might as well start it, got my clothes laid out for tomorrow, im very excited..hope for good weather!!

cant think of perdictions? she said, she said woould rock...

huge parking lot too, if good weather should be cool, but this is the biggest show this place ever had, i wonder if the security will be tight?

Box of Rain and Eyes of the World
Maybe the killer Jack Straw opener

forgot about the box, good call...

calling for rain oh well. lets make the most of it!

looks like rain
rain
crazy fingers
cold rain
buckets of rain


i love the guessing game...

1. It's Earth Day, so.....?????

Weather Report Suite
Morning Dew
Eyes of the World
Golden Road
Cassidy
Throwing Stones
Box of Rain


Pregame with a world class homebrewer at Arcaro and Genell's in Old Forge for their excellent Pizza, then over to the lot for, as my friend said, "I'm bringing beer." And he makes the shizzle!


And, I think it was you, Scarletfire8, who might have clued me in to The Tubs a few years back when the Dead were playing Scranton in the heat of summer...awesome spot. Will be a bit cold for that tomorrow, but....

got your close laid out???? odd.

This is far from the "biggest show" the arena has ever had. Maybe the only dead/jam band show, but there have been dozens of bigger/sold out concerts.

Will be interesting to see how all the elderly security guards handle it though

And, I think it was you, Scarletfire8, who might have clued me in to The Tubs a few years back when the Dead were playing Scranton in the heat of summer...awesome spot. Will be a bit cold for that tomorrow, but..>>>>>>>

it was me Sunra, yeah too cold i guess...ill try to make to Arcaro and Genell's...i miss that area, went to colleg in Wilkes-Barre, great place...at least to visitors....

got your close laid out???? odd.>>>>>...

jsut kidding....

lets get it on bitches....it's show day!

oh yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am also going to put out these
Lost Sailor> Saint of Circumstance
Picasso Moon
Sugar Magnolia
Brokedown
Maybe Victim
A repeat of Foolish Heart
and I think a full blown Dark Star
maybe another accoutic set too
He's Gone
How about an Aiko Aiko!!!!
Candyman
FOTD
BIODTL
Tennessee Jed
Might As Well opener
I am leaving in 3 hours, the sun just came out in western CT too

my 'setlist' follows...

I. jam>
need a miracle>
bertha(bw)
hard 2 handle(bw and wh)
tom thumbs blues
till am comes(all)>
strawberry fields(wh)>
music never stopped

II. Sugar Magnolia>
sunshine of your love(wh)>
8 miles high(all)>
looks like rain@>
drums/space
box or rain>
Morning Dew(wh)>
sunshine daydream

E: around and around

Eyes was done last night so that won't be tonight,
I think tonight will have more jamming thru out the set as last night's was more song selections.
Maybe Dark Star or King Solomons's

anybody out there?

mr. charlie open

stagger lee

nice...

Thanks Tons and John!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee

Liberty

The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty

liberty

Mr Charlie

The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman

thanks for the pics...

sweet Taper Rob is there? Any chance for 365 tonight? Nice pictures

is there a live stream tonight

Phil vocals on stagger lee?

what up andy, Im listening to archive right now, jerrys birthday 04...warren is singing death don't have no mercy, must say, i liked it better than the one I saw this past summer in virginia. teresa williams sang that one, it was good. My first death dont post jerry(aside from jorma). Gotta say Im looking foward to warren singing that one this tour. Now im listening to birdsong, phil on vocals, is he singing it this tour? also listened to 4-19-09 earlier thru drums..warren on schoolgirl was an awesome suprise. off the hook. plus they played it pretty much the way they did in 60s rather than the 'rearranged' way the dead played it with a faster tempo in 95. this tour is awesome

The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle

me and my uncle
built to last

uncle was HOT

Built To Last

The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last

What up G?Chi gettin closer every day!! Bobby and Warren traded verses on Birdsong on Sat nite.Ahh! the elusive Death Dont love to hear in a couple weeks. Still havent listened to 1st set from 2nd nite Woostah but its next on my list so I havent heard the schoolgirl yet

Thanks trob

tenn jed

Thanks trob

and Capt K

that lighting rig looks out of control

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed

Tennessee Jed

yeah schoolgirl, warren was singing it like pig

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

8 songs already, not counting the opening jam.

i am guessing since this is the smallest venue on tour..mabey a acoustic set??

***** END OF SET *****

G-
gonna go get a beer talk to you soon

Still not much in the way of repeats, Samson, UJB and Slipknot thats it right?

Their do for some acoustic songs.

Still not much in the way of repeats, Samson, UJB and Slipknot thats it right?

Playing In The Band too.. I believe thats it.

truckin was a repeat

They have got to be getting close to a hundred different songs. Not bad, and I'll bet they have a few surprises up their sleeve yet to come.

They are keeping it fresh this tour.
Keeping us all guessing.

does not seem they are setting up for acoustic. i was at DC and the stage crew is not doing what they did there.

they were up to 103 different tunes as of last night

taper Rob posted to 365, streaming! Rob you are the man!! Much appreciated

what's become of the baby tonight?

greg...now your talking...sitting on top of the world set opener? or at least something with a pulse i hope for those there

Thanks for the stream taper Rob, Mr Charlie is sounding pretty good.

need to go back and listen, but i think warren was over the top on me & my uncle. very nice 1st set - basically songs only with no extended jams. bobby is leading and following very well and singing good (well?). hope his voice "holds" out for the whole tour.

truckin was not played twice yet. nor was playin.

repeats so far are samson, ujb, slipknot, AND high time.

Playin was done in Charlottesville and last night I believe. Truckin might have been done in Greensboro also.

Truckin' and Playin' have both been played twice since 4/12

Joined the stream during Staggarlee, thanks!

Truckin in Buffalo and Greensboro. High Time only once,

the best,trob ekoo,etc. everyone.

What did you type in to find the stream on live365

http://www.live365.com/stations/2012_live

I went back to the DC thread and clicked on the link posted there. Its about 3/4 of the way down the page. Live 365

"truckin was not played twice yet. nor was playin.

repeats so far are samson, ujb, slipknot, AND high time."

Playing In The Band was played in Charlottesville and Buffalo. Truckin was playing in Greensboro and as the encore last night in Buffalo. I think they only played High Time once in VA. A really great version too, Warren sang beautifully.

I agree about the High Time, IMO the nicest ballad that Warren has done so far

I heard Truckin in Greensboro. Believe it was the 1st set ender....

www.gdradio.net now streaming set 1:

Nice Warren guitar during Liberty tonight!

2nd set opens with

Golden Road

I'm hoping for warren to sing the 'to lay me down' at some point this tour. maybe acoustic. I'm pretty sure he sings it with govt mule

I stand corrected on Playin and Truckin... they were both done last night which i forgot about. sorry about that.

high time was done twice, in charlottesville, and also albany. back-to-back shows. it might have even been the first repeat.

>>> high time was done twice, in charlottesville, and also albany. back-to-back shows. it might have even been the first repeat.


No High Time in Albany..... That was Comes A Time

set 1 pics

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)

another

andy you going to chicago?

Truckin was played at Greensboro and at Buffalo

another

Mr. Charlie cooks! Groove you could drive a truck through, to quote Doug Sahm.

>revolution

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution

Anybody know the model guitar Warren is playing, noticed Bob is playing his ES 335 alot, not the blue Modulus he usually plays

A selection of thus far unplayed songs I'd like to hear, some more than others.

Wharf Rat
Weather Report Suite
Gimme Some Lovin'
Keep on Growin'
Low Spark
Tomorrow Never Knows
Octopuses Garden
Day Tripper
Dear Prudence
Strawberry Fields
Do It In The Road
Something
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Lucy In The Sky
Revolution
Attics
BT Wind
Black Peter
Box of Rain
Brokedown
China Doll
Desolation Row
Baby Blue
Don't Ease
El Paso
Morning Dew
Dark Hollow
Esau
Estimated
Greatest Story
Hard To Handle
Hey Pocky Way
Iko
Hurts Me Too
Jack-a-roe
Let It Rock
Little Light
Might As Well
Midnight Hour
Mind Left Body Jam
Monkey & The Engineer
Mountain Jam
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Next Time You See Me
Nobody's Fault
On The Road Again
Race Is On
Reuben & Cherise
Roadrunner
Rosalie McFall
Roses
Sage & Spirit
Sailor>Saint
Same Thing (I was there for the breakout, almost 20 years to the day if I remember correctly)
She Belongs to Me
Sing Me Back Home
Spanish Jam
Spoonful
Stir It Up
Lazy Lightnin'>Supplication
Tangled Up In Blue
Till The Morning Comes
To lay Me Down
Tom Thumb's Blues
Top Of The World
Tons of Steel
Victim
Visions of Johanna
Walkin' The Dog
Wang Dang Doodle
We Bid You Goodnight
You Win Again
World To Give

How many shows are left on the tour?

slow jam>weather report suite

It's a Gibson reverse Firebird

Is that all, send it to the band, I'm sure they'll get right on it. Tell 'em I feel the same way.

Great list you compiled there wewantphil...

Maybe the band can look that over and pull some stuff!

Is that what he has been playing as his main axe,any others? No Les Paul?

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit

listening to the 365 stream and Warren sounds really good on Built to last. Thanks so much for the stream.

why reverse? it looks like a normal firebird

cant get in the 365 stream, !

He's been playing an SG alot as well. Also on this tour, a red 335, some kind of Telecaster and another Firebird.

wrs part 1 > iko iko

www.gdradio.net WAY better sound quality than live365

Weather Report Suite Part I

Randy go to http://www.gdradio.net/

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko

Thanks alot!! I appreciate that!!

What about a Dew tonight folks?

I heard some Lovelight exchange in Liberty... Might get that one as well.

All set Randy?

Not a normal Firebird. The top horn is larger and the bottom horn is smaller. Just the opposite of the standard.

Has gdradio been playing the 2nd sets? Much later?

Wharf Rat

All set Hipslpfrnk! Nice..thanks Taper Rob!!

Iko Iko

...drumz

Listening to Candyman right now on the gdradio steam, sounds so good... Warren's slide playing is really great. Same with Jeff on the acoustic piano... those guys are great. The harmonies also sound really good. Lovin' it.

I'm also feeling a Wharf Rat.

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko....
Drumz

Yup Candyman sounded nice, even w/Bobby's "improv" vocals at he end

Sounds so much better than the show I saw Saturday in Worcester. Getting me amped for Tuesday and Weds at Meadowlands with Branford.

Forgot all about Branford. That's going to be jamtastic! Another Bird Song, Dark Star, Help>Slip>Franks. Who knows what else.

sounds like caution out of space

Whoa its confirmed Branford will be playing at the Meadowlands!? yes! I am 10th row center for that one and so psyched for a Bird Song or Dark Star or whatever it may be!

Maybe he will even join in for Space..

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko....
Drumz >
Space >
Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks)

warren rippin caution then singing "gypsy woman" vocals

Now that's a set I'd like to see!

this 2nd set is quite a pilgrimage

>jam>so many roads warren singing

just got here... cool set

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko....
Drumz >
Space >
Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks) >
Jam >
So Many Roads

just caught the end of the 1st set on gdradio, now listening to live365 stream. damn that is cool.
will gdradio stream the 2nd set also?
do these stations do this for all shows?
man this is great to be able to listen to the show while working (as well as follow the updates here!)
was at the DC show, and dying for more...

>midnight hour

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko....
Drumz >
Space >
Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks) >
Jam >
So Many Roads >
In The Midnight Hour

whose gonna get acoustic? any guesses? i thought we'd get some in woostah - 2 night stand - but no! there goes that theory...

nice jam and funky vocal ending to midnight hour

end of set

I've been wrong so many times on what I thought was going to happen. I thought tonight was going to have some acoustic since it's the smallest venue.
It's only 11p and they are into their 8th song.
Are they going to do an 1/2 hr encore. Who knows

well i made two comments otnight and both were wrong. third times the charm... wilkes barre has a pretty strict curfew. i bet the do a quickie encore and vamoose outta there.

so you're thinking a u.s. blues or something like that. Maybe a Ripple

donor rap

e: box of rain

Thanks Tons, trob, John & Eddie!!


The Dead
4/22/09
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA


Set I:

Jam >
Mr. Charlie
Stagger Lee
liberty
Candyman
Me & My Uncle
Built To Last
Tennessee Jed
Dire Wolf

Set II:

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) >
Revolution
Jam >
Weather Report Suit Part I >
Iko Iko....
Drumz >
Space >
Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks) >
Jam >
So Many Roads >
In The Midnight Hour

Encore: Donor Rap
Box Of Rain

Oh Boy! that's an incredible show.... Caution out of Space all we need is the feedback to go with it ;^) thank the lord for the Grateful Dead

Interesting choice with So Many Roads... honestly I associate that song too much with Jerry dying to really be able to enjoy Warren singing it I think, even though I'm sure he did a great job...

I agree w/ the SMR... Days Between I associate with Jerrys passing too...

this is literally the sickest tour I've seen in years!

G-
Definitely going to chicago...still need a ticket to the second night tho..

so many roads was sick

iko rocked

Haven't listened to tonight yet. SMR is one of the few late dead songs that i liked, warren sang it with the allmans recently, never really cared for days between or liberty. god forbid they break out corrina or samba in the rain or shite like that.

I went to both worcester shows and the first night first set rocked at points, 2nd set got more jammy and for the most part more boring.

Sunday night was slower tempo and the volume was down, warren's guitar was also noticeably lacking in volume. I hope the last two nights were great and they take it up a notch for the rest of the tour

"Sunday night was slower tempo and the volume was down, warren's guitar was also noticeably lacking in volume."

NOT.

I hate to say it, I love these guys, however the absolute worst dead family show I have ever seen. My first show was 4/6/82 with countless ones between and all I can say was last night was A F'IN TRAIN WRECK. If pressed I still can't come up with a highlight. Bob flubbed the lyrics(what else is new) horribly on almost every song in the first set. He and Phil seemed to be on a different page the entire night. Phil appeared unable to anticipate where on earth Bob was going at times and Warren just sat and waited his turn rarely forcing the issue or directing the melody. The jams(however few) never materialized into anything, and segways were essentially non-existant. Jeff's playing on the piano really stood out, he also did some nice work on the B-3. Sure I'll be back for more, chalking it up to a bad night(I hope), really felt like a rehersal session at times. I felt as if they took the night off. On the bright side I still had a good time hanging with my bro regardless of how painful it was to hear this band struggle. When they play Revolution,Aiko, and Mignight Hour all on the same night(and did nothing special with any of them)it really had the feeling of a mailed in amature set list.

what a snoozefest...totally mailed it in. Had a great time, but show was terrible.

I'm glad to see that I got the Golden Road and BOx encore for my birthday and didn't even have to go to the show:-)

Enjoy the rest of the tour!

KLB, thats unfortunate you are feeling the music is lacking, but I was listening to the show last night and listening to The Dead in 2004 and musically I really think this group is one another level. I'm so excited to hear more... Especially in NJ when Branford plays with them.

Wow. listening to the aud, and I think it sounds really good. Caution is amazing. I guess it may have been a lot worse there, particularly if your seats, or the sound sucked, but tapes usually don't lie, especially auds. I admittedly like this band, and I think it is the best any family band has done since Jerry left the building. Different strokes and all...

Interesting choice with So Many Roads... honestly I associate that song too much with Jerry dying to really be able to enjoy Warren singing it...>>>>>>>>

it was beautiful , really moved me...thought of jer alot, but warren paid homage amazingly....theres always one song that you forgot about and it hits home....the space>jam>caution>so many roads was the best thing ive seen in a long time....i was so used to jackie green and phil, i forgot how much i love this new band...very sweet

and i cant believe the neg reviews, i thought it was great, i was thinking how lame my last dead show was , the worst show ever..6/19/95 giants i believe...and last night blew that away...to me some people can transend poor sight lines, low talkers, feeling not in teh moment, what ever to prevent you from enjoying yourself...i was most impressed with weir, i was so ready to cringe, but he rocked, there is no one like weir, or his odd guitar playing...he and warren were great together, much more in synch than dead 04, 3 guitar players was too much...i was dosed perfectly, had all the room, and really listened..they were on...the dead is so unique, it often train wrecks before the beauty can be heard, thats their trademark...really jamming and improvising...so many times weir and warren were exploring, then a quick wreck (weir of coure) but then back on track, and its the dead grooving forward...most unique thing in rock history....so stop wanking and being a tosser, and open up and be happy....i understand our points of view differ, it may have sucked to many..but i rocked in shakedown for an hour before the show, wild hippies and the usual...saw old friends, drove 1.5 hours home, today im smiling..."so many roads to fill my soul"

another example of an 'inbetweener' MSG this weekend...Spectrum next weekend...they are saving alot of stuff for those shows.....I live half hr from Wilkes barre and decided this show would not be the ONE ( when I can only afford ONE at $100 !!!)

You KNOW MSG and the last DEAD show at the Spectrum will be the ONES.....

That makes 2 horrendous shows at wb-scranton ( 04 at Montage was- aweful....)

OK, I was there. Row J, Section 2 on the Floor. Dead Center. Seats couldn't have been better. With my GF and a friend from college. Enjoyed myself throught the day and during the show. I started going to shows in 78, and have been to 250+ shows when you include solo projects. I have perspective.
They opened with a smoking Mr Charlie, and then it turned into a Bob Fest that, would have had the clown at The Apollo sweeping like a fucking madman. He would have gotten the hook on The Gong Show.
That said, he also provided some of the very best moments. The Weather Report Suite was luscious. Me and My Uncle cranked. But his work out of space and into Caution was incredible.
My problem with The Dead at this show was that they are so not up to par right now in relation to other bands that are available. I went to a lot of concerts last year. Adrian Belew, David Byrne, Springsteen, REM. Zappa Plays Zappa, Clapton/Winwood reunion, Petty, and several others. If any of those acts had failed so miserably in so many ways, they would be cut no slack. It is time to start holding The Boys accountable.
We buy tickets out of habit and a desire to get a taste of what once was, but it just isn't happening. You shouldn't have a stellar 1/2 hour out of 1 3 1/2 hour show. And for $100 bucks? Give me a fucking break. These guys are committing what amounts to consumer fraud. If I could I'd call the BBB on them. Instead, does anybody want to buy tickets to Fri and Sat in Philly? I'm fed up with this bullshit.

It is funny the differences of opinion always. I thought last night was stunning, and that they sounded like a tremendously better band than last week in Virginia. I thought the show las night was one of the best shows I had ever seen!!!!
YMMV!!!!

D.

ease my soul...

"So Many Roads"
Words by Robert Hunter; music by Jerry Garcia
Copyright Ice Nine Publishing; used by permission

Thought I heard a blackbird singin'
up on Bluebird Hill
Call me a whinin' boy if you will
Born where the sun don't shine
and I don't deny my name
Got no place to go, ain't that a shame?

Thought I heard that KC whistle
moanin' sweet & low
Thought I heard that KC when she blow
Down where the sun don't shine
Underneath the Kokomo
Whinin' boy -- got no place else to go

So many roads I tell you
So many roads I know
So many roads --
so many roads --
Mountain high, river wide
So many roads to ride
So many roads
So many roads

Thought I heard a jug band playin'
"If you don't -- who else will?"
from over on the far side of the hill
All I know the sun don't shine,
the rain refuse to fall
and you don't seem to hear me when I call

Wind inside & the wind outside
Tangled in the window blind
Tell me why you treat me so unkind
Down where the sun don't shine
Lonely and I call your name
No place left to go, ain't that a shame?

So many roads I tell you
New York to San Francisco
All I want is one
to take me home
From the high road to the low
So many roads I know
So many roads - So many roads

From the land of the midnight sun
where ice blue roses grow
'long those roads of gold and silver snow
Howlin' wide or moanin low
So many roads I know
So many roads to ease my soul

Chuck I was in row E last night and couldn't agree with you more. I actually found it insulting that they could mail it in like that. Phil actually seemed amused at the train wreck at times. How frustrating, I've got Philly tix forFri so I'll give em one more chance,it's still a fun party even with subpar music. Stop cutting this band some slack and lets let them know when we are dissatisfied.

Chuck, KLB, if you are using the cost of tickets as the basis for your complaints then I can understand to some extent. Having close to 300 GD shows and about 100 after Garcis died I also have perspective. We were discussing the other night some of the "train wrecks" in the early years, 5,10,even 15 min between songs. Words always messed up, technical issues, amps blowing up, late for shows, and shows that just plain sucked. But obviously I kept going back. I went to both Worcester shows and Sunday was better than Saturday, never the less, I had a great time....were there some less than stellar moments, of course....but nothing that resembled consumer fraud.

No one else might say it, but thanks for a honest reviews Chuck and KLB. You make some valid points.

"the worst show ever..6/19/95 giants i believe...and last night blew that away..."

Well, it wouldn't take much to top that train wreck.

<<<that>>>

make that 3...scranton sweat box in 02

Thanks for the honest reviews guys, call a spade a spade. These guys are Pros and if they can't take a little constructive criticism well, I don't know what.

I will scratch this one OFF the buy the sbd list ;).

-->Phil actually seemed amused at the train wreck at times.

Doubtful.

"the worst show ever..6/19/95 giants i believe...and last night blew that away..."

Well, it wouldn't take much to top that train wreck.>>>

true, but the point is this band is really good, it jsut seems to me people complain too much....im critical too, but i guess when it comes to the dead im ok with them 'pissing in my ear', i can see through it...it feels good...

I still hold them to a higher standard, especially having seen their potential over the years, with and with out Jerry. I expect more, especially when they throw in a few cruise control songs that any band playing together for a brief period of time can pull off(Revolution,Midnight,Aiko)I know that the spin was that they had been rehearsing a lot, but last night felt more like a rehersal then a show at times.

And for the record Rbutze, my complaints hold true if it were a free show. These guys should be able to do much better then this.

OK, I was there, too, and I can't believe how fucking tired I still am. Too much pizza, beer, kindness and a lot of standing for me.
Seats row Q on floor, center.

In a nutshell, I had a great time. The scene was nice. No hassles at any time, outside or in. The venue had a good vibe, cozy and good acoustics where we were. The floor was so hard to get to and from, that may have made it a no hassle zone, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, we didn't need to leave in a hurry. Same goes for the exiting the lots afterwards, a clusterfuck of sorts. Old Forge pizza was awesome, hung with good people at Arcaro and Gennel's, highly reccomend that place in Old Forge. Was neat to see Deaheads in force there, lol.

On to the music. I totally agree with the sentiment that the band did not play a solid show, by any means. That being said there WERE many, many highlights to be had.

The GOOD: Mr. Charlie simply smoked, including the intro jam. Liberty had good strong playing with a great sound. Me and My Uncle was nicely done as was Built to Last. The Weather Report was nice, Caution was really well done, one of the best I've seen, real old time energy, and So Many Roads had it's moments. Box of Rain was really well done. A great song, and though I can never see it enough, it was played well and from the heart.

The BAD: Bob couldn't have f'd up the lyrics any more, with or without a teleprompter. I agree, he always forgot lyrincs, even 'back in the day', but he batted 1.000. Several of the songs just did not end cleanly, searching for the end and landing sloppily.

THE UGLY: Way too many Jerry tunes for on show, it seemed. The ugliness started off with a Stagger Lee trainwrek with Bob struggling to sing and just never felt like it came together until the last verse and ending. THOUGH I GIVE THEM CREDIT for salvaging the end of that one. Overall, just a little too much half hearted effort on several of the tunes which echoed the Stagger Lee trainwreck.

That being said, I still had fun. I didn't give up on the GD, and I will go to the Philly shows. I am hoping for a more solid show, but I will go with low expectations and have a good time. I will say that Phil's bands generally are more consistent, but this clearly isn't Phil and Friends.

ALSO, I give the crowd an A+++. They were listening to the music. When the tunes were played well, there were thunderous sustained applause. When the tunes were played poorly, the applause were much less, just a polite clapping. Same went for the solos. Warren played some nice ones and they were applauded. When he didn't do well, there were no applause at the end of a solo. I found this interesting. Overall I felt the crowd showed the band how much they support them, and I am proud of us!!!!!

We still love you guys, but we'd like to see a better result from your efforts in the future. We believe in you.

Alright a little more thorough review of the days events.


First off, the lot scene was 200 billion times better than Albany, can't speak for Wooster or any other stop up to Albany, but when the circus rolled into town in Albany it was FUGLY!

As I figured, with it being a small town PA stop, a lot of the pond scum skipped the stop, tough laws in PA, 1/4 gram of weed = JAIL. So what a relief to pull in and see that it wasn't so littered with the trashy element.

Obviously the freaks come out at night a little more so. But hey, before the show, there was a great vibe in the air. Smallest venue on the tour wasn't even 2/3's full or just about. Either way I was and wasn't surprised by how many seats were empty.

We got in the door during Liberty. Not a fave song, but I like it, made our way upstairs only to be met at every single entrance way by security asking to see our tickets, ummm, dude, there is NOBODY sitting in this section, well, your tickets are down below, SERIOUSLY? Finally, we found a spot, and of course, right there are a bunch of our friends from here, and we talked the guy into letting us sit there, after a hassel, he begrudgingly agreed after we told him if someone actually shows up for these seats, we'll leave. What a hoot. Never been told I couldn't sit in worse seats than my ticket said. Ha ha ha....

So finally we're in seated and got a spot where we can get up and move. Sound was not the best right there, so at set break, we'd find the guys who rode up to Albany with us, who are sitting right directly below us. So everyone was in one general location. All just happened like that, without consciously doing it, pretty cool when the night works like such.

SO we're ready to enjoy the show. And what a show indeed. The rest of set one was absolutely smokin, I thought. Seemed they were on the same page and they had things clicking. The Built to Last what a real nice job. I LOVE Candyman, Me & My Uncle and Dire Wolf so getting to hear those was real fine, and they did a bang up job on each I thought. And Tennesee Jed had the place on their feet. But the Dire Wolf was a real highlight to close out set one. We were all feelin that set....


Set break comes and goes we made our way down stairs to see our other buddies for the second set, and well, Golden Road (Awesome), Revolution was a train wreck out of the gate, to the point that both Warren and Phil STOPPED Playing because bobby couldn't find it, and Phil got PISSED. Even telling him to play the fucking song already - basically, that was funny.) WRS (highlight of the show, or one of anyhow) Iko was hot, DRUMS was unreal, DEEP, POUNDING, very spiritually moving Mickey spoke REAL LOUD and clear, anyone who didn't FEEL drums last night should check their ass into the morgue, you're dead. Caution was pretty hot, and then we have So Many Roads - A song rapidly growing on me, as I don't really listen to 80's and 90's dead, I am not as familiar with that tune, but I love it and is one I will have to seek out some fine renditions of, but Warren God bless you man, that was one of the most BEAUTIFUL things I have heard him do within ANY incarnation of this music. That for me, was the highlight of set two. And they brought it all home with a rocking midnight hour. Wasn't quite sure where they were going with it, then came back to it and brought it home with Warren and Bobby trading vocal licks which I thought was real hot....

And then we have the Encore. Well, My buddie directly above us was our buddie who killed himself's dad. Their song, Box. So needless to say none of us had a dry eye. That brought it ALL HOME. The hug we shared in the hall right after that was worth the money for both albany's piss poor showing and tonight's rockin show.


The show overall was short. Over by 11:15/11:20. Short and sweet.

Also helped we were there with out expectation this show, more of what we are about and who we are, I sold all three woody's to some real cool, chill peeps, Bill & Hope, and Dan, I hope you guys all enjoy those, I know you will and I know each of you appreciated what you got and for the prices you did. :-) :-) :-)


Db, MT, Megabuzz, Jill, Ro-J, it was so great to see each and every one of you and get to hang with most of you for a little while at the very least. Jill and Ro-J, it's never enough time, and I still owe you both a little extra. Db, megabuzz hope you guys enjoyed the show. You guys are both, far far far too kind. And what goes around will ALWAYS come back around. :-) :-) :-)

Much love to all you guys, it was great to be at the show with all of you. And I hope to see your reviews on here soon.

Hey look who it is, one of the scum of the earth kids. You show up here? You got balls you fucking clown.

KLB....I do understand. At this point in time I am just glad they are playing together. I used to get hastled the same way I hastled you from friends when I walked out on shows cause they just plain sucked. Unfortunately for you it sounds that this was the case. What bothers me more are those who are critical for the sake of being critical. Given the past and taking consideration for the present, and the number of songs, I expect screw ups. I hope those that are so critical perform their day job to the same high expectations of zero faults.

1st set was really lame and 2nd set had a much better grove but still not worth the money. bob really needs to do his homework on lyrics, he is so choppy, step up to mic sing one lyric, step back then step back up sing the next wtf!!!! if he could just sing it the way it is suppose to be i would be happy. something is not right with bob. i don't care what anyone has to say i was there!!! still had a good time because the venue was very cool saw no problems all night long!!

>>bob really needs to do his homework on lyrics, he is so choppy, step up to mic sing one lyric, step back then step back up sing the next wtf!!!!<<

His phrasing is AWFUL. I can't believe I don't see more people talking about this. He sucked the flow right out of Foolish Heart and Terrapin. Taking liberties and coloring them with his own style is one thing, but this is "anti-vibe". If he doesn't want to sing, let someone else do it. If he can't sing, let someone else do it. I'm not going to comment on his playing, but his vocals are incredibly lazy and oblivious to the songs.

AGREE!! Bob has got to stop that damn sing and stop crap! He sings a few words, then stops and doesnt finish the line, then, starts singing again and stopping b-4 the verse is thru. Whats up with that? I really dont think that its all forgotten words, I just think he likes to put his own "spin" on the song. I dont like when he does that at all. Other songs he sang sounded great! I dont know why he does that.

i would have to agree sound lover - i have been listening to all the shows and am going this weekend - that has been my biggest problem is the phrasing - bob is behind the beat...sort of singing out of place - i don't understand what he is trying to do - the songs sound good, i am looking forwward to the show...but i can't understand why he isn't singing in the "right" places - i am all for making the song your own and adding your own flavor but i don't understand some of what i am hearing him do - i'm not trying to bash him so all of you don't bash bobby people...don't go getting your panties in a bunch now just making an observation

I call it Bobs "William Shatner" phrasing. Drives me nuts too.. YOu know I have been thinking about the complaining folks are doing, but there has been some great stuff the band is doing as well. I'd like to hear what people think is some of the great things happening on stage this tour. I can namne a few. First I love Jeffs input this tour. He really is nailing parts left and right and sounding at times like different key players GD has had over the years. I was even thinking Horsbyish during LIG. He is absolutley having a great tour. THe drums this tour are over thet top and completely working as far as Im concerned. Rythym Devils having an outstanding tour as well. The set lists ARE AMAZING. Though having such a wide range may not give songs enough time to gel. Heres hoping for a Fall tour. In 76 they came out new so to speak and had a rehearsed feel.. Reminds me of today. But 77 was well... A fall tour could be amazing after working through this spring.

Warren is sounding great on Pigs tunes for sure. His BG vocals remind me a brent at times, which is good and his overall playing this tour has been for the most part great. I like his take on Jerry vocals as well. Jerry had soul, vocally, something the the other guys don't really have. Warren has soul. It may not sound like Garcia, but the sould is there and it brings these tunes to life. Warrens having a good tour. Bob for the most part seems to be having a pretty good tour when he is being Bbob Weir, not trying to not be Bob if that makes sense. His playing has been great.

And as I am highlighting the great parts of this tour I do agree the some of the jammiong seems to be for jammibngs sake and not very inspired at times. Garcia always had a way of knowing when it wasn't going anywhere. Or when it was at it's peak and would change direction or bring it back down before it fell apart. It doesn't seem there is anyone on this tour that is taking that role or making musical decisions live. They all seem to be looking for it but alas, no where to be found. That being said, Ilike the jams over arrangements, The Slipnot! out of order was very cool. The Scarlet Fire jam, Playin etc.. are all great. THey need to keep that u as well as keep some of the song pairings. Anyhow I am curious what others think about the great things happening this tour...

oh and Phil of course... He is downright amazing... Phil seems to have been the most consistent over the years and it is such a joy to hear him play... I received my Gorge tickets from GDTS the other day. Not bad seats, not great but am pumped to go see them on this tour

>>> Thanks for the honest reviews guys, call a spade a spade. These guys are Pros and if they can't take a little constructive criticism well, I don't know what.

Honestly, I think the band is probably more willing or able to take the constructive criticism than some of the folks who frequent the Zone. I agree that unwarranted Bob bashing just for the fun of it isn't very constructive (not that I haven't done it in my life), but let's have some damned perspective. I must admit that I haven't heard a stitch of music from this tour yet, but I've got to believe it's neither the greatest Dead-related music since Jerry's death nor the worst. If you can't post some critical reviews, what's the freaking point?

>>The drums this tour are over the top and completely working as far as I'm concerned. Rhythm Devils having an outstanding tour as well.<<

From what I can tell, this is the most consistent part of the shows so far. Mickey has been reborn. Bill is right there, too.

I love Phil. I've heard a couple of the SBDs, and he's smoking (as usual). His tones touch my soul. He has nearly everything DIALED IN, JUST RIGHT.

Hi ya'll,
Alright I am going to weigh in on the frey here. I did have very high expectations for his show. I thought it would be the sleeper slow, going to put my money on Hartford now.

The vibe was great and it was easy to get around. I made it to the Wharf Rats table and if you have not been to the cd table, stop in and say hi to Sheri, David L is off the rest of the tour, she is a real sweet heart.
The Mr. Charlie was grooving and they were in sync big time. They played it out and Warren once gain did a great job.
I agree with the conscenus with Stagger Lee, Bob had some timing issues. I don't recall him messing up any lyrics. I really enjoyed Liberty, played very traditionally.For some that will be a lead ballon.

When Candyman rolled through the door it was sweet, Bob missed his cue to start the first verse, the audience was ready lol, but gave a nice reading and the band delivered a very poetic version. The harmonies were very nice and Phil played those amazing soaring runs. Agree about Warrens slight slide touches really complimented the song. Bob at the end started doing these "naw"? screams, while Phil and Warren were singing the chorus so it was kinda messed uped and then Bobby got in sync and they ended it nicely.

Me & My Uncle was so good that Bobby's smiled and waved at the crowd after singing it. I wanted that Mexicali so bad!!!

Built to Last was sweet and played perfect, but after hearing Liberty I would have preferred another choice.

Now Tennessee Jed was the high light of the set. Bob and Warren switched up verses and the song was played extremely well with a rollicking groove. Jeff and Phil were outstanding. They brought it up to a nice fevered pitch and the audience loved it.
Dire Wolf continued in this sing along set and was excellent.Thought maybe one more but it was cool.
Of the three show I have seen this set was # 3, no real surprises at all except for the opener.

I felt set II was much better. Golden Road was for the tour girls out on the lot and they attacked this quite well. Warren's raspy vocals once again gave this song some well deserved soul, sorry Jackie.

Now I LOVE the Dead covering Beatle's songs and when I heard Revolution I was like Wow! here we go. They choose to sing this as a duet and I think the song suffered becuse of it. I listened to the board driving home and I can confirm this.It would have worked better if they switched up verses and gave Phil one. Jeff once again was thrilling on the B3.

Slight side note I met this old head who had seen 600 shows and when I told him that was Brent's B3 he grinned so warmly. He had a blast too. Warren had a nice ripping solo and they ended the song strongly.

Then when Bob started playing those chords, I got my full blown WR Suite, over two nights It again was played very traditionally and Bob was excellent. Warren and Phil did not sing the accompying chorus's, during the first two verses, which I missed but did the final ones and it was perfect. Bob nows lets just them togther pleasze....

Then things went off the hook...
Aiko Aiko was full blown nirvana and the place erupted.They nailed this one and once again the trading off of verses raised the intensity of the song. Bob added three new verses, "see that girl in red, blue and orange", which contributed even more to the zanniness of the song. Phil and Jeff once again were stellar.
Highlight of the night by far.

Then drums which were wow!. I snaped listening to it this morning but Mickey was playing Indonians bells, if you remember that Smithsonian recording project he did back in the early 90's that was it. Very cool and hypnotic and then some work on the hanging drums too. The space was nice and they are improving.

Phil gave it away early but when they broke out into Caution it was like whooooo hoooooo!!!!
They ripped it up, I thought I heard alittle Mojo in the begining too. The band really played it out and Jeff and Warren smoked, tie for high lites.
Now listen to this tranistion jam it was very interesting and last I think under 5 minutes. They tease a bunch of stuff, China Doll, Warren was going after Chinacat and even an Morning Dew but to pull out So Many Road was sweet!

One of my all time favorites of Jerry's and Warren did this justice big time. He emphaized different words than Jerry at times, which really shows he handles these songs with the utmost respect for Jerry.

You could hear a pin drop at times it was remarkable and I guarantee this will become a quick highlight of this tour. I have to once again give it up for Jeff, this guy is a true underdog and his sensitivity and knowledge to the GD cataloge is remarkable.

He started out on the piano, he is playing a real one! Which was a nod to Vince and then switches to the B3 to honor Brent.Beautiful.
The ending was powerful and then they brought it down to a sweet quite peaceful landing. 3 way tie for highlights.

Midnight Hour was a rage and it was a blast. They played it out and I thought they would jam into something else ,thought I heard Comic Charlie at one point, and it was still early, but they came back and the ending was alittle off so much that they did a do over and finished it strongly.Bob shared a heartfelt thank you after it ;)

Then thunderous heartfelt applause and Phil starts off by saying "Yes thank you! Thank you
I had lot fun too and I hope this means you did too"
sigh....

Box of Rain was magical and this broke the tie.It was simply the best one I have heard Phil sing since '94. He ended it by singing three time " to be" and not singing the last word "here"
Wow it was amazing!!!
Bobby teased some old tune before it ,it is in my head but I can't recall it, he was stellar on this one too.
It wasn't Teddy Bear Picnic?

that's the way phil does the ending of 'box' nowadays...in fact, the first time i know of him doing it was the last show second encore..he doesn't finish it, just singing "to be" a few times to end it. And I have listened to my fair share of phil since jerry passed and I do not know of a version that he has sung "..to be there"
to end the song. I suppose the last time he sang it normal might have been the 3 rivers 95 show. I could be wrong on this one, as I haven't heard every version he has sang since 95.

Awesome review up there

for all complaining about the music and how it isn't worth the money. C'mon now.. These guys are close to 70 years of age.. Warren and Jeff couldn't be doing a better job. Its not supposed to be a replica of once was, Warren isn't supposed to sound like Jerry Garcia. As Garcia said he loves musicians who have soul and play from the heart thats exactly what he is doing! and what the rest of the guys are doing. They are playing for you! I know for a fact a lot of the ticket profit is going to charity. What is going on right now in this tour is awesome! There is obviously going to be some anticlimactic jams and and forgotten lyrics.. would you rather them play a similar set every night? Just enjoy the music, and maybe there will even be a fall tour. All I know is I am so psyched they decided to come out and do this together, because they didn't have to.

I did not attend, but listened to the audience recording. I must say that the Mr Charlie was loose and full of energy..chubba-chubba..I loved it. nothing else in the first set did much for me until a really nice Dire Wolf.

The second set seemed pretty uninspired (the jams unfocused and without direction). midnight hour had some steam for a bit, but fell apart at the end, like aa lot of other tunes lately....even with the extra cowbell and vocal sparing the reprise kinda sounded tired.
Box of Rain was well done, but brief.

I like to dance and shake my bones and have them shook. This show would have had me standing with folded arms for at least half of it.

This band seems like a ferrari stuck in third gear at times...shift into high gear and step on the gas boys. Ya'll had it on sunday IMO.

Jeff is way better than I expected on this run.

Drummers have sounded as good as back in the day.

Phillip sounds strong and full of energy. The new bass has a super sweet sound live. He looks younger than he did 2 years ago. Live long my friend.

Bob has had brilliant moments and his vocals sound strong. His guitar is too loud in the mix.

Warren is solid and his vocal work tremendous, but I think he is being too respectful of Bob/Phil and may very well be burned out after so much recent playing. He needs to just rip like he's never ripped before all weekend..THIS band, here and now, is his too...turn it up and freak us out!

Do you really expect the people who listen to this almost daily to not notice the details? Most people are NOT complaining. They're talking about how they hear it AND feel it, which is one of the greatest things about this music. You're IN it. You're intimate with it. The nuances affect us.

One thing I've always found uncomfortable about "hippies" is their love affair with IMBALANCE and lack of ability to WANT to be discerning; their jejune definition of "negativity" is anti-productive. People don't learn and grow without things like CRITICISM, and if you've ever read about this band, you know they were critical of each other and themselves. This Flowerland idea that they "just are" and that they somehow occurred from spontaneous combustion couldn't be further from the truth. HARD WORK and BRUTAL honestly is at the very foundation of this band.

Hey BOB!! PLEASE just sing the song...enough of that William Shatner style of singing..Other than that..its been a GRATE tour...REALLY!!

As much as there was to improve upon,


I AM READY FOR MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



....STILL ADDICTED, LOL

he he he couldn't agree more for me it's like being in love
I got my ticket for Nassua as soon as I got home

Totally agree with Buckaroo that Warren needs to crank it up to 11. This has been a great tour so far (best post-Jer lineup IMO). But I have followed Govt Mule closely for almost 10 years now, and have had the pleasure of seeing Warren truly unleash (Beacon 2001, anyone!?). I want to see him just crush one of these tunes, Thorazine Shuffle-style.

...and when is mail order for Fall Tour..???

Hey KLB and Chuck,
You guys are looking for something that is gone. But I have been too 4 shows on the tour and how they are performing is SPECTACULAR. Differnt yes but close your eyes and listen closely. If you can't hear it your not listening or you have become sour and bitter.
Did you ever beat Jerrry up when he missed lyrics. Part of the beauty is the unknown-how will it unfold and accepting either outcome. Love between brothers, between kindred spirits, between community.
We need more positive enrgy to work with the band and not against them. If it is that terrible to you please stay away and let someone else with an open heart and loving spirit enter the scene and add to the beuty of it.

Its a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there.........

Doubleb62

Thank you , thank you, thank you. You said all that I hoped to be able to share.

Love and Light to all my brothers and sisters...Nassau/MSG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't seen a show yet and might go to Shoreline. However, I think it is totally fair to use the ticket price as part of a critique. I use it for a lot of things. Was that bottle of wine worth $30? No, but for $15 it would have been great. Springsteen is charging about the same price as the Dead and he and the band PUT OUT every night. To see a half assed show for $100 is an insult for the ticket buyer. It just isn't worth that kind of money. I used to feel the same way in the later GD days. Some shows felt like a $30 rehearsal. Would piss me off. Don't rehearse on my dime.

So far it seems they have played one great-ish show, 4-19, a couple of OK shows, and a couple of clunkers. Not a good batting average. It also seems it is Bobby blowing it. Too bad- I like Bobby and root for him. Won't spend money to see just him, but do root for him.

I also don't like the people that are apologizing for them. Them being "old" is no excuse to not rage. If they can't rock it, don't step on stage.

Glad I haven't spent money on this tour yet. I'll wait until very close to Shoreline to decide if $35 is worth a Shoreline lawn seat, but I have a feeling I'll get one for much less.

Bergan and Buck, thanks! I have listened to Sat and Sun shows several times now on head phones. Some screw ups sure, but who cares, lots of GREAT music, lots to smile about. Some of these folks need to be taken back in the way back machine to the early days (70's) and listen to those "screw ups". Just part of the total package. To much to enjoy now, and the potential is definately there.

Matt there are not a whole lot of things worth their actual price in todays world, which is unfortunate. I also doubt that the Dead dictated the ticket price. However, if the Dead played the same song list every night for an entire tour then you would complain about that. Sprinsteen plays pretty much the same songs, night in and night out. That is great if that is what you want, for me a band that take chances, plays over 100 different songs over 7-8 nights is that better bottle of wine. So buy some Ripple, get on your bike and go see Bruce.

<<< that makes 3 (horrible shows in wilkes barre scranton) '02 sweatbox- I like that PLQ show! That was the best lineup IMHO...it was wacky hot- firemarshalls handing out handfuls of Ice to cool people down...I remember a smokin Casey Jones to end 1st set and a cool Birdsong...

As far as this show- again, they mailed this one in. an Inbetweener- I'm gonna go to sat in Philly-last DEAD show at Spectrum ( my ol stompin grounds of over 50+ shows there)....if they don't step up, I'm done and maybe PNF but done with this reincarnation.....

PNF really jam...and when Warren was part of PNF- they REALLY jammed- spontaneous and surprising. Bobby has to be in control, has to be the leader and has to pull the plug on jams. Come on- if its a power struggle, at least remember the words....

also....seems EVERY show IS NOT sold out? What does that tell ya....$100 is TOO FUCKING MUCH....in this economy i'll go see DSO at local places, with beers for under $50...

Again this was mailed in- look at the set list- they are saving the really good shit for this next week- once again NE PA got screwed........if they KILL MSG & Spectrum they are pros- curious about nassau and Meadowlands...

He's a guartentee: Shakedown 1st night Philly Scarlet/Fire second night...go to DEADBASE and check out how many time they did this in Philly

BTW- Sugar mag on Letterman last night was aweful....does anyone know if they actually finished it for the audience after TV cut away- No sunshine daydream? WTF...

Guess thats why The GRATEFUL DEAD did 3-4 minute rockers like Johnny B Goode, Alabama getaway, One Mo Sat night on TV...

That slut Lauren somebitch from the Hills sucked the DEAD's time and killed our Sunshine daydream...whore!

I actually saw Bruce last year. I'm not into him, and I don't listen to his music. My GF and a few friends like him and I went along. While it isn't the kind of music I would/will drive around listening to, seeing a show like his does put things in perspective. He's almost as old as The Boys, and he does a different setlist every night. There are core tunes that he keeps in the rotation, but that is fairly similar to what the Dead were doing in the 70's and 80's. As for the show- he rocked Hershey Stadium for 3 1/2 hours. Again, not something I'm going to listen to outside of a concert, but for sheer entertainment value, Bruce kicked ass. I also checked out REM at The Mann Music Center. Again, A GF choice, and not a band I listen to. Again, a concert that kicked ass- I didn't even know most of the songs, but with The National (another band I was unfamiliar with) and Modest Mouse (also a band I wasn't very familiar with), a spectacular value for $89.
These guys are supposed to be pros. They are supposed to know all the songs they are playing, and they are supposed to know what each other is doing and they should be able to anticipate what each other is going to do. Admittedly, I'm a Phil guy, but that's only because he's always on game. I love Bobby, but between the $ for tickets and the fact that I have a finite amount of time to spend going to concerts, I'd like to have my bell rung when I go.
As for the "screw ups" from the early days (70's), they really aren't there. The screw ups came in the late 80's and early 90's. This bullshit notion that people keep promoting that The Dead were some lovable trainwreck that managed to make its way from 1966 to now is ridiculous. The reason we got so wrapped up in these guys wasn't just because of the vibe. In fact, when I started going to shows there was no "shakedown". That started in the mid-80's when people started going on tour en masse. The Dead were not a bunch of Fuck ups that managed to get it right sometimes. They were the baddest fucking band on the face of the planet.
As for doing 100+ plus songs in 8 shows. Who cares? Did they do it like that in the 70's or 80's? NO! They had a core structure that they weaved other nuggets into. Take a look at any individual tour from any decade. A core group of tunes that kept resurfacing, and some delicious nuggets that were broken out on an almost nightly basis. I'm sure somebody out there can cook this process up- I know I'm not going to do so. Take a look at the first 8 shows of any tour and see what you have as far as repeats go. They repeated, and nobody loved them less for it. While I am impressed at the fact that they endeavored to pull off such a wide ranging group of songs to play, the fact that they don't usually play together flies in the face of the logic of this approach. If anything, they need more repeats to be able to work there way through tunes.
Two weeks of practice does not make a band. That's why their individual efforts are so much better than this concoction. So, a fine wine? If anything, it is like having a primo bottle stashed only to find it has turned to something that while palatable, is certainly not going to peak the interest of an actual connoisseur. All the while, having neophyte winos telling you that its good because they know its reputation.
I'm not trying to wreck anybody's buzz with my perspective, but these guys are so much better than what they are putting out.

Chuck, point well taken. Yes the early days song rotation was not as extensive. however there were screw ups, 5-10 min between songs or more, equipment malfunctions, etc.. Yes Bruce does a different set list, but for the most part....the same songs....different rotation Yes it is obvious that there is so much more potential then they are showing night in and out. Just listen to Sunday then to Wilkes. One of the biggest differences, in the early 70's if you went to 5 shows in a row, 3-4 out of the 5 were special...maybe the repeat factor did help. In later years hopefully 2 were special. Not that there were some nuggets in all 5 shows, but from start to finish. It got so bad in later years that everyone could predict the second set. I think that is also why they are trying to mix things up. Garcis's issues did have a huge impact. Good discussion

Since when is 5-10 minutes between songs or an equipment malfunction a screw up? The time between songs was almost always a 1st set issue, and given the fact that they were setting the list as the played, hardly a screw up. As for equipment malfunctions, the issues from back then were really insignificant when compared with the non-stop tweaking Bob seems to have to take care of. Did they ever change guitars back then? Again, they have a nice idea conceptually, but the execution just isn't there. I'd personally prefer a better execution of what is being played over variety.

hell, the reason to see The Dead is Billy and Mickey - not phil and bob - you can see phil and bob in their own spin-off bands -

but this is the only chance to see a band with both billy and mickey in it

from my perspective - those two were really the key elements of the dead - despite the media and fan focus on jerry

It's really not the "forgotten" lyrics that seem to bother anybody (Jerry did enough of that), its the phrasing and the bad timing of Bobbys vocals on certain songs. Overall, we'll all be back 4 more, including me, but i just cant seem to get into a song that gets so "chopped up" by Bobby hacking it so bad.

We all have varying degrees of tolerance that causes that "annoyance" factor, one persons phrasing, another persons forgotten lyrics, mine was time between songs. Yep, I will be back, and I still want variety rather than perfection (although both would really make me jump). That is why we love em. The drummer boys, always a joy.

Well put Richard!!

Well, Wilkes Barre has been covered pretty well already but I thought I’d throw in a few more comments, partly because I disagree with some that I’ve read.

The scene outside: The fifteen buck parking fee seemed a bit steep. But maybe that was what they figured you’d pay to be left alone. The lot was totally wide open. I did not see any security of any kind in the lot itself. I liked that aspect. If you needed “help” there were cops and guards at the edges. So needless to say, the bizarre (“Shakedown”, ghetto, skid row, whatever) was in full swing. Two or three long rows of tent to tent vendors with all the normal and some unusual wares. Plenty of folks hanging out, playing recorded music as well as wandering guitarists and the like. There were groups of musicians but Consider It Dan did not show up and apparantly they have not played any shows on the tour so far. I know a lot of folks are down on the “Shakedown” thing but it is easy to avoid if it is not your thing. The lot was large and you could easily do your thing and not even acknowledge its existence. Personally, I’ll park away from it but I’ll always take a sweep or two through for the heck of it. Always find diamonds in the rough. At Wilkes Barre, I did not notice any N2O before the show which I think is good (and sure helps with keeping the scene clean). After the show balloons were around. We did not stick around so I don’t know if things got ugly.

The show started close to the 7:30 scheduled show time. Maybe 7:45. The arena is the home rink of the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Penguins minor league hockey team. The place seats 10,000 including the floor. As you have seen, the first set was totally song oriented. There was a little jam before they actually started Mr. Chuck but there were no extended instrumental sections this set. Pretty well played in general with Bob and Warren switching off lead vocals. Phil did not sing any leads. My favorites were Mr. Charlie, Candyman (nice slide work from Warren), and Me and my uncle. But two things were challenging our enjoyment from note one: The sound sucked and it seemed like we were surrounded by jerks. Our seats were in the front, center section on the floor. GREAT sets from GDTS Too mail order. The sound should have been great but it was muddy and had no punch whatsoever. If you concentrated, you actually could hear all the instruments but none of them was clear. This was very frustrating and I do not understand why this would be. Where the hell is Healy when you need him? As for the crowd, it was like they came for a Pens game and the Dead showed up. There was absolutely no crowd control so all the aisles were totally jam packed. I noticed some people posted that the arena was only ¾ full. We my take on it is that the place was probably very close to sold out but the fact that anyone and everyone had access to the floor meant that a lot of the seats off the floor were unoccupied. Now I have no business complaining about that. Please, do what ever you want but Shut the F**k Up! I had an aisle seat which did not help, but, funny as it may seem now, I found myself trying to dissuade folks from chattering in my ear. Between that and the crappy sound, well…

Second set started out with a rippin' Golden Road and then they made an attempt at Revolution but Bobby kind of messed this one up. Then they went into Weather Report Suite. I have always liked the first part of this and it is rare to get it live. Well, needless to say, all the guys around me catching up on old times, etc. pretty much ruined it. "Hey, you guys mind taking your conversation somewhere else? Like maybe the lobby?" "Chill man, we're just having a good time here" "Yeah, well your fucking talking is screwing up my good time…." You can picture it. The Aiko was excellent and brought us back down to New Orleans where Billy de Lion hangs out. Sound had improved a bit by now. What can I say about the drums? It was like Billy and Mickey on a good night in 1982. Mickey was pounding on the heavy artillery and Bill stayed on the standard kit and played like you know he can. They were right on. Definitely a highlight of the night. The space that followed took us out of N'awlins straight into the heart of the bayou. This was the best version of Caution I've heard. Warren took the vocals and told the story while Phil pounded out the Courageous Cat bass line. They nailed it. Following this intensity, Warren put his heart and soul in So Many Roads. Talk about emotion. I think this one grabbed even the most ardent hockey fan. Midnight Hour was a 180 degree turn and Bob the rock star really rocked it. He managed to totally confuse everyone on the stage at the end so it was a glorious train wreck. Lots of fun. While an easy call, the Box of Rain was very well played and then they headed for the locker room.

They definitely teased China Cat, Cosmic Charlie and even Attics (surprised no one else mentioned that one. I was actually glad they did not play it since the crowd would have shit all over it) late in the second set.

Next (and last) up for us is the Spectrum which I know will be quite different.

Mike V.

Apples and Oranges folks.

I don't care if it's U2, Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, The Who or Jesus Christ and the Apostles.
Nobody goes on tour and plays nearly 100 songs before a repeat. Nobody even has the balls to try.

Sure, if the Dead played the same 22 four minute songs at every show like every other headline act that is or ever was does, they'd deliever them with just as much polish and precicity as those other folks, but who wants that?

I'll stick with the guys who dare to live on the edge and aren't afraid to fail, every time.

Clearly, their mission this tour is to play the entire catalog to those of us who want it played.
I say God Bless 'em for doin it.

Indeed, I think they should charge $200/ticket next time so we can weed out all you faint of heart wannabees.

If you prefer 1.8 minute stanzas of perfectly replicable perfection, set your TIVO for American Idol and stay home.

Each one of you jokers who heeds this advice becomes one less frizzy haired whak job blocking my view and spilling my beer at the show.

Right on missing finger!

I would actually like them to play fewer songs and nail them than see them butcher 75 out a 100. I saw Springsteen 2 nights in a row last year and about half the set was different. I'd be fine seeing the same song 2 nights in a row. Hell, look at any '77 GD set and they played Bertha, Good Lovin, 1/2 Step, Estimated and many others almost every night, especially if in a different city. I wouldn't see this band more than one night anyway, so who cares if they repeat songs? Seems like a silly argument for mediocrity.

I say god bless them as well for trying, I just am not willing to pay 3 figures to see trying- I want them to deliver on every song, every time. I few miscues, sure, of course, this is the dead we are talking about. But train wrecks should be very few and far between. When GD used to lay an egg, I would say the show was a lemon. My friends would say I am too harsh, but we all know what is good and what is crap, so why not call it as it is?

Been listening to the recording today. I thought the Muletaper version was the best again.

Anyone noticed the similarity between Liberty & Fat Man In The Bathtub?

I'm all for the variety over the execution for this tour. Not sure how many tours we have left for them to get the execution down, but it's killer hearing them explore their catalog and mixing things up as much as they have. On the flip side, it's hard for the band to find the groove on the unfamiliar material. Part of this is just due to the lack of run-throughs. However, I suspect that part of this is due to all the band members being so "mannerly." I think they're so into playing together and not wanting to screw it up that they're spending too much time looking around at each other to make sure everybody's together, rather than just focusing on playing the song. As a consequence, there's all these pauses and hesitations. Sometimes it's just a milisecond, sometimes much longer, but it interferes with the groove. (Listen to the Pride of Cucamonga from a few shows back. There was a point where Phil just went on and played the song like it was supposed to go while you could tell everybody else was looking around to agree on where to come in).One of the unspoken contracts between a band and it's fans is where the pocket is going to be. I don't know how else to say it. "If you play it like you're supposed to, then I know how to dance to it and add my energy to the mix." If you futz around trying to not make mistakes maybe everybody's going to be more together, but the pocket is going to disappear and that's going to be frustrating for the audience. Also, I think that all this "listening to each other" so closely may be what's tripping up Bobby's vocals. It's like trying to sing and play guitar together at the same time...and then you throw an extra ball into the juggling. Don't know if I'm making sense. Simply put, they're trying too hard and the effort is interfering with the flow.

Likewise, the preposterous and il-considered alternating verses messes with the flow, especially when Bobby screws up the entrances of his parts. That said, I haven't heard so much bad stuff from him this tour that I want to become a Bobby Basher. I didn't like him late for the first verse in Candyman and I think only Phil got the "Truckin' up to Buffalo" in the right place in Buffalo. I thought he was horribly behind the beat in Days Between a few shows ago. Not sure if it was lack of familiarity or reading it or forgetting how it's supposed to sound or his artistic interpretation. Didn't like. Still I say "Viva la Bob!"

I think the whole Bobby Bashing phenomenon is quite intersting from a phychological, sociological and historical perspective. Not that I'm a Freudian, but Freudian or Neo Freudian psychology talks about "splitting." It's a deep-seated human desire to gravitate towards dichotomy; opposites, good & bad, black & white, etc. By diminishing one you make the other larger/better. On a subconscious level I think deadheads did this with Bob & Jerry. Jerry was clearly the magic one, so let's put down Bobby to make Jerry even more magical. It was done jokingly and with love and, lord knows, Bobby provided amunition. But still as a foil for Jerry and an integral member of the band, Bobby was indespensable [s?] and we wouldn't have traded him for anything. However, the habit of Bobby bashing continued after Jerry's death out of inertia, without the counterbalancing effect of Bobby making magic with Jerry. Then, take this unbalanced negativity into the cold, loveless environment of cyberspace and it sounds really negative. Anyway....

Tempos are dragging a little. Again, I hypothesize what's going on in their minds is, "playing it safe to be considerate of the new guys."

However, I am supper loving what I'm hearing on the great tapes that folks like MuleTaper have been so generously providing. I am really into this band and look forward to hearing more. If all goes well, tomorrow will be my first of 5. Can't wait.

Peace, Love & Rock & Roll,
WeWantPhil

"Each one of you jokers who heeds this advice becomes one less frizzy haired whak job blocking my view and spilling my beer at the show."

That is really funny, Finger. You know the people posting "real" reviews are not the ones spilling your beer or chatting in the ears of Mike. It seems that people are having a good time and this good time is making the music better than it really is. I also think that Bobby is the problem. I saw the 12-30 show this past year and Ratdog just plain sucked. I was with 10 other folks and they all thought that. then Phil took over and brought the house down. Kind of makes me wonder what the big deal is about this tour. Seems seeing Phil at a club or theater with almost any Friend is better than what is being cooked up on this tour and I would guess the slow tempos and poor phrasings is all Bobby. Too bad, because I am a Bobby fan as I said before.

Once again we all have our preferences, however........I agree with missing finger.....because when they nail it, they really nail it, something those repeat guys will never, never, ever ever get or do. Remember "They are not only the best at what they do, they are the only ones who do what they do". Past, present and hopefully a little bit more of the future. Thanks, missing finger.
r

>>Seems seeing Phil at a club or theater with almost any Friend is better than what is being cooked up on this tour<<

He sets the mark very high, doesn't he? I read in his interview at dead.net that he'll be doing SOMETHING the 2nd half of the year. He just isn't sure what that SOMETHING is. Already looking forward to it.

>>Seems seeing Phil at a club or theater with almost any Friend is better than what is being cooked up on this tour<<
You have to be kidding. His bands have been great but.....????

>>Seems seeing Phil at a club or theater with almost any Friend is better than what is being cooked up on this tour<<

Phil & Friends is great, I saw them a couple times at the Nikon Theater last year they were really awesome. But better? I don't really understand there two different things.

For me listening to these first few dead shows it really is a whole different story with Bill & Mickey behind the drums they are playing better then ever.