Grateful Dead

“This is the best that can be done as far as getting them willing to release this stuff. Listen, if this doesn’t work, I seriously wonder if anything will ever come out of their vaults.” - Dick Latvala 1993/4

December 19th -
Today is an historic date in the annals of GD history.
47 years ago the GD played their final show of the year and it smokes.
But possibly bigger than that, 27 years ago that same show was picked to be the first GD live recording released as part of the now legendary Dick's Picks series.

If you're a collector (which includes all of us here) then it's important to realize what a game changer this release was for all of us. Literally, it is the moment when all of our collections would level up. Over the next 27 years all GD collections would grow exponentially with live two-track releases from the band. Official Bootlegs! The legendary Vault, the untouchable Vault, would open up for us commoners. Back then it was a moment that most of us dreamed about, but few were sure it would ever really happen. It definitely wasn't guaranteed. And Dick's Picks Volume 1 started it all. Finally a fan was releasing Grateful Dead music with the band's blessing.
(Yes there was the From The Vault Series, but that's a different story all together for another time).

And Dick, well he was probably the only person who could've gotten this all started. Honestly I feel certain that without Dick's persistence, passion and enthusiasm, we wouldn't have what we have today. That's just how this world works. Sometimes it takes the only person who could possibly get something done, and puts them in exactly the right place to do just that. I like it when that happens.

I remember when this release came out. We were stoked. Of course eventually there was the complaining about it not being the complete show, but what none of us realized at the time (and some still don't realize) was how big of a coup this was. And that this was the jumping off point. We could not imagine in 1993 the plethora of Grateful Dead official releases we would eventually get. And for that, we have Dick to thank.

So, pick a release out of your collection today, and put it on. And raise a toast..
LATVALA!!

With that all being said, I know which show I'm gonna pick :)
Final night on tour, and it feels like it's gonna be a smoker! Last night's show was phenomenal!!
The WRS > Dark Star > Drums > Eyes > Wharf Rat > Sug is a thing of beauty. Listen to the jam in WRS it's an air guitar frenzy, especially where it's patched during the tape flip. During Dark Star it sounds like the band gets into an I Want To Tell You style jam that Bob, Phil, Keith & Jerry are all playing off of (I wonder if they listened to that earlier in the day) they run that theme for awhile in the jam. And Uncle John's Band encores, why did that stop?!?! What a show. Man you should've seen Bob T he was bug-eyed!! We all were, it was soooo amazing. Get that show and put it on right now and listen to what I'm talking about. It could easily have been the first release.

But as Dick would go on to say: "The only reason 12/19/73 was the choice, was because of the Here Comes Sunshine. Jesus, what a monster!”

Alright, it's time to "Remember Your Hippie Training folks, Be Cool!" - Jerry 12/19/73
I want to thank all of you that participate on this forum and contribute your opinions and thoughts and ears to this wonderful music. It's been a real joy to pick shows with friends and give them a spin and talk about them. In this time when we can't be together, this is the next best thing. And it wouldn't happen without you.

High fives all around, thanks for touring through the vault, buying the ticket and taking the ride!

Good Stuff.
LATVALA!

EDIT - I second Bob T, this has been a great tour. In regard to the 6 day lay off, supposedly the Band went back home to SF and chilled, then headed to Florida to play two shows and finish the year. Only the GOGD '73 would do that!

EDIT2 - Dick Latvala quotes from Amazing interview from Dupree's Diamond News Volume 27. Get it, read it, love it. Wonderful stuff! Also big props to John Dwork & crew for all they've done for Heads everywhere. Love you all.

...and BobT for sure.. I'm losing my mind.

Well it's the last stop on my December 73 virtual tour!! Hanging out at the Curtis Hixon with Good Ole and That's Otis!!! The tour was great only hiccup was Cincinnati!!! The shows in North Carolina and Atlanta were awesome. I always wonder what the 6 day break was for. Have a good weekend everyone.. Bob t

..adding in all other contributors here as well.

Strider, deadvikes, otis, oroborous, Cone Kid and I'm sure I forgot acouple......

Couldn't agree more, brother!

Firing up Curtis Hall now! I think I'll cheat and just start with Set II :)

Peace

This is definitely the best thread going on the site. Good music and good vibes. Thanks for all the great stuff here, especially from The Good Ole Grateful Dead.

Roger 12/16/78 not 12/17. Funny I mixed up the dates of 12/17/92 & 12/16/92 yesterday. I meant to say 12/16/92 is really good, but said 12/17.

Trippy!

Good stuff.

BTW - 12/18/73 is sounding good. Check out that GSET! Some epic Phil Bombs.
Getting ready for some WRS > Dark Star > Eyes this afternoon.
Might have to wait until 4:20ish
Happy Friday All!

Good to hear from you Otis. Yes, this year has been a huge challenge for sure. My 11 year old daughter in middle school is having the virtual learning blues. Not too much fun looking at your Chromebook all day in Google Meets. Just hoping to survive this crap and see better days on the other side.

Anyway, thanks for the 78 pick. I will check it out. Last weekend I pulled out From Egypt with Love. There is some really good music on that release from October 78 at Winterland. And the bonus disc with If I had the world to give, is really good, love this version.

Stay well out there.

Haven't heard from Bob t for a while? And of course Bolo.

Thanks for the kind words!

Just for clarification, I am listening to 12/16/78 Nashville - 12/17 is Fox Theater - though they both have "From the Heart of Me." The Bobby interview is at the end of the Fox theater show too. This Nashville show is nice! It seems I prefer fall/winter 78 to winter/spring 78...

After this, I might just join you and Bob for a little palaver in Tampa 73 :)

Peace

Good to hear from you O and thanks for all your hard work with the kids! I mean it, I'm so impressed with teachers during this trying year and all the extra time and effort they have had to put in. So raising a glass to you my friend! (coffee cup, but same sentiment).

I'll check out the 12/17/78 show again, it's got a From The Heart Of Me ;)
It looks like there's a SBD with Aud patches as well as an Audience recording by the one and only Joani Walker (thanks Joani for all the tapes!!!!). And there's a post radio show interview with Joani & ACE Bob Weir.

But first.. I've got a date with a Dark Star from 12/18/73. Still on the road with Bob T in the 1973 time machine. 2 more shows to go and they could be legendary in the future!

Good Stuff.

PS EDIT - VGUY what'd you think of 6/6/92? Dug the first set. Best Take a Step Back in the 1990s? Also enjoyed weird Spanish Jam & TOO blender bender. I kinda fell asleep during set 2 (not knocking it, i just took a nap) so I might have to listen to it again, but yeah. Interesting time Summer '92. I'd just heard an interview with David Lemieux talking about the stage chemistry he witnessed on Spring '92 tour and that he wasn't surprised when Bruce split. Add the Vince interview from 6/19/92 and it gives an interesting view into the band at this stage of the game. Fascinating. BTW Dark Star out of Space on 6/8/92 is worth visiting!