...and the wait is almost over after two months of reading reviews....going all the way baby... to Hotlanta... anyone need a ride......yall come on down for some of that good old southern loving...see ya on the road...

DancinD
Donovan...

BIODTL

From Tooboard ... Soundcheck was Rocky Top?

oops - meant for 08/15 post - sorry.

Safety DAnce

watch out for ALE in the parking lot. they will be there in force. The heat come round busting me for smiling on a cloudy day. peace that goes for charlotte too.

whats ALE?

asshole law enforcement?

ALE= alcohol law enforcement

Alright, I've been anxious to see the Bristow setlist so we can make some good guesses as to what will be played in Raleigh, my one and only show. They burned up some biggies at Jones Beach (Let it Grow, The Eleven, Help-Slip-Frankins, Shakedown, Cryptical-Other One, China-Rider). So those are all out. They didn't play anything at Bristown that I was really hoping to see.

So I'm guessing on a few of the following biggies. St. Stephen, Playin', Scarlet with or w/o Fire (I hope w/o, don't care for Mickey's version), Eyes, Estimated, Viola. I'd really like to see Scarlet and Eyes. Estimated and Viola would be great too. Of course St. Stephen would be awesome, it's just that I've seen it a lot at the few shows I'm able to attend.

My guesses (and hopes) are Estimated, Viola, and possibly Hey Pocky Way in Raleigh, which is also my only show this year.

Break out the Death Don't, Gents.

Half-Step opener in Raleigh

would be me guess anyway

Does anyone know anything about this band Barefoot Manner that is scheduled to play at the second stage? (I assume prior to Warren's opening set.

ALE=Acid Law Enforcement

branford, feel free to come sit in.

Well it turns out that I have a few tix to sell. 2 grass passes that I purchased on the day the $10 grass passes went on sale. Just want what I paid for them - $15 each. I also have (drum roll).......2 tix in section 2, row M. This is the section directly in front of the stage, row 13, pretty much dfc. Again, all I want are what I paid for them - $63 each. If you are interested send me an email (dbryan999@yahoo.com) or call my cell (919) 247-0953 and leave a message. I can't be there until about 6:30 but will meet you at the will call window. Thanks.

DB

do they still make raleigh cigarettes.

barefoot manner is an awesome jamgrass band. They played at a little bar I worked at a couple years ago. They are from that area. HIghly recommended.

Hi folks:

Lawn tix are gone but I still have two prime center section row 13 seats if anyone's interested - $60 each, which is less than what I paid. If you are interested send me an email (dbryan999@yahoo.com) or call my cell (919) 247-0953 and leave a message. I can't be there until about 6:30 but will meet you at the will call window. Thanks.

DB

Hello all:

All tix have found a new home. Have fun!

With no Taperrob and no Chinacat2002 for post show reviews you southern heads have a tall order to keep us up north informed. Have a great show I feel a Doing that Rag coming

No venue no show immune from Zoner infiltration..

Whether ya get setlists in real time or at set break and end tho depends..

Hard for me to expect per song cell phone tele updates cause I know I am way too distracted to do that at shows..

For those that do call in tho..Thank you very much..

Raleigh tonight gunna be good show..

From tooboard...

Set One:

Music Never Stopped>
Strange World>
Night of 1000 Stars>
Crazy Fingers>
Deal>
All That We Are>
Good Lovin'>
Gimme Some Lovin'

The Dead, Raleigh, NC 8/17/04

Set 1:
^Music Never Stopped
^Strange World
^Night Of 1000 Stars
^Crazy Fingers
Deal
All That We Are
Good Lovin'>
Gimme Some Lovin'


^=w/Branford Marsalis

And Branford is apparently in the house.

Branford Marsalis is confirmed to be playing with the band tonight!

Just talked to my buddy at the show

Branford on Night of 1000 Stars?!?!?! Interesting

Good lovin>Gimmee some lovin' that sounds interesting also

Hey wally - how'd your buddy say the sound was?

SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTT!

I knew that was going to happen since I was not going!!!

3 "new" (non-GD/non-cover) songs in one set...hmmm...i'm sure it sounded good, though...

BRANFORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Dead, Raleigh, NC 8/17/04

Set 1:
^Music Never Stopped
^Strange World
^Night Of 1000 Stars
^Crazy Fingers
Deal
All That We Are
Good Lovin'>
Gimme Some Lovin'

Set 2:
^Jam>
^Playin' In The Band>
^Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys>
^Scarlet Begonias>
^Fire On The Mountain>
^The Wheel>
Drumz/Space>
All Along The Watchtower>
Eyes Of The World>
^Not Fade Away
Donor/Headcount Rap
enc:
@Glory Road


^=w/Branford Marsalis
@=Bobby acoustic


thanks to GT for the list

Are you telling me Branford never came out for Eyes? But, that show looks incredible. I literally cannot wait to hear the tapes.

who knows some shows that Branford Marsalis has previously played with the grateful dead.... never heard of him but then again I am only 18 I want to get some of his stuff from the archive w/ the dead... anyone know any dates of shows hee sounds like an awesome sax player

3-29 90 set 2. that's a good one with branford.

Also,

Worth checking out Live Without A Net. Eyes with Branford. Good intro to how he meshes so well with them. He is awesome.

the "W/O a Net" eyes is from 3.29.90
branford also sat in on NYE 12.31.90 and MSG 9.10.91
get all three

I was just watching 3-29-90 on video last night.

The interaction between Jerry and Branford is fantastic.

Was two nights early for him for 9-10-91, that's another show to get.

nice, cant wait to hear this show

wow....
cant wait to hear....

Branford played on "Eyes." In fact he really pushed the music tonight. I'll post mroe tomorrow when I'm more coherent. Great fucking show.

Of course Branford played on Eyes... it was the highlight...

questions... ask away

It was amazing the dimension that branford brings. Often the dead get lost in the 'who's band is it' kind of thing to me. Tonight it was about the music. Everyone just sat back and let it happen. Nobody was out front, ever. I've got to think it was a top 5 show post Jerry and I would LOVE to hear a Post Jerry show that rates higher.... It was so good, I didn't mind(and even enjoyed) Fire with the Mickey rap

It serves to mention that 3-29-90 was Branford's first performance w/ the band and at the time he was totally unfamiliar with the music.....but it was an absolutely amazing 2nd set.

Also.. Branford played on space... he had a nice little back/forth with Mickey out of drumz but left just as things rolled into watchtower..

all in all, it was a pretty mellow show. drums segued into a duet between branford and mickey on the beam, which segued into space. nearly every song was a bit downtempo, probably since branford was sitting in. jimmy herring had the balls to wear an atlanta falcons t shirt in carolina. great show altoghether, everything seemed surprisingly tight, seeing as how i seriously doubt that brandford knew hardly any of the material.
as to top five "the dead" shows, last year's deer creek goes on the list, in my opinion.

3-29-90 was an awesome show. It was at Nassau Coliseum, in Uniondale, NY on Long Island. Was there for that whole run of shows. Def, a hot 2nd set from that show and yes a hot Eyes.

WOW!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to hear this one.

BRANFORD caused the guys to lift their game to another level. The vibe (harmonic and spiritual) was incredible throughout.

This was hte best post-GD show I've seen. The folks at the show with me concurred and we wondered what it would take to get Branford to join.

I will be kicking myself for some time to come for not taking the 3 hour drive.
Oh well.
Glad they treated NC well.
Phil hates me.

Bobbie must be getting kinda horny; Good Lovin> Gimme SOme Lovin

the setlist was given to me in a rush. any other info for the list, please be free to add it to it..... thanks

Just checked in to see the setlist as my computer wouldn't load the homeopage pop-up list.


Are you telling me Branford was there & they decided to choose THESE songs?
No Dark Star and not playing on Eyes?
Good greif.

>>It serves to mention that 3-29-90 was Branford's first performance w/ the band and at the time he was totally unfamiliar with the music

i would have to disagree with that statement. Branford was very familar with the music...


from: http://www.berklee.edu/news/2002/03/branford.html



>>>Marsalis' remarkably varied career has spanned TV stardom as The Tonight Show band director, pop music with Sting and the Grateful Dead, hip-hop with his own Buckshot LeFonque band, and jazz. Students asked several questions about the stars he's played with and he had a funny or revealing story to share about all of them. A question about working with the Grateful Dead prompted a revealing and humorous analysis.

"There were two bands. There was the Grateful Dead and then there was the Dreadful Greats," Marsalis said. "It just depended on the night. When they were the Grateful Dead, they were a joy. When I was playing with Sting, I couldn't play anything jazz-like because it wouldn't work within the structure of the music. But with the Dead, I could play anything I wanted because they were so open and loose. When they were clicking it was great."

Marsalis always pulled out a bit of wisdom about music or the music profession from his stories. As he continued to talk about the Dead, he contrasted the way they played with what he hears in current rock music.

"They were really an improvisational rock band," he said. "It was something that was relatively common in the '60s and early '70s and something that is completely nonexistent now. Electronic rock music has a tendency to be rigid, all the parts are meticulous, like a machine, and there's not much deviation. It was nice to be in a band that had that much sway to it. It was hip."<<<

>>>>>the "W/O a Net" eyes is from 3.29.90
branford also sat in on NYE 12.31.90 and MSG 9.10.91
get all three


Branford played on a 4th show in 1992 that's pretty forgetable...

So, some of you are saying Branford played the WHOLE 2nd set?


>>>>> and I would LOVE to hear a Post Jerry show that rates higher

Having heard this band & having heard P&F at their height ('00 & '01), I'd have to say 4-22-00 with Branford would be a good place to start......

Then:
5-27-00
10-15-00 (with Osby)
2-18-01
4-20-01
4-30-01
7-7-01
7-21-01
7-5-02
12-30-03

Heard any of them?

I'm just throwing out a few dates when someone makes a statement like that; I of course have not heard last night......

>>>Having heard this band & having heard P&F at their height ('00 & '01), I'd have to say 4-22-00 with Branford would be a good place to start......

Then:
5-27-00
10-15-00 (with Osby)
2-18-01
4-20-01
4-30-01
7-7-01
7-21-01
7-5-02
12-30-03

I, jus' a lil' while ago, named quite a few of those shows on a thread entitled "JAMMIN'.. in the "Other Section", Buckaroni.
LOL

GRRRRRRRRREAT minds think alike.

Bucky..Please call " &^9*# " and ask them exactly what songs Branford played.?

Ha..

Man..I love when U put dates up on the board..

Branford played on the Eyes, It was steller.

No DS Bucky, but the show was very jammy. A long opening Jam before playing where they were all over DS, a long jam out of Playin' and the jam between Scarlet and Fire was tasty.

Branford in for all Set 2 but D>S Watchtower

excellent show, set 2 they got nice and loose and jammy with just the right blend of spacey goodness.

sorry Bucky is not pleased

wish I could be more help but I left my stopwatch at home ;)

I was sitting close to Branford on 9/10/91 (about 15th row, stage Jerry). Even when he was unfamiliar with given tunes, he would lay back, and watch Jerry's fret hand, figure out the key and the changes, and then blow around that structure. He's a remarkably intuitive improvisatory player. It's the main reason he wasn't very fond of playing w/ Sting, or in the Tonight Show band, which were very tightly scripted. Jerry REALLY got off on him.

I'll look forward to listening to last night's show - I haven't been able to listen to 9/10/91 in a long time - someone scammed my copy and I never saw him again.

>>It serves to mention that 3-29-90 was Branford's first performance w/ the band and at the time he was totally unfamiliar with the music.....but it was an absolutely amazing 2nd set.

Not to mention the Birdsong from the 1st set, my favorite version ever. Absolutely sublime.

>>>>>sorry Bucky is not pleased

Actually, I wish I was there (scarey, huh?) & look forward to hearing it.

>>>>>wish I could be more help but I left my stopwatch at home ;)

Try better next time, OK?


>>>>> I haven't been able to listen to 9/10/91 in a long time - someone scammed my copy and I never saw him again.


Email me at buckyrhino@yahoo.com

I was there too & have a SBD.

I must be truthful though........

The last time I listened to this show - Key can verify this as I told him - I'm laying in the hospital, listening to many shows, but I was wishing it was over & I had another P&F show on. I'm thinking "This show is SO like every other Dead show & P&F is SO out there in comparison."

REally, but that's me.

Anyway drop me a line & I'll hook you up.

>>>jimmy herring had the balls to wear an atlanta falcons t shirt in carolina

One of the NFL great bitter rivalries......
Falcons v. Panthers......LOL

HEY now, it really IS!

roun' here anywayz..

Bud. E. Greene's squad DEAD to me

(((and a Panther hat onstage at Jimmy's feet tonight ;)))

Phil's 4/22/00 show at the Beacon w/Branford and Pevar was one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen. I've been looking for a soundboard of this show for the last 4 years. Anyone out there have a copy??

First set had many highlights. Mediocre second set. Bobby messed up the good flow of Playin > Low Spark with an ill timed Scarlet Fire. They really never worked Branford into a flow. Too bad because he really added a lot when they gave him a break in the music.

I've concluded that Warren doesn't work in this band because Bobby doesn't want him to.

Freddy, were we at the same show? The first half of the second set was one of the best I've ever seen any band anywhere do. Warren worked just fine, as did everyone else and Branford--who, let's face it, is easily the best musician on htat stage--opened some of the songs up so the players could really explore them.

The show was incredible. Early on I wondered if it was just too many musicians and thought someone might be overshaddowed. Frankly I wondered whether Jimmy would assert himself enough to make his presence felt. I should have known better. He flat out played. It was a shame that the overhead monitor kept showing Warren while Jimmy was playing his ass off. Everyone on the stage put out and gave where they needed to give and they fed off each other's energy. I have no criticism at all regarding any of the jamming or any of the songs. If I was forced to be really picky and find something to criticize, it would be on a couple of the songs ending before the next song started rather than transitioning from one directly into the other.

Damn, I KNEW that the show either immediately before or after the 13 in a row I did would be a smoker! This one looks like the best of Leg 2 - the first list that looks like it gives ANY of the 5 Red Rocks shows a run for their money . . .

If I could only see one this year, I'm glad it was this one.

branford, thanks for sitting in. very enjoyable jams.

"Then:
5-27-00
10-15-00 (with Osby)
2-18-01
4-20-01
4-30-01
7-7-01
7-21-01
7-5-02
12-30-03"

12/30/03??? You've got to be kidding me. Show was incredibly flat. I highly agree with the rest though

Hey Bucky, when you're listing best Phil shows ever you always leave out Red Rox 7/6 & 7/01, Holmdel 7/27/01 & Camden 7/28/01 - Dewit's show from hell!!!

why do have 10/9(2 sources) 10/10, 10/11, 10/13(2 sources), 10/14, 10/16, and no 10/15? It just doesn't make sense. I love osby and quite frankly, baring the 3/29 marsalis, think he did a better job every other time.

damnit, reflex keeps me typing deadite instead of muadib. It's hard to change screen names.

GDLIVE also has a nice soundboard of 9-10-91......

I was at 12/30/03 and thought it was a good show but the 31st was smokin!

<<jimmy>>

Actually, I was in the front row for the show, and Jimmy was really wearing an Orange County Choppers shirt. Just thought I'd correct that.

Here is may very tardy Raleigh review.

I drive four hours from Hatteras Island to Raleigh meet my brother at his house and we went to walnut. I saw the GD 20+ times in the eighties and early nineties, didn't see any shows from '93 on. The scene was becoming too much of a hassle, dangerous, meaner, rougher, bad attitudes, rightous elitists, rabid and sneaky law enforcement. Also I was coming into a time when my surfing was getting better and better and money was diverted from shows to international surf trips. So I have been out in the cold Dead wise for almost ten years, still listened to the music of course but lent out or gave away or lost a lot of it over the years. Well after my awesome experience at bonnaroo I decided I wanted back in so here I am, will Ya'll take me back in??


Music Never Stopped- Could have sworn it was Feel like a Stranger, and when the veteran couple on my right confirmed it and Branford was there for the Scarlet Fire Eyes I was thinking late seventies. In my face The Music never stopped... And thank goodness because we do love the music. Excellent, even though I had to get my head wrapped around the shock of not hearing stranger. I like the way Bob does the never stopped part at the end. My brother and neighbors said it was a la Ratdog, who I've never seen.


Stange World- Never heard it before reminded me of Easy Answer pretty good but for me familiararity breeds groove

Night of 1000 stars- I'm bummed at first but snapped out of it I'll dig this as I hear it a few more times, very smooth by Warren Night of 1000 teases I refered to it later

Crazy Fingers- Cool song but who was singing it Bob or Phil, it seemed like bob was trying to sing it and Phil was bailing him out. vocals are not really crisp at this place it seemed clearer at my other show. The intro jam into fingers was sweet though.

Deal- a rocker good delivery things are picking up

All That We Are- All that who are, I honestly can't remember this song except that it was Warren and did not seem as good night of 1000 teases

Good Lovin>Gimmie Some I miss my girlfriend she couldn't make it and I know she would have loved these two. Every one was shaking it and I took the opportunity to look around and see how the girls were digging these and they were, lots of bouncing.

So first set, not as good as Bonnaroo in my opinion. Would have been better for me w/out a couple of the new Warren tunes and some classic GD instead, but I'm a newbie to the Dead and I do understand that this is a different band.

Set 2

Jam in which they did everything but play Dark Star, they teased it so hard then kind of stopped as they just floated around a little then into Playin a killer jammy Playin where it felt like they were really working towards something cool, like maybe Dark Star since they aldready practically started it. letting Branford do some mixing it up with the boys would have been killer on Dark Star.

Low Spark- I was disappointed and I don't know about the rest of you but I thought this song really dragged I was mentally begging Warren to put it to rest. With all the killer work they had just done on Playin I thought this was wasted opportunity and a momentum killer. Saw winwood do it at Bonnaroo also and his was much better so that affedted my feelings as well.

Scarlet Begonias-I had a good feeling about Scarlet, Fire, Eyes, during the week leading up to this show and had been listening to "with Out a Net" alot (all Nassau tapes are MIA). When I saw Branford was there I was certain it would go down. Probably another reason I thought Feel Like a Stranger was opening but I realize these guys aren't the Dark Star Orchestra. Scarlet was great, sizzling.

Fire on the Mountain- one of my favorites I liked Mickey's rap, used to have that rehersal tape and liked it. Unfortunately Mickey was having a hard time with the lyrics until he found his glasses and finished strong with the "out of the frying pan..." verse. a nice save let's go a head and jam it on out right into Eyes, Right? Wrong.

The Wheel- Contrary to what the setlist on the Zone says, they did not segue into the wheel. There was a definite break in the action and I had a flashback to fourteen years ago when I saw the Grateful Dead in Raleigh, NC State, Carter Finely Stadium and there was a power outage during Promised Land last song first set. It wasn't a power outage just a confounding song selection. I like the Wheel but really, right now?? Am I old fashioned Scarlet>Fire>Eyes remember the glory??

Drums/Space- Billy gets to play with some of Mickey's toys. Branford comes out and does a spacey kind of snake charmer jam just him and Mickey and that was really cool wish they had more time to explore, but they have got to play a smokin Eyes before 11 o' clock closing time, or I'm gonna have a bad trip nor something.

Watch Tower- I have been to a lot of Dylan shows over the past several years and I Know that many won't believe it but he and his band are playing this song almost every night and doing it sooooo hot. It's like your thinking Shit watchtower again, then yeah Watch Tower again. Drums/Space.... Watchtower cool riffs coming out of space been This song kind of sticks in the throat in this slot and Dylan does it better.

And finally Eyes of the World-It was smokin' just like you/we/I knew it would be why oh why all the teasing. Put it in it's natural slot and it is that much better, I guess I am too anxious for delayed gratification, doesn't work for me. I was thanking my lucky stars that I got to see them do this w/Branford though. What a treat. Highlight of the show.

NFA-good but too short, never got the crowd into it for the clapping and call out. curfew, curfew, I guess. (Gotta love Bonnaroo as an outdoor venue w/no curfew.)

E: Glory Road -flash back to the first set, Warren singing a song that I have never heard before nothing that is really gonna send me out on fire. I would like to pick up on some of thee new tunes though, I need to build my collection up again.


Summary: A good show that had so much potential for grateness yet was not fully fulfilled. With some editing you could make a killer recording of this. The boys seemed to be tentative at times waiting to see what Branford would do. To be expected. I think some of my preconcieved notions and memories of old school set lists somewhat tainted my judgements, there's nothing I can do about that. I will see as many fall shows as I can w/out butchering the surf trip funds.

If anyone reads this let me know, it is so late I am probably wasting my time, but I think I'll do a Bonnaroo review also, because this is kind of fun.

Peace, G Land

Greg, I find your analysis of the show to be spot on. I agree w/ just about everything you said.

1st Set - Music, Deal, Good Lovin' were all great. The three songs w/ Warren singing were too much for me. I know night of 1000 stars well enough, but the others were brand new to me. It's hard to groove on new songs but I don't think any of these three have the sort of staying power that will make me want to listen to them 5 years from now, or even one for that matter. Crazy Fingers was just a little too weird, the singing was not good. Branford looked like he was wondering what the hell was going on. Maybe that's why he left the stage after that song. I would have liked to see at least one more good old Grateful Dead song in there. I've been listening to those songs for 20+ years and still love them, now that's staying power.

2nd Set - I didn't really want to see Playin', but what the hell. The jamming was indeed heavy. I also agree with you about Low Spark. It was really dragging, we need something else here. I'm starting to think what's up with all this Warren, it's just a little too much. But there was some very good playing in there, in particular some keyboard work by Jeff. Scarlet-Fire was awesome. Scarlet made my night. The music was great for Fire, but Mickey singing was just really very bad. I sure do miss someone singing Fire properly, such great lyrics. Watchtower - who cares, got sick of this by '89. Eyes - all that it should be but as you mention, late in the show, I was starting to get sleepy by then, just don't have it in me like the old days.

Jimmy had great leads throughout the show. I especially remember great leads during Music, Scarlet, Fire and Eyes. He is the guitar player for this band. I think 3 guitars is one too many, so if you have to stick w/ one, it has to be Jimmy. Then again, I'd be more than delighted to see this line up just as it is.

Thanks for the feedback. Jimmy's got the hooks, and your right about Jeff now that I'vethought about it I remember how much he seemed to enjoy playing that keyboardists special and we want those guys to have fun too, of course. Thinking about Warren singing Fire. That would have been great, Warren on the Jerry tunes seems so obvious.

Thanks for the feedback. Jimmy's got the hooks, and your right about Jeff now that I'vethought about it I remember how much he seemed to enjoy playing that keyboardists special and we want those guys to have fun too, of course. Thinking about Warren singing Fire. That would have been great, Warren on the Jerry tunes seems so obvious.

this show was good enough for me~

GOOD LOVIN gimme SOME

ohhhhh it was divine. Branford....ah yes, another level....ah yes....he played on Eyes, please get it straight, people....

How it rolled out at the last minute, both this and Charlotte....beautiful sunfilled top of the morning.

I will say more later, for all in all it was The Perfect Ten indeed.

But here....
ya sunk yer teeth into the Wheel
if the thunder dont git ya
THEN THE LIGHTNING WILL

yes the MNS sounded like Stranger to start....but WOO WOO Music Never never never never stop
outrageous FIRE - BEST SINCE THE JER DAYS - wait till ya hear it
Not Fade - oh how apropos. Mes amis, les boyz....BWHAHAHAHAHAHA
Glory Road so sublime - pure Warren buttercream icing
"all you downtown ladies..." with Bob and Phil doing the backup - true soul on the stage
and
do we even need to say it anymore?
JIMMY SHINES
JIMMY GLISTENS
JIMMY GLOWS

a tip of the hat to the crew of the South - Bud E, Stuie, Mr, Furious, B & Kelly, Liz & Angie....MIDYswwwwwelllllll and the Gypsy Girls - Mermaid & K - how you buffer blows and soothe my soul.

Hey, it's legal - HOW GOOD COULD IT BE!?!?!?
Dead in Raleigh - well....

Brace yerselves





and all those of the road
who touched my heart
and warmed my soul
thank you for the happy times
you see - I'm spouting silly rhymes!
From Bonnaroo with heat and mud
New Earth to cross
a van to bug
and then I waited thirty days
and a few more
we RAISE
the dead
as Warren says
One Love that HURTS
a torn up bed
from Woods so Great
Montage so fine
PNC - FOR JOAN I PINE
but wow they gave me that
AND MORE
I feel I swept the whole damn store
a Comes a Time
a Hurricane
wasn't it great?
did you love the rain?
I DID
BUT DAMN
I LOVE YOU BEST
we rule the roost
we took the test
and came out blazing
shooters drawn
for one more show
I'd surely pawn -

but wait

you see
I don't need tickets
tell Monsieur Clear Channel
to STICK IT
YOU are the show
(well, when tour's done)
and damn I know
WE'LL STILL HAVE FUN

Easties bark
and Easties BITE
but I wish I could corral you each and ev-er-y night
to one more rodeo in town
lay yer frickin money down
I promise dreams
I promise chaos
sounds & vision
Cosmic Payoff

So, see you round, kids, more tomorrow -
you know I'll show
beg steal or borrow

but really
THANKS
for all you give
that you SHOW UP
that you
LIVE
for heart and help and perfect smiles
THIS ZONE I LOVE
dawg - rabbit pile

> Hey, it's legal - HOW GOOD COULD IT BE!?!?!?

was thinkin bout that last night

(what was that sheet we was smokin again?)

NEVER stop indeed m'lady!

y'all come back now, hear?

Just got back from NC after having an apres Raleigh blast at Wrightsville Beach with old friends reunited. After reading these reviews, I’m wondering what show some others were at. In my reality Raleigh rocked and NO ONE has given this show the props I believe it deserves. I’ll give it my shot.

This show reminded me of my last years’ Philadelphia Eagles season, with great starting talent and high expectations, slow start, catching fire, gaining momentum, looking like champions... and in the end coming up a little short…...to Carolina

Branford was a surprise and delight. I’ve been attending Dead shows since 1973 and this was my first opportunity to catch this legendary guest. I’ve heard about his great ears and chameleon like ability to morph into the music and bring it to the next level. Thankfully and joyfully I got to experience his talent and magic first-hand at the Alltel.

From our spot at 10th row center, the second set was loud and powerful. Branford’s presence appeared to set Phil off. I guess standing next to Branford and feeding off his positive aura as opposed to CBSP had an energizing effect on Phil whose bass was turned way up as he quarterbacked Team Dead to a highlight reel with Playin, Low Spark and Scarlet–Fire. Low Spark was a my musical touchdown (ala Donavan to TO). As our resilient host, Nick surfed The Wheel, we were home and brought full circle to the drumz. On the other three shows I saw on this tour, I noticed a different grouping would begin the space segment and on this night Branford and Mickey shined in the role. As Phil’s bass line foreshadowed a well-placed Watchtower, A PLQ type version could have blown the roof off the Alltel Pavilion, however this was the Dead-lite version. The ensuing Eyes was sublime, as in Camden. Unlike Camden, Branford stepped into Chementi’s solo slot and blew us away…..then as before, Warren and then Jimmy each one-upped us to moments of ecstasy. A jam lead by Branford inside of NFA took us somewhere sweet. Love was real...

The set would have been an A+ if they finished it as planned. I happened to see the set list that Graham Lesh had thrown out to the audience and the plan was to wrap it up with a St. Stephen > a Playing ending... to as Phil says "complete the circuit". Guess they ran out of time (11 pm curfew). How long would it have taken to do that instead of Glory Road…or even better not have had that long set break?

As usual on this tour, with the Bobby and Mickey rapping duo in tow, the vocals suffered and their words were at times unintelligible. I thought the first set Crazy Fingers landed on us like a butterfly and vocally bee…d. (Why not Warren?) A friend just emailed me describing Weir’s vocal performances on this tour as “pure William Shatner”. Thankfully, I look at vocals as only one instrument. In Raleigh at least seven instruments were making magic……. and Branford and Phil were taking us to places this band had not gone before.

Random Observations:
Great vibe at the Alltel. Nice people, mellow security… when I walked in, no one touched me. They asked me “what’s in your pocket” and then they asked me to prove it. Nice Barco Lounge section. I loved the high-energy SCI type band, Barefoot Commons who played for free in the outer concourse between sets. Strange World has a great Allman like jam that gets better and better. A hula hooping performance in the VIP tent had an apparent hallucinogenic effect. Where was Branford’s solo on Music and why would did they stop after playing that song?

Finally I wish to thank my great friends and traveling bros LG and Birthday Bucket Ed for being them and doing what they do. Robbie Quay, Eric (drink some OJ next time), Dom, Daughter Emily, Driver Sam, Caron and the rest of you… it was a pleasure indeed. Special thanks to the generosity of our Southern hosts St Nick who took everything (including himself) to the next level and the beach God Louis (got to Keep Movin) D and Stephanie for doing it Wrightsville and making it ALL GOOD!

Thanks to the boys for making magic this summer. Mule in Sept and hopefully the return of PLQ in November. Till then, I’m out.

For those critics (my friends) who take things literally, I want to state the ending of this show was only a tiny disappointment and my overall judgment of this show was it was a great one. I left feeling joyful. My overall judgment about the Eagles season, which ended in that playoff loss to Carolina was we again fell short.... a colossal disappointment of which caused me much sadness, an all too familiar feeling as an Eagles fan …....so the above is not the best analogy.

I can only hope that this year my birds can get to the promised land. FLY EAGLES FLY!

Well Al great posts, glad to see you throw so much good lovin around to all your comrades who accompany you on this tremendous journey.So kind and thoughtful. Meeting Phil and the crew at the blood bank must have really been special. Listening to your post about it made me feel like i was there with you. I think you missed your calling as your clever way with words and attention to detail certainly you should have been a reporter. And for us you are, but like all good reporters in the philly area you need to be able to take the heat sometimes. Nice correction on the analogy to the eagles season last year, I left the stadium crying about Carolina, but left smiling with a big win in Raleigh.

What a treat to see Branford play with the boys after all these years. It made for one powerful jazz oriented in your face jam session. Right from happy hour in the lot to the entrance into the VIP space with all my buds, or so i thought, to 10th row seats with no hassle at all from any security, to the southern barbeque treats after the show, it was a special southern night. Great start with music never stops as a little bit of englishtown was shining on us and the reuniuon of men that were there. Strange World definitely the highlight for me in the first set as Branford started to warm up as me and stagger lee feasted on the tasty tunes. I also enjoyed deal and the good lovin and give me some lovin set ender. The break on the lawn was also tasty, nice to see a family section roped off up there, but that's Carolina for you.

The second set really showed what Branford adds to the band. Great improv from Playin, best version I have heard in years,a smokey slinky low spark into an upbeat get the joint jumpin horned filled Scarlet Fire, I didn't even notice mickey rappin, and just for us, the wheel because you know you can't let go and you can't hold on, to Branford joining Mickey and Bill for a spectacular space. The interplay between Mickey on the beam and Branford on horns was a real treat.( Great job on the light show this summer tour) What a second set opener. Watchtower is always cool and Eyes with Branford, he was made for that song, never thought I'd see that,sent us soaring right into not fade way the theme of the last two weeks. Maybe it wasn't the curfew maybe they just didn't have enough for St Steven and the Playin reprise after all the places they took us to. A nice slow down featuring the Glory Road we've been on to end the evening and out we were. Wow what a show.

For those out there doing any bashing at all, they are not PLQ but then again they aren't supposed to be. They're the guys still left that started this whole trip, after almost forty years playin they still take me there, and i am thankful to be able to hear them, all of them, do their thing. What a treat.

Special thanks to all my buds, St Nick the stagger lee surfer, Uncle "happy hour " bucket, louis the beach goddess, special guest Robbie k, mason dixon for joining the southern journey and especially to you Al, clever deer, for all that you do happy birthday to you. In case any of you are wondering at any of these shows justwho Al is look for the biggest mo fo in the crowd and thats Al.

That's it for the other one......

Much appreciated post G-Man. Well done! Lastly, I want to state publically that you are the straw that stirs many a drink I've had the pleasure of tasting. You've been one of the greatest gifts in my life and I am forever grateful for you and all you do.

I would like to add my 2 cents. I thought it was a tremendous show. The overall vibe was good in the audience and on the stage. Barefoot Manner was entertaining on the side stage. I will definitely be watching out for them in the clubs around here. Warren gave a great solo acoustic set which included Van Morrison's Listen to the Lion and Muddy Waters' Champagne and Reefer. Then I was shocked to see Branford come out with the boys and position himself between Phil and Bobby. I had heard rumors he might show up but figured at most he would join the group for a song or three at the end of the second set. I was also somewhat surprised to see them do Low Spark and Watchtower since PLQ did those two songs at the same venue on their last appearance two years and three weeks ago. No complaints from me however. Eyes was a highlight but all of the songs worked as they should. Particularly enjoyed Scarlet Begonias and the jamming out of Playing.

some Raleigh photos to share with the group....

Gypsy Bus


and randoms in the lot

THE SPECIAL GUEST

and I just love this mess of squiggle, so here goes

a visit to the lawn



to see friends



and more visitin at the break

and back in for set 2





from Glory Road

and the last few

Thanks for sharing Huck..

That VW looks familiar..