The Deadpod

This week's Deadpod takes us back to sunny California for a Sunday show at the University of California, Santa Barbara, on June 4, 1978. This is their first show in about a month following the excellent Spring tour, and the band sounds like they're in great spirits—evidenced both by the between-song banter and the upbeat performances throughout the set. A somewhat unusual pairing opens things up, with "Bertha" flowing into "Good Lovin'"—be sure to listen for Garcia's vocal touches there. You might also notice Bobby's vocal substitution in "Me and My Uncle," a small but interesting moment. The whole set is strong, but highlights for me include a particularly expressive "Looks Like Rain" and, of course, a very satisfying "Tennessee Jed." Things nearly get out of hand on the closing "Jack Straw," which makes for a fun finish. Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 6/4/1978 - Sunday One Bertha [7:01] > Good Lovin' [6:21] Dire Wolf [3:21] Me And My Uncle [3:04] > Big River [6:03] Brown Eyed Women [5:02] Looks Like Rain [7:35] Tennessee Jed [8:20] Jack Straw [5:21] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod061926.mp3 We'll play the second set next week. For now, I hope you enjoy this fine show from June of 1978. My thanks, as always, for your kind support.

This week's Deadpod comes from a listener request, as we head to Buffalo, New York, and the Grateful Dead's performance at Rich Stadium on June 6, 1992. It's firmly in the early '90s period, with Vince Welnick on keys and the band leaning into a more polished, modern sound while still drawing on their deep songbook. In this first set we get a very '90s opener with "Touch of Grey" into "Greatest Story Ever Told," followed by a focused "Althea" and a lively "It's All Over Now." The mood then shifts into a more acoustic‑flavored stretch with "Friend of the Devil" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece," before the set closes out with a sing‑along "Ramble On Rose" and a "Let It Grow" that brings some welcome late‑set energy and improvisation. This week we'll feature that opening set; we'll return to Buffalo next week for the second set and its high‑energy closing stretch. I hope you enjoy this listener‑selected trip back to June 6, 1992 in Buffalo. Grateful Dead Rich Stadium Orchard Park, NY 6/6/1992 - Saturday One Touch Of Grey Greatest Story Ever Told Althea It's All Over Now Friend Of The Devil When I Paint My Masterpiece Ramble On Rose Let It Grow You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod060526.mp3 My thanks for your kind support!

For this Memorial Day weekend edition of the Deadpod, we're traveling to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, for the Grateful Dead's spring tour stop on May 8, 1981. This is early‑'80s Brent Mydland era, and the band sounds sharp and energized: Jerry's in good voice, Brent's keys add color and bounce, and the rhythm section keeps everything moving with plenty of drive and nuance. In this first installment we feature the opening set, a compact but very satisfying run that opens with "Jack Straw" and "Peggy‑O," moves through "Me and My Uncle," "Big River," "Loser," and "Althea," and builds to a strong "Let It Grow" before closing with "Don't Ease Me In." Next week we'll return to Nassau for the second set, highlighted by a big "Shakedown Street" opener, a deep "Terrapin Station" into "Playin' in the Band" sequence, and a powerful closing stretch that feels just right for the start of summer. I hope you enjoy this slice of May 1981 from Nassau. Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 5/8/1981 - Friday One Jack Straw [5:38] ; Peggy-O [6:47] ; Me And My Uncle [2:59] > Big River [5:39] ; Loser [8:05] ; C C Rider [7:49] ; Althea [8:43] > Let It Grow[10:27] > Don't Ease Me In [3:12] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod052226.mp3 Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.....

The Dead have a long history of great Spring performances, and 1980 was no exception. This week we go to Nassau for the May 14, 1980 show at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. This was the first night of a three‑show run, with the last two nights later compiled on the 2002 "Go To Nassau" release, leaving this opening show as the odd one out from the official catalog. This show comes shortly after the "Go To Heaven" release, so they open with "Alabama Getaway." Jerry gives us a fine reading of "Candyman," and the arrangements on Weir's "country" tunes—"Mexicali Blues" and "El Paso"—are rockin'. "Tennessee Jed" follows, with Brent providing a lovely counterpoint to Garcia's leads. "Let It Grow" then leads into a still‑new "Althea." Another "Go To Heaven" tune follows, Brent's "Easy to Love You," which leads into a rocking, set‑closing "Music Never Stopped." Let's settle in at Nassau Coliseum, May 14, 1980, on this week's Deadpod. Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 5/14/1980 - Wednesday One Alabama Getaway [4:10] > The Promised Land [4:08] ; Candyman [7:32] ; Mexicali Blues [4:33] > El Paso [4:22] ; Tennessee Jed [9:25] ; Let It Grow [9:00] > Althea [8:15] ; Easy To Love You [3:49] > The Music Never Stopped [7:38] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod050826.mp3 As always my sincere thanks for your kind support.

Saturday night in Chi-town brings us a second set that opens with the soon‑to‑be‑released "Touch of Grey," delivered in a tight, confident reading. A funky "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" follows, with Jerry and Brent locking into some lively interplay that keeps the energy high. "Terrapin Station" then unfolds and the band shows their trademark virtuosity, taking us on a vibrant, narrative‑driven ride. From there they drop into a deep, heavy Drums and Space segment—one of the real highlights of the set—before slamming into a powerful "Truckin'." That sets up the ballad slot, and Jerry turns in an outstanding "Wharf Rat," rich with emotion and dynamic nuance. Bobby then leads the band into "Throwing Stones," complete with some fiery Garcia solos, and "Not Fade Away" closes the set in classic call‑and‑response fashion. The crowd, clearly feeling that extra X‑factor in this post‑drums stretch, keeps the "NFA" chant going until the band returns for a heartfelt and moving "Black Muddy River" encore Grateful Dead UIC Pavilion - University of Illinois Chicago, IL 4/11/1987 - Saturday Two Touch Of Grey [6:00] > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) [7:39] > Terrapin Station [11:29] > Drums [7:47] > Space [6:48#] > Truckin' [7:14] > Wharf Rat [8:40] > Throwing Stones [8:48] > Not Fade Away [6:18] Encore Not Fade Away [ 0:52] > Black Muddy River [6:16] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod042426.mp3 "hold onto the memories, they will hold onto you"

They open with a bouncy "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" before Jerry brings out one of his more poignant ballads, "To Lay Me Down." The introspective mood continues as Bobby rolls into "Lost Sailor," but things pick up speed as he moves into "Saint of Circumstance." Drums and Space follows, slowly building momentum until Phil drops a huge bass bomb leading into "The Other One" — the jamming, psychedelic rendition here is the highlight of the set. They then drift into the haunting "Stella Blue" before "Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad" carries us toward the close, punctuated by a high-energy "Satisfaction" led by Bobby and Brent Mydland. The "Brokedown Palace" encore is always a favorite sendoff. Grateful Dead Community War Memorial Auditorium Rochester, NY 4/9/1982 - Friday Two Man Smart (Woman Smarter) [6:54] ; To Lay Me Down [9:00] ; Lost Sailor [6:21] > Saint Of Circumstance [7:19] > Drums [2:34#] > Space [7:28] > The Other One [7:08] > Stella Blue [7:32] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [6:11] > (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction [6:37] Encore Brokedown Palace [5:14] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://deadshow.blogspot.com/2026/04/dead-showpodcast-for-41026.html thanks for the love and support!

Nassau Coliseum, March 12, 1992 — and the second set is where the real action is. Bobby charges out of the gate with a muscular 'Saint of Circumstance' that rolls straight into a gorgeous 'Ship of Fools', with Vince's backing vocals elevating the whole thing. Then comes 'Corrina' — percolating along until Phil takes the wheel and steers them into a reprise of 'Playin' in the Band' from the night before, a rare thread connecting two consecutive shows. Drums and Space are worth the listen on their own tonight, before Phil drops the bass bombs that detonate into 'The Other One'. Jerry answers with an emotionally raw 'Stella Blue', and the set closes on a rocking 'Sugar Magnolia'. They come back for one more — a lovely 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue', with Bruce Hornsby lending his accordion to the farewell. Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 3/12/1992 - Thursday Two Saint Of Circumstance ; Ship Of Fools > Corrina > Playing Reprise > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia Encore It's All Over Now, Baby Blue You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod032726.mp3 "Well, I sure don't know what I going for But I'm gonna go for it for sure (that's for sure)"

This week on the Deadpod, we've got the second set from the Grateful Dead's Mardi Gras show on March 3rd, 1987. After the parade winds through, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band joins the boys for a loose and funky "Iko Iko." It takes a minute for everyone to sync up, but it's all part of the fun — you can feel how much they're enjoying themselves. The set really kicks into gear with "Saint of Circumstance," followed by a gorgeous "Terrapin Station." Out of "Drums" and "Space," the band fires up "Gimme Some Lovin'," then slides into a sweet "Wharf Rat," "Throwin' Stones," and a big "Touch of Grey" to close things out. Jerry trips up on a line during the "Brokedown Palace" encore, but the crowd — and the band — help him along. It's one of those perfectly human Dead moments that make this show fun to hear. Grateful Dead Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Oakland, CA 3/3/1987 - Tuesday Two Iko Iko [9:20] ; Saint Of Circumstance [6:53] ; Terrapin Station [12:32] > Drums [7:33] > Space [6:40] > Gimme Some Lovin' [5:05] > Wharf Rat [9:08] > Throwing Stones [8:42] > Touch Of Grey [5:34] Encore Brokedown Palace [5:26] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod031326.mp3 thanks so much for your kind support!

This week on the Deadpod, we roll into the second set from the band's show at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA, on February 21, 1982. The set kicks off with a lively China → Rider that flows effortlessly into a spacious Estimated Prophet. The jam here has a jazzy, relaxed vibe, with Bobby laying down some especially tasteful rhythmic textures. Eyes of the World follows — played at that brisk early-'80s tempo that might not be everyone's favorite, but Garcia's soaring fills more than make up for it. After Drums and Space, the band launches into a fascinating Not Fade Away, led off by a wonderful Phil Lesh intro that gradually gathers steam as each player adds their voice to the mix. It builds into a full-on whirlwind, topped by some of Bobby's trademark calls to the crowd. A heartfelt Brokedown Palace encore closes things out beautifully after a spirited Sugar Magnolia. Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles, CA 2/21/1982 - Sunday Two China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > Not Fade Away > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia Encore Brokedown Palace You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod022726.mp3 Thank you so much for your kind support

Welcome to this week's Deadpod! We're diving into the second set from the Grateful Dead's homecoming performance at the Oakland Coliseum on February 26, 1990 — the middle night of their Mardi Gras run. The boys were clearly thrilled to be back in the Bay Area, and that energy radiates through this exceptional set. The pre-drums sequence is absolutely stellar: nearly 30 minutes of Scarlet > Fire flows seamlessly into a spirited Playing, which then blooms into the full Terrapin suite. It's the kind of sustained improvisation that reminds you why these songs belong together. Coming out of Space, the emotional arc deepens — I Need a Miracle's urgency gives way to one of Jerry's most tender Stella Blues of the era, before Bobby unleashes a joyful, rollicking Lovelight that brings everyone home. The Baby Blue encore provides the perfect denouement to a magical night. This Mardi Gras run always promised good times, and the band delivered in spades. Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA | February 26, 1990 (Monday) Set 2 Scarlet Begonias [13:02] > Fire On The Mountain [15:42] Playing In The Band [9:58] > Terrapin Station [12:54] > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle [4:59] > Stella Blue [8:53] > Turn On Your Love Light [5:58] Encore It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [7:13] Listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod021326.mp3 Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

This week I decided to go back and pick up this second set from the band's performance back on January 16, 1970 at Springer's Inn in Portland Oregon. This recording has some issues - especially during the first two numbers - the Cumberland Blues is cut both at the start and the end, and Me & My Uncle is cut at the start. I've included both out of a love of completeness and because they still sound great. Some highlights here include a wonderful 'Dire Wolf' - with an admonition from Jerry to sing along, a fine 'Uncle John's Band' and Pigpen's 'Easy Wind'. I think you'll enjoy the rest of this set as well, especiall if you are a fan of 'Anthem of the Sun'.. Grateful Dead January 16, 1970 Springer's Inn Portland, OR Set 2 //Cumberland Blues// //Me & My Uncle-> Dire Wolf Uncle John's Band Easy Wind Cryptical Envelopment -> Drums -> The Other One -> Cryptical Envelopment -> Cosmic Charlie You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod013026.mp3 "Such a long, long time to be gone And a short time to be there"

RIP Bob Weir 1947-2026 The passing of Bob Weir this last week brought us all shock and sadness. Speaking for myself I wasn't ready for Ace to be gone, and I know it will hurt for a long time. Since there there have appeared countless tributes and appreciations for his talent, character and life. I won't try to add another one here. What I've decided on is to present to you this week a show that meant alot to me, that took place back when I was doing a Grateful Dead show on KOPN radio in Columbia Missouri. This show took place in an intimate venue called the Blue Note in Columbia Missouri back on November 2nd, 2000. We were thrilled to have Ratdog come to our town, and to be playing across the street from our station. I think they put on a great show and I decided to play that here on the Deadpod in its entirety this week and next as my remembrance of Bob. I hope you enjoy it. Bob Weir and Ratdog The Blue Note, Columbia Missouri 11/2/2000 - Thursday Set 1: Blackbird The Winners When I Paint My Masterpiece Playin' In the Band I Need A Miracle * Little Red Rooster * All Over Now * Odessa *w/Johnnie Johnson-without Jeff Chimenti You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod011626.mp3 Here's a picture of Bob and myself after that show:

As we turn the calendar to 2026, we present the second set from the band's performance at the Boston Music Hall on December 1, 1973. This is a very interesting second set, with songs that you don't always associate with that second set making an appearance. They open with what is often a set closer - 'Around and Around' Then ease into some more traditional fare, with 'They Love Each Other' and 'Me & My Uncle' Things get interesting for me with 'Me and Bobby McGee' a favorite from the period, then 'Mississippi Half-Step' before we get to the real meat of set 2 with a 'Playin' In The Band> Uncle John's Band'>Playin' sandwich. a nice 'Row Jimmy folows then a rocking 'Greatest Story' and a fine 'Not Fade Away'>Goin Down the Road Feelin' Bad'. Grateful Dead Boston Music Hall Boston, MA 12/1/1973 - Saturday Two Around And Around They Love Each Other Me And My Uncle Don't Ease Me In Me And Bobby McGee Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [7:35] Playing In The Band [13:42] > Uncle John's Band [9:16] > Playing In The Band [6:44] Row Jimmy Greatest Story Ever Told Not Fade Away [10:24] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [8:23] > One More Saturday Night [5:05] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod010226.mp3 My most sincere thanks to those of you who kindly supported the Deadpod this past year - and to everyone who enjoys the show and makes producing this podcast a pleasure. thank you.