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"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux
We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.
The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.
The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.
The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.
Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.
(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)
ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.
*Helpful hints for using your USB:
Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.
Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.
To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.
Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text
Prime Prine
Lucky to have grown up and live in Lexington. First saw Prine in 1976 and the last time in 2014. Always, always, always great. Truly loves performing and it shows. If you get the chance see him. As noted, his voice is ravaged from surviving neck cancer and probably a gazillion shows, but its just a different view now.
Love to all as we wait for the glories of the Sun to drop in.
Kentucky Scott
DaveStrang
I read that last week in one of the 50th commemorative issues (maybe Newsweek?) and a google search of Bob Weir lessons from Rev Gary Davis finds a few blurbs.
GW You took lessons from the great blues fingerpicker Rev. Gary Davis. How did you come to meet him?
BOB WEIR Jorma [Kaukonen, Jefferson Airplane guitarist] was a big fan of his and he helped me look him up in Queens. I made my way out there whenever I was in New York. I only got three or four sessions with him before he passed from this mortal coil [in 1972]. He was my main guitar influence, really, and if you listen to his stuff you’ll see that he took it all from piano, too—all of his parts are stride piano playing adapted to guitar. It’s amazing stuff. He had a Bachian sense of music, which transcended any common notion of a bluesman.
So, you were correct in that Jorma introduced him to the Rev's music. According to reverendgarydavis.com, the Rev would give all day lessons at his house for $5 and that would include a meal!
Jason Isbell
Gary, I saw Jason a couple months ago and he was as good as ever. The new songs were a little too over-produced for me on the record, but live, they hit home. I hope you can go.
Real Gone Sale
Today is the last day for that sale. I picked up Dick's Picks 17 for $16 Actually some awesome filler on disc 3 makes it a good pick to own. Dick's Picks 14 still available, that is simply a must own. If you like blues at all the 2 cd Freddie King collection is absolutely essential. Each guitar lick viscerally stings right through you & the presence of the recordings sound like you are in the studio with them. Of the 3 Kings of blues I prefer Freddie & Albert over the late great BB. Lastly, someone suggested John Hartford, so I picked up that disc set as well. Did not listen yet, but got a kick out of the sticker labeling it "newgrass"
fourwindsblow
You'd have a real hard time putting your finger on Dylan's best years or work...no artist had a better 2 year period than 1965-1966...although 1967 wasn't bad because the basement tapes were recorded then not known until 1975 but those in the know knew about it almost immediately via the underground trade or bootlegs...other periods were great 1975 you may say was his best album "Blood on the Tracks"...or his only grammy coming in 1997 with "Time Out of Mind"...you might even say the best songs he ever wrote not released came out of the Infidels sessions...he was all over the map with greatness...Slow Train Coming was a great album I can see the masses not liking it but it was good...it's not easy to define Dylan in just mere words his body of work is debated only between the Beatles, Elvis and maybe the Rolling Stones as having the best complete Body of work...not taking away from the Grateful their greatness lies in their live performances and their complete body of work ranks a little lower than the very best artists of all time.
Alvarhanso/Dave Strang
The Rev would do lessons of secular music in his Queens basement (with the likes of Bromberg, Roy Bookbinder, Ry Cooder, Jorma, Stefan Grossman and Dave Van Ronk, to name a few in addition to Weir) until Mrs. Davis came downstairs, at which time he abruptly switched to the spirituals. The Rev knew who was boss in that house.
We are lucky that players like Jorma, Bromberg and Bookbinder keep his music alive. A real treasure.
And as much as I generally prefer Jorma's versions of Death Don't Have No Mercy, I really like the '69 Dream Bowl version in the box. Looking forward to hearing the CD!
Real Gone - Reijo
The John Hartford "Complete Warner Bros. recordings" is just a wonderful reissue comprising arguably the two finest albums from a true genius, along with eight outtakes, four from each of 'em. Enjoy!
Why does my Order Status say that my 30 Trips set is Backordered
Why does my Order Status say that my 30 Trips set is Backordered and due to ship at the end of October? I ordered right at the beginning.
Mini-Boxzilla
While I am eagerly awaiting my USB chip I decided to make a mini-set of non-official releases. Here is what I now on my FIIO X1
1977-04-22
1978-04-08
1979-09-02
1980-10-26
1981-05-01
1982-10-09
1983-10-17
1984-07-13
1985-07-01
**No 1986
1987-09-15
1988-09-19
1989-10-15
1990-10-31
1991-08-18
1992-03-16
1993-06-11
Does anyone know of a good 1986 show I can get?
mini boxzilla
Since you said unofficial i guess that means boards and audiences.
I always liked 6/21/86 Greek. I have a great audience. It is a bit short. The He's Gone dedicated to Len Bias is good. Sure y'all remember him. I think he just got drafted number #1 in the NBA draft. Then died from a huge gacker.
'86 Shows and Mr. Zimmerman
I saw a lot of stinkers in '86. Short sets, Jerry not sharp. The only two that really stand out are Portland 3/28 with an interesting 2nd set built around the Playin' theme and 12/16 the second night of Jerry's return. Fun second set with the Nevilles joining and a powerful Stella.
Great conversation about Bob Dylan. My favorites are Freewheelin', JWH and Blood on the Tracks. The Bootleg Series has been consistently incredible, breathing new life and different angles into Bob's various eras. I really love the new treatment of Self Portrait. All of the early live stuff is amazing to me. The Maggie's Farm and Baby Blue from his last appearance at Newport are incredible.
Good '86 shows?
These are my votes for checking out. All were in the first batch of tapes I ever got (from a CT Head in Fall '86). The band is struggling and frail, but Bobby is strong and Jerry has his moments:3/23/86, Philly- every Philly '80s run has a Shakedown. Here it is. Bam! Spoonful is really nice too.
3/28, Portland, ME- three-part PITB and that Maine vibe.
4/4, Hartford, CT- If you like Looks Like Rain, this one is very sweet.
None of these shows have the muscularity of a 71 or 77 show, but they are part of the long, strange trip.
Alvarhanso / Serpent Of Dreams
Thank you - I truly enjoy learning about or hearing of obscure facts like the one regarding Rev. Gary Davis, Bob Weir, and Jorma Kaukonen.
It makes me wonder how many other musicians were able to learn from and take advantage of this good man's teachings as well as his generosity.
DaveStrang re: Genesis
I want to say that in the documentary the Lamb idea discussion was nixed after Gabriel made it clear he was on a touring timeline of his own and the others weren't going to wait for him. There are a handful of articles with him and Mike Rutherford where the topic comes up and, while they both don't say no definitively, they seem to each question the probability of it ever happening. The possibility is always there! But it seems like such a long shot. Too bad. I don't care if Gabriel is Rael on stage or not. Just make a video for a backdrop. The Slippermen outfit would just be weird anymore knowing he's inside. He could always work on his flute playing too!
Serpent of Dreams
30 years ago I borrowed "Dave Van Ronk Sings Ballads, Blues, and a Spiritual" from the library, and though I had long since forgotten the name of the album and artist, the songs and the artist's voice stayed somewhere in the back of my mind until this day.
Well, just a few days ago I went searching for those songs and that voice, and just yesterday that album was delivered to my mailbox.
Funny you mention him now, I don't think I've ever seen him mentioned here before. Talk about collective consciousness...
I love the Genesis talk!
BIG Prog rock guy here, had a prog band in the 90s/00s called Lands End. It was my goal to be a prog jam band. We made a fun noise for a while there. I'm quite proud of our album Natural Selection. And come on, the Terrapin suite, that's prog rock at its finest no? :)
'86 Hampton run...
...including Box of Rain bust out (first in 13 years)! Man was it loud in there, but we quieted down for Phil to sing. Also, a Visions of Johanna, where Jerry, before teleprompters, nailed verse after verse after verse, atoning for his previous night's butchering of Althea! Hampton shows were always a treat.
Hampton 86
Hoopsie,
Yes, Hampton '86 would've been perfect for a 4-disc Road Trips. All three nights featured some great stuff, with a few hiccups: messy Truckin' the first night, the awful Althea 2nd night, and lyrically-challenged Uncle John's on the 3rd. But some warts become beauty marks: post-Terrapin confusion/tempers onstage resulted in a really cool jam with only Jerry & the drummers left onstage...I can still see him facing his amp, immersed in sonic exploration.
But for Althea, the 2nd night -- Box of Rain night -- is uniformly high caliber, if short. Friend of the Devil is as fine as any version anywhere (yes, I just said that). And the second set features a fun Iko with Bobby guesting a verse, and one of the hottest Estimateds I've heard to this day--by the time Bobby finishes screaming, the crowd is shouting...then all at once quiets as Jerry wahs everyone into the journey that will eventually arrive at Eyes. There's a Brent 'n drummers jam before space, and Wharf Rat goes to a really unique place after the "I'm sure she's been true to you" line; one of those moments of spontaneous composition that sounds planned but wasn't. (Jerry posed for my friend Dean during that Wharf Rat, also ; )
Some sweet Jerry ballads during this run -- Visions, Wharf Rat, Stella Blue -- and Bob climbed up on the amps during Sugar Mag, which says something about the energy.
Some other highlights are a smokin' Cold Rain, hot ChinaCat jam, and especially Playin' 1st night, which reaches deep Space even before drums; Dupree's and a monster Bird Song 3rd night, and the battle to play or not to play the Lazy Lightning reprise out of Supplication -- Phil & Jerry have almost pulled it off when Bob forcefully starts singing Let It Grow before they've even launched into it, just to make his point. They relent, and an orange & green Let It Grow follows.... (Those were one of the stage light combos on that song, and the one I've always thought best captures its color.)
All this and a Brent "Hey, Little Red Rooster..." verse, too....
Nice feature!
I must be behind the times, but I just noticed the "Grateful Grabber" on the Archive...looking forward to the ride home.
3-24-86
Spectrum 2nd night may've eclipsed any single one of the Hampton shows, though. It's to my lasting regret I turned down a ticket to recover from Hampton. What kind of college kid does that?? (Ok, I'll plead that I didn't wanna miss yet another day of classes.)
The 2nd Box of Rain ~ Phil sings it even better ~ and the final Lost Sailor, along with Alabama, High Time, Dew, and a Midnight Hour encore.
Did I mention I still regret passing on that one?
'86 Philly!
OK Antonjo!My ticket stub collection shows that I attended that Spectrum show after the 3 Hampton shows, and I might as well have "missed" that show, too, whatwith the already present overwhelmedness!
But I may have to revisit the archive (and my cassette) of that philly 3-24-86 and see what I missed!
Oh, and by the way, I was a college kid at the time, going to school in New Hampshire!
dantian/davestrang
dantian - Like Neil says, "it's all the same song", except it's not really, but you get my drift. Alot of the music we are all talking about here flows from the same well. Thanks for the tip on Van Ronk's record - I looked it up and it has some great songs on it, also done by others discussed here. I may grab it for my collection. Collective consciousness indeed.
davestrang - if you want to explore some of the Reverend's music, I recommend listening to Harlem Street Singer, Children of Zion and Live at Newport; you'll recognize many of the songs. Also, Ragtime Guitar is an excellent recording of his instrumental pieces. These are just a few of the many recordings out there, including Demons & Angels, a fine overview and compilation put together by Stefan Grossman.
6 24 1970
Would be insane to have this released, doubt its in the vault though. This has always been a show I consider when thinking about time travel haha. Here's the best source I can find. That Attics makes me tear up everytime, I am really sick right now, no end in sight. Amazing what this band can do, really a shining light in dark times.
https://archive.org/details/gd1970-06-24.aud.lee.5339.sbeok.shnf
6/24 & 7/10/70
Mr. Dc,
6/24/70 would be insane, indeed...I think one of the Jack Straws brought that one to my attention awhile back.
Another that also features Attics, kind of in the future Stella Blue slot, is:
https://archive.org/details/gd70-07-10.aud.cotsman.17351.sbeok.shnf
Would love to hear a great recording of this. Kind of sounds like it's through the bathroom wall, but the performance is sweet and actually I love the ambience. Clearly, people even then got really excited for the "old" stuff: Minglewood, Alligator, Cryptical, and Cosmic Charlie.
Some posters on the Archive even believe this is actually the early show for 6/24!
Light the candle, curse the glare.....
....shout out to Mr.Dc. There's sick, and then there's really sick. Praying for you brother....
7 -10-70
Thanks for sharing that link antonjo, pure magic. That Alligator-Other1-Attics-Other1-Cryptical-Cosmic Charlie is unbelievable. Once you get used to the sound the pure gold comes through quite clearly atleast to my ears.
Thanks Vguy that really means a lot to me.
Inspiration....
....move me brightly. Every three years or so I change my avatar pic. I present to you a shot I took in my backyard during a full moon. Check out the cloud heart and "arrow". I fukin love it....
Stay kind my friends....
....edit (duh)....no sweat Dc....
11/8/70 and my 30 Trips plan
Someone mentioned 6/24/70 Capitol Port Chester, an excellent show, but for anyone that loves this period of the Dead, do yourself a favor and listen to 11/8/70, also the Capitol Port Chester. A one hour acoustic set, a bit over an hour New Riders w/Garcia etc., and an electric set that starts with a version of Morning Dew that will blow you out of the room. The second part of the electric set starts in with Truckin' right into Dark Star and keeps going weaving an early Main Ten ending with Dancing, then NFA, Good Lovin'. There is a solo gong/feedback/percussion section in the middle of Dark Star. Sophisticated performance, not usual.
A decent audience recording circulating, never heard of a soundboard. Sounds like a balcony recording (drums are distant in the back but Lesh/Garcia shine). The aud circulating captures the sound of the room really well, limitations mentioned, but the band comes through. The early part of the electric set is also unusual.
I haven't listened to any of the streams and I will wait for my USB. My plan was originally to start at the beginning and go to the end, but now I think I'm going to do something a little different. I like contrast, and so I plan to start in the middle and work back and forth, ending at the beginning, sort of like this: 1980, 1979, 1981, 1978, 1982, 1977, 1983, 1976 etc. I'm trying to figure it out so that 1995 is second to last and 1966 will be the end (or the beginning of my next trip through their music).
Dylan Revisited
I really enjoyed the Dylan thread over the last few days. Interesting stuff and some profound comments.
Dylan was at the center of a movement, but I think a few others deserve a little credit too.. The Woody Guthrie, Pete Seegar, Pete and Alan Lomax, Harry Smith and Delta movement certainly influenced him. Not much of that was mainstream or tin pan alley, cookie cutter stuff.
The beats and poets likely played a role. He was certainly aware of Ginsberg, Kerouac and the like.
But perhaps Albert Grossman, as much as anyone, deserves a bit of a silent nod. Much like the Colonial did with Elvis, Grossman provided access and marketing to Dylan in his formative years and had a lot to do with his success and ultimately influence. Not to take away from his talent, that goes without saying.
Just a few thoughts.. I think tin pan alley had lived beyond its useful life by the time Dylan came along. He probably was the one that pulled the plug, but the times were changing.. he gave the new times a fresh voice and spoke for the new generation.
Anyway, really good stuff. I shouldn't be surprised how well you all know your music and history. I am often humbled. I guess that's why we read this stuff. Great thread and great contributions everyone, thanks a lot.
Spoiling it all with streaming..
I planned to wait for the product in hand too. I went ahead and started listening though. I've only gotten through the first 3 shows, so I am not too worried that I've ruined it. That still leaves 27 trips.
Looking at some more of the set lists, I am super excited about the '77 show. I think the only favorite they didn't play that night for me would be Big River or maybe one of Bob's other cowboy songs. I think I am going to be very pleased with the shows from '77-'81. Really can't wait.
That Capitol Theatre acoustic setlist from 11/8/70....
....handle with caution....
Dire Wolf
I Know You Rider
Dark Hollow
Rosalie McFall
El Paso
Operator
Ripple
Friend Of The Devil
Wake Up, Little Susie
Uncle John's Band
....outstanding....soothing
dedhed76
I hear ya!
Lindley Meadows is an all-time favorite of mine, and that alone made this box a must have for me (though there are many other great shows in this box as well).
Also, thank you for your service. Several Marines in this Deadhead's family and extended family.
And 1984...
Another amazing show. Another reason I pulled the trigger on this boxzilla. Very soothing. Thanks dantian for the kind words.
And 1984...
Yeah, man...
One I didn't know about until I streamed (on the recommendations from a few friends on this board via PM), but I am now hooked on.
No Dead for me tonight
just some Dave Van Ronk, and some Donald Fagen to close the night out.
An all-Manhattan night for me ;)
Ah memories...by the way, NYC is effectively dead to me now (and not in a good way)...9 out of 10 native NYers surveyed agree, NYC is mostly populated by hipster douchebag transplants these days.
The closing of Ray's Pizza on 11th Street and Sixth Ave was the last straw for me...oh, and those fking bike lanes, it takes every last ounce of my self control to not run those citibike-riding mfkers over...just serving the rest of my time until I can escape to the country and collect a pension...
Maybe I'm just growing old(er) and cynical.
Dantian I hear ya!
I couldn't take it there anymore and I love NYC.. I grew up in NJ and transplanted to sunny CA and haven't looked back..l
Ray's Pizza
Say it Ain't So ...Now you're making me hungry and a little homesick.
I also grew up in NY and now live in sunny CA.
As I got older I couldn't deal with living indoors for so many months a year.
toddlilienfield
Yeah, dude.
Ray's Pizza (the one in Greenwich Village) that's been there since like 1973 is no more.
When I went elementary school across the street, a slice was 50 cents (that was expensive back then, other places were charging 35 cents!), Ray's would give us kids a half slice for a quarter.
They've been gone for a few years now. NYC is done. Stick a fork in it.
product sku
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