Grateful Dead

Re: A Phil & Friends show w/Bob attached at the hip? That comment was uncalled for, but all have the right to their opinion. I feel this is a blend of all the members, new and old, pitching in equally with Phil & Bob having rights to the arrangements and vocals. Comment about the drummers was totally apt though -- hard to fill those shoes. These shows were a little off compared to the Fox shows and and large chunks of Asbury, Hammerstein and, of course, Wallingford. But, then again, they were always a bit off for most of the New Years shows back in the day. Lucky ducks, thems that got tickets for the Mill Valley shows. Kudos to the boys for putting in the effort before this tour! We all are so very grateful (well, most of us anyway) to still be able to hear this music played live w/some of the original krew adding a twist of something new. ~ This is the season of what now ~

Regarding the New Year's shows in SF: I thought both shows were great! First night seemed a little tighter to me, but both nights' set lists are sweet. I give Phil credit for giving the Heads what they want. No throwaway songs, and no lengthy Space. Great to be in the city for New Year's - brought back memories of my first NY's at the same venue in '83-84. These shows were better, there I said it. Nice to see Phil so happy. Kadlicek definitely hangs back vocally on some key Jerry parts, but it seems more reverential, and out of respect to Bob and Phil. But at other times he really steps up to the mic, and it totally works for me. I don't know, maybe Phil is keeping him down, but he played really well, and the fit is obvious. I like the back up singers, too. They helped smooth things out vocally. But who were they? They should have been introduced!NY's was a long show 8-1:30 (or so), and the third set was a tad ragged, but the energy was right, and Golden Road was sweet, to say the least! It was a party. Frankly that 2nd set that went until 11:45, was what blew my doors! Loved that Floyd stuff, and loved the After Midnight. "Time" was epic, the way Phil hit those subsonic notes we're all so familiar with from tripping to Dark Side as kids - good stuff. I heard a couple people moaning about the drummer's rhythmic abilities, and sure you hear the issues with complex songs like St. Stephen, and Unbroken Chain, but I appreciate the energy they brought. We're spoiled by the relationship Billy and Mickey built over 40 years. No other drumming combo will be able to come close to that. Anyway, I had a blast. Love the Bill Graham Civic - great venue for what I considered to be a Phil and Friends show, with Bob attached at the hip.

I was dead to the world by 9:30 last night but it sounds like the more hardy souls got a great one! And now they've started the year off with more Furthur shows in Mill Valley too. Busy guys...