Anyone have any news about a partial setlist yet??

touch>scarlet jam>fire>fotd>alabama

not too impressive as of yet . . .

does anybody have the rest of the set??

I havent heard anything else yet!! PEACE

"not too impressive as of yet . . ."

I hate stupid comments like that. It doesnt matter what they play but how they play it. Ill take a smokin average set list anyday over a medicorely played set with rare gems.

couldn't agree more...I think that was a cool way to kick it off...I wish I was there!!

viola
set 2: box>sugar mags>bmr jam>unbroken chain

great festival sets!!

Whats BMR Jam and fotd?

black muddy river and friend of the devil

this is what i gathered fromthe chatroom and some calls:

The Dead - Bonnaroo - 6/15/03

Set 1:
Touch of Grey >
Jam >
Fire on the Mountain >
Sugaree (Joan) >
Friend of the Devil >
Alabama Getaway (Phil) >
Viola Lee Blues

Set 2:
Box of Rain >
Black Muddy River (instrumental) >
Sugar Magnolia w/SSDD >
Unbroken Chain >
Space/Drumz >
Dark Star (v1) >
China Doll (Joan) >
Dark Star (v2) >
St Stephen w/William Tell Bridge >
The Eleven >
I Know You Rider

Encore: Attics of My Life



thanks to Graterthan, Lessthan, Zen

thanks to Frankl, and Dewit

note on the William Tell Bridge: (from Alex Allan's GD Lyric and Songfinder website)

(2) this section was omitted from the version on "Aoxomoxoa" and dropped by the Dead in versions after 1969. It was only played when "Saint Stephen" segued into The Eleven. Because of this, some have questioned whether it should really be seen as part of "The Eleven" instead of part of "Saint Stephen". But Robert Hunter includes these words under "Saint Stephen" in the lyrics in his book "Box Of Rain". Ratdog began playing this section in 2003

Thanks Taperrob for the info on the setlist... It means the world to those of us that have been calling and searching all night... Thanks for the expla on the william tell as well!!!
peace to all, we'll see ya on tour!

Looks good to see a setlist here again..

I SECOND THAT! I HAVE BEEN LOOKIN ALL NIGHT FOR A LIST OR ANY NEWS OF THE SHOW, AND THERE IS NADA ON DEADNET. THERE IS A NEW PLACE ON THEOTHERONES.NET THAT I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF CALLED PHANTASY TOUR, BUT AS FAR AS UP TO THE MINUTE COVERAGE, NADA. I GUESS I AM JUST REALLY EXCITED AND REALLY IMPATIENT TO SEE ALL THE NEW GOODIES THEY WILL BE BUSTING OUT WITH (CHINA DOLL, ATTICS ETC.) HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL MY FELLOW PAPA'S OUT THERE!!!

you guys have to check out the live chat here on philzone.com. had over 50 peeps in at any one time all night long, with up to the minute setlist updates.

that chat room was buzzin!

To add to the argument that the William Tell piece is part of St. Stephen, it was played once, 4/5/69, I believe at the end of Stephen, without a segue into the 11

I was listening to Dick's Pick 16 I think the other day from 11-8-69. The St. Stephen has the William Tell extension on it. I was wondering if they were gonna add that back on this tour. Glad to hear they did.

this looks pretty cool, i can't wait for wednesday!

Check the Chat for setlists, or you may not get them till the AM...thank you for patience last night...TRob, if that was you past 1...you owe me. Never went back to sleep...NEVER. Chucks Chicks sucked, as did every other silly show between 1:30 and 8 this morning....

so the begining of the second set was a reverse of the last show with jerry right down to space/ drumz, no? very interesting. anyone else catch that?

Could have been on purpose, could have been a fluke. I don't wager anything on that last tour, and I doubt the bandmembers do either. It isn't like Jerry's health, death threats by fans and bodyguards with FBI id's was anythilng to take glee in...or then end of the chapter.

I heard the show was great, now I want to talk to the peeps I trust who were there. The sound was extraordinary, but it wasn't their sound, it was Superflys, nd I llike the Attics touch for sure....

Doss, I would have checked out the entire first show, but next Slow Boat to DS, I am outta there .

>so the begining of the second set was a reverse of the last show with jerry right down to space/ drumz, no?

this is true.. some one else pointed that out last night.

sorry Dewit, but you did say to call after the show. maybe it was a little bit later than that thought. sorry again

ok we got a set list how bout' a nice review...

oh and I bet Joan added sweet sounding harmonies to the Attics

Nope, I said if you don't hear from me, I went to sleepypie...

NO sleep, Dew??? o my

>>I hate stupid comments like that. It doesnt matter what they play but how they play it. Ill take a smokin average set list anyday over a medicorely played set with rare gems.

Personally, I don't care how SMOKIN' they play Touch, FOTD, Sugaree or Alabama -- they're just songs that I don't want to hear; i cut them off my tapes -- what they play IS as important as how they do it...sometimes moreso ~ i'd rather hear one mediocre Mtns of the Moon than 100 'smokin' Sugarees any mofo day of the week and twice on sunday

I hope someone reviews the show so this nonsense stops!
Songs are very important. Performance is probably slightly more important! IMHO

Tickets to a show $53.50..Baloons..$5.00..Cold beer in the lot..$3.00..

Philzone revue threads..{{{Priceless}}}

"Personally, I don't care how SMOKIN' they play Touch, FOTD, Sugaree or Alabama -- they're just songs that I don't want to hear; i cut them off my tapes -- what they play IS as important as how they do it...sometimes moreso ~ i'd rather hear one mediocre Mtns of the Moon than 100 'smokin' Sugarees any mofo day of the week and twice on sunday"

Art is subjective and everyone is entitiled to enjoy it as they will, but I am glad that I am not you. Personally I go to hear the power of the music. They could play Ice Ice Baby for all I care as long as they get "it" going.

Performance is key, but I never want to hear Sugaree again. Ever. In fact, having a ballsy chick singer do it sounds even worse to me. But during a show, I won't whine, I'll grab a beer and be back for the next song.

The song selection was much more important to me back in my touring days, just cause hearing the same show after space every other show sucked.

Its funny, cause the stuff that was like "holy grail" back in the day...Dark Star, St. Stephen....I still like hearing them cause they are great songs, but they play them all the time, so they are no big deal anymore(but HOW they play them is, of course). I'll get excited when I hear Alligator.

Yeah..where are the 4 Zoners that were there and what is taking them so damn long to get back here..

(The quantity 4 is used for emphasis..I do not know how many Zoners were actually at show)

I know of 10, but my sis won't post a review in here EVER...but she lurks more than anyone...and my brother hit it for high school graduation...he won't post because of his age, and fear of getting blasted by the Terry's of the world...lol.

Once celly is turned off, the others will post when they get to it...I want to hear about Neil actually.

They are in a sea of 80,000, slowly headed this way.

>holy grail....play them all the time NOW....

maybe jerry knew what he was doing.

(yea he didn't do some of em for years, but look how long he kept those songs alive.)

Box of Rain >
Black Muddy River (instrumental) >
Sugar Magnolia w/SSDD >
Unbroken Chain >
Space/Drumz >

This is a mirror of the last show at Soldier Field closer..
as revealed by Aiko in DNC

>>>>Personally, I don't care how SMOKIN' they play Touch, FOTD, Sugaree or Alabama -- they're just songs that I don't want to hear; i cut them off my tapes

Ron, you sound like me.

In the words of Sam Kinnison to Rodney Dangerfield in 'Back To School', "I like the way you think. I'll be watching you."

A review WOULD be nice......

I have questions:

- Was Dark Star 15 minutes & 32 seconds like every version from last fall?

- Were people cringing during China Doll like they used to when Phil sang it?

- Was Viola like MSG (13 minutes), or did they go off on it more & longer?

- Was being with 80,000 people for 3 days as bad as it sounds?

I think that the list is intentional because you get space before drumz. Any other time it would be drumz/space.

8-19-80 was space > drums.

So was 3-28-81 with PT.

>>Personally, I don't care how SMOKIN' they play Touch, FOTD, Sugaree or Alabama -- they're just songs that I don't want to hear; i cut them off my tapes...<<

well now that's just stupid..."cutting songs off of tapes"...who are you to play god?

But seriously, it's all relative as far as i'm concerned...one person's lame song is another person's rocker. And personally, i'm just thankful they are still playing ANYTHING! I'd still feel blessed even if they came out and did a Long Way To Go Home>Samba in the Rain>Long Way Reprise...

ANTHING they play is OK with me...i always tell people that complain about setlists, etc. that maybe they should stay home next time and let someone who really likes the band come and enjoy it!

>cutting songs off tape....who are you to play god

back to bible days
auditions for god.
first person steps up and says, "
"what do i need to be able to do to be god?. do i need to part the water? Turn the water into wine? make a burning bush?"

Nah. Can you cut minglewood off a dead tape.

Personally, I'd love to hear how some of the "newer versions" of these songs stack up. Take "China Doll" as an example, my first several years on the bus, this was one that I just never got into. Then, I went to Soldier Field on 6-18-93 and that version, just out of the blue, did it for me. I've loved the song ever since. And I will be eager to hear the CD of this show and hear Miss Osborne's take on it. "Goes to show, you don't ever know..."

>>but I never want to hear Sugaree again. Ever. In fact, having a ballsy chick singer do it sounds even worse to me.

No I've heard everything, people bashing Sugaree????? WTF????

Damm....I would love to go to every show this summer and see every song they play...I would love to hear some thoughts of those who enjoyed the opening night on this summer fun run, and I am sure many foggy minds are surfin through scraps of paper reading what was played. Bring on the band and any song they want to play is fine by me...

We need a review in here!

C'mon!

Come on Bonnarooers, throw us a bone....

We're dyin to know how they sounded!

Hope everyone had a GRATE time...

hey folks...isn't this a review tread? how about some input from people who were there(and back again?)...so far, this has been a setlist debate...guess what? it doesn't matter if you think one song or another should or should not be played...the band is going to play what they want on any given night, with or without your opinions...these guys have been doing this for a few years(they just might know what they are doing)...i would like to know who THIS show sounded...was the sound better than last fall? what was the "jam" into "touch" like? what was up with the BMR jam? long or a fleeting glimpse? how was joan's "china doll"?(i personally like the few phil versions i've heard, sorry, no cringing here)...did they do the "night fall of diamonds" chant at the end of DS into ST. S? or just jam into it? how did the "will tell" segment sound?(i've been waiting for PLQ to break this one out for years!)...and did the "attics" evoke as much emotion as it should?...please, these ?'s are eating at me...some honest answers would be appreciated...on with the tour...see ya at RR...peace

50 freakin messages...no review....waaaahhhhaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Personally, I dont think that anyone should be complaing.
The Dead are not stonned on drugs, the music is wonderfull, effort is preasent and consentration is there. You can ask for whatever you want, but the band knows best.

It looks like an amazing show.
javascript:new_window('shows/index-030615.html')
Drumz> Dark Star (v1) all>
China Doll J; BRP>
Dark Star (v2) all>
St. Stephen all>
High Green (William Tell Bridge) BRJ>
The Eleven B; RP>
I Know You Rider all

The first is allso amazing.
If you are complaining about that, you expect to much.

just got a voicemail from one of my best friends at bonnaroo.....said 'the dead' was FU**ING AWESOME!!! (he yelled it on the phone) He was three people deep in front of phil and said the sound was "body-shaking" and at some points made you take an extra breathe! He said the st>eleven>rider had the crowd shaking harder than it did all weekend (literally)! the attics was a little slow too close the festival he thought, but it was nice. that was pretty much it thought people might like to hear that, can't wait to hear some full reviews

>>>>one person's lame song is another person's rocker

Apparently so:
>>>Now I've heard everything, people bashing Sugaree????? WTF????


Julian, the bonnaroo folks aren't back yet to tell us about the show, but its not like there won't be space for them when they do get here. Don't worry, you'll get your review. Eventually. No one's keeping anything from you, I promise.

Jeez, y'all, remember when the only review was from talking to someone you knew who had been there? When you got setlists from Duprees? A little technology and everyone's spoiled.

All good things in all good time.

can we all PLEASE STOP quoting songs to end our posts like they were scripture!!!

or else i'm gonna have to put some stained glass windows around my computer and dip it in some wine.

Do that.

Uh, you are aware that "all good things..." was a saying for years and years before the dead?

used to scour the lots l.ooking for Duprees just to see what they played a week earlier

ahh yes...there were days...there were days...
oops
sorry ZMan

Great quote, Zmann!!

>BTD (Before The Dead) ???

in my life there never was a BTD

(but there was tons of ATD)!!!>>

carry on you wayward.....oops.

>waiting on reviews.

if the traffic out is anywhere near the traffic in, we'll probably have vaBeach before bono.

>"Can we all PLEASE STOP quoting songs to end our posts like they were scripture?"<

In that case, "let the words be yours, I'm done with mine."

Some of you people out there just really piss me off, and here's why! Why does it matter what the band plays? Who cares if the first set wasn't what you wanted to hear? Are you not just thankful that The Dead are on tour again? Do you really think they care if there are a handful of people out there being critical of their every note? NO! They dont give a shit! Thay are just happy to be together, playing the tunes that the audience wants to hear, just simply bringing the music back to us again and again! All of you folks sittin at home with nothing better to do than bitch and moan about "well golly gee i've heard Sugaree and FOTD a million times!" Well ya know what, so has every other Deadhead on the planet, but as always they play what THEY want, not what YOU want them to! I am sure that throughout the whole summer tour they will play every song that they know and a few new ones that they think we will want to hear, so lets stop being so damn critical of their every move and just be happy that they are out there on the road playin in the hot sun, sweatin their asses off for US, and simply because that is what they love to do!!! Enjoy it, relish it, cause in a decade you will be wishing you could just go see one more show!! Personally, I think the show in Tenn. had a killer setlist, but like my whole post, thats just my opinion! Have a Grateful Day!!!!!!!

Since nobody has posted a review for the Bonnaroo show, I'll take a stab at it.

First, general comments about the festival. Although I'm not a big fan of music fests, I was very impressed by this one. A stellar array of talent covering all spectrums. My only complaint would be that I wish the Dead could have headlined Saturday and Sunday. In lieu of this, the Saturday Headliner should have been the Allman brothers.

Musical highlights for me included the Allman's, Robert Randolph, The Flaming Lips, The Funky Meters, Warren (solo), Neil Young (rocked as usual), and James Brown (perfect opening act for the Dead!).

The Dead's performance was a bit of a mixed bag. The first set was a smoker from start to end. The Fire was particularly hot, with a thick jam to get it started. Sugaree was awesome, I loved Joan's vocals..and she and the band really nailed the tune. Friend of the Devil was given the full acoustic treatment (Bobby and Jimmy on acoustic). Alabama Getaway was full throttle and rocked the house, and the Viola Lee set closer was hot.

The second set was a little sluggish at times, and the band did get lost at points...especially evident during the Black Muddy River instrumental. This one needs some work. It definately did not have the same poigniency as the instrumental Stella the boys played a couple of times during last year's fall tour. The Sugar Mags got things moving, but the momentum was lost in the transition to Unbroken Chain, and Unbroken was not nearly as powerful as we all know it can be.

Post Drumz things picked up considerably, with a very introspective Dark Star that flowed nicely into a good China Doll with nice three part harmonies led by Joan. This song will be a thing of beauty when the band has it down, but so far I would say it still needs some work. The closing St. Stephen>Eleven>Rider was awesome, and the attics encore was delivered crisply, however I was personally hoping for a little Lovelight action with Warren sitting in. Can't win 'em all.

All in all, an enjoyable show, but not one for the record books. The main problem seemed to be the flow of the second set. It was a very admirable try however, and evident from the Second Set Set List that the band was going for it, they just fell a little short. These minor issues will likely take care of themselves as the tour progresses.

I only hope I get to see another one before the end of the summer!

>>>>Why does it matter what the band plays


You know what matters even less? What people say here. Yet you let it "piss you off". Maybe you need to get away from the keyboard and go see some shows.

Folks sittin' around bullshittin'. It don't mean nothin' and it don't hurt nobody.

It sounds like the same conversation deadheads have been having since I got on this bus. The other conversation is "Dude, that was fuckin' AWESOME!". That pretty much covers it. Silly silly deadheads.

Great to be one.

Thanks for the review Paul. It is nice to see a review on a review thread instead of a lot of supposition and bitching.

>they play what they want and not what you want them to!!

if that's the case, why don't they stop with all their: What song would you most like to hear on tour survey's??!!!

Thanks Paul. Do you happen to remember if they used the same arrangement on Unbroken Chain that Phil used--meaning that rockin coda? i loved that!

OK I havent really seen a review of the show so I'll give it a shot... First set was very short (55 minutes or so I think), but rockin. Touch of Gray was a good opener as we were definately surviving after 4 days of non stop music. Set the one and got everyone up and movin.. The Jam out of it was basically a P+F sounding melt down, fairly quickly after a sec of dead air they started in fire with mickey taking the reigns to sing it, he cracks me up, anyways...I thought Joan sung stellar on sugaree, and Bob did as well on FOTD, FOTD went pretty far out there too, a lot of good lick trading between weir and herring; Alabama Getaway followed by Viola ended set 1. I was suprised at the short set being a 3 hour time slot and all.... set break was maybe 25 minutes, not bad, then just after telling my buddies everyone has had a song so far but phil he starts droppin some box of rain bombs.. i could have sworn they went back into box for a reprise later in the show but dont quote me...sugar mag >ssdd was pretty standard but rockin nonetheless; then the big fun started...they took Unbroken Chain wayyyy out there, i was gonna name it roo jam, heh, then it turned into a fairly short space (comparatively), followed by a standard drums... then *badaboom* Dark Star, really great, i dont have the timings in front of me but i think I remember the 1st section was about 13 minutes; a very welcomed and pleasant china doll was sandwiched in the dark star, i thought joan did a terric job singing again (also great on sugaree), although I heard some doubters in the crowd....this was my first complete St. Stephen>william tell>11 combo so I was really thrilled at that one, the interplay between herring and weir has improved since the winter tour IMO and they were really tight, phil was droppin major bombs all set too ( did i already mention that? lol), it all meshed perfectly for me, Rider was standard as well as Attics, not standard as in bad just nothing notable; oh I forgot the Black Muddy inst, totally sick, totally unexpected..
-Anyways my 2 cents on the show, hope everyone enjoyed it, tapes should be out before too long lotta good FOB mics, be happy to answer and questions about the show, peace
steve

Great review(s) thanks so much. Interesting different takes on the second set! I am excited to see it this weekend!

I think very predictable reviews...good music, great times and Joan is worth every penny.

BTW, I like Bucky, but you are a stupid cow if you feed into his hate list...

Thanks for thew review!

After seeing the setlists come round and noticing the parallel to 7/9/95, I can see how the 1st part of last night's second set might have come out less fluid than the set sounded post-drums.

I think it was probably a bit deliberate and not necessarily chosen to burn down the house to open the second set.

Either way, I think it was a cool idea and I WISH I HAD SEEN THE DAMN SHOW!

>hate list?

bucky's got a hate list.

is that like nixon's list?

hope i'm not on it....

thanks for the reviews. 2 newbies hooking us up on their first posts with the reviews we were jonesing for. NICE WORK and welcome to the Zone!

thoughts...

interesting, different interpertations of the same show

glad to hear FOTD was acoustic,

so far Joan seems to be getting the thumbs up, which I think is a good thing, I for one am looking forward to hearing what she's got,

sounds like the band gave a good effort but still has to work the kinks out and find the groove. can't just take an 18 wheeler back on the road and floor it right away. you got to let it warm up a little and then BRING THE THUNDER!!!

hope the band is firing on all cylinders by the time I see them in Hartford!!!

peace all and see ya' out there somewhere

I hope Joan isn't into internet. This is gonna be a tough crowd.

Thanks for the reviews y'all. Always fun to hear about folks having a good time.

>It definately did not have the same poigniency as the instrumental Stella the boys played a couple of times during last year's fall tour

If they wanted to play Stella Blue they would have! You should be grateful they chose to play at all!

>The Sugar Mags got things moving, but the momentum was lost in the transition to Unbroken Chain, and Unbroken was not nearly as powerful as we all know it can be.

I can't believe this thankless drivel! Just because it wasn't as powerful as you think P&F play it, you shouldn't compare. Just be glad the boys were up on stage together having a good time!

Peace and have a Grateful day!!%$#^*&!*%$!!!!

And, thanks for the reviews!!!!

>just be glad the boys were up on stage having a good tme.

boys?
do you call your grandfather a boy?

since when did making a critical comments become veboten?


what is this the nazi zone?

just bow down and be glad they're up there.
what's that all about?

the guy made some honest ctitical statements.
i thought's that's what we wanted in reviews.

honesty.
not worship.

Django...wtf? The boys played Unbroken this past fall, and it wasn't so great either. These two guys went on a risk reviewing this show, and they slammed by you? What shows are you going to be reviewing? Better cross those t's and dot the i's.

Zmann= the poor man's Tom H

Django,

Why would you come here for a review if they're only supposed to say how great the band was?

Kudos to both Paul and Steve for posting some reviews from the first hand perspective...

Keep 'em coming folks, good and bad, honesty is love...

>>Zmann= the poor man's Tom H

Now that's funny, and the fact that I get it means I've been spending WAY too much time on the Zone

>>>>>hate list?

bucky's got a hate list.

is that like nixon's list?


Consider the source.......

(where's the 'rolls eyes' icon here?)

In response to Django...

>If they wanted to play Stella Blue they would have! You should be grateful they chose to play at all!

What's up with that comment? I was merely pointing out that the instr. BMR has some kinks to work out.

>I can't believe this thankless drivel! Just because it wasn't as powerful as you think P&F play it, you shouldn't compare. Just be glad the boys were up on stage together having a good time!

Once again, just my assesment. The 1st half of the 2nd set was lacking in the "flow" department. It happens man. It occasionaly happened with the Dead. It occassionaly happened with P&F. It occasionally happened with TOO. It's going to happen with the "Dead". As a matter of fact it's a fairly common occurance on the first few shows of a new tour as the musicians are still feeling each other out.

I've seen 70+ Dead shows, and about 30 P&F / TOO / Dead shows. Some have been magical, most have been damn good, and on occassion I've caught a few real stinkers. Last night, in my humble opinion would rank as average. But it's obvious to me that this band is very hot, extremely well rehearsed, and very much worth doing everything that you can to go see (immediately!). I have no doubt that they will rip the roof off a few sheds this summer.

As far as preferring P&F, if I had to choose, I actually prefer TOO, and the Dead. I prefer their interpretations of the Dead songbook. This however is really splitting hairs because Phil's band is amazing, and how can you complain about the guitar combo of Jimmy and Warren. It's all good!

In general I'm pretty mystified about the tone of your comments. Am I happy that the boys are playing together. Damn right. Does that mean I'm not supposed to give my honest assessment of what happened on stage?

LOL!

You should just be grateful that you have a brain and typing fingers at all!

Um....yeah.

Ubiq

Gee whiz....i must say that this is one of the most entertaining threads i've ever encountered. Good to see people are so passionate about the music...but come on! I hope it settles down a bit as the tour gets rolling, because this bickering is out of control. But it's making me laugh..so if you must keep it up, then be my guest

THE BEAST IS OUT OF THE CAGE!!!! BRING ON RED ROCKS!!!!! :p :p :p :p

just home from bonnaroo, awesome time all around. here's my full dead report as best as i can recall it (long weekend, don't ya know...):

they put on an interesting show to wrap up the festival. the touch opener was pretty rocking but nothing too too special. they sounded pretty good vocally right out of the gate, with joan osborne's assistance. she's definitely the singer up there. weir was playing an old blonde telecaster, which i don't think i've ever seen him do. no tremolo bar! i kind of missed that, love the way he pulls chords a little sharp or flat sometimes. but the guitar sounded great otherwise, he had it outfitted with humbuckers to balls-up the sound a bit from the usual single coils (just like lee ranaldo in sonic youth likes to do!).

i don't recall a 'jam' out of touch - they just did the normal ending and phil slammed straight into his fire bassline. it felt pretty forced to me, but it made me laugh and the drummers quickly grabbed hold and let it rock. mickey did a lowkey vocal, including some alternate verses, no real rapping or any of that. it was ok, not great, not bad. he's easily the weakest singer up there, really more of a talker, but it wasn't cringy, just not that musical. joan again helped alot here, and i felt the chorus singing (which mickey laid out on, by the way) most resembled the album version of the song, a bit more of that calypso feel than the dead ended up doing it live. the jams were good and jimmy quoted some nice jerry lines while forging his own way too.

sugaree was my first real high point of the show - joan sang it solo and did a great job, nice inflections, a little bit off-pace from the normal garcia delivery, making singing along in one's head a little distracting, but she sang very well and the band rocked nicely along with her. i was quite moved by this one.

friend of the devil was also nice but very straight. last time i saw it (allstate/fall tour) it was a platform for a monster improv jam into the next song that ended up being a key show highlight, so we hoped for that kind of thing this time too. no dice, it just ended clean and quick. weir's acoustic sounded excellent and he played most of his original parts off american beauty during the jam section, which was very cool to hear. he's a great guitar player and this really let him show what he can do. he doesn't take alot of solo's per se, ever - this was about as close as he gets, and he did it major justice, then gave the nod to jimmy and the key guys to build on.

alabama getaway was a cool suprise and sounded great, everybody singing together on the choruses, it sounded like a dozen voices. the fast rock was doing me solid at this point, as it had been an exhausting weekend. a big fast beat was welcome to perk us up. jimmy totally bluffed his first solo, sounded like he was in the wrong key, and/or completely forgot the song structure or something. it was weird, but he completely redeemed himself on his second solo a bit later, absolutely blazing. the keyboard guys did a nice job on this one too - baracco nailed the 80's brent synth tone and intent. i'm really not sure what i think of them having TWO keyboardists up there, seems a bit extreme to me, and sometimes it just clutters up the drums/bass/guitars that i love to hear from the core-four, but they are both good players and are very generous with each other's musical space, so it was rare they were both playing full parts at the same time.

i don't think this song segued into viola so much as it just ended and viola began with that monster opening chord - it sounded awesome! i was pretty suprised to hear this one so early in the show. indeed, it wasn't a MASSIVE version, but they jammed it out nice and long. it didn't have that aggro insane relentless delivery that i typically think of viola having, but what it lacked in raw power it more than made up for with open, intuitive jamming. the singing was also excellent here - phil, joan and bob took two lines each of each the verses, and they sang altogether on the choruses, with the crowd helping out too. the "you'll be nashville-bound" line was a good one too, i'd forgotten that would be forthcoming when pondering what tennessee references we might hear. many cheered when it hit. when the set ended here i was a little surprised (50-55 minutes?), but also a bit happy, as i wasn't sure if they'd take a break or not. i wanted two sets, and was really happy we'd be getting them!

here's my set two scoops:


the second set almost seemed like a direct continuation of the first set for the first few tunes. box of rain was pretty predictable, a straight version with phil sounding a little rigid on the vox to me, but he got better as it went along. black muddy river instrumentally was very interesting, kept quite short and a little confused-sounding (verses and solos are hard to tell apart when no one's singing!). at this point i feared the band was losing the (huge-ass) crowd a bit, being that box wasn't the most emotionally powerful we've ever heard it, and many seemed to not even know what black muddy was... but i myself was charmed by it and had nice thoughts of jerry, and knew the band would do something big to let us know they were in set two mode sooner than later.

sugar mags next seemed completely out of step flow-wise, it was a weird choice, or so i thought. it was a good version, but i'm just so accustomed to hearing this as an opener or a closer, and the set was a strangely paced thus far as it was, i couldn't get my head around why they were playing it now. but i guess it made sense, they needed to bring back the rock and get people dancing again. it went over pretty well and had a reasonably big ending - what was weird was that the band kind of left the last note hanging, and i think everyone was so tired AND curious about what would come next that there was almost no applause at all, which i found very odd - but then i wasn't clapping or screaming either, i was praying busily for a big jam to start up...

which we got with unbroken chain! this was where the show really began for me, or at least it seemed like the unofficial opener to set two after the mellow set-one extension. it was a nice long version with smooth transitions between sections, WAY better singing from phil given the earlier box of rain, and a nice improv jam at the end that differed greatly from the great version i saw them do at allstate last fall.

the space jam out of this one gave me a chance to lie down and watch the clouds while the band wigged out. it was nice and weird, not too long (i can enjoy that stuff for as long as they can do it most nights, but after 3 days of fun in the sun, it was probably just as well they didn't drag it out too far). drums got me and many others back on our feet and had some nice moments. mickey got the biggest roar of the second set (thus far) after unleashing a major session on the big hanging drums behind his main kit while billy added color, good to see some raw energy coming off stage at this point.

the band returned at the end of drums for a short collective jam that was pretty cool before dropping into the star, which was the perfect choice. i wasn't watching the time but i'd guess it was 6-8 mins of nice jamming before the first verse, then another jam of substance before they took it way down into china doll, which i loved. i've been playing it on acoustic guitar lately and finally understand one or two of it's weird chords, so i loved getting to hear the band do it for us in person. they nailed it gently, and joan sang it beautifully. she got so wrapped up she almost missed the third verse, and had to stuff two lines into one to catch up. it was funny, she had her head back, eyes closed, and suddenly snapped too and rammed the words out to get current, then it was smooth sailing from there. when all the guys came in for the chorus it was chillingly fine, a real nice moment that got a big cheer and lots of quiet singing along from all corners of the crowd.

back into the star was right what i hoped would happen and they dove right back into the deep end, quickly getting back into some meaty fucked up jamming before doing verse two. i'm pretty sure bob, phil and joan shared lines of the verses on dark star like they did on viola and it was very good again. everybody got to shine without anybody over staying their welcome, which is something i think happens to both bob and phil on some of the jerry tunes. and they all belted the "shall we go" lines together, again sounding like a huge triumphant choir. phil then kicked the band into a chanting 'nightfall of diamonds' vocal improv with a short jam kicking it along, it turned a few heads and sounded fresh. not sure if they've done this before in this manner, but it was a first for me.

st. stephen was clearly coming next and i was PUMPED, but then they dragged out the beginning a bit longer than i would've liked. this is a song that SLAMS open and i love it when they just jump on that pounding energy and start singing right away. but instead weir guided them through really developing the groove and getting a short solo out of jimmy before they started singing. it sounded great but robbed a bit of momentum, i thought. no complaints though - i quickly forgot about this and they ripped through a full, long version that got everybody fired up before getting into the entire eleven suite, which was much appreciated. this was kickass, especially the parts where bob and phil sang all the old lyrics together. and the drummers were clearly loving the 11-beat section of the jam and pounded it out clearly while bob and jimmy played wild contrasting guitar, sort of blurring the lead/rhythm distinction, very tasty stuff. it's fun to count the 3/3/3/2 beats that mickey and billy overlap onto each other.

by the way, the sound on the main stage was excellent, all night (and really all weekend), not SUPER loud or heavy, but you could pick everybody out and the balance was very nice. i didn't think jimmy was as good as he was when we saw them in the fall, but he had some excellent moments and definitely shined in the second set jams. he's really technically proficient, so it's rare he makes mistakes or anything, but sometimes it just felt like he was soloing because bob and phil were looking over at him, not necessarily because he had something to say. tour-opening jitters? huge crowd nerves? one too many cocktails back stage? i have no idea, but me and a buddy both noticed we didn't think he was as 'on' as we'd seen him before.

back at the setlist, the rider closer was ok but was sort of an anticlimax for me, as they closed my last fall show with it too, after a great st. stephen (and i was anti-climax'd then too). i don't recall the dead closing many, if any, shows with rider, and i can understand why - i just don't think it's that kind of song. in addition to loving it's old chinacat connection, i find this is a song that really misses jerry - it's such a simple song, i know dozens of guitar players who can barely carry a tune who play this one regularly, so i'm a little jaded on it. but they played it well, and it followed several intricate, technical, wild songs, so i had no real gripe - i was having a great time either way. best of all phil finally gave us some real authentic lesh bombs towards the end, possibly the first real blasts from his corner all show. he was really present in the mix all night and did some fine improvising at various points, but he never really slammed it out until the end, which i appreciated, given my slight shrug at the choice of their closing number.

as i'm sure was the case for many of us there, i was hoping for a wild allstar encore with warren and whomever else was still on the ranch, but it was not to be. the attics encore they did instead was beautiful, and again helped along greatly by joan, who was the glue on most of the harmonies. but to the credit of the band, everybody really held their own vocally and the instrumental changes were handled with aplomb as well. great damn song, not two ways about it.

we were laughing that maybe the promoters asked them to send us off with a quiet one, as it had been a very high energy weekend with major late night insanity every night, so somebody was probably hoping we'd all chill out, pack up and get home without partying too much further into sunday night.

which is exactly what we did - back to the tent for a beer and a snack, then we crashed till 7 and ripped outta there with NO hassles at 8. which was a good thing - it took us 8 hours to go the final 5 miles into the joint on thursday night, which we knew might happen but really hoped to avoid. thankfully that was the only bonnaroo bummer for us - otherwise it was incredible and well worth attending. the dead were the perfect closer to the whole thing - without them, i question whether a festival like this would even exist.

i hope this helps anyone who wasn't there have a bit more of a grasp on how it went. i'll be in milwaukee next, see you there.

if that's the case, why don't they stop with all their: What song would you most like to hear on tour survey's??!!!

Do you honestly think that THE DEAD read any "What song would you most like to hear surveys?"

Haha Django, good stuff.

Scott from Bonnaroo..Thanks for that revue..

Thanks for the nice reviews people. I cannot wait to see my run of shows. It's been toooo long since I shook my bonz!

Yeah Scott....great stuff. See you in Milwaukee...

the message in the setlist say's it all!!!

from the opening statement in touch of grey which predictible or not is still amazingly true.. we have survived and there is no doubt HATERS will never see the progression that has taken place here.. FROM THE MUSIC TO THE MESSAGE of each nights performances in natural progression..

as the music and never ending setlists continue to evolve - there's no doubt that when folks look back at these upcoming shows in retrospect, they will probably be some of the most special shows of all time..

Jerry's missed but i'll take this current line up anytime for clear representation of the real thing..

here we are IN THE NOW.. LONG LIVE THE DEAD!

I live 34 miles from Manchester, and although I may be biased because the show was in my backyard, The Dead are fucking on!
The Touch opener was sweet, particularly after the long weekend, but the real standout of the first set had to be the (albeit short)Viola Lee Blues. About 15 minutes from Manchester, is a small township called Viola, and from what I've gathered that's the same Viola from the song. Nashville of course is the location of the Tennessee state penitentiary, where the singer of the song was sent by the judge. I just thought someone out there would appreciate the lore of the tune and how the Dead brought it home.
This tour is gonna be smokin!

a 'Hater' is what exactly?

Someone who goes around hating people for no logical reason, spewing out venom from their past wounds I guess.....

But not in Deadheadland.....

In Deadheadland, a 'Hater' is somebody who's paid 50 bucks to go to a show & critiques the show honestly with his or her own opinions.
Anything besides saying or posting "EVERY song, Every moment, every lyric sung, every beat, riff & key touched was perfect. We're SO lucky to have the Dead playing for us."
Will be greeted by, "If you don't feel like me, stay home, you negative Hater, you, and let some REAL dead fans enjoy a show because you must've never 'gotten it anyway."

May I humbly submit the the 'REAL Dead fans' are those who can see past the nasalgia & hero worship & actually see the music for what it is with honest truth & without those rose tinted glasses that always feel Jerry's spirit at every show & think everything is great every time. Fact is, they're clueless. And blissfully happy about it.....

Thanks for the reviews y'all.

Anyone think the dead thought it was perfect every night?

Good to read the wassup on Bonnaroo, guys. Thanks.
On the lore of Viola, I jes' heard Mellencamp's take on the song "Joliet Bound" and the song has the lyrics "Some got 6 months, some got one solid"...etc. So I think Viola may be in store at Route 66. (((Prison Towns)))

the show SUCKED.....over 70% of the folks there never saw Jerry and the Dead and would not know a real "Dead Show" if it hit them between the eyes!! They really sounded good ...until they opened there mouths....
Jerry must of been spinning in his grave...
I got two for South Florida and two for Tampa for Sale....I had enough damage from the Roo set....
Had to run to the car and play some real "Grateful Dead"......

right on

Scott, great to read all of that...

Here is the review from the NYTimes...there is one glaring error, and please send the correct info to this dude...I could quote some of his corrections that I fed him on the silly reviews he gave P&F and Mule, but this piece is fair and respective...

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/17/arts/music/17BONN.html

I'd love to read that NY Times review.
Wish I had a login.

OK, I'm back at work now 9:53am Tuesday, nice freak'n weekend

The Dead were of course my favorite part of the weekend, even if it is was kinda subdued. I would have liked to have seen more positive energy and up beat tunes, but it was a Sunday show closing performance. After a shaky short first set starter (get them cob webs out), everything came together in the second set.

I have some awesome pics coming soon, 15 feet in front of stage, standing barefoot in the mud, with the tapers behind me a little to my right as I’m facing the stage. Saw some old school heads of my age and older, but most of the crowd was younger twenty something. Took my time getting to know new friends in the crowd, many kind hugs from strangers, and some special moments running into familiar faces from time gone by.

The positive vibe was emanating from the crowd, as we all stood in the mud and helped to support each other near the stage. Gotta go now, but I’ll be back.

A true Bliss Ninny would never blast someone for an honest review..

>>weir was playing an old blonde telecaster, which i don't think i've ever seen him do. no tremolo bar! i kind of missed that, love the way he pulls chords a little sharp or flat sometimes. but the guitar sounded great otherwise, he had it outfitted with humbuckers to balls-up the sound a bit from the usual single coils (just like lee ranaldo in sonic youth likes to do!).

This was from a thread on a Telecaster discussion page that my buddy participates in:



"Had lunch with a buddy yesterday who happens to be Bob's half brother. He know's I'm a tele guy and we
often talk about guitars (he's a Gretsch guy, but I let that go).

Anyway, he had an older brother who was a professional guitarist who passed away about 10 years back.
He played a 56 tele. Guitar has been sitting at the parents since then.

So Bob Weir was adopted and got the idea to track down his father, who happens to be my buddy's dad
who had no idea he had another son. They start hanging out and one night the Dad brings out the tele to
show Bob. He borrows it and loves the sound. Apparently he can finally hear himself over the din of the
rest of the guys.

Bottom line, look for Bob with a black re-fin 56 with a humbucker in the neck. I though it was cool that
the tele got a second life (although to be honest I'm not much of a Dead fan)."

don't know this dude..thought some of y'all might be interested

nice reviews btw

Yes, my brother is a computer nerd, but I am a guitar nerd.

Many thanks.

Bobby on a Tele, who woulda thunk it in this day and age ? Think it's got anything to do with Jimmy ?


VIC - Damn, dude, bummer. Hope you get rid of those tix.

Teles rule!

So do Les Pauls(in a whole other way), but I'm in tele mode. COOL!

Maybe dad should bust out one of his hearing aides..(sorry...had to say it..)

"but I'm in tele mode."

throw on that nelson band. turn it up loud!

Looks like Bob was playing a blonde tele and the family guitar was black. May not be the exact same guitar, but it sounds for sure like it sent him searching for just that sound. Neat story.

Blissninnies...great band!

Bring on the THUNDER!!!!!! Getting Psyched!!!!! Remember no buds in Camden but you can buy all the crack you want on the corner down the street. God Bless America folks! Heh.........

>Django, Why would you come here for a review if they're only supposed to say how great the band was?


Whoops! I guess my attempt at humor wasn't over the top enough. I was just poking fun at those that think any less than glowing review is inappropriate. Anyone who has read any of my drivel knows I can be pretty critical about the caliber of music played at a show. (I've even been known to criticize Jimmy's tone and playing.)

Steve and Paul, I appreciated your reviews and I hereby state unambiguously that I prefer honest reveiws to the glowing ones that say the entire show smoked start to finish.

I'll work on my Internet humor.

>>>Think it's got anything to do with Jimmy ?

I'm not even close to being a guitar connoisseur like some of you folks..this has me excited though-->

Steve Hailey said>>>>>this was my first complete St. Stephen>william tell>11 combo so I was really thrilled at that one, the interplay between herring and weir has improved since the winter tour IMO and they were really tight, phil was droppin major bombs all set too ( did i already mention that? lol),<<<

maybe it's the tele

Django...

I thought someone stole your identity or that something was seriously wrong with you.

Phew--glad you are still you.

Thanks BOTB . . . I thought closing with:

Peace and have a Grateful day!!%$#^*&!*%$!!!!

would be the give away, but I guess I managed to blend into a believable persona. I mean, who could post something like that and take themselves seriously?

In all seriousness, these reviews are my sustenance for tapping into what's geting played and I'm really looking forward to hearing the discs.

Keep the reveiws coming! (Can I post a reveiw too when I actually hear the CDs?)

>>>>who could post something like that and take themselves seriously

Plenty of people, my friend. Plen-tee.
Takes all kinds.

I THOUGHT bashing newbie reviews was a little harsh..even for the "good vibe police"

takes balls to lay down a heartfelt review..

love reading about someones crazy subjective trip

love the musicians who can break down the tunes in a technical manner that goes beyond

really love the people who are just so damn overjoyed and filled with love that they feel like they just hafta share..I usually give this one a shot..more often than not it comes out something like "dude, man what a rippin' show..Mickey sucks..sick jamming..crowd rocked..got wasted.."

hope we get a few more newbie reviews as good as the ones above

>who could post something like that and take themselves seriously

>Plen-tee

just wait for tonight's reviews.

there's a va.beach contingent that will be wetting their drawers and twirl skirts all over the stage.

i could probably write the review for them right now and not be far off.

BEST SHOW EVA!!!

Took them till after MCI center to warm up last round. My bet the nay sayers will be eating crow in a week.

Show highlights for me...

Touch opener ~ very special way for me to start the show (it being father's day and i had been somewhat weepy all day) ~ Touch is somewhat of an anthem for my family. Box and the BMR jam sent me to tears but it was in a healing way and i was lucky enough to have grate phriends around me to wrap me in lots of hugs and love!!!

I thought Joan was real good on Sugaree and China Doll though I missed Susan's voice..

Dark Star was nice and St. Stephen smoked.

I was sure we'd get a 10AC Jed and a Sampson but they didn't play it.

Overall, a grate night and I am looking forward to the next few shows!! Hope to see some of ya'll there!

NY times review..........

CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK
A Festival to Make Deadheads Grateful
By BEN RATLIFF


ANCHESTER, Tenn., June 15 — Music fans at rock festivals are, by and large, abused by sound, security, visibility, parking, aggressive advertising and ugly surroundings. But the organizers of the Bonnaroo festival — built on jam-band rock and expanding that genre beyond recognition — are aiming much higher.

Advertisement


The intelligence of the operation, on a 600-acre cow farm here, an hour south of Nashville, begins with the wide scope of the music. At 5 p.m. on Friday Lucinda Williams was playing country ballads in slow tempos with her jewel of a four-piece band, in front of a crowd baking in the sun around small mud puddles.

Farther to the north the saxophonist Joshua Redman was stalking a different stage, combining a language of stop-and-go rhythm-and-blues riffs and fluid bebop with his new trio. In a small, dark tent with overhead projections, Kid Koala, the turntablist, manipulated watery recorded phrases over a kaleidoscopic funk mishmash. Farther east, Tortoise, the instrumental quintet from Chicago whose members keep swapping instruments during sets, finished up in another tent, building up layers of slack jazz funk..

This is mostly a festival of backpackers: the world of peaceful collegiate rebellion. Much of it descends from Grateful Dead audience culture; the Dead in fact headlined the final night of Bonnaroo this year and last year. You could theorize that the band provides the logic of the programming: break down the Grateful Dead into its components, follow those aesthetic side roads, and you get Bonnaroo.

The Dead is improvisational guitar music, so the festival's organizers invited Sonic Youth, Tortoise, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, the gospel-based steel guitarist Robert Randolph, the neo-blues band North Mississippi All Stars, and the experimental Southern-rock band My Morning Jacket. The Dead is American roots music, so here was country, bluegrass and Southern rock: Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Yonder Mountain String Band, Nickel Creek, the Allman Brothers.

The Dead is psychedelic visual spectacle, which aptly describes the Flaming Lips and the Polyphonic Spree. The Dead at times contained echoes of Nigerian music and reggae, so Bonnaroo booked Antibalas, Toots and the Maytals, and the Wailers. The Dead (at least in its dreams) was funky, so the crowd welcomed James Brown, the Roots and a bunch of turntable artists.

Ashley Capps, a promoter from Knoxville, Tenn., who produced Bonnaroo along with a New Orleans production outfit called Superfly Productions, doesn't recall breaking it down that way. It came more naturally: before Bonnaroo he had been booking everything from Southern rock to the avant-garde jazz around Tennessee. His partner, Jonathan Mayers of Superfly, had been booking jam bands into New Orleans nightclubs during the already diverse New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Both wanted to mix up music on a larger scale, nothing more than that.

Without newspaper, television or radio advertising, and without using Ticketmaster, Bonnaroo sold out its 80,000 tickets this year in 18 days. Last year, with no track record, it took 18 days to sell 70,000. The organizers had planned to try promoting it themselves and eventually using Ticketmaster, but when they sent a single e-mail message to the fan clubs of the major bands at the core of the festival and sold 12,000 tickets the first day, they realized the power of Backpacker Nation. "We'd heard about the promise of the Internet," Mr. Capps said, "but here we really experienced it."

The organizers had also planned the first Bonnaroo Northeast for August, at the airfield in Riverhead, N.Y., where the Field Day festival was to have taken place. But Field Day was cursed: scuttled by Long Island authorities and finally drowned by rain in Giants Stadium in New Jersey, where it ended up. Mr. Capps and Mr. Mayers promptly canceled their event after Field Day.

Part of the promise of Bonnaroo is that musicians spontaneously joined one another onstage. Some combinations were obvious, as when Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers and the steel guitarist Robert Randolph joined Widespread Panic. Some weren't so obvious, as when Z-Trip, turning Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" into slices of rhythm by manipulating the record under the turntable's needle, jammed with Galactic today. On Friday night, Galactic, with the jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter, played on top of a New Orleans Mardi Gras float that was pulled around the festival's enormous campsite at 2 a.m. The campsite itself was full of activity throughout the festival. It was sectioned into streets, and the campers set up their own bazaar, selling homemade pizza, bottles of Charles Shaw wine and stronger things. The ad hoc city was mostly self-policed; only 36 arrests were made over three days.

Despite the revolving jam sessions, this was a crowd with a long attention span, and the festival's best stretches were when bands just held their own for long chunks of time. Neil Young, on Friday, performed with his three-decade-old band, Crazy Horse, under a custardy full moon. For three hours he played expanded versions, some of them 29 minutes long, of his best songs — "Love to Burn," "Cortez the Killer," "Cinnamon Girl" and others. He was the only soloist, breaking to solo at length several times per song. Playing in his ragged, stuttering phrases, he made strings of notes crumble into noise, then recohere toward graceful endings. (The festival's excellent concert sound made his guitar tone feel a mile thick.) It was extraordinary, the ideal of a gnarled yet sophisticated technique.

Ms. Williams, the Roots and Galactic built up their own intensity as well. Sonic Youth, one of a small number of New York groups at the festival, warmed up into total abandon. And the Dead closed the festival with three hours of amiable music tonight. The band has added the singer Joan Osborne for this tour and given her a prominent place in the music; she fits, adding a fine voice that connoted smoke and whiskey in "Sugaree" and contemporary classical music in the set's long, atonal "Space" section.

But there are limits to what can be booked here: this was to some degree utopian music, or some suitably authentic and nonviolent American expression. 50 Cent wouldn't have been included in the funk category, and ditto for Metallica in the guitar-music category. (Mr. Capps said he wasn't interested in bringing metal to the festival after the violence of Woodstock '99.) The Internet has wrought great changes in the tastes of pop-music consumers, and perhaps this is the festival that can best come to grips with them

you know it really bugs me out when people write off a great number of bands as influenced by....They make it sound like the reason all these bands were there was because if you break down what the Grateful Dead were then thats what you get. Its insulting to these artists like neil young, the flaming lips and anyone else who make incredible fucking music to say that they are there because in some aspects they personify the Grateful Dead. I really get weirded out when these reporters talk about this music like they really know anything about it....which some may but this seems like a distant observation...It makes me want to see Bob Dylan bitch out that reporter from time magazine in Dont Look Back Documentary....and reducing the Grateful Dead to "improvised guitar music" is a bit of an insult to them as well....

Its not the bands who are influenced by the dead so much as the audience, whether they know it or not.

YEA
WHAT HE SAID

thats a good way to put it man...fare thee well

Here is my review I posted on Phantasy.

So here goes. If you have any other questions or need details just ask.

Set 1
Touch- Nice way to start things off. It is kinda hard to screw this song up and it was enjoyable to hear.

Fire- Nice fire I believe Mickey did the vocal work on this. I was in the process of moving closer. The back sucked for energy. Someone else needs to take this song. Jimmy maybe. Possible rob. IMO Timing and tempo were kinda off. They were sorta loose.

Sugaree- Joan makes her vocal debut. Awesome voice. She has a beautiful voice. Jimmy's guitar work was really on during this song and phil laid down some nice licks on the bass

Friend of the devil. Bob took this, nice version off tempo. They still semmed kinda confused if that is the right word. I would say the same category as a late 95 friend

Alabama- This was ok suffered the same ills as the other songs in this set. A little lack luster but still enjoyable.

Viola lee blue- Awesome version the boys and girl seemed to really get into this a traded a few versus, Harmonies were nice along with everyone keeping up. They IMO busted this with energy. I believe this is where things started to take off a little bit. You could feel a certain level of comfort from the band. They started to see the light

First set highlights Sugaree and Viola. I would say a shakey start but got progressivly better. They were a little loose. There good and bad points within each song. I would say it reminded me a little of 95. Good but I think you know what I mean.

Set 2

Box of rain. We love phil. Good version of this song and phils vocals sound smooth to me.

Black Muddy river- Such a beatiful version of this. If you closed your eyes you could here him. Pure instrumental version. The people around me were very touched as I was. Soft and melodic.

Sugar Magnolia- A crowd favorite and they loved it. Pretty tightly played.

Unbroken chain. Nice. Bring da funk. Phil laid the bombs down for an extremly well played unbroken Jam, props to the drummers.

Space/drums. Very long very spacey. Drums was weird and space had the voice that kept moaning it was really cool. People did start to leave as they drummers got tribal. Damn they missed out. I would say this

Darkstar- Not a tease and did they hit it with evryone chippin in. I believe Phil , Bobby and Joan shared this. Great Jam I was sitting there thinking how great it was to here darkstar and really listen to them explore this song. It still has so many possibilities.

China doll- Joan again with the boys backing her up. I love how gentle this song is. I was a little thrown off when joan sang this, but she did a great job as things progressed. She did it tremendous justice.

Darkstar- Whooooo. Yes, so nice. We are now looking at an awesome set. Still things that need to be improved but come on they just got out of rehearsal. The jam was very spacey. Tribute to the moon and clouds

St Stephen. Ok holy shit. Ds into st Stephen. It was jammed. Jimmy and bob played awesome here along with rob and jeff. The drummers kicked it off. The crowd was so into where I was with everyone dancing and excited. I was pretty far up front now. All versus the whole damn song.

William Tell Bridge. Am I in 1968. Jesus true stunner of the night. Way old school guys the harmonies were sick. If you did not like this you are crazy. Go listen to a boy band. We are now on an awesome psychadelic trip through time. A flashback. William Tell Bridge. Nuff said. If you are not familiar with this. Get some late 60's stuff.

The eleven. Ok i am flipping now and the band pulled this off with such energy. The people I was with and standing next to were like amazed. My eyes were as wide as the full moon.

I know you rider- Fun version a little slow to me. They need to pop the vocals a little more. I like the dramatic riders of the late 90's. This was slower like a 70's or early 80's rider.

Encore: Attics. I have not heard anything as beautiful as this in a long time. My eyes we defnitly misty. Such harmony. These versus were sung with such passion. "Bent my ear to hear the tune"

Well this is all in my own opinion feel free to add or alter. I would give this show alot of props. If this had been the middle of the tour I would have expected a way stronger 1st set. They made up for it though. True highlights. Unbroken all the way to Attics. Alot of people started to leave because they say it got to spacey and to weird. They said drums and space were to long as was china and ds.

I say THANK GOD. WELCOME BACK GUYS. This is a psychadelic band. They jam folks, long and spacey at times find the beauty in it. That is what they do best. That is how all this got started. I heard that phil came on and said his voice was off tonight and he was sorry. If you can confirm this please do. This may explain that 1st set.

My review:

I was not to impressed with the song selection for one. To many Garcia tunes. Heard one Bobby tune " Sugar Mags". Wanted to hear a couple of more. Like Lazy Lightning/sup. or a Me & my uncle or Jack Straw. The Phil tunes were great!!! Mickey singing Fire sucked as usual. Left during Drumz the show was putting me asleep. Thought they could have done better but this is just MHO.

any comment on this show compared to 2-14-03?

I must have been 10 rows away from Phil.. amazing show.. The sound was fantastic.. Still not happy about Joan Osbourne. I dont think she should be allowed to sing on certain material.. Just my opinion.. IT was a mad house down at the stage level. After the first set ended I tried to move my way to a safer enviroment.
The first set was pretty good.. I was rather disspointed by the second set... I thought they played a whole lot of crap in that second set.. not darkstar or st stephen.. but the Space and Drums I could have done without especially space.. god I hate that shit.. Drums was impressive in parts.. I still wanted to hear a going down the road.. or Jack Straw.. Better yet.. Help On the Way.. And Mickey needs to shut the hell up and let rob sing fire on the mountain.. I swear to god I was about to lunge on stage and stab that bastard.. Bob needs to give it up.. he will never have jerry's beard.. I mean shit man.. what is up with that.. AND GOD DAMNT.. ATTICS OF MY LIFE IS NOT A PROPER SONG FOR AN ENCORE!!! ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT IS THE ONLY SONG IN THE ENCORE.. GOD DAMNT! IT really upset me..

I know you rider was amazing.. All in all .. A great show.. Not as good as Terrapin in many ways, but still superior to every other band out there.. Cant waitto see em again..

"Too many Garcia tunes..." what a wonderful problem to have

"I swear to god I was about to lunge on stage and stab that bastard..." i'm not even sure how to respond to that...lol.

Review......

I kinda knew this before hand because of time restraints but I thought it was a kinda short show. They were scheduled to play from 830-1130 and probably ended at about 1140 or so.
Widespread panic was scheduled at the same time frame the night before and played well over midnight. I was suprised the dead ended so early.

I really liked the first set. Alabama getaway was totally awesome. Good replacement for Tennessee Jed. Joan Osbourne did well I thought but I think she needs to stay away from the trippier stuff. Just let Phil and them Jam out during those parts. She came on stage and started makin these sounds. It's was really wierd.
All in all a decent show. The encore was too short but the first set made up for it.
The fact that alot of people were worn out didn't help either.
Not the highlight of my bonnaroo but certainly a decent ending.

Overall rating = B+ with a possible make up grade of A-


Peace,
deadheadsean.........

>>>>the show SUCKED.....over 70% of the folks there never saw Jerry and the Dead and would not know a real "Dead Show" if it hit them between the eyes!! They really sounded good ...until they opened there mouths....
Jerry must of been spinning in his grave...

you can really speak for him? and what the hell does it have to do with ever seeing jerry?

>>>I got two for South Florida and two for Tampa for Sale....I had enough damage from the Roo set....
Had to run to the car and play some real "Grateful Dead"......

good. i'm sure youll be sorely missed

prolly just a troll trying to stir up trouble

i knew it.....total posts: 1

Hey there folks, I just woke up after a 15 hour drive from Bonnaroo. I got home at about 4 in the morning last night and I'm still trying to recover. Here is my review. First let me give you some background on my state of mind Sunday night. The last time I tripped on acid was about 5 years ago. I had only tried it three times and the last two trips were horrible and I told myself I would never do it again. My neigbor at the Roo had some and I had this urge to want to give it another shot, and see if being in that atmosophere with the Dead playing might change my opinion of acid. So my brother and I took a hit each right after James Brown left the stage. About 15 minutes before the Dead hit the stage, I started feeling a little different. The Dead come on and I can tell that my perception was definately being messed with. Touch was a great way to start the show off. I noticed immediately that the band sounded different. I saw four shows in the fall including New Years and I noticed that they seemed like they came out with something to prove. Jimmy was rockin a different guitar and his tone was a lot fatter than it was in the fall. I was about 10 rows back in the pit with the most perfect view of the stage. The band was about eye level. Bobby was a lot louder in the mix and you could hear the amazing interplay between Bobby and Jimmy. It sounded like there was a lot more chemistry between them than the last time I saw them. Phil was definately the guy who was leading this beast from song to song through the different transition jams, but they all contributed big time. Joan Osborne won me over that night, and she was cute as a button with a sweet voice that gave you comfort when you listened. Fire was great and it was very different from the almost cookie cutter versions from the fall. Jimmy was playing some awesome leads while the whole band was grooving. Different sound overall than the fall tour, with Jimmy really taking some chances and playing some of his own licks as well as a couple of familiar Jerry ones. I immediately realized the Jimmy was the wild card. I have always thought that he was one of the best guitarists on this planet, but after Sunday, I realized that this guy is only gonna keep getting better. He has really gotten more comfortable in his role up there and the chemistry in the band just keeps on growing. Sugaree was sweet with Joan on the lead vocals and I didn't know if I would like it with a female vocalist but Joan won me over. Did I mention that she was cute as hell and gave the band a whole different kind of look and attitude. Joan is awesome, and I'm not one of those people that was singing her praises, I had a wait and see kind of attitude. Friend of the Devil was done acoustically and it was a nice change of pace and played beautifully. I really dug the acoustic sound and the textures were different than the rest of the show. Alabama Getaway was such a surpise. I wasn't expecting it at all, and it was played and sung perfectly, with Rob handling the vocals, and it sounded so much like Jerry was up there. Viola Lee was the big jam to close set 1 and it was a great way to close the set. The jams were great and Jimmy tore his guitar in two. I was taken on a journey that first set, and I finally realized what acid can be like in a kind atmosphere with a band that knows how to manipulate your every move and emotion. I felt like I was a puppet on a string along with the rest of the crowd and the band was the puppeteer enjoying every moment of manipulating us, and I loved being manipulated. Set two was monumental. After a 25 minute break, and having a hard time sitting there tripping face with no entertainment, but luckily, the band came back rather quickly. The opening notes of Box put a smile on my face, cause I knew Phil was gonna sing and I hadn't heard him yet all night. His vocals were a bit off, but it was played beautifully and just hearing him sing made me very happy. The lyrics took on a whole new meaning for me that night, as they for did all of the songs. I felt like the band was transmitting messages to all the people who were in the right state of mind the whole night. Black Muddy River intstrumental was great, and reminded me of the Stella Blue instramental I heard at Albany and NYE. I was never a big fan of either of those songs, but after hearing the instrumental versions I found a new found respect for them and I enjoy hearing them now. The instrumental versions pull at my heartstings because I can hear Jerry singing in my head, and they are just beautiful songs. Sugar Mag had the whole place jumping, and it was rock solid. Bobby's vocals were great all night and his voice has improved since the fall. I didn't notice any of the yelling or howling he usually does. He just really sang that night, and I thought it was great. No more criticism of Mister Weir from me. The guy is great. Unbroken Chain was great. Phil's voice was on, and it sounded like he was trying to make up for the average vocals on box. The meltdown jam had me feeling like I was getting beamed up to the mothership. The lights were perfect and matched the muscic perfectly. The band would go off, and the textures of the sounds would change during the transitions, and then they would bring it back down to earth. This was happening all night. They would go off, and then bring it right back. Anybody who didn't like the show, probably doesn't care much for the psychadelic jams that go into deep dark space. I noticed a dark side to jimmy's playing on Sunday, and its something I never noticed before or it just wasn't there, but he had it on Sunday. And just when it would get a little too dark, all of a sudden he would play these super sweet licks that were like rays of sunshine. He is awesome. Dark Star blew away any version I'd heard from the fall, including MSG and NYE. They really went deep into exploring the Dark Star and the possibilties that song has musically. Best version I've ever heard live, including PLQ at the Vibes last year. The vocals were beatiful, and it was very long, with an awesome surpise sandwiched in the middle. Just when it was getting super wierd and out there, they brought us back down to earth with China Doll. I belive Joan was singing it and it was exceleent. I didn't think Joan should be singing Jerry tunes, but after Sunday, she can sing anything she wants. Transition back into Dark Star and away we go. They jammed out for several more minutes, and transitioned into the greatest St. Stephen I ever heard live, and I saw PLQ play it at Jones Beach in 2001. This was better, and hearing William Tell come back made me the happiest mf'er on this planet. It sounded like it could have come right out of the late sixties. The band is on. The eleven was also the best version I ever heard live, and I heard three on the fall tour and PLQ do it twice. The sound sytem was kick ass. The sound system let you hear every beat of the drums circle your head, every note of the guitar. The seperation was excellent. If the sound system is like that for the whole tour, there won't be any complaints from anybody. I know you Rider was full blown rockin and had the whole crowd jumping. Lots of fun. The band left the stage, and the whole crowd had there lighters out and all I could see was people as far as the eye could see and lighters illuminating the whole consert field. Phil came out and did his doner rap, and the band played Attics, another big surprise and the perfect ending to the perfect show, at least as far as I was concerned. Attics had the best harmonies of the whole night, and showed that the band has the vocal chops to go along with their incredible jamming. The band I saw on Sunday was not the same band I saw in the fall. The show seemed like it was very well rehearsed. They came out with something to prove, and they seemed like a phoenix that had risen out of the ashes of past. They aren't the Other Ones any longer. They are the Dead, and they are back with a vengeance. Go to a show and you'll see for yourself. I had the best experince I ever had in my life that night, and I'm sure many of you might think it was cause of the acid, and I'm sure the acid enhanced the experience, but my friend Mike, who we there were with, and standing next to the whole show, agreed that it was a kick ass show, and he wasn't on anything. If they play anywhere near that level for the rest of the tour, we will be blessed. I'm never gonna take acid again because I want to leave that experience on a good note, and I'll be content to just smoke for the rest of the tour. Hope this review helped some people feel what it was like to be there. Music is subjective, but I felt the energy of the crowd and the band that night. I was taken to new musical heights, and was brought back down to earth again. And for all of that, I am grateful. See you on tour.

nice review pete-

don't forget the sweet Moon rising during the 2nd set

zeus,
thanks.
nice review.
man i think i got a contact high from reading that.
i kinda feel like i'm tripping.
now get back here.
signed,
hercules.

Thanks for reminding me about the moon. It was the most bugged out moon I've ever seen. The other cool thing that happened and really bugged me out was this giant blow up octpopus that made its way to the front of the pit and just rolled over everybody's head. I felt like the thing was alive. At first I was like what the hell is this thing on my head. And then it rolled over like 10 of us and I realized it was a giant blow up octopus. I felt like at points, the Dead and the light show was like a portal beaming us up to the mothership, and by the end of the show, they brought us safely back down to earth. I was having an out of body experience at points, and if the show was bad, I'm sure I would have had a bad trip, but it was the best. The Dead and the crowd made me feel the group mind, and I felt like I was part of something much greater. The band was like a fire breathing dragon that night. The show was like a spiritual experince unlike any other I have felt. What a great weekend. I felt like I got my money's worth before the Dead even hit the stage Sunday, and after what I experienced Sunday night, I feel like it was the best weekend of my life. I don't think any show will ever top that one for me personally, but I'll be happy to enjoy the rest of the shows I see chemical free from this point on. It was a life altering experience in the best way possible. I've got a real positive outlook on life now, and I feel like my eyes have been opened in a good way. Enjoy the tour everybody. I think it will be unlike anything we've ever seen before. Peace.

>10AC Jed
And I thought I new all the abbreviations....

Killer review zeus...peace, pot & micro dot.

>zeus
a+d
still works.

Yes it does Zam. Yes it does. And I finally realized it for the first time. Stay cool and take care brother. Peace.

>man i think i got a contact high from reading that.


Pete, thanks for the review and the contact high. If you wanted to give a taste of what it was like to be there, you succeeded!

Great review, I like the idea about the Dead taking us on a trip to some pretty amazing and scary places, and then bringing us home safely. I've always trusted them to bring me back, and they have never failed, in over 300 shows, with 90% being dosed. My only question is, why wouldn't you want to do it again and again. Revelation on demand, like flipping a switch, to see the world as it really is.

Different strokes for different folks I guess, some people meditate for years, some do yoga, and some take acid and go see the Dead. Like a shortcut to enlightenment, consistent with our modern hectic, short attention span, lives. But is it any less real? Thats the question that still remains to be answered.

>>My only question is, why wouldn't you want to do it again and again. Revelation on demand, like flipping a switch, to see the world as it really is.

I'll answer that question for you Tom. The last time I tried it, I had the worst experience of my life. It was very scary, and it left me with a negative outlook on life. My friend had a seizure, and I had a very bad trip. I've seen the dark side of what acid is capable of making you see and think. I didn't ever want to do it again because I was afraid I'd experience that again. I decided to take a chance this weekend, because I had the desire to see if the combination of that environment, along with great company, overall a great crowd, and my favorite band in the world playing my favorite music would produce the positive experience that I have heard that acid is capable of creating. I got that this weekend, and I feel like my soul has been healed from the scars that were left since the last time I tried it 5 years ago. I am happy to leave it on that note, because now I've seen the good side and the bad side, and I feel content. I'll never say never, but I'll say that I don't have a desire to do it again after the fullfillment I felt this past weekend. Acid can be the most wonderful thing, or the scariest thing you can ever do, and it needs to be handled with care and respect. After this Sunday, I feel enlightened and I would like to stay on this bright path and not take the risk of having a bad trip again. I'm not saying acid is bad or that you shouldn't do it, but I think I've had my last tango with chemicals and I'd like to leave it on a good note. Peace.

After the sunday Day on the Green, Oct.76 I had the same buzz..what's the point of trying to redo THAT? .but then there I was, next show LONG~ SPACED~DEAD.
A destitively bonnaroo review Z.

bad trips are the best trips

"I have questions:

- Was Dark Star 15 minutes & 32 seconds like every version from last fall?"
I think it may have been a little longer but not too much.

"- Were people cringing during China Doll like they used to when Phil sang it?"
3 people in front of me left when she started singing. I heard one mumble something like, if I stay I am going to kill her. I think she sang it well, but it was lacking. Joan did an awesome job on Sugaree and her touches to space were good, but China Doll didn't quite work for me.

"- Was Viola like MSG (13 minutes), or did they go off on it more & longer?"
I dont have a copy of MSG, but it was pretty long and they went off pretty hard.

"- Was being with 80,000 people for 3 days as bad as it sounds?"
It was a blast, but definitely not for everyone.

I think overall it was great. While I saw lots of FOTD when Jerry was alive, this was a fast version and Bobby did a solo. Jimmy did one also, but it was cool seeing Bob get off.

I really liked the Sugaree. They jammed really hard and Joan's vocals were better than I had hoped.

Viola Lee has been one of my favorites since I started listening to the Dead 17 years ago and ths was a good version. Phil got off so hard at the end you will need to be careful with your speakers when you listen to this at home.

Box was nice, but I was thinking kinda odd way to start the set. I didn't get too excited when they started BMR. But when I realized they were just going to do it instrumental, I thought "Cool". I thought back to the Jerry days and the times I heard this song with Jerry singing it and had failed to appreciate it as much as I should have at the time.

Sug Mag was fun, and I thought this is a really odd placement. Fairly standard, but I thought, hmm Joan hasn't been on stage at all the second set, she has to come out for the SSDD. Nope. I asked my friend "Do you think they fired her at set break?" I was joking, but it seemed odd she wouldn't back up vocals on SSDD.

Unbroken Chain was great. They took an extended jam were Jimmy, Phil, and Rob and Jeff all took solo's. I really liked the Jimmy guitar.

Space starts and Joan comes back out so I think they are about to play something else but they really get space going. Then Joan starts adding in and I thought oh, this could be bad but it turned out really cool. Jimmy was kinda playing off her voice and it had a neat effect.

The drums was pretty fun with highs and lows to keep the tired crowd intrigued.

The Dark Star was good with Phil singing first line, Joan second, and Bob third. Real good jam and you could since the China Doll coming.

I love this song, and maybe it was just cause every time I hear it it makes me miss Jerry so much, but Joan didn't quite do it for me.

The rest of the set was just a blast. They played and jammed really well. I thought they would play the TN Jed after Attics, but afterwards I think Attics was a nice way to close the festival.

I think Jimmy sounded as good as I have heard him. I was nervous about Joan but think she did a great job and is a nice addition. Bob appears to be trying to look like Jerry but seems to be having a ton of fun playing and experimenting. Phil is continuing his jamming kick he has been on the last couple of years. I think they should tap Rob's voice a little more. I like when he sang for Phil and Friends and they should use him some. It seems Jeff kinda takes a back seat to Rob, but when they are both jamming there are some really cool effects. What can ya say about Micky and Bill.

All in all better than the show I saw in DC last fall. The future looks good.

"- Were people cringing during China Doll like they used to when Phil sang it?"

What I want to know, is were these same people cringing during Warren's Stella or TLMD? Granted, Warren put a hell of a lot more in it than Joan, but she still did a good job. Even if this was the point of the show I missed Jerry the most. And then found myself wishing Warren was up there...it was still beautiful.

'May I humbly submit the the 'REAL Dead fans' are those who can see past the nasalgia & hero worship & actually see the music for what it is with honest truth & without those rose tinted glasses that always feel Jerry's spirit at every show & think everything is great every time. Fact is, they're clueless. And blissfully happy about it.....'
well put bucky, i have been trying to get this across in someother post but keep getting bashed. my comments were 'close minded' as i said close minded is going to everyshow and just becuase they are the 'dead' doesnt mean it was the best.

so, if you didn't like the show, but somebody else did...then they surely must be blissfully ignorant? even if you weren't at the show and they like it? hopelessly optimistic?

everyone on here knows bucky doesn't care for the lyrics or even many of the gems that everyone else holds dear. and he makes no bones about it.

your posts were of a different nature.

I thought the show was fantastically beautiful, and in my mind they did not miss a note.

I stayed sober all day in anticipation and to keep it as zen as possible, and resisted the urge to get spun, instead made water runs to compadres holding the spot. Managed to be about 40 feet from the stage front and center since I got there at noon when Warren did his solo set. (very nice Patchwork, Stella and Real Thing from Warren among other gems, very similar to his Alpine solo set)

When the boys busted out in Touch it was a very good feeling and just got tighter as they progressed. The whole first set, except for the Friend of the Rhythm-Devils interlude, was a mindbender jam culminating in Viola Lee and it took me the whole set break to piece back together what the songs were. Jimmy was on it, very much in the group effort, the icing on the cake and doing it in everybody's earhole. At one point near the end of China Doll Jimmy was about to take a ripping solo but Phil reached out his hand to hold him back.

Very good orchestration by Phil, especially the crazy "diamonds" changeup in dark star, and the incredibly seamless transitions for the final bridge of St. Stephen/Eleven. All of the changes were very tight, any anybody who says otherwise either was too far from the stage or was too burned out from a weekend of partying. The segues were orchestrated masterfully and the energy was carried from tune to tune just like it should be.

Joan was wonderful in her part on Sugaree and China Doll and all the other Choruses and I was glad to have her, and she stayed out of the way on the jams. Phil was rock solid and you could tell the boys have been practicing. Bobby played like one of the team and let Phil conduct the rhythm section. I was very pleased with Bobby's contribution in all aspects to the team effort, it was unified, like the Rolling Roo Rider said.

The viola, unbroken and dark star->st.steven->eleven were absolutely fiery hot, mature, and with very neatly embroidered edges. Attics was wonderfully sweet and moving and a nice finale, although they could have come out for a second encore, the crowd had hopes for a while.

After the show I could not sleep, the shine that permeated my soul was warm and gentle (the clean bright feeling absorbed just from being there and part of the vibrations), with the love and life, and I sat with some new friends sipping homemade hefeweizen while the sun came up.

I now firmly believe there is nothing lost in keeping it clean--once that door is open, the music never stops. Never say never again, though, see y'all in Atlanta.

I just can't beleive the shit I read on theese posts. Buckey you need to get over it -- Jerry is Dead and nothing is going to bring him back. If you are not digging the current scene get off the bus -- cause you are a bummer!

"my short review"

They played wonderfully. Jimmy was amazing. The first set was full of energy. Joan Osbourne was a great addition. definately a good decision by the boys. the second set on the other hand was a snoozer. i'd say about a quarter of the crowd left midway through the second set. i was bored with it, but stuck around. in the second set, Joan trough in some very tribal sounding vocals on space that were mindbowing. Drumz were great too. The thing that made the second set so boring, was waaaaayyyy too much jaming. i like when they jam as most of us do, but they dragged it out too long, and there was no energy. Overall, I would have to say i was a little dissappointed. Oh well, i'll see what they have in store July 1st.

I think WAY too many of you are looking for the WRONG thing... The Grateful Dead are gone, over, done, no more. The Dead are here now. If you are trying to see/hear the Grateful Dead, go sit in your living room & listen to your tapes.. Please QUIT BITCHING about how it's not this, it's not that, he shouldn't do this, she shouldn't do that. IT'S IMPROVISED MUSIC FER FUCKS SAKE! If it sounded the same, it's not doing the job!!! Ya think jazz musicians bitch at Marsalis when he does his version of "So What?'?!? Oh, he didn't play it like Miles.... GET OVER IT!!!!!! I think Jerry would roll in his grave if it DIDN'T sound different. The more they they fuck with the tone, tempo, singer and all around direction the more I see Jerry giggling, shaking his head " Ya, man, that's fucking hot!".. The whole point of improvied music is to keep the musicians & listeners on their toes at all times.. The Dead are living that RIGHT NOW (something the Grateful Dead lacked in thier last few years).. Like Jerry said "I'll play three bad notes to get to "THAT" note."
I can't believe i'm hearing people bitch about Bobby's beard. It's time for YOU to check out if that's a concern of yours.. Great googlymoogly....

Johnny

*can't get the sound of Jerrys laugh out of my head. He would get a kick out all this bullshit.. Just play man, just play...

nugs net just posted this show....listnen to St. Stephen and this is like some of the best guitar work from Jimmy I've heard....

BTW....Johnny has it fuckin right on the $$$$....thanks for that excellent assesment man your very wise!

This internet thing is so funny. Reading a lot of these complaints reminds me of a buddy of mine back in the day who used to see half of the shows on every tour. He would complain about seeing this song or that song too many times when I was glad to see whatever they played. Stop complaining. The sad fact is a 63 year old man with a liver transplant can't keep going on tour for too much longer. We better enjoy whatever comes along as much as we can before it's gone!

On a more upbeat note, VA Beach & Merriweather were great! Can't wait for Camden & Red Rocks!!!
Tony

By Bill Wilson (Wharfratmember) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 05:51 am: Edit Post
I was so so bummed to hear the opening show of the Dead's Spring/Summer tour. The Bonnaroo show, which is on nugs.net, is aweful. It's not the Dead. It's not even a decent cover band. The band was not just sloppy. They didn't how to play the songs. Joan Osbourne is talented, but I'd rather have Ozzy Osbourne in the band. Joan throws the harmony way off. Something is "deadfully" wrong here and I believe this band ripped off Deadheads at Bonnaroo. I'm sorry, but Phil's voice is shot for good. Stick w/ Ratdog if you want to hear Dead tunes. Bobby's show in West Palm, a few months ago, was a gem. I was looking forward to Ft. Lauderdale show, but I'll probably bale. This is not The Dead on tour. Don't be fooled.




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By Big Papa Smurf (Tsunami419) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 09:48 am: Edit Post
Well....just feel free to forward all your tickets to someone who could appreciate it.



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By philmeup (Philmeup) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 09:49 am: Edit Post
>>Stick w/ Ratdog if you want to hear Dead tunes.

Dude you're posting on "Philzone.com" Think about it...



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By eric m (Unclesam100) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:14 am: Edit Post
i guess you like hearing a sax solo where a jerry solo would be. i much rather hear jimmy's solos any day.



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By Jim (Lesh_philing) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:20 am: Edit Post
yawn



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By buzzy napoli (Buzzy) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:23 am: Edit Post
>>I'm sorry, but Phil's voice is shot for good<<

Phil's voice has actually improved quite a bit in my humble opinion...and i happen to love it. I even loved it a few years ago when it was really rough...but it has gotten much better. I think phil should sing WAY more than he has been so far this tour.



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By Robert (Mnwolfman) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:46 am: Edit Post
i don't know man, i think the jam during unbroken, the sugar mag, and the viola are all pretty decent dead.

granted there's some pretty rough spots vocally and instrumentally during different parts of this tour opener.

quick question...did you see the dead from 91-95? i think this show was better than many of those shows. also, tough to get a good listen on a SBD show on computer. sounds kinda thin and disjointed.

still waiting to be impressed, but there's HOPE! (and his name is Jimmy Herring)



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By Robert (Mnwolfman) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:48 am: Edit Post
i will concede that phil's vocals during Unbroken sounded a little worse to me. sounded like he's trying to drop a whole octave down, and it was a little painful. but the jam more than made up for it...heavenly!



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By mtjam (Mtjam) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 11:03 am: Edit Post
phil and friends are so much better!!!!!!!!! all i need to say is warren, warren, warren!!!



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By Robert Rosing (Rjr) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 12:17 pm: Edit Post
I agree that the Bonnaroo show I listened to (I wasn't there) was not the Dead at their best. It had its moments...but not nearly enough of them... But, their 2-14-03 show was incredible...and Joan sounds GREAT to me.

Lets give them a couple of shows to get their feet wet. They were incredible last fall, and I'm certain they will be great this summer too, especially with the addition of Joan!



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By Hurricane (Garcya) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 04:10 pm: Edit Post
while I would not count it amongst my top 30 shows, the Bonnaroo show while having its "we're shaking the rust off" and "too slow for me" moments, also had some real gems and much like last year's opener at Roanaoke seemed to me to say "watch this beast get warmed up, b/c we're only going to get stronger every show"....and like Roanoke, the 'Roo show left me excited about what the rest of the tour would bring. Those who caught Bonnaroo and then Merriweather I think would agree that you could see where "the boys(&girl)" had started polishing only that which glinted at Bonnaroo. That being said, I think the opener at Bonnaroo was kinder than the 'tapes can show', felt the same thing about Terrapin Reunion last year, have heard some good tapes from both nights , but sometimes the magic, the sparkle about a show to me just can't always be captured for posterity.




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By gabriel bloxom (Vasaboo) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 05:05 pm: Edit Post
I was reading the post here on bonaroo and i have one question. When did dead fans become such critics? I have been a dead fan since 1981 and seen them perform over 400 times and have never tried to be a critic just a loyal fan that appreciates any chance to see or hear the tunes from the dead with or with out jerry. I think that some people posting here are posting bad reviews because they are not hearing the songs that they know from the album they ran out and purchased to proclaim themselfs as dead heads. Give the guys a break they are not trying to be the grateful dead just "THE DEAD". They made no promises that they would play truckin at every show so you could maybe sing along to the one song you might have heard and memorized the words to. Try listing to the music and i mean really listening and feeling it not just hearing it. Pay attention to the smiles that i see on bobs, mickeys,phils,billys, and joans face while they are on stage that is what bring the serenity to the band. Lets drop the negativity on them and listen to what they are sharing. I can remember shows where jerry forgot or left out whole chorus due to what ever reason and was rarely put down and never booed for it. Consider yourselfs lucky to even be apart of what the boys are sharing and beleave this jerry is playing through each one of them. Keep going to the shows though maybe you will catch a tune that you know. Yes i know a little sarcastic here, but not negative loose those vibes and just smile, smile, smile sorry if my post has offended anyone, but felt it needed to be said.



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By eric m (Unclesam100) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 05:12 pm: Edit Post
right on!!



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By jake howard (Jakeh) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 06:07 pm: Edit Post
Never stop being critics. Don't pretend to like what you don't. Don't say nothing if you have nothing nice to say. Just give the truth. The beauty of the Dead community (in my opinion...and it's all opinions) is that we can and do complain about what we don't like....and keep coming back for more. These boards (I thought) are for criticism and complaint as well as for "oh my god I love the boys!" comments.
That being said: The Bonnaroo show far from 'sucked'. (even on disc)



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By Walstib (Walstib) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 08:26 pm: Edit Post
I was there and it rocked! first show of tour shakiness early on (no souncheck) but they ripped that place up. if your not into far out space and big jams and BIG FUN (as JG used to say) then its not for you. comparing that to Ratdog is well....your opinion, i guess. the Phil bombs in Sugar Mag and several others were killer!
go listen again.




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By Phil Wright (Philmore1313) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:37 am: Edit Post
OK,

Let me preface this by saying, I was not there and I have not heard the Roo show. I do, however, completely agree that we should always be critics. This is true for everything in life wheather it be "The Dead" or your favorite baseball team, or your Govt. We should hold people accountable. The trained ear, particularly in this scene, is part of what sets our scene apart from mainstream top 40 music.

With that said, I also think that many people who post on here are not being reasonable in their criticism. This is not the Grateful Dead and some people have a hard time with that.

Just like Ruth must be compared to Ballplayers from his Era and McGwire should be compared to players of his own era, the Dead must kept in context. Part of the beauty of this whole concept is the idea of re-birth. Songs are given new dynamics and energy. This is a good thing.

All I am saying is that I am looking forward to the St. Louis shows. The shows I saw and heard last winter were a joy to take part in. I am sure this summer will be as well.

But I will go in with a critical ear which is prepared to develop an oppinion based on nothing but current context. In short, I won't go there expecting to see the same animal that steamrolled the US for around 30 years. I will, however, expect to catch some of that old magic.

Just be aware, blind-bliss for the sake of bliss itself, is a dangerous thing. It is the first step to giving up your own involvement in the show experience.

Here's to an enjoyable summer.

well bonaroooooooooo was an amazing weekend definitely highlighted by widespread panic.but abuot the dead. i was so looking foward to this show. i really thought they should have played on saturday but none theless.we drank a bottle of wine before the show and smoked some really sweet kind. anyway touch of grey was smoking to start off the showand then it felt like the band was going into one of those nites where they might have been kind on tired. anyway... i did something i have never in my 50 plus shows have done. i fell asleep somewhere in the beginning of the second set and woke up half way thru china doll being sung by joan. i have waited since 12/6/92 for another china doll and while i was happy to be hearing it she was sing ing it. is it just me? or does anyone else think joan should not be singing jerry songs. i am not happy with her addition to the line up. it feels like she is the frontman and i just don't like it. sorry. st. stephen was rocking . then i think i fell asleep again and woke up for a very sweet attics. still i was and always am very grateful to see the boys and am so thankful i was a bpart of bonaroo. by the way i tried my best calling the list into frankl until i passed out. love you all. hoping to catch mor e shows soon so i can begin to accept her. nitey nite

Im embaressed to let my family, friends or the general public hear phils voice from Bonnaroo. They would think "oh who let the retarded man sing." He means well but he just sux donkey balls when it comes to singing in range. He should stick to singing one novelty song like Mickey Hart does on Fire.
I love Bob Dylan & some hate him so I understand Art comes from anywhere.

Joan Osbourne better not turn into Yoko Ono.
Im still mad at Yoko.

got one word for ya. smokin havent been to any post jerry shows till now and i must say joan keep it coming..The dead sounds like an early remdention of the grateful dead with donna singing, but now its joan. I am sure most of you are to young to remember those days, but some of there best sounds were in that era. I am trying to figure out what the bad reviews are based on? I havent seen the boys this happy since the early 90s. Just my opinion but i think joan is a great addition to the band and beleave jerry would be very pleased and probably love it even more because of the way she lets the music take control of her. I am looking forward to Red Rocks I hope to see you all there i will be somewhere in the philzone just look for the old,bald fat man Cant wait to hear the rocks singing as they once did.

why do people say that what the dead play is "improvised" music? sounds like the same stuff to me.sometimes it is more enlightened or inspired, but the passages are the same, in most cases, as they have been over the past 35 years.there may be a different musicians playing different notes,a different time signature or a longer insturmental break but i don't hear that much "jamming" or "improvising" which,to me, means stuff being made up on the spot.sure there is an occasional bit but tightly rehearsed is what i heard at bonnaroo.maybe no tightly played, but tightly rehearsed.outside of space and drums i didn't hear anything "improvised" at all.

huh

The Touch opener was a great way to start of the B'roo show, but the rest of the 1st set was kind of weak, except for the Viola, although I've heard better versions with Phil and Friends. The 2nd set was where the boys brought the heat.

I love Box of Rain, (reminds me of a lost friend), so I never complain about that one. I love Black mUddy River and the last time I heard it was @ Atlanta during the 2000 furthur festival. This song still brings tears to my eyes, but it was nice to hear it as an instrumental. The Sugar Mag was quite the "let get down" with the gang, so we danced our asses off, and the HErring jam in the middle was sick.

My obvious highlught of the entire show was Unbroken Chain Phil's best song hands down, and not a bad version. This might seem kind of strange, but I never saw Jerry play a Dark Star, so I've been chasin' this one forever. It was short and sweet, but nothing spectatular, much like later version in the 90's. You can hear some great interplay, but I really just enjoyed hearing a song I had been chasin' for so long

You can never go wrong with a St. Stephen > 11 combo, heard it a bunch with Phil and TOO never with the Dead. Attics was a treat, the vocals sounded better than I thought and Joan sounded real good on this one.

The second set really made up for the 1st, but the show was "real" because of all the kind folk I attended the show with (shot out to the Knoxvegas crew and W4pa who is never on here anymore)