them. They just want a 7 day check post surgery. Dont know the time schedule at all, but if you are home by 7 day period you will still be in rehab/physical therapy. The doctor may need to see you after 7 days, but I believe you will receive an assessment at home by a qualified nurse or PT. Remember this, if you report bad pain, they will help. Everyone has pain thresholds, be honest with pain reporting on the 1-10 scale.

    Both of my parents passed away in the last few months. Technically, they would have died by opioids. When you are that old, the system knows there will be pain. They will provide opioids to make passing more comfortable. Not going to get into it here, but I had to work with my sister on both of their passing.

    I agree, not having a 1974 box was a loss - even if it had been a smaller box, say 4 shows. Maybe as the box ships we will have rave reviews and turn the tide of nursing home talk.

    Again, just one guy's opinion.

  • daverock
    Joined:
    Always weird - never irritating

    Jamiers - I was listening to Dicks Picks 31 this morning - the 4th cd featuring tracks from 8/6/74. Truly amazing Eyes, Playing - Scarlett - Playing. The rest of the show later on a ...say it quietly...bootleg. But I agree, 1974 is a great year, only honoured so far by the re-release of Mars Hotel with it's attendant show. And Dicks Picks 12 on vinyl.

    But nothing wrong in talking about health or medication, both of which crop in conversations with most people at my time of life. As opposed to PT's State, opiates - or more precisely - opioids- can be prescribed long term. But cannabis is still illegal, and last month I was advised to give up caffeine. I do cheat - in fact I had some about half an hour ago. Motorhead - alright.

  • jamiers
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    Joined:
    First time commenter

    I get on here and we're talkkng about Colonoscopies, doctors, pain meds and 1976 box sets? Like the old folks home.
    Anyone else find it peculiar or weird i.e irritating that on the 50th anniversary of 1974 we get - "ker-plunk" - as good as it is, a 1978 box, not a 1974 box? I mean. Not even a 1974 dave's picks release? Just bizarre. 1978? These are incredible shows from April of 78 but...the 50th anniversary? Seems like a giant lost opportunity. I think Dave has Aspergers or something. Just 'off'. Sync in bro. Sync. In.

  • jjc
    Joined:
    PT

    I had a colonoscopy and the doctor told me afterwards I kept waking up so they had to administer more meds than most and I laughed and said I guess I was not a cheap date LOL.... You are going to rock this brother, no other way you are a deadhead. Best of luck brother, look forward to hearing all about it. Peace

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Friend of The Devils: April 1978 (Dead.net Exclusive) [19 CD]

 

WHAT'S INSIDE:
Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL 4/6/78
Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL 4/7/78
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL 4/8/78
Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA 4/10/78
Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA 4/11/78
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC 4/12/78
Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA 4/14/78
Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, WV 4/16/78

Recorded By Betty Cantor-Jackson
Newly restored and speed-corrected audio by Plangent Processes
Mastered by Jeffrey Norman
Liners By Author Steve Silberman
Artwork By Acclaimed Artist Matthew Brannon

Limited To 10,000 Individually Numbered Copies
Dead.net Exclusive

It’s been said before but April ‘78 was an incredible month for the Dead. Like May ‘77, you could throw a dart and guarantee you hit a stellar show. - KyloRensPecs, r/gratefuldead, Reddit

.... April/May '78 has a lot of the same qualities of Spring '77 but with some extra edge and a much bigger sound from the Rhythm Devils. A really special era that often gets neglected. - viewtiful_alan, r/gratefuldead, Reddit

Sportatorium - April 7, 1989

when drums started I thought, oh s*#!, i hate drum solos and Billy and Mickey stopped me in my tracks. Wow, these guys are really good. Little did I know the pervasive influence this phenomena would have on my life. - pearlybakerbest, Dead.net

Huntington Civic Centre, West Virginia – 16 April 1978

This is another must-hear concert by The Grateful Dead. The sound and mix are almost ‘absolutely perfect'... It’s difficult to pick out highlights because everything is played so well; the band are tight, Donna is great and the set list is strong. - Grateful Ted, gratefulted.co.uk

We're hitting the bullseye with the eight previously unreleased stellar shows that make up FRIEND OF THE DEVILS: APRIL 1978. Filled to the brim with peak performances from the Grateful Dead's post-hiatus period, this collection captures the historic tour where "Drums" begat "Space," morphed into "Drums">"Space" and cemented the Rhythm Devils' second-set power move from the music business to the "transportation business."

Spring 1978 finds the Dead consistently weaving spontaneous magic, showing signs of great promise and potential - from the no-nonsense rock'n'roll in Tampa, where scholars cite the first "Drumz" leading into "Space," to the lengthy communal get down in Pembroke Pines to Jacksonville where the twain emerge fully formed, offering the primordial opportunity for "soul retrieval." It's evident in the dynamic range delivered on back-to-back nights at the intimate Fox Theatre and through the laid-back unity of the band's performance in Durham at Duke, a comfort that carries over to Virginia and West Virginia where the playing is unbridled, bursting with momentum, threatening to carry itself away. And nowhere can you hear that more clearly than through Betty Cantor-Jackson's original recordings, reliably crisp, bright, and vivid.

Individually numbered to 10,000 copies and exclusive to Dead.net, FRIEND OF THE DEVILS: APRIL 1978 has been mastered by Audio Engineer Jeffrey Norman using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Steve Vance designed the collection’s custom box, which features a removable wave drum. (We invite you to unleash your inner Rhythm Devil.) Acclaimed artist Matthew Brannon created the set’s original artwork. The collection also includes a 48-page book with original liner notes by author Steve Silberman and photos by James Anderson, Bob Minkin, and more.

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Wonder when we will get the missing 1 set tracks from Pittsburgh.. but this is nice - at some point this box was bound to come out..

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Box ordered.
Promo codes from slot machine thing still valid through today!
Seaside chat listened to.
An hour of listening party awaits.
Love 1978 Dead.
Cheers

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4 years 3 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

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Nice

At first I cringed at the title for political reasons

Then I drank some coffee and realized it was a reference to the Rhythm Devils

Whew

Thank you ddn

Old man reminiscing warning:

I remember getting several of these on cassette in the late 80s and being floored by the sound quality

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In reply to by proudfoot

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being too close to 1977?

Or being 70s in general?

Or too close to the Daves from 4 22 and 24?

Or too close to the July 78 box?

Cool

No complaining, my fellow Deadheads and all. Please.

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Nice box! Of course I've heard that this tour is spotty, with some shows being not amazing. Looking forward to checking it out.

I know Keith was beginning to get himself in too deep on stuff, and he and Donna started to unwind. Not sure if that started in early '78 or later in '78... but I wonder if you can begin to hear this in the shows.

But this is great. I've had a few of these forever, and the shows generally have great energy, and Donna was prominent and more in-tune..... Thanks Dave and team.

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In reply to by Thin

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Bring on the Plangentized/Normanized Betty’s.

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13 years 10 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

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Thanks, 1stShow, I had forgotten about the slot machine discount code -- you saved me $40!

BTW, my first attempt to order failed using Google Chrome (this happened to me on dead.net many moons ago -- I am surprised there are still issues with Chrome).

I was able to order using Firebox.

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I've never liked 78 that much, kind of a poor man's 77. If you read Phil's book too Jerry had serious complaints about Keith's playin'. Looking forward to having my mind changed

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In reply to by icecrmcnkd

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Code didn't work for me. Tried a few times. Oh well, my paranoia of missing out made me order right away.

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PLAY DEAD
PLAY DEAD LOUD
TODAY IS A GRATE DAY

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Eating was always overrated and I could do with losing some weight. Selling internal organs isn’t allowed in the UK :))

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I caught the Nashville 4-22-78 DP release that spring and away I went! Still have the tix stub! Ready for this BOX Baby!

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Have always liked this year, though between the July box set, Dick's Picks 18 and 25, and Dave's Picks 7, 15, 23 and 37, the first half of the year plus a week already seemed pretty well represented. Those must have sold well, and with all those available only on the pricey secondary market, this should too. Giving the people what they want is OK by me.

But! If they'd asked me, which mysteriously they didn't, I'd have lobbied for the From Egypt With Love run at Winterland in October, even though it was cannibalized for a Road Trips. I guess it never shall be.

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Pretty stoked about this box. I’m particularly happy that the promo code I got from that slot machine thing a while back ended up knocking $40 off the price. Good times and I’m looking forward to the end of September.

EDIT: I just took a second look at the promo code I got and the expiration date on it is today: July 31, 2024. So, if you got a promo code, use it or lose it!

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I don't yet know the shows or the quantity they are releasing. I haven't even grokked the release date. But 19 CDs for $200? Yes, please! Only an early bird order of a Dave's subscription can compete with that value.

I am lucky that I am still off work this week because now it's time for a second cup of coffee (to think that in my dotage that now qualifies as hedonism... oh, to be young again) and a morning spent with Monsieur Lemieux and his Seaside Chat. Not to mention actually perusing the product page.

My slot machine discount code was for free shipping, but the form wouldn't take it ("not applied" in red text) but I used a birthday code for 20% off, and that worked. I thought I had already used that code, but for all the "hey now" time I've lost this year and last, that seems a fair recompense.

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Nice selection of great shows. I like the Huntington WV show glad it’s included. That just leaves the rest of Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Lexington (minus Stella from So Many Roads) from this tour. Unworthy, damaged, or we’ll see them down the road?

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Spring '78 is very dear to me, and the Duke show has, well, special meaning, to say the least.

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In reply to by Dennis

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Only I didn’t say fudge!
This tour ROCKS!
AND, can you say beautiful, bouncing, banner, brain candy, bodacious, braggadocios, big, bold, beatific, BEST Betty boards!

I was clueless about this tour until ole Dave gave us the stellar number 37 from 4/15/78. Now it’s a fav…
Now, poppas got a brand new bag, and it’s getting filled with spring 78 goodness! So totally psyched to do this whole tour in order etc.

First 2 are good, but not top dogs, haven’t heard the third yet, Fox shows kick ass and are probably the alpha pair, especially the 11. Next 2 are really good, but maybe not as good as Fox, and 4/16 is just as good. A really solid tour all the way, and did I mention Betty? Lol Cause this is Betty bringing it!
And 8 shows, now that’s more like it! Good job team Dead net!
Just wonder about the glue ; ) JK ; )

I'm super excited about this one. This will pair nicely with the excellent Dave's 37 release. I seem to remember the 2 Atlanta shows and the WV as being stellar when I listened on the archive a few years ago. Not missing out on this one.

Peace

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The cut off just missed this show and the Werewolves of London breakout. There should have been at least one Werewolves included in the set.

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Should be pretty cool. Dave's Picks 51 arrived Monday. Busy week in Dead world.

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In reply to by SPACEBROTHER

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Did you ever think you would see Jerry on drums!!!

"You see the hut, yet you ask where should I go for shelter."

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Ordered instantly, birthday discount code worked for me, so a very happy deadhead here. DP51 still spinning and it's sunny for the second day in a row. DP37 up next. Life is good.

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Ordered. And Dave’s 51 should be here soon. What a great day!

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16 years 7 months
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Instant purchase. I was a little kid, 9 years old, and my cousin took me to both shows. All I remember was it was the loudest thing I ever heard and all the crazy funny people. It was years later, before I became a Deadhead, that I was told that these shows were the Grateful Dead. No musical memories, but I had fun, I think. We lived near the Hollywood Sportatorium, and used to spend some summers in Jacksonville. Now we got three Florida Dead shows in this box. I heard that Tucker Carlson was at one of the Fox shows and a Florida show. Small world.

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Spring 78

Gotta admitt, was really hoping for a Wall of Sound box set, but will def take Spring 78!

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I’m truly grateful & excited for this year’s boxset! I’m a big fan of 1978. The band is very tight and explosive during this spring tour, very much like May 1977 as mentioned in the release announcement but with a little more power/punch in your face & ears! The “ icing on the cake” is it’s all Betty! Primo! Man, I’m so grateful for all the work Betty did while working for the Grateful Dead family/organization! Now, after Norman’s primo work & the plangent processing , we the fans will hear Spring 78’ in all its glory & power the Dead was at this point in their career & performances of 1978! The setlists have me drooling!!! All 8 shows contain some of the best music the band ever created. We deadheads are so lucky! Long live the good Ol’ Grateful Dead! Rock on my brothers and sisters! Peace be with you all!

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BDAY24DEAD and CC24WMX15 are promo codes that work today. Got it for total 169.67 1 hrs. ago.

Duke! Must see film of show if you haven't.

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3 years 9 months
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I don't own Dave's #7 or #15, but this Box will go well with #37. Admittedly I was wrong in my 2024 Box speculations but very happily so! April 1978 Dead I have come to learn is a pinnacle month for the year, like May is to 1977. Since finally subscribing years ago I've come to know quite a bit from Dave's chats and the subsequent Dead releases. Donna is indeed at her apex! Outside her contributions to =JGB= she never sounded so angelic, her harmonies on Mississippi Half Step as a prime example {I wish they did "Greatest Story" in this mini era within an era} but anyways. Keith is still sharp and distinct, though not as phenomenal as he was only a few years prior. Also some 1977 Terrapin songs like "Passenger" sound more fuller and free wheeling in 1978, almost over the edge. "Deal" gets more first set finalle~ish too around this time. I remember Dave's chat from Volume #37 and the significance of the birth of "Rhythm Devils" so if this Box comes with a mini drum I am down to jam! I just need a little more time to get the pre~order money together, it's Shakedown Street for me babaaaaay!

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Got so many sources of this show? Aud, sbd, mtx, dts,, dvd files, bluray files(with choice of audio source), now the official release!

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Proudfoot, I didn't even know this Duke '78 video existed.

I just pulled up the US Blues encore you mentioned and... wow! Jerry seems like he's channeling Keith Moon or John Belushi with animated facial expressions, bouncing around the stage, almost windmilling once or twice, waving his arms around, and being as physical onstage as I have ever seen him. The whole band is on fire.

I can't wait to get this release.

I've always loosely characterized '76-'78 as "the train starting up" ('76), "The train at cruising speed" ('77), and the train going with such abandon it risks falling off the rails ('78). Duke's U.S. Blues is a perfect example.

@wharfrat6969 you're a lifesaver! this box, Neil Young box, honeymoon in 3 weeks, and a baby at the end of the year, I need every savings I can get! Thanks a bunch! Excited for all these wonderful music!!!

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"I took the mission. What the hell else was I gonna do"

Dave thanks for a healthy run of shows!

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In reply to by RyXs

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I'd never heard April 1978 described as having similar qualities to May 1977 before this release. A highly dubious connection. I have got my order in, despite the hype.

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In reply to by daverock

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May 77 and April 78 are different beasts imho

You made a good choice anyway by ordering

You'll like the shows

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listed below and supplied by the ever-gracious Whartrat6969. Total for box 168.49 includes shipping and taxes. Excelsior!!!

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In reply to by proudfoot

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Yes, it's beginning to look as though Deadnet have got Spring 1977 tattooed on the brain !

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...for the Huntington WV show to get released one day and BAM!
Here you go, along with a plethora of other fantastic goodies.

Really looking forward to this one; great choice.
The 'nearly off the rails' feeling is a fun one. Hold on tight.

Be Well People!
Sixtus

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In reply to by Sixtus_

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I got it on DVD-R about 10 years ago or so, got it on BD-R a year or so ago.
Probably should watch it this weekend.

In the seaside chat Dave seems to imply that at least some of the show will be uploaded to the YouTube channel.
Wonder if it’s being cleaned up for MUATM.

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In reply to by icecrmcnkd

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4-12-78 BD-R spinning now.
It’s the Brokedown House Productions version.

Curious to see how well this could be cleaned up.

product sku
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https://store.dead.net/en/grateful-dead/special-collections/friend-of-the-devils/friend-of-the-devils-april-1978-dead.net-exclusive-%5B19-cd%5D/081227816759.html