• 238 replies
    marye
    Joined:
    Okay, it wasn't ALL roses... One of the subjects that came up behind the scenes the other day was how just about everybody had a particular song (usually found in the second set) that they regarded as the perfect opportunity to beat the restroom crowds, purchase another overpriced water bottle, or decide whether they just had to have that T-shirt. The perfect opportunity, in short, to be anywhere but in the hall listening to the tune. In classic Deadhead fashion, it also came out that the same tune that sent one person running for the exits was the show's high point for another. So it goes. What's your experience?

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • thndrbill
    Joined:
    Sometimes it was them and sometimes me
    It wasn't any individual song for me so much as the connection I was feeling with the band and the room. Sometimes the magic was there and other times no. I would say that through the 70s I don't remember ever leaving early. That changed. As the drugs really took hold of Jerry it got harder to me to really connect with what they were doing. There would be moments, but a lot of it was hard to watch and listen to. I kept going tough, hanging on those moments when it was still magical.
  • blackandwhitepeter
    Joined:
    Corinna!!!
    Corrinna not only drove me to the bathroom, it eventually drove me away from the band. After six years and appx 50 shows it was Corinna and Easy Answers. There was a five show stretch one tour where I saw these songs entirely too much. Another song that would always send me out was Victim or the Crime. That one always freaked me out! So dark and depressing. Way too metallic (whatever that means) It sounded like a war machine bearing down on you. I 'm not intentionally calling out Bobby songs but that's just the way it was and is. Later folks
  • heathaafeathaa
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    everyones done peeing
    in my first years of going to shows i would drop alil'dose and not drink.so my bladder held up.but however if ya gotta go well than go if it was to the point my bladder was gonna burst and id have 'TEARS ROLLIN DOWN MY FACE'when id go you cant stop natrual body functions.not cool,i could always hear and enjoy the show wheather i was watching them on stage ,in the hall,or at outdoor shows.,walking around hanging out w/friends looking at the vendorshad a blast always.i will not sacrafice the dead over pain from holding it in to long.but drumz/space would be a better time .anytime is a good time if ya cant hold it any longer.expecially when they would do touch of grey.hey how about a TOPIC WORST DEAD SONGS'that would be #1 in my book.CHEEEEEZZZZY!!!!
  • jimbirish
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Pee Break/Leap from Seat Songs
    hi yas......ya....this is a good topic......i would say my revved up rock out attitude took a major dive when the Boys played Stella Blue......that one always kinda brought me down a peg or three......Leap from my seat jams would be Scarlet Begonias.....Deal....China Cat.....and a few others i cant think of now.......love and peace to all.....Jim
  • rmartin
    Joined:
    leave,leave, for pssakes leave
    i'll never get this sorted out, how many of y'all -spent - those scrambling brain cells; actually taking a pss break to a contemplation level for your brain to ponder. Going to the rest seat should always "Depend" if you "Depended" enough, or am I and that female astronaut the only 2 to ,,,,,,,,,well,, that "Dependz".. tink about dit. maan !!!!!
  • Golden West
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    "Standing On The Moon"
    "Standing At The Urinal" A Hunter/Garcia swing and a miss if there ever was one. -OR- Their pitch that was 'Just a Bit Outside." -OR- They swung for the fences and instead hit a broken-bat two-hopper to the second sacker. No big deal. Nobody bats 1.000.
  • Steve-O
    Joined:
    Drumz and Space
    Always drumz and Space, If I had to go. Liked watching drumz for awhile, but then it was just to much boredom. I always thought that that was the part of the show that would put people to sleep. Just my humble opinion though.
  • msgsec74
    Joined:
    There was "Cowboy Time"
    I had a few songs like that for the 1st set. There was "Cowboy Time" Bobbys' country 2-fers. Also the straight ahead rock tunes at the end of the 1st set like "Don't Ease" or "Might As Well" or "Promised Land". It wasn't because I didn't like those tunes, it's because they weren't "Jam" songs. These were only when I really had to go and didn't want to deal with the crowds during the break. If I had to go during a "Jam" song in the second set, I'd go during the more structured part of the song. For example, on 3/29/90 After the "Eyes" that opened the 2nd set I thought to myself "I do need a better spot, The next song is Jerrys' call, they haven't done "Dark Star" yet this tour, and If there was ever a night they had one in them it's tonight" So during the verses of "Estimated" I got myself a little closer to the stage. I never went during drums and space becasue I didn't like the crowds, and I used to make up names for Drums/Space At the end of the 2nd set there were a few tunes that made me look for my coat right away. The first on that list is "Throwing Stones" I'd pick up my coat and ask me friends "What gate are we parked by?" Does anyone else at Giants Stadium 6/6/1993 remeber the crowd groaning at the begining of "Throwing" "Sugar Mag" and "Lovelight" I wasn't always in the mood for, it depended on the show. On 9/10/1991 I stayed for that "Lovelight" When ever I hear "Touch Of Grey" the first thing that pops into my head is "The guards are leaving soon do I want a better spot?" Check Out My Orignal Music at myspace.com/salaversano
  • loonyj
    Joined:
    Drums, no offense Jay
    For me this was the time and place. Unfortunately it seemed the same for a lot of others. Watch each card and play it slow.
  • izzie
    Joined:
    Stella??
    Oh. no way could I not be in the hall for Stella Blue. But really, had I know the magnitude of my sin, I don't think I'd have admitted here that I never liked Black Peter. I had no idea folks felt that strongly about it!
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Forums
Okay, it wasn't ALL roses... One of the subjects that came up behind the scenes the other day was how just about everybody had a particular song (usually found in the second set) that they regarded as the perfect opportunity to beat the restroom crowds, purchase another overpriced water bottle, or decide whether they just had to have that T-shirt. The perfect opportunity, in short, to be anywhere but in the hall listening to the tune. In classic Deadhead fashion, it also came out that the same tune that sent one person running for the exits was the show's high point for another. So it goes. What's your experience?
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Johnman...you sacreligeous oaf, you (I'm just a kidding, you know!) xoxxo Gypsy Cowgirl goofing around again......but, yeh, right on......
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

arr......i now be properly chastised...........but...to this day....when the drums start to fade out........i gotta pee........pavlov's deadhead i 'spose
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

ok, I'm willing to admit it, I used to take naps during drums / space. funny as shit, my crowd said -- during the touch head era, and sorority gals would ask tour buddies with great shock: 'is he OK?' 'sure he is OK', Al Dente (old tour buddy) would reply, 'he is just taking a nap' as soon as the boys all got back on stage, and as the first chords would be heard, I'd get a boot in the ribs, to wake me, and a "cc, go ahead man, call that tune" which I usually could. ( -:
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

all i ever heard was security, sayin' "get 'im outa here, or i will"........but not during drums, so boy i guess i got bit by uh tangent
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I'm a huge Weir fan, but.... Queen Jane, Eternity.... Phrom Phil... Wave To The Wind Even Jerry... Row Jimmy Other than that - I'd hold it as long as possible!!! ~ Pappy www.theCAUSEjams.com "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

ROW JIMMY!!!! OYGoh well each 2 their own
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Red Rooster or Walkin Blues, these were also great times for smoking too. Pappy-Row Jimmy, for shame ha ha I really agree with Gypsy though whenever nauter calls. most of the time though was sweating all those Becks and Guiness out.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Quickly - as I don't want to usurp the thread on Row Jimmy or other songs... BUT - RARELY did they NOT get lost in the solos of this song. I saw several versions at the shows I attended. They hit it ONCE (and I didn't have to go pee!) and I enjoyed it. IMO, Jerry's weakest 1st set tune....other than Day Job (but they were done w/ that tune by the time I hopped aboard). What I can't understand is I get crap for Row Jimmy, but others didn't for saying DARK STAR & PITB jams?!!! THAT WAS the GD - jamming & exploring - getting "out there!" ;) 'Sall good... I LOVED the blues tunes...all of 'em. ~ Pappy "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

broken heart don't hurt so badain't got half what you thought you had!
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Pappy just playin man. I didn't care so much for Day Job either, just like grdaed said to each hiss own. I used to leave my seat all the time anyway go get lost in the halls for a while, especially in places that had speakers in the halls. Goe melt in the light for a while. Come to think of never really stayed in one place was always wanderering around. Get back home where you belong And don't you run off no more
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I know, I know you guys were just playin'....just find it funny that Row Jimmy (of all tunes) got ANY reaction, rather than the BIG guns, like Dark Star & Playin'. ;) Shall we go? Through the transitive nightfall of diamonds? ~ Pappy www.theCAUSEjams.coom "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

just see the little bunny kicking in the air.. that come back stepgreat lyrics,thx hunter fantastic vocals,thx jerry That's the way it's been in town Ever since they tore the juke box down Two bit piece don't buy no more Not so much as it done before who said darkstar???? some of us waited our whole life for that!! and playing??? i mighta gotten up!! but thats no time for a break : )
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Page 1 of this thread...Dark Star. I couldn't believe it either!! :) Some other tunes of note mentioned, that are some of my FAVORITES: Black Peter Stella Blue (Jerry's FAVORITE original song) Death Don't Have No Mercy (but not because of boredom - because of the "heebie-jeebies" LOL!) Friend Of The Devil Someone else mentioned Row Jimmy on Page 3 of this thread! I'm not alone! I LOVE the song - that's the funny thing. BUT, as I said - they RARELY hit a good one. They'd lose count in the jams, or it was just overall uninspired. I saw ONE good one out of 5 or so live. I only hit 33 GD shows overall from 87-95. ~ Pappy www.theCAUSEjams.com "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Me, I love Dark Star but have some friends that aren't that fond of it. Just like I love the stuff from the 60's especially Pig raps, Anthem of the Sun stuff too. But those same friends don't dig that stuff either. But Row Jimmy was loved, Ok Pappy I'll stop man. FUN,FUN,FUN! Sky was yellow and the sun was blue.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

I always seemed to run during these...Walkin Blues (this song at times was great but after so many...) Memphis Blues (same, same, same) Eternity (Jerry actually made this song paletable) Cheesy Answers (nope) Queen Jane (same, same, same) Don't Ease (I wonder what the difference in timing is for the longest version vs. the shortest version... 20 seconds... maybe?) Long, Long, Long, Long, Long, Long Way to go Home On the other hand I always tried to stay through Drums/Space
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I was too young to ever see the grateful dead but i know enough about the band to say i like every song except me and bobby mcgee. i love all the stuff pigpen sang on and i love the time with brent ps the concert at penn state was magical pss dead tour 2009 will be epic
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

When I left, it was usually during Victim or during Eternity. I'd go to the bathroom and wander around a bit then come back in time for the next song. I read in the beginning of this thread about the one Head who would nap during Space, I was usually that person too. Especially if I wasn't driving and in big time Tour Haze. My friends would always be amazed how I would doze off long enough to get up and groove as they were coming out of it, but those naps helped a lot since sleep didn't always come on Tour easy for me.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

some of the tunes people take a walk on black peter r u kidding omg thats one of the best!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

I can't remember where I was, but in the early 80's and me being new to the scene .about 1/3 of the people got up and started to walk out.I asked the people I was with if the show was over.Thats when I found out about the pee break songs :) Drums Day job even now when I here day job I have to go.......... Peace
user picture
Default Avatar
Permalink

Drumz seemed like the time everybody who was in a cramped space or just had to go, moved. Inevitably, this and set breaks were the longest lines at the bathroom! Estimated was another perennial favorite, especially those years when Bobby got totally out of hand with the "Bobby Hahs", ya' know what I mean -- Hahh, hah, ha, ha hahhhhhh! Na, nah, na, na Nahhhhh, Na! My apologies to anybody who enjoyed those moments.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Hmmmmmm.....Wow!! Tis hard because I pretty much like all the dead songs. But if I had to pick a song it would involve Donna. Ive got it SUNRISE. yep it would be SUNRISE for sure. Phatmoye
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

DEFINATELY DONNAPhatmoye
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Never liked that one-Oh yeah and "artificial flowers" for Weir solo-also(IMO) "Knockin'" is a snoozefest.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

for me it was any dylan song....it wasn't like i was holding it in till then..... i just can stand dylan songs specialy when the dead do them...i think dylan should ben a poet not a musican....that was my time to wonder the halls maybe bump into people i know....i noticed alot of people said drums and space..i would sit and meditate through that part... let your life proceed by its own design
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I know I know :-) but it always felt like the longest song in the world. "When the smoke has cleared, she said, that's what she said to me. You're gonna want a bed to lay your head and a little sympathy"
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

SPACE.........
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

First was outside, no problem. Second, great sound in Boston Garden bathroom!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

The only time I was relieved (pun intended) by Little Red Rooster... but even then.. I danced all the way to can... and back! Seek the Truth, Appreciate Beauty in all Things, Try to do Better
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 3 months
Permalink

Never met a Dead song I didn't like, but Rat Dog's Mama Said (or whatever the name is) is a perfect time for me to recycle my beer...
user picture

Member for

15 years 7 months
Permalink

Without a doubt, "Drums/Space" would be enough to make me head for the lobby.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

Usually by the time drumz and space comes on, i'm to messed up to move anywhere...LOL, but that would probably be the best time to go tinkle if you had too.:)Peace- Moye
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

I have been a "head" now since at least 1974 [and before] & I've seen alot of shows & I think I can honestly say [maybe it has something to do with being a musician too] that I have NEVER EVER "run for an exit" because of ANY Grateful Dead tune ! [even when the boys were at their absolute worst !] You all should be ashamed of yourselves for even THINKING ANYTHING like that ! Shame on you ! SHAME ON YOU !! Where has the true Deadhead experience gone ? Am I the only true Deadhead left ??
user picture

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

I've grown to love a lot of songs after hearing them live, but I'm not a fan of the Cowboy songs - I mean El Paso is a cool song, Me and my Uncle, not so much - it's WEIRd when it feels like Bobby is playing Let's Pretend up there. But the one song that really gets on my nerves is Mexicali Blues. At my first show we were tripping hard and the whole night was full of magical songs: Brown-Eyed, Bird Song, Althea, Shakedown, DARK STAR - but when that Mexicali came around I just couldn't believe how ill-fitting it was. I gotta say that Jerry's midi sounds could be awful at times and the phony mariachi trumpet tone is one of the worst. Talk about wrenching you out of warp-space. I didn't run for the can, I just sort of smiled at all the crazy heads grooving down and getting into it - it sounded like the musical equivalent of a prozak overdose and it felt creepy that everyone could love it so much... Each to her own! I've always been a lover of drumz>space - I come to the shows with that part in mind. Don't get me wrong, I'm a melody and harmony freak, but NO ONE else out there is doing this, especially to an appreciative audience. Even if many go for a pee break, lots stick around for the most transcendental experience they'll have, possibly ever. Love all you heads out there and your individual tastes. This thread is funny! K
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

At one point, I told my wife that I have to go. They started DDHNM so I stood for it. At the end of the song, I was sure I have time to go and come back for the next one. The bathroom was CROWDED. Just came back for the beginning of Lost Sailor. Missed " Don't ease me in", one of my favorite. Just thingkin about it. funny, thought. Same show, a guy fall down his beer on our heads, the band start "Looks like rain". Some of those memories. Grate. Richard.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I'm with Faron...I never run for the door...and Drums/Space is my favorite, especially last week at the Forum...I love all the spacey way out shit. As far as songs go, well...they are always different and I love the jams...so...I usually just piss on the floor.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I don't think I've ever been to the bathroom at a Dead show. I did go to the toilet frequently at the Warfield during JGB set breaks but that was because they sold beer inside.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Am apalled! That's disgusting! Selling beer in the bathroom? am intrigued-never heard of that.********************************** Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. Mark Twain
user picture

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

of the words floor pisser, Incognito does not come to mind. Beware the Jig is UP! ha ha I've been telling people for years frothy beer tastes like Piss, imagine cashing in on that..... To each his own :) PEACE
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

or Desolation Row if I have to shit. "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Hey...I was just joking....iknowurider was right...Never trust a Merry Prankster...
user picture

Member for

15 years
Permalink

Guaranteed pee break tunes... Easy Answers, Corinna, Victim or the Crime, Mexicali Blue's, Walkin' Blue's, Picasso Moon, Any song attempted by Vince Welnick other than Baba O'Riley, I Will Take You Home, I Fought the Law, Gentleman Start Your Engines, Wave to the Wind, Broken Arrow, KC Moan, Eternity
user picture

Member for

16 years 5 months
Permalink

me & my uncle or mexicali blues or big river or another good one, little red rooster. HaHa easy answers.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years 3 months
Permalink

CC Rider is so horrible luckily they never played it for me! Same for Day Job.______________________________________________________________ I think I'll go up on a mountain, I'll fling myself off into space I'm not doing it because I'm desperate, I'm just trying to save some space...
user picture

Member for

14 years 6 months
Permalink

Why not pee BEFORE a concert? It just seems really odd to me that there are 24 hrs in a day, correct? If you are aware you are on your way to a concert that YOU KNOW is gonna be around 3-hours long, why would you not pee beforehand? I'm too young to have seen the Grateful Dead in concert but I one thing I know 100% for sure is I did have that amazing opportunity I certainly wouldn't miss some of it to use the bathroom. I have been to hundreds of shows and never peed once during a concert. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a group of musicians you love/admire perform in front of you...and you're gonna leave to go pee?No offense, just sounds crazy to me. I'd wanna spend every second at a Dead show enjoying the music and watching the performing. "What we do is as American as lynch mobs." - Jerome Garcia