Dead Show/podcast for 6/26/26

Dead Show/podcast for 6/26/26

From The Deadpod by J.Henrikson

June 26, 2026 · 1h 37m

About this episode

This episode features a review of the Grateful Dead's second set from a 1978 concert at UCSB, highlighting strong performances and improvisational elements.

This week's Deadpod features the Grateful Dead's second set from June 4, 1978, at Campus Stadium, University of California, Santa Barbara—a show that captures the band in a confident and fluid late-'70s mode. The set opens with a lively "Samson and Delilah," followed by a nicely rendered "Ship of Fools" that provides an early contrast in mood. The improvisational core begins with "Estimated Prophet," which unfolds patiently before transitioning into a bright and engaging "Eyes of the World." (nevermind Bobby stepping on Jerry's solo). The Eyes is a bit on the fast side, I wonder if the presence of Ken Kesey and the Thunder machine had something to do with that? "Drums" and a concise "Space" serve as a bridge into the closing sequence, where a driving "Not Fade Away" builds into "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad" and a high-energy "Around and Around." The set is capped by a pair of encores—"U.S. Blues" and "Sugar Magnolia"—that bring the performance to an upbeat conclusion. Overall, this is a well-paced and cohesive second set, offering both strong song performances and a satisfying improvisational arc. As always, I hope you enjoy the listen. Grateful Dead Campus Stadium…

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