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- Post reply Log in to post comments228 repliesizzieJoined:Which would it have been? Most life-changing, for whatever reason.
- memphis mikeJoined:my first was dec 26th 1969…
my first was dec 26th 1969. got acoustic Jer and Bob, acoustic Dead and then a smokin" electric set. from Monkey and the Engineer to Lovelight with lots in between. didn't realize how lucky I was at the time. wish I could see that show again! luckily I can listen and relivve it in my mind.
- ShindiggerJoined:9-2-80 Rochester
My first was 11-8-79, followed by 5-4-80, followed by THIS ONE. I was a freshman at Syracuse University and was supposed to be at Freshman Orientation, but I blew that off and hitchhiked alone to Rochester without a ticket. The one and only Brad Simmons picked me up in a U-Haul truck with all his furniture in the back. He was a Junior and was supposed to move into his apartment that day, but that could wait. It was a hot day; I remember cold beer.
We drove to the show as fast as the limiter on the engine would allow: a sedate yet maddening 50 mph. When we got to the show and pulled into the parking lot, I remember a few cops watching us drive in and following us to where we parked. They must have been thinking "Everyone else is hiding it in their socks, but these guys had to rent a U-Haul?!" After a quick look at Brad's futon, couch and laundry, we were released.
I got a ticket, went in, and immediately lost Brad. No worries. I gave myself up to the moment and just wandered, danced and experienced a spectacular show: monster versions of Sugaree and China>Rider, Estimated > Terrapin > Playing > Jam > Drums > Space > Iko > Dew > Sugar Magnolia and an Alabama encore. I remember being about 30 feet in front of Jerry when he dropped into Morning Dew. Everyone, all packed ass to elbow, lost it.
During the drive back to Syracuse in the U-Haul, I asked Brad "All they always that good?" His response was immediate and sure: "No!" And this was from a guy who had caught the entire first half of the East Coast '77 tour, but took a much-needed break on 5-8-77, even though he had a ticket. Ouch!
- mrlee718Joined:Madison Square Garden, 1983
My first show was October 11th, 1983 at Madison Square Garden. I was 12 years old and supposed to go with my friend and his older brother, but at the last minute their mom decided they couldn't go due to misconceptions of the band (mostly the name I imagine). Instead I went with my mom and uncle. I loved it and despite my musical tastes taking lots of twists and turns over the years, I've remained a huge Dead fan ever since.
- jeathrayJoined:May 16, 1970: Temple University Stadium. My first live Dead show
My first live Dead show, and it was FREE! It took place literally across the street from my best friend Bob's house. We had just finished our senior year at Temple's Tyler School of Art, but had not had our graduation ceremony yet. The day of the concert we walked over to check it out. We didn't have tickets; they were really expensive for the time: $6.50, and they were not being sold at the gate. So, while we checking out the scene, who turns up but the maintainence men from Tyler School of Art to unclog the Temple Stadium toilets. Since they knew us, we ask them if they can get us in, and they hand us each a toilet plunger and they lead us in. There were several groups: Hendrix, The Dead, Steve Miller Band, Cactus, and I think maybe Country Joe and the Fish. The three piece Steve Miller Band was great, The Dead played a one hour set with abbreviated versions of Casey Jones, Mama Tried, Hard to Handle, China/Rider, New Speedway Boogie, New Minglewood Blues, and ended with a standout Turn on Your Lovelight with Pigpen. As the day went on, it turned gray and started to rain. Philly's fascist police chief at the time, Frank Rizzo, hated "hippies" and had an 11PM curfew in effect. Hendrix was about an hour late coming on stage, and we were all worried that they would shut down the show before he could play. He eventually got on and played a full set. So, I guess I owe The Dead $6.50 plus interest?
- scottjindraJoined:My initial introduction
Dead & Dylan at the Metro Dome in Minneapolis,
Drove up with a few friends, wreaked my car before the show, hitched a ride back to Alpine. Sat in the back of a 69 ford pickup with 8 other people & a cat and couldn't have been a better introduction to the Dead, music and livelihood. I been chasing the music and everything Dead related since. Was at Jerry's wake at the Polo field, and still live in the same frame of mind as being lucky enough to walk into the Hardrock Hotel, Riviera Mayan, while on vacation with my wife and see the Further performance without even knowing that they were in town. (La Bamba)The magic has been amazing and I'm excited to see what happens next. So many stories about the the band, my life and how no matter where I am we are always ready for the music. - georgeIIIJoined:Not my first show ...
I had been to a few shows and listened to more than a handful of tapes, but when a local radio station (in Richmond VA) announced that a band called "Formerly the Warlocks" would be at the Hampton Coliseum (not much over an hour from Richmond) for 2 nights next month, I hesitated but finally decided to get tickets. The first night (10/8/89) was far and away the best concert that I had ever attended in my life (and I was 37 YO at the time). The second night was better. I was on the bus to stay from then on, regretting that it had taken me so long to reserve a seat.
- TonsOfSteelJoined:Summer Jam at Watkins Glen…
Summer Jam at Watkins Glen. 12 hour ride from Rhode Island in a breaking down 65 Ford on acid. Closing down the NY State Thruway both ways. The overrun town with all the cool citizens. The Dead set on Friday night. The magic amphibious bus. The wells for water. The resultant mud from the wells. Watching the dancers in the mud. An unfortunate parachutist. Trading a pack of Marlboro's for 10 Black Beauty's. Beautiful people. Did I mention the Frog acid? The Band and the Allman Brothers. Those were the days......