Favorite Grateful Dead live show

pglbook
pglbook Posts: 2,228
edited February 2013 in Music & Movies
I hope there are some GD fans on this site. I thought it would be fun to see what people think is the best Grateful Dead show. I have downloaded a lot of shows on etree and also bought my fair share of Dick's Picks (and now Dave's Picks) and box sets and, although I know it is imposssible to name just one show, let's try:

I would have to go with the following:

June 10, 1973: RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2012
    I can name just one, that's all I ever attended. The Dead and the Allman Bros. slugged it out all day on a summer scorcher at RFK Stadium in DC. (as you just posted :cheesygrin:) Did you not like the Allman Bros. portion of the show ???
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,228
    edited December 2012
    Wow, gdb!!!! You actually attended that show? Incredible. I have never heard the Allman Brothers part of the show. I downloaded the GD show from etree and burned it to disc. The Alllmans do not allow their shows to be posted to etree so I have never come across the Allmans part of the show. I would love to hear it, though. I think I have at least 3 different versions of the GD show for 6-10-73: a soundboard version, an audience version, and a matrix. That is a show for the ages.
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited December 2012
    I am more of an eighties gd fan. However I do like 9/15/77 Englishtown. But if you want rockin/ down and dirty Grateful Dead you have to go early to mid eighties. 3/9/81 motb recording, 4/19/82 sbd, 11/3/84 sbd, 6/28/85, 6/30/85, 7/1/85 and you cant go wrong w/ 11/1/85.

    Those are a few of my faves.
    I got static in my head
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    rromeo923 wrote: »
    I am more of an eighties gd fan. However I do like 9/15/77 Englishtown. But if you want rockin/ down and dirty Grateful Dead you have to go early to mid eighties. 3/9/81 motb recording, 4/19/82 sbd, 11/3/84 sbd, 6/28/85, 6/30/85, 7/1/85 and you cant go wrong w/ 11/1/85.

    Those are a few of my faves.

    I'm with you on the early to mid eighties rromeo923

    I was at the 11/1/85 show (Richmond VA) and the boys tore it up. This is a Dicks Pick but if you can find the aud recording get it. the crowd response is spine tingling which you will not hear on the DP.

    Here are a few suggestions

    7-2-88, Oxford Plains Motor Speedway. Oxford Maine
    9-9-87 Providence CC, Providence RI
    4-17-83 Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited December 2012
    Gimme a great Fire on the Mountain and Feel Like a Stranger in the same show and i be happy happy happy.
    Beyond that i ride the ABB train not the GD's.
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited December 2012
    i first saw the Dead at Leguna Seca in '88... this show here.... http://archive.org/details/gd1988-07-30.beyer.connor.82207.sbeok.flac16. David Lindley and Los Lobos opened. what a day!

    also saw one of their last shows at Alpine Valley, East Troy Wisconsin in July of '89. this was a sunset/night show, and included my favorite songs live... I Know You Rider/Chinacat Sunflower. the show was pure bliss....
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,228
    edited December 2012
    China Cat has to be one of my favorite songs to hear live as well too...along with Morning Dew.
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited December 2012
    I first saw the Grateful Dead 3/7/81 Cole field house U of MD. From then to 1993 I saw them over a hundred times. I saw them all over the country. I met some of my best friends to this day due to the GD. They were a huge part of my youth and early adulthood. When Jerry died it was the end of very special era.
    I with you VStarkwell on the Richmond 11.1.85 show. I was there too and I can possibly consider that the best GD concert i saw. RedRocks is probably the nicest venue I went to.. I was also at the Oxford Plains shows in Maine. I saw all of the Merriweather shows 83,84,85 and that place holds a special spot in my heart. 11Steve I was at Laguna Seca in 87 and that was probably the most fun GD weekend experience I ever had. I am in the Touch of Grey video I cant see myself but I was in the crowd when they filmed. They came thru the camping grounds around midnight asking if anyone wanted to be in a video. Well it was pretty awesome but it took 5hrs to complete. Anyway so many great times and music! What an incredible band!
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited December 2012
    and I can't forget Hampton Coliseum. That was a magical place. So many great shows there. I was there in 83,84,85,86,88,89 (Warlocks shows), and 92.

    Ok I'm done....
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,228
    edited December 2012
    I saw the GD 4 times in the 1980s (twice at MSG/NYC 1981 and 1982, Carrier Dome/Syracuse 1983, Spectrum/Philadelphia, Easter Sunday 1986) and, while I love the 80's shows, as I have been downloading and collecting live shows, I find that late 60s or early 70s (1972, 1973 especially) is what I like the best. There is so much more extended jamming going on in that time period and Jerry's guitar never sounded better. But all eras are great with the GD so it is a matter of taste. Did anyone pick up the Spring 1990 box set? How is it? I wanted to get it but, having bought the Europe 72 box set recently, my budget was shot. Of course, the Spring 1990box set is now sold out now and ebayers are having fun jacking up the price on that one.
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited December 2012
    i really love the '72 recordings... just sayin'.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2012
    The 2nd set of 5/8/77 Cornell University is about as good as a set gets!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2012
    In fact, that Cornell show is right in the middle of an incredible 3-day run (in the middle of an incredible year!). May 7 at the Boston Garden, May 8 at Cornell, and May 9 in Buffalo are all killer shows. But the Cornell set with the Scarlet->Fire is outstanding.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    brgman wrote: »
    Beyond that i ride the ABB train not the GD's.

    You might like this then, Allman Brothers Band, NYE 1973 w/members of the Dead

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/the-allman-brothers-band/concerts/cow-palace-december-31-1973-set-2.html

    and this if you can find a good recording

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/grateful-dead/poster-art/program/FME700211.html

    What is Wolfgang's Vault?

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/memorabilia/support/about/wolfgangs-vault.html#bill-graham
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    nspindel wrote: »
    In fact, that Cornell show is right in the middle of an incredible 3-day run (in the middle of an incredible year!). May 7 at the Boston Garden, May 8 at Cornell, and May 9 in Buffalo are all killer shows. But the Cornell set with the Scarlet->Fire is outstanding.

    May of 77 was outstanding for the Boys, equally outstanding was June of 74. They uncorked some definitive Eyes of The Worlds such as: Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, 6/20/74, Freedom Hall, Louisville KY, 6/18/74
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited December 2012
    vstarkwell wrote: »
    You might like this then, Allman Brothers Band, NYE 1973 w/members of the Dead

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/the-allman-brothers-band/concerts/cow-palace-december-31-1973-set-2.html

    and this if you can find a good recording

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/grateful-dead/poster-art/program/FME700211.html

    What is Wolfgang's Vault?

    http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/memorabilia/support/about/wolfgangs-vault.html#bill-graham

    Thanks.I am a member at Wolfgangs and enjoy it greatly.I have also taped over 300 ABB shows so i'm covered pretty well.
    Right now i am looking for sbds of some of The Dead shows with Warren.Some nice mic shows around but they were selling about 200 sbd/matrix shows back before phil etal put the clamps down.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited December 2012
    I listen to the dead from many different years, but, in my opinion, they were only making Art from '68-74'.

    Too many good shows to list; I have every officially-released live show they've ever put out as well as a damn-near COMPLETE collection of sbd's and audience recordings from '65-'77. Spotty but large collection for the rest of their career.

    The Europe '72 box sounds awesome. Really well recorded shows, and really well done remasters of them... plus they were making history with the Dark Stars and The Other Ones from all over this tour. Magic stuff.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    brgman wrote: »
    Thanks.I am a member at Wolfgangs and enjoy it greatly.I have also taped over 300 ABB shows so i'm covered pretty well.
    Right now i am looking for sbds of some of The Dead shows with Warren.Some nice mic shows around but they were selling about 200 sbd/matrix shows back before phil etal put the clamps down.

    Seeing that you have all those ABB shows, might you remember and or have a show were they did a version of "Crazy Love" with what I assume were some gospel mamas in singing background vocals? I had a cassette of it back in the 80's never knew what show it was or what year. It was ripping!!!

    Happy Holidays!!!

    jerry-garcia-as-santa.jpg
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited December 2012
    vstarkwell wrote: »
    Seeing that you have all those ABB shows, might you remember and or have a show were they did a version of "Crazy Love" with what I assume were some gospel mamas in singing background vocals? I had a cassette of it back in the 80's never knew what show it was or what year. It was ripping!!!

    Happy Holidays!!!

    jerry-garcia-as-santa.jpg

    Doesnt ring a bell but i'll look into it.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2012
    I could have done with a WHOLE LOT LESS of Ms. Donna's "contributions" (Godcheaux)
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited December 2012
    brgman wrote: »
    Thanks.I am a member at Wolfgangs and enjoy it greatly.I have also taped over 300 ABB shows so i'm covered pretty well.
    Right now i am looking for sbds of some of The Dead shows with Warren.Some nice mic shows around but they were selling about 200 sbd/matrix shows back before phil etal put the clamps down.

    Mike,

    What dates are you looking for?
    There is a good chance I can get them for you.
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2012
    [video=youtube_share;OT5KDz8XemE]http://youtu.be/OT5KDz8XemE[/video]
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    I just stumbled on this article, very cool and good read about the Dead, the taping of their shows and the culture of it.

    http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/11/26/121126fa_fact_paumgarten
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2012
    gdb wrote: »
    [video=youtube_share;OT5KDz8XemE]http://youtu.be/OT5KDz8XemE[/video]

    Mmmmm....... Loves me a nice Spanish Jam, Not sure but I believe it is a variation of "Solea" from Sketches of Spain by some guy named Miles Davis
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited December 2012
    rromeo923 wrote: »
    Mike,

    What dates are you looking for?
    There is a good chance I can get them for you.

    Rick i am looking for 4-28-09 E Rutherford Nj,10-6-09 Merriweather and 5-2-09 Philly
    If you might have a line on these i can throw some coinage your way or a couple ABB and/or Mule shows
    Thanks
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited December 2012
    Don't know about vids,but Europe 72 is one of my all time favorites!
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    edited December 2012
    Both bands on the same stage at RFK jammin to Mountain Jam off Eat A Peach! Fantastic! where have all the good times gone?
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited December 2012
    vstarkwell wrote: »
    Seeing that you have all those ABB shows, might you remember and or have a show were they did a version of "Crazy Love" with what I assume were some gospel mamas in singing background vocals? I had a cassette of it back in the 80's never knew what show it was or what year. It was ripping!!!

    Happy Holidays!!!

    jerry-garcia-as-santa.jpg

    I'll dig back and see if i have anything worth a crap from 79.I am guessing that is when it's from.Bonnie Bramlett was with them at the time.
    one of the worst eras for the ABB IMHO.They fell into a craphole and were switching members like socks til 89 when they put together what has been a strong run.
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited December 2012
    5/2/77 has always been one of my favorites. Just downloaded Live Dead last night, still have it on vinyl but am turntable-less at this point. Live Dead is from '69 I believe, one of the first multi-track recordings if memory serves.

    Anyone heard the Grateful Dead Download Series Volume 7? From 9/3 and 9/4/80, track list looks right and I've always had a soft spot for 1980...

    http://www.livedownloads.com/live-music/0,5087/Grateful-Dead-mp3-flac-download-9-3-1980-Grateful-Dead-Download-Series-Vol-7--Springfield-Civic-Center-Springfield-MA.html
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited December 2012
    brgman wrote: »
    Rick i am looking for 4-28-09 E Rutherford Nj,10-6-09 Merriweather and 5-2-09 Philly
    If you might have a line on these i can throw some coinage your way or a couple ABB and/or Mule shows
    Thanks

    Mike,

    I got Philly 5/2/09. I can get 4/28/09 but it is mp3( I am sure it will sound very nice though) , 10/6/09 is Widespread/Allman bros (are you looking for this)
    No need for any coinage my way etc. Maybe an awesome ABB show (pre Warren) , otherwise all good. Just Sharing the Groove!

    Rick
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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