now this should be a helluva show.

this show is going to be awesome. The Allmans are on fire right now.

i have one ticket at cost and room in my vehicle if anyone needs ride from portand to gorge. check out my post on kinkfm102.com under ticket exchange

Could everyone please remind the sound guys to turn on the lawn speakers BEFORE the music starts?

>>>>>>> Could everyone please remind the sound guys to turn on the lawn speakers BEFORE the music starts?

Ha Ha!!! You only get what you pay for!

>>>this show is going to be awesome. The Allmans are on fire right now.<<<<

you got that right my friend...on both points!

enjoy friends!

hopin' for maybe alittle Jessica>Mtn Jam> St. Stephen> Jessica and GDTRFB>NFA. and maybe an all-star acoustic set in between electric sets with Oteil, Bobby, Greg and Warren. yeeehaaaaaa
Who opens tonite????

Some cross-pollination between the bandes will be fun this afternoon. I'm hoping for two tunes I've never heard the Dead play live- Cosmic Charlie & New Potater. Crazy Fingers would be fun too- and they gotta pull out the Big River they didn't play last year for the Columbia behing the stage. They got my less-inspiring tunes out of the way the past few nights. Bring warm clothes for after sunset as it gets cold over there. And remember they only let you bring in water if the factory seal is still intact on a new bottle.

this is the nicest venue i have ever been able to touch my two feet in...they can play a blah show and you will still be in awe of the scenery...wish I was going

and the campground is out of site...

LTGTR

What's the schedule for the show(s) today? Who opens? Who closes?

In light of recent discussions here about incessant/excessive chattering/yelling during shows, I'd like to quote Phil from the JamBase interview called "Operating Instructions". I go to a show to participate by actively listening to the music, to be enveloped by it, moved with it and to really try to hear what these amazing musicians are trying to do spiritually and technically with their craft and vision. For it is clear that they play with purpose and(I think)it is naturally our role to listen with purpose. And that's exactly what gets annoying about folks who are there to party - the music becomes a mere backdrop for conversations and belligerent yelling. I guess in some ways this is a plea to those who behave in this way: please limit the chattering...I really beleive the bulk of folks at a ahow (including the band) are there to PAY ATTENTION. So if the perspective of Phil is of any sway, here are some things he said that I think are relevant to this issue:

"It's a communal ritual in a way. We sort of all agree to get together and transform our consciousness," I don't think he means getting trashed and blabbering over the music. Think about it: transforming consciousness. In a large group setting no less. That's an exciting prospect that takes some effort (a LOT on the band's part)- you gotta be paying attention to pull that one off. And as Phil says, "That commitment to the listening experience pays off."

"This kind of improvisation, the way it's developed in the last 25 years, it sort of makes musicians an offer they can't refuse because it's really a lot of fun to take these songs and open them up and go somewhere in a collective spirit," the man says. Improvisation - they're playing music that has NEVER been played before and you'd rather talk to your buds about...whatever? New music played by masters of their craft and that is not to say they are mere technical masters - these are soul masters we're talking about AND TRYING TO LISTEN TO. Listening seems to be a near-lost art sometimes. In the following quote, I think Phil infers that same opinion:

Like many, he laments the loss of freeform commercial radio like the Bay Area's KSAN in the '70s. He mentions names like Larry Miller and Voco and reminisces, "I literally remember sitting for hours listening, just sitting in my living room listening to the radio, because there was one great thing after another."

If Phil is a purposeful listener I would guess that he would appreciate that quality reflected by those who pay/make homage to experience him as a live purposeful maker-of-music.

And lastly, this exerpt:

The listener, in this case, must make an act of faith to truly participate in the becoming unfolding around them. Without that existential jump across the borderline from the ordinary to the extraordinary the music doesn't fully breathe.
"It's a collaborative effort: we need good listeners just like we need good musicians. Sometimes it's just a matter of openness, a willingness to take a little trip," Lesh explains.

...See? Phil needs you. We need you. To pay attention and listen.

Or Dance. I've never seen some one who comunes by dancing jabber.

ABB, The Gorge, George, WA 7/3/04

Setlist:
I Walk On Guilded Splinters
Hot'lanta
Midnight Rider
Trouble No More
Woman Across The River
Melissa>
Old Before My Time
Stateboro Blues
Rockin' Horse
Desdemona
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down>
One Way Out
Dreams
Mt. Jam>
Whipping Post
enc: Layla

thanks to GT for the list

for give me, i forgot the 's' in Statesboro Blues

>>for give me, i forgot the 's' in Statesboro Blues


forgive is one word not two you bastard!!

>forgive is one word

damn.... got that wrong to

Andrew??? Taperrob a "bastard"???...your're the bastard who doesnt get to see the dead all the freakin time let alone share it with the rest of us..If you ever saw the dead you wouldnt care about spelling...Taperrob is cool.

I bet they played music tonight

>Andrew??? Taperrob a "bastard"???...your're the bastard who doesnt get to see the dead all the freakin time let alone share it with the rest of us..If you ever saw the dead you wouldnt care about spelling...Taperrob is cool.

Aiko:
You've got an extra r in your're

That makes you a bastard too!!

Andrew, I suppose you are going to call aiko jones a bastard for misspelling you're. It's no wonder you have nothing better to do on a Saturday night than insult people on such petty things! Most of us here are just trying to keep up on what's going on with something we really enjoy, but are many miles away from. taperrob does that better than enyone and we apreciate it very much. I hope to hear what's going on up there in Washington, as I must go to bed soon. I have to be at work in about nine hours. Pardon any gramatical errors, as I am just another bastard

isn't he just pulling your jones?
you aren't serious are you Andrew (or should I say Andru you bastard)

Here's a thought...what is being played....

I'm waiting on a friend

to let me know

The Dead, The Gorge, George, WA 7/3/04

Set 1:
Shakedown Street>
Strange World>
Jack Straw
Mississippi 1/2 Step> Jam>
No More Do I> Jam>
Hard To Handle> Jam>
Cumberland Blues
Casey Jones

thanks to Eddie, Fritz and GT for the list

and there it is. thank you Taperrob, Eddie, Fritz and GT

I'm sure the Allman brothers blew them away with that Dreams Mt. Jam> Whipping Post enc: Layla.

I will be seeing them next week in KC at the uptown 3,000 seats so close I can smell the strings being burned by Warren and Derek's playing

You have to get the new Derek Trucks Band CD Live at Georgia Theater, 5star and a Check Mark.

also got the 6.18.04 red rocks show and it is not as bad as everyone said good show but NFA was just a little weak.

who said it was bad? first set was very good, second set certainly was very wet and that can dampen one's spirit and cloud one's perception. A cold hard rain for 45 minutes plus makes a difference in your enjoyment.

Androo: Ew must bee a pole smoker. I use da bee illiterate til I learned to read on this web site. Tis better then hooked on phonics. TaperRob has been the most influential person in my DEAD life.

TaperRob is The Dead Head's Dead Head.

All kidding aside. I really appreciate TaperRob.

Perhaps Androo should go back to the Eminem tour.

I will be seeing them next week in KC at the uptown 3,000 seats so close I can smell the strings being burned by Warren and Derek's playing

do you know if that show is sold out?

I got tickets at 10:03 and never looked back.

I'm sure it is. I hope they can sell 3,000 seats in a day.

ebay might have something

>>>>Also I hear Eminem plays the same songs everynight

Aiko, Alred, & Teddie:

I cant beleive I got 3 different newbies to register & post for the first time with that comment.

Welcome aboard!!!

Of course I was just joking with the spelling comments, and I can assure you that Rob was not offended.

Some people can't see a joke when it hits them in the forehead.

>TaperRob has been the most influential person in my DEAD life.


No offense to Rob, he is the reason why Im tuning it to this thread to get updates - Thanks Rob.

But I have to say that Jerry Garcia & Phil Lesh are slightly more "influential" in my DEAD life

ABB, The Gorge, George, WA 7/3/04

Setlist:
I Walk On Guilded Splinters
Hot'lanta
Midnight Rider
Trouble No More
Woman Across The River
Melissa>
Old Before My Time
Statesboro Blues
Rockin' Horse
Desdemona
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down>
One Way Out
Dreams
Mt. Jam>
Whipping Post
enc: Layla

thanks to GT for the list

================================================

The Dead, The Gorge, George, WA 7/3/04

Set 1:
Shakedown Street>
Strange World>
Jack Straw
Mississippi 1/2 Step> Jam>
No More Do I> Jam>
Hard To Handle> Jam>
Cumberland Blues
Casey Jones

Set 2:
Jam>
Playin' In The Band> Jam>
Night Of 1000 Stars>
He's Gone> Spacy Jam>
Cryptical Envelopment>
The Other One>
Lady With A Fan>
Terrapin Station>
Drumz/*Space>
*The Wheel>
*Playin' Reprise>
*Lovelight
Donor Rap/Headcount Rap
encore: After Midnight

Mickey brings the crew out to take bows

*w/ Derek Trucks

thanks to Eddie, Fritz and GT for the list

Wheel > Lovelight w/ Derek

Woo hoo!!!!

Cant wait to hear this one.

Is it going to be on 360?

So the Allman's didn't really play with The Dead?
Just Derek, thought maybe they'd do a song or two.

Setlist looks decent, although im really sick of Night of 1000 stars

This show looks amazing, thanks for the setlist Taperrob

It's how a show SOUNDS, not how it looks.........

Let that anger go.

SSDD same stuff different Dead


All the true heads know that it was this same group of drunk-ignorant-talking over the music at the shows-screaming "Grateful F'n Dead!" -that is associated with the downfall of the GD leading up to spring 1995.


Those people diminished my enjoyment of the GD, and I had enjoyed their conspicuous absence from the Dead shows.

Relax, don't worry, and enjoy the MUSIC, SPACE and EACH OTHER.

Space is the Place


;-)

now HERE'S a perverse thought: maybe if we get more so-so & ho-hum reviews, it'll scare away some of the marginal (& talkative) crowd (think: the Shoreline mob versus the Sacto core) ... and THEN we'll get the slightly smaller, more intimate, more enjoyable venues going forward? just a thought ...

Questions for reviewers who are getting up to give us their insight:

- Did and of the Dead get on stage with da Bros during their set? Jimmy maybe (hopefully)?
- Warren could not have practiced with the Bros. much before this show started. Were the Bros. tight right out of the gate?
- What was your impression of the Dead and their intensity after seeing the Bros? There was a lot of conjecture that the Dead would have to be at the top of their game or be blown off the stage. Were they?
- The set lists seem to be quintessential ABB and quintessential Dead. Were they performed well?
- How long was the Bros set? 90 minutes? 2 hours?

Time to rise and shine, boys and girls. Give us the goods, please......

>>>>>>Andrew??? Taperrob a "bastard"???...

No, just a guy who needs people to throw alcolades at his feet.
Therefore, he sits on a computer typing the setlist during the music so folks can say how wonderful he is instead of letting the music take him away.

Sad.

And, no I'm not back, just skimming by to check out a setlist as no 'official' setluist is posted on homepage & saw this......

BTW, Setlists since Bonaroo BLOW.

I guess Tonight might have been OK considering the ABB's set thrown in too.

>And, no I'm not back

Gee, and all I really wanted for my Birthday!

>BTW, Setlists since Bonaroo BLOW

Glad to have such positive uplifting comments to wake and make my 50th start the right way!

Listen to the music play!

Peace

or as in some cases, just sit on your computer and criticize folks. it's negative around here,
but lots less without you around.

BUCKY MAFIA RULES!!! (As does TaperRob.)

HAPPY 5OTH BIRTHDAY HEADLIGHT ! its all good around here, happy 4th zoners ! well i expect to see some great reviews from a nite out at the gorge. BOOM BAM BANG !!!

>>>>now HERE'S a perverse thought: maybe if we get more so-so & ho-hum reviews, it'll scare away some of the marginal (& talkative) crowd (think: the Shoreline mob versus the Sacto core) ... and THEN we'll get the slightly smaller, more intimate, more enjoyable venues going forward? just a thought ... <<<<<

What a grate idea!

I'll go see them in a 6,000 seat venue every time!

In light of this idea I'd like to ammend my Portland review right here.

The show sucked, don't go see these washed up old people anymore.

hey sucky i mean bucky the american idol tour starts soon i think that music is more your style imho

Isn't it great that Bucky returns in all of his
splendor,,,

Bash Rob (nothing worse than the positive contributions of TR compared to...)

Bash the setlists. (to shows he doesn't see)

So good to see him back,, some things don't change.

>BTW, Setlists since Bonaroo BLOW

Guess you don't like variety

Where are the fuckin' show reviews. Stop posting in this thread people unless you were at the show.

Sorry I have to remind all you Zoners and sorry I have to make this post and add it to all the other 'chatter' bullshit around here.

hey cmon, be patient re the show reviews ... the gorge is ~120 miles from seattle (& about the same from portland), & the show ended around 12:30am ... give folks a wee bit o'
time to wake up, eat, & haul their laptops back to a wifi area

- phil in san rafael

Personally I thought the setlists were sick so far.

lets go where are the reviews. I want an honest review of the Dead and Allman sets. No bashing like most of you idiots do.

Quick review: The show was much louder and had much more rock and roll energy than portland. Somehow though, I couldnt really contect with the music until drumz. I dont know if it was me or the band, but somehow it didnt seem to come together for that special "something" until the end of the show despite the stong playing by individual players. Again, this may have just been me. Its pretty subjective.

It was still fun however.

One ongoing complaint for me is "Wizard" the soudn guy. Once again he turned the drums way down and the guitars loud. The Dead is all about the rythem section IMO. It can be frustrating when I cant hear the nuances of Billy and Mickey.

At a few points Bob's guitar was so loud, for the first time ever I had to put in earplugs because the extreamly loud shrill tone from Bobbby's guitar was actually hurting my ears. Dont misunaderstand me, I like Bobby's playinh, he was just turned up WAY to loud. Warren too.

Ill have a stream up in a minute.

Here is the stream of the show:

http://www.deadworldnews.com/radio.html

Happy 4th of July!

Interesting complaint about the sound last night. We did the Chula Vista-Sleeptrain run and I thought the sound mix was very tasty - just not very loud. Hope everyone had a good show!

>>>Interesting complaint about the sound last night. We did the Chula Vista-Sleeptrain run and I thought the sound mix was very tasty

The best mixes that I saw on this tour was actually Sleep Train and Chula Vista.

Of course what I am looking for in a mix could be completly different than what others enjoy.

I talked to a friend that went to the show and he said that both bands were excellent. He said that the allmans were awesome at the start to finish,eventhough he really didn't care for the setlist. Derek was smokin on Mt. Jam. He wished that they would of played instrumental illness.

Okay, here we go with a review. Drove up to the Gorge after sleeping in my bed in Portland. Did Nampa, great show, and Potland, lots of fun but as that thread states, didnt really get rolling. Well, from my spot in the 11th row left of center, right behind the big man, Bill Walton, this show rocked from beinging to end. The venue is simply amazing what with its view of the Gorge from the top of the hill and I the energy was palpable. ABB came out around 5:00 and just smoked us. I love this band and Derek Trucks is just an extraordinary guitar player. I love watching and listening to him. There were a few missed lines and changes, but they did not affect the energy. They certainly threw down the gauntlet for the Dead. During the stage change, they played tunes form The Band on the PA and I had to explain to my new friends from Portland how GD, ABB and The Band played this show at Watkins Glen in july of '73 in front of 650,000 people. As we waited for the stage change, the sun started to go down behind and the Gorge and it cooled off nicely. Mr. Walton returned to his seat with two beers and we knew the dead were going to be right behind him. I mentioned to friend that the only thing that could be played as an opener was Shakedown. Well, the boys came out and there was no fooling around. No jam, no nothing. Just that big fat chord and off we went. The Vista Cruiser was gassed up and ready to go. Nothing ould stop this train tonight. Warren's new song, Strange World, rocked and the Jack Straw that followed had the crowd singing and dancing. Half-Step was great choice as was Hard to Handle. The jam between these two really had some great exploration. Cumberland was up next and the crowd ate it up, then a quick transition to Casey Jones and that train was a roaring. A great set.

A nice long break ensued and thee band came back about 10:30ish. The sun was down and the place was ready for a nice long 2nd set and some trnasmolecular exploration. Playin' started it off and the band was really on. Night of 1000 stars was my bathroom break. I really like this song, but I needed to go. I came back for the He's Gone and then offered up my other request for the night. The Other One. Then the band slipped into Cryptical, wth some wonderful jammming and that familiar bass line. Indeed, the bus came by and I got on. We were at warp speed now and the only thing to do was to get to Terrapin. This is a tough song and Warren had the sheet music out for it, but I felt that he and Jimmy, who ahd the lead, did a wonderful job. Yes, Jerry used to do it all by himself, but this was pretty damn good. Drums and space has always been a breather for me and this night we needed it. I sat down for most of it and watched Mickey do his thing on the beam through a crack in the crowd. Then the rest of the band filtered back on stage and they brought with them that kid from ABB, Mr. Trucks. They got him plugged in and the crowd gave him a rousing cheer as his guitar joined the mix. A little jamming ensued and then we were into the Wheel. A fun arrangement, similar to PLQ's. Playin reprise was up next and brought us back full circle. Then a simply rocking Lovelight, with Derek taking some great leads and Bobby and Warren working the vocals to end the set. It was past midnight and I wanted to get out of there before the crowd, so I headed up the hill and was surprised by the After Midnight encore. Thought they would do Saturday Night as well. We headed out as the boys took a bow and Mickey brought out the whole crew to join them. A great night of music and group consciousness.

Words are hard to come by in this, the morning after the strangest two shows I've seen in quite some time. Portland was a bummer. No two ways around it. The band played well but couldn't escape the banality of the absolute dullest frigging song selection until post-space.

But somebody please talk about EGO Weir, and the way he cut off Derek Trucks last night. I was down in front, and I've never seen a guest treated like just that--a guest (see Branford, see Murray). Derek took up a nasty lead in Playin, just to have Bob pull in the leash, step to the microphone and cut him off. Happened again when Trucks started a SCORCHING lead in the Lovelight jam. Derek was takin it to another level. Again, Bob looked lost, like he couldn't keep up, and haphazardly ended the tune without letting the song gather the momentum that it wanted. Derek looked puzzled. What was the damn point in having a guest? To show that other people want to play with you? Like a little schoolboy? Can you tell that Mr. Weir frustrated me, and the strangers around me? He's gone off the deep end, I'll tell ya.

Could you imagine if Bob ever tried to do that when Jerry was alive? Cut off Branford in the middle of a huge Dark Star or Bird Song. NEVER!

What has happened over the past two years is that Bob has turned the Dead into a heavier version of Ratdog. Where the *F* is the exploratory jamming that was the mainstay of these musicians. Where's the twenty three minute Viola Lee Blues ala PLQ (the best thing going). Bobby needs to let go man, and let go soon. He's a control freak with all his hand signals!?!

I've said enough. Last night was hot, but could have been hotter. Let the flames begin. It's all because I care.

Looking for one of those "Bobby is cheesy" Chester Cheetah T-shirts from the eighties, cause over the past twelve shows I've seen in the last two years, there's one thing I figured out. He is not a bandleader. Just a wanna be.

Stop scripting the damned show and let it go!!!!!!!!!

Thinking twice...

I just got back from the Gorge, and a very good time indeed. It was a bright, warm, and sunny Saturday up in the high deset country of Eastern Washington. No zoner sightings for me at all, but the music was pretty darn good.

Got inside and to my seats near the rear of the floor on Phil's side as Robert Hunter was finishing up his set in the 88 degree mid-day sun. Caught a nice Ripple and Boys in the Barroom. Much gracious applause for Mr. Hunter.

Then the Allman Brothers Band came on and got the place even hotter. Solid and long set by the Brothers...full setlist is above. Dug Stateboro Blues, Melissa, etc...but the band really wailed on some of the newer tunes. Both Warren and Derek were playing very well. Kick ass Whipping Post to end their set and then a Layla encore to top it all off.

Did I mention it was hot and sunny out there? I must have drank several quarts of diet coke and water (diet coke for caffeine and water for hydration). But I danced for almost the entire set as did a bunch of other sun-loving freaks. Beautiful day out there with that killer view of the beautiful gorge and Columbia River far down below the stage perched high atop the dusty cliffs. A few puffs of clouds came through now and again to give us a break from the relentless sunshine. But by about drums in the Allmans set, the sun was out to stay until it finally went down for good near the end of the Dead's set opener, Shakedown Street.

And a phat opener it was! Shakedown had everyone psyched to kick things off. Very cool different ending with a different vocal arrangement and a few minor chord changes that didn't use to be there...first time I heard it played like this...interesting. Strange World>Jack Straw were nice, too. "Fourth day of July" and "Sun so hot, clouds so low" definitely hit a nerve with the crowd. Half-Step was cool, not sick or anything...but hey, it's just Half Step. A nice lilting mellow tune to hear at the end of a hot day...liked the slightly different vocal arrangement in the chorus and different ending, too. No More Do I was pretty mellow, and Hard to Handle was great to hear....kind of slow and slinky with Bob and Warren trading off on vocals. Bobby's little skat-style vocals at the end were.....interesting, I guess. Different, at any rate. Cumberland was solid, but I was hoping for Big River since we were all looking down at the big river below us...Casey Jones was solid. Overall, a pretty good first set, not sick.

Second set started with Playin'>Jam>Night of a Thousand Stars....the jam going into the second tune was very nice. Very exploratory, taking on different vibes, textures, etc. Then things got a bit dark as they slowed things down with He's Gone. Jerry on my mind at the time. Then Cryptical made me think even more of Jerry and was kind of making me sad...but then they bolted into an extremely fierce Other One to remind us all how this whole insane bus ride all got started. Sick jamming, great stuff!! Terrapin was great...very mellow with Warren taking vocal duties. His unique inflection was excellent...killer ending, too. Nice!

At this point they had already played 6 pretty long and jammed out songs. I figured maybe they would skip drums/space and just finish it off with another short song or two. Bzzzt! They came to play tonight and to really stretch things out....a long awesome drums merged into a cool space with Derek helping out making his middle-eastern sounding slide work effects. Wheel was good, the vocal harmonies were a bit shaky, though. Playin Reprise>Lovelight were both good with the southern boys Warren, Jimmy, and Derek all having fun playing together. After Phil and Bob gave their respective raps (Phil saying you could possibly save the life of someone even weirder than me), the band busted into a great After Midnight encore (and it was after midnight by now...long freaking show!). It was actually a very tasty version that got all slow and tweaked in the middle as if they might go into something else...but after some exploration they reeled it back in to the chorus once more to end the show. Nice!! Then Mickey intro's the crew and whatnot.

I got in there at around 4:20pm and the show eneded around 12:30am. 8+ hours of music and that only included the last couple tunes by Hunter. I scored my ticket in the lot for 50 bucks, so I feel I really got my money's worth.

The lot was bursting with energy and fireworks afterwards. One guy even lit off one professional grade firework that made a gigantic BOOOOOM and had the whole lot cheering. Beautiful weather, totally laid back west coast scene, and good times all around. No search to get in, no security hassling anyone, vending in full swing. Thank you for a real good time!!!!

I loved this show! Totally (IMHO) hot from start to finish. The energy was incredible. My only nitpick is that I want to hear Jimmy (and Warren) go off into mystic musical lands, just take those jams out. Both Portland and the Gorge had moments when Jimmy seemed to get pushed into the background by Rob and Bob.

BTW, Did any one else notice the unguarded expression of perfect joy/happiness on Bob's face after Midnight. I think he felt the magic. He almost bumped into Warren as he turned around to exit the stage.

Well, here's my 2 cents worth... Thanks for Wharf Rats for helping me celebrate my 10th anniversay sober at a Dead show.

We stopped for a hike in Umptanum canyon on the drive over- and kept applying the sunscreen the rest of the day. It was hot and sunny, but with perfectly timed clouds to shade us right when sunstroke was about to set in. The patriotic "galactic pops" were a refreshing and odd treat.

The highlight of the whole day for me was Robert Hunter's set- I don't even know the names of the tunes he played that weren't Dead standards- but they were so wonderfully enchanting- he's like a combination of Donovan and Syd Barrett. I just layed on the lawn and floated to his sweet voice and soulful lyrics. He started around 3:45pm. The Allmans came out smokin' from the first note and just fired volley after volley for their entire set with very intense jamming energy. The Mountain Jam had a sweet drums in the middle with a cool timpani jungle thing going on in it
and Whippin' Post delivered big time.

The Dead's first set seemd promising when they opened with Shakedown but they just were not connecting at all and it was nowhere as apparent as the anemic, super-slow tempo of No More Do I- my cue to hit the honey buckets- and everyone else had the same idea apparently as the lines were huge. The whole first set was pretty lacking except for maybe Cumberland and the end of Casey Jones. The second halves of Strange World and Jackstraw were pretty solid- but it just seemed forced to me- and too many guitars not knowing what to do when, odd tempos and just plain uncomfortable for the most part.

They took a longer than usual set break and did some group therapy or something and delivered a nice Playin'- not awesome, but pleasant- which pretty much sums up the rest of the second set. They had a few transcendental moments here & there but for the most part it was just an average show.
The Other One was very high energy and was definitely the high point for me, along with a surporisingly nice Night of 1000 Stars once Warren got the band on the same page as him.

The best guitarist all day was hands down Derek Trucks. He blew Warren off the stage during the Allmans and it seemed Warren never quite recovered. Derek's slide whale sounds during the short transition from Drums into the Wheel were delightful and really set the tone along with Bobby's pedal tones and Warren's leslie effect, but then Bobby pushed too hard and the spell was broken and the tune started quickly.

I think there were too many guitarists for my taste with Bobby, Warren & Jimmy together- often there was visible confusion over who was doing what, when, and Warren's leads seemed pretty rote and uninspired. Jimmy seemd to be doing some pretty intricate guitar work but we couldn't hear him at all in the mix- which was pretty bad all night- too much kick drum and Warren too loud with Jimmy too soft, Warren's vocals were perfect but Bobby's too low, etc.

Bobby is singing too much for my taste- I would've enjoyed hearing Phil do a couple tunes, although the harmonies were spot-on all night. Rob's voice was noticeably absent and the keyboards were just adequate. I liked both Jeff & Rob last Summer.

The lighting was horrible- must've been Candace's night off. We couldn't see Mickey or Billy at all until the drums and after that they were back in the dark.

I missed Joan roaming the stage front engaging the audience. I know the Dead has been through many eras, with some folks preferring certain ones that others disdain. This incarnation isn't doing anything for me. I much preferred last summer's line-up and they played, in my opinion, a far superior show at the Gorge in 2003.

Between the Allmans and the Dead, the Allmans kicked serious ass. Between guitarists, Derek won many new fans. My favorite moment? Laying in the grass and overhearing a young woman telling friends about how she randomly met a cool organic farmer in Portland with a yoga retreat center on his farm that she is going to go work at and learn from for the summer. Despite the various musical disappointments, this showed me the heart & soul of the experience is in the lives of the fans, not in how good or bad the band played. Wanderlust is alive & well in Dead-land and that is good enough for me.

Security was fine- even letting one idiot exhaust himself screaming at them for not having his ticket with him (?) rather than tossing his lame ass out. I've been tossed before for a lot less than what this guy did. The kids they had working the vendor booths were totally overwhelmed but the booths all benefit local community groups so I didn't mind. The music ended at 12:40am and we were home in Seattle at 3:15.

Peace

WHOA, what a difference a day makes.. After a really mellow song oriented night in Portland I knew we should be in for HIGH energy at the Gorge.

First off. The Allmans Brothers were RAGING!!!!!I was thinking they might totally blow the Dead outta the water tonight after the energy the put out. That band is on fire!! Honestly, a MUCH better band than the dead. I kept thinking of the 1988 show in Tacoma, when Santana blew the Grateful Dead outta the water. Well since Warren is in the Dead, you knew he had to turn it up another notch with band #2. OH HE DID!!!!
Set 1:
SHAKEDOWN STREET> The funkiest i've ever heard any Grateful Dead members get. This was gooey!!! Really solid vocals They basically nailed it with a funk based groove!
STRANGE WORLD> I think this is the best new song. Really cool hook & vibe.
JACK STRAW Huge energy. BIG crowd sing along. It seemed people really wanted this, cause it was big engery all around!!!!!
MISSISSIPPI 1/2 STEP> JAM> More huge energy. Warren is just pushing the energy output of the band. Really getting the boys to let it all hang out!! The jam is really nice
NO MORE DO I> JAM> Still getting to know this song. Getting VERY funky in the jam. Heavy Bob Marley teases by Warren. Exodus & Get Up ,Stand up. I really thought they were gonna go into Get Up Stgand Up. The jam a was thick fat funky groove. Again funkiest stuff outta these boys yet..
HARD TO HANDLE> JAM> WOW!!! This was crazy. Nice rework of this song. Very slow & again funky.. Warren is ON FIRE!!!!!!
CUMBERLAND BLUES This shit is getting crazy. Nonstop high energy. Warren is the energizer bunny of rock. He has been on fire for 4 hours now.. Unbelievable. The band are rising to meet him. Mickey is laughing half the time. I think he's in awe of the energy Warren is filling Bobby, Jimmy & Phil with.
CASEY JONES The party is on!!! I'm fucking pooped.

First set is big energy all around. Dark Star is teased all throughout the jams. I was almost 100% on it in the 2nd set

Set 2:
JAM> Very heavy Dark Star teases. They even all get in on the right key
PLAYIN' IN THE BAND> Boom, right into Playin' . A VERY 1973 spacey Playin'. Dark Star themes all around in the interstellar space jam.
NIGHT OF 1000 STARS> I guess you had to figure this is a given here. Beautiful night, The song fits right in. I'm personally tired of it, but it fit the Gorge just right..
HE'S GONE>SPACE JAM> Whoa, this is out there! Beautiful stuff. Vocals are in perfect harmony. Now this IS singing!! Jam is totally nuts. Again more Dark Star teasing from Warren. He pushed this song all night..
CRYPTICAL ENVELOPMENT>
THE OTHER ONE>
LADY WITH A FAN>
TERRAPIN STATION>
Anyone able to review that madness was not in the house. Fucking crazy ass raging psychedelic madness. A shining moment in the new lineup. Can't really comment on how amazing this was. Just go listen for your self, you can pick you own jaw up off the floor when your done!!!!
DRUMS/SPACE> Very short drums. Mickey, I thought, set them up for Dark Star. He ended drums with a very ambient space... Derek comes out!!!!
*THE WHEEL> Just beautiful. I was of course thinking Dark Star was inevitable... It was again teased by Warren. But this brought the energy back. People were still in utter shock from that Crypical>Other One>Terrapin.. Totally scrambled...
*PLAYIN' REPRISE> Nice!!!!!! Fucking right on. Felt like the old days. Crazy guitar work from Derek & Warren!!
*LOVELIGHT Derek & Warren put the peddle to the metal!!!! Everyone else rises with them. A rager!!
AFTER MIDNIGHT Great way to end it. It was 12:02. Music curfew is midnight at the Gorge. They were saying "Fuck you" , we're playin!!!!!!

Overall shining night for the Dead. Just an unbelievable night of music. Allman Brothers are back!!!! Don't miss those guys.!!! After a lackluster Portland show, the boys came out to party. Best Post GD Terrapin!!!! I've got to here this show again. My brain is just to scrfambled to remember any more.

Another funny thing. I am 5'7. A pretty short guy. Both nights(Portland & Gorge) Bill Walton was 2 rows on front of me. Like standing in front of a barn for me.... That guys is cool as shit though. He boogies down HARD!!!! Bravo for Bill Walton for hitting EVERY West Coast show!!

Thanx for the reviews,,,

for a real good time gorge

I know this is a show review thread, but since Bucky checked in, here's a good Bucky story (and it is related to show reviews):

Sometime last year, coulda been hangin' in the lot before the Meadows or Oakdale show @ Bucky's van in the H-Cap lot, I brought with me cd's of the Roanoke OI's show (11/14/02) - Bucky was busy standing there trashing all the setlists and shows, I offered up the Roanoke cd's to the first bidder, I think Keyshawn took me up on them, Bucky was too busy huffin' and puffin' his diatribes (mind you, I'd emailed him and posted replies to his posts saying the Roanoke show was right up his alley).

OK, so we're hangin' out and someone puts the Roanoke cd's on the car stereo/boombox - it's St Stephen-Wheel-Cassidy - suddenly Bucky stops talking and says "Wow - this is great - what show is this again?" - So I told him - then it's "Playin'-Other One Jam-China Cat" - the look on Bucky's face was absolutely PRICELESS - he didn't even say anything - and I didn't even stick around to see the look on his face when it was "Viola Lee (3rd verse) - The Seven (1968 Hart & the Hartbeats jam) - Playin' Reprise".

Later, after the show I think, Bucky approaches me and mildly scolds me "Who did you give those cd's to - why didn't you give them to ME - we were hangin' out at MY van, etc. etc" - I was like "Dude, they were freely offered up, you had a chance".

Methinks there's a few "moments" he'd appreciate at some of these shows . . .

Bucky is lame.

i was at both portland and the gorge and i just want to tell the boys in the band....thank you for a real good time. you whiners who dont enjoy the music for what it is (not what it was) should get off the bus. It will never be the same and anyone who compares the different incarnations has lost their way and no longer understand the workings of the ever evolving machine. shit just look at the energy of the drummers!!!!! to those who enjoy diversity keep on keepin on and see y'all next year!

It's called a review page for a reason. I call it as I see it. I think it's rude to tell someone to "get off the bus" just because you have a different opinion. There's nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism now & then.

"Without love in the dream it'll never come true".

>>this showed me the heart & soul of the experience is in the lives of the fans, not in how good or bad the band played. Wanderlust is alive & well in Dead-land and that is good enough for me.

Like a cool breeze through the review thread, I suddenly find the wisdom...
Great to see you posting and sharing, Pinman.
Thanks for that line....Wanderlust!

This year's Gorge setlist seems to blow away last years - I wasn't too impressed w/last year's on cd either (Monkeymix). But that's just me - I'd rather hear psychedelic jamming over Bobcheez (Standing on the Moon out of space) anyday!

HOW WAS THE LAYLA????

Layla was FAST! I was hoping the Dead would answer with a McCartney tune but they joined in the Clapton frenzy for After Midnight. Allmans also threw a nice Birdland tease into Mtn Jam.

Cameron- like Mr Wier sings... "if you want to know your future- look what's in your hand". Here's to a cool breeze

>>>I talked to a friend that went to the show and he said that both bands were excellent. He said that the Allmans were awesome from the start to finish, even though he really didn't care for the setlist.<<<

LOL! are you kidding me?....
Who wouldn't like Guilded Splinters, Desdemona, Hot Lanta then a Dreams>Mtn Jam>Whipping Post trifecta followed by an encore of Layla! If you don't like that setlist and getting to watch Derek Trucks and Warren trade licks for 2 hours - you are basically clueless....geeesh.

Mtn Jam> Whipping was worth the price of admission for the entire day!!!!!!

I'll have pics to post tomorrow!!!

Wow, Quite different takes on the show by Pinman and Johnnymystickaya ! It is true how it is all very subjective ! Glad folks had a good time !

I do see how you can get 2 totally different takes on the show. I actually had 2 takes. We had our usual spot at the front of the grass tiers. I also had 18th row dead center. the tier seats were WAY better. Better energy from the crowd up there & the sound was booming. I think the crowd got a bit pooped out on the floor. you could hardly blame them. Being in the hot sun from 4-midnight is a LONG time to keep up the energy. I caught the Allmans set from my floor seat. The crowd around me was GOING OFF!! Having a ball!! Then I headed up for 1st set Dead on the grass tier. Crowd was going OFF!!!!! Unbelievable energy up there. I went back down during set break. When set 2 started I noticed the floor crowd was a bit peetered out. Not much energy. So I went back up when drums started & the grass tier crowd was still going nutz!! They all were going bezerk until the last note of After Midnight. I personally believe the grass tiers are by far the best seats in the house. You can laydown, relax & see the view. The sound is incredible with the stacks pointed right at ya. Sometimes the alot of the sound travels right over the floor... The energy up there was FAR BIGGER & BETTER!! People just GOING APE SHIT!! Why? They were far more rested & relaxed. The floor was deadly hot & ya had to sit in those silly seats..
So my earlier review was from me & the people I saw around me just SHAKIN" IT in the tiers!! I definatley would have had a far different review if I woulda been on the floor for the entire show...

Welcome back Bucky ,missed your humor and sarcasm.......

Part 4: The Gorge

We got up at 6:30 and hustled from Portland to the Gorge. Tim’s girlfriend met us in Moses Lake with Beer and fresh food supplies. We headed in, set up camp and went directly into the show.

The Allmans were playing their first tune as we entered; their set was great… I recall the Mt. Jam, Whipping Post as being off the hook. Encore was Layla… those boys can lay it down!

Unlike the first set of previous shows…. This one was going places as soon as the first notes were played. The Shakedown Street was right on and I though I heard the band pause as the sun slipped below the horizon and the crowd went wild. All through the first set they were playing to the sunset, the pace and mood of the set were fitting and in context. I remember thinking that was the best first set so far.

At this point I will tell you that this is my favorite venue of all. I’ve been to Red Rocks many times and IMO this is a better venue, cooler weather, less hassle, close camping. To address the complaints in earlier reviews that there was not much of a light show here, I would point out that the stage is centered in a very interesting landscape and it was not needed. In this sublime scene the lighting was low key and appropriate. The scenery of this place is unreal, and the geometry is as fine as the best abstract art. Kudos to the band and crew for recognizing this.

Second set was a Playing in the band sandwich… and I was diggin it. The show did not have as much energy as Boise, but again, in keeping with the serene landscape it was perfect. I like slow and trippy but I doubt the younger jam crowd liked the show as much.

Night of 1000 Stars was great… hey we got one of those at the show last year at the Gorge. He’s Gone brought the usual emotion and memories, the Other One. Lady with a Fan > Terrapin… damn I knew this had to be coming in the next few shows and I’m glad they brought it out. Very fun. I dug the Wheel as always and Lovelight was perfect. When Derek Trucks came out he fit in seamlessly; there were no miscues, the segues were smooth. After Midnight was a surprise to me – great way to end.

Drove straight through the next day to get home (11 hrs) and Willies 4th of July Picnic was on the radio most of the way. Gotta love that.

Gotta love that the boys are still playing shows and allowing us to come party. It aint what it once was… but it is still sweet, still vital, it’s still great music and I’m not done with it yet.

Now on to check email and take care of vines. Apologies and Thanks to anyone patiently waiting on me.

Anyone have any good pic's of The Gorge - the venue that is - I've been to Red Rocks a dozen times now and am really curious what this "competing" venue is like as far as "cool setting". Man, if they only played 2 shows there, I'd go for sure - 1 show just not enough of a motivation to travel that far . . .

OK, lemme check the obvious, the venue WEBSITE . . .

>>>The best guitarist all day was hands down Derek Trucks. He blew Warren off the stage during the Allmans and it seemed Warren never quite recovered.>>>

That's probably because he was the only guitarist who played the whole 8 hour - hot sun, all day long - concert. Damn, he musta been tired and sunburned by the end of the day.

Not making excuses, just a reminder.

Angela

Good point Angela...although Derek is a friggin monster guitar player and blowing people off the stage is nothing new to that kid! Just an amazing talent - I mean nobody should be that good! We are lucky to have him.

I'll have pics tomorrow. Keep forgetting to up load.

In response to the "No Light Show" bitching..: That's just another reason to sit up in the grass tier & lawn area. We were treated to one of the best lightshows of all time.. Sun sunset & earthglow that followed well into the second set was unbelievable!!!!!!!
I did notice they had all the light show backdrops set up in Portland but they never worked, so they just had blank colored canvases... Thought it was strange. At the Gorge they brought nothing.. For VERY good reason. Behinf the band was the best backdrop in america!!!!!!

I'll just say this about what I considered to be a wonderful night of music from all three acts:

The energy in the Gorge Ampitheater was AMAZING. The Allmans and Dead should play many, many more shows together. All one need listen to in order to understand this energy is the way Phil screams "...and the whistle was steamin!" in Terrapin. And The Other One? WHOAAAA NELLY!!!!! I was also blown away by Mickey playing the beam during Drums/Space -- can't imagine how spiritual it must have been for him to command such a wonderful space on this earth. Would have liked to have heard what it sounded like in the valley behind the stage. Unbelievable low-end coming through the subwoofers.

I for one also felt it refreshing, both at Red Rocks, and at both Northwest shows to hear Bobby's guitar so clearly. I was disappointed in the 2003 summer run in this respect. I find it peculiar in reading reviews of each show on these message boards how there is always some mention of a particular guitar too high in the mix. One show it's Jimmy, the next it's Warren...next Bobby. I too have heard certain points in shows where a particular instrument appears to mask the others. But it really only happens for a short period of time, and then you forget about it. Why? Because the sound engineer is AWESOME! Don't connect one part of show to the entire show. The mix, particularly from up top @ the Gorge, was the best I've heard in some time. Splendid!

Not sure where some on these message boards are getting the impression that the Dead has lost its exploratory nature. I found both Portland and the Gorge to be full of the kind of psychedelic searching that was lacking @ Red Rocks. Must the quality of improvisational technique be judged only by the length of time? I think not! The tightness of this ensemble is indeed impressive, and somewhat reminiscent of the mid/late 70's GD. Again -- I'm finding the 3-guitar thing to be working quite well -- none of them are stepping on toes. Very respectful of each other.

I am more than ready for PLQ to invite Derek Trucks for a complete tour. I must agree that I was most impressed with his playing. I think much of that has to do with the fact that I have grown somewhat used to both Jimmy and Warren's playing through all the Dead/PLQ I have seen lately. But come on, folks -- Jimmy and Warren are SOOOO TASTY! They are truly feeling the songs, and they listening so well to each other!

Anyhoo, I though the 1st set @ the Gorge was better than any single set I have heard from the Dead post-Jerry. Super tight, super fun!

And what a great crowd at the Gorge -- thanks folks, for a real, REAL good time. You're the best fans of any entertainment ever, and I'm honored to be a part of it. Give yourselves a hand!

Peace!

>>>Good point Angela...although Derek is a friggin monster guitar player and blowing people off the stage is nothing new to that kid! Just an amazing talent - I mean nobody should be that good! We are lucky to have him.>>>

True, true! Derek is a fantastic guitarist and always will be. Never meant to detract any acolades from him. Just noted that WH was on stage most of the day.

What I do love about Warren and Derek together (in the ABB formation) is that they have total respect for each other. Maybe they compete on occassion (which is an advantage as far as being a fan goes) but the competition is totally with respect for each others skills and different abilities. I've also seen that with Jimmy and Warren in the PLQ, but not with as much of the "competitive edge" thing going on. For them it's more like compilmentary playing.

Regardless, none of them are slouches. And everyone is allowed an off day, though I hear Warren was totally enjoying himself at the Gorge. Which is always nice to hear when one considers how hard he works. Angela

>>>The best guitarist all day was hands down Derek Trucks. He blew Warren off the stage during the Allmans and it seemed Warren never quite recovered.>>>

I'm sure Warren was feeling weak the whole show after Derek schooled him- give me a fucking break- they aren't out there competing against each other. They both lay down some shit and have fun with it. Derek is great, but doesn't blow Warren out of the water- not even close. I preferred Warren's playing over Dereks at the gorge- I've seen Derek play better. Don't fuck with Warren-

Question: Is Night of 1000 Stars the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice song from the musical, Evita? Thanks!

>>>What I do love about Warren and Derek together (in the ABB formation) is that they have total respect for each other. Maybe they compete on occassion (which is an advantage as far as being a fan goes) but the competition is totally with respect for each others skills and different abilities. I've also seen that with Jimmy and Warren in the PLQ, but not with as much of the "competitive edge" thing going on. For them it's more like compilmentary playing.<<<

Very well said ...Hey lets face it, when you get to see Derek, Warren and Jimmy all on stage in the same day with the 2 best live bands out there, you just can't go wrong. There is no showmanship with those guys - its all very complimentary and they do really "feed off eachother". There is certainly mutual respect, not competition. I mean we are talking about 3 of the very best on the planet so we are very lucky! Everyone will have their favorite - I am a player as well and I really love all 3 of them. They are my biggest inspirations and the reason I pick up the guitar. The amazing thing about Derek is he is only 24 and he is already scary good!...according to Warren and many others, he is already the best slide player out there.

To answer some who wondered if the Allman's blew the Dead out of the water, it just didn't happen that way. And Warren did not get blown off the stage either...

Both bands had wonderful energy throughout and both were perfect compliments to each other (just as each guitarist and each drummer complimented his counterpart on the stage they shared).

>>>The floor was deadly hot & ya had to sit in those silly seats...

I was in the eighteenth row, and it's true, peeps were wilting (if the heatwave don't getcha then the 2 bands will...), but I used a combination of fungus, pot and straight taquilla with limes (smuggled in) to keep myself peaking (and dancing) 'till the very last note (and beyond ;)).

I used the chairs for much needed back support between bands/sets.... I also really dug being close enough to clearly see Phil's fingers on the frets (a REAL TREAT), plus it was loud enough that I was never bothered by the chatterers.

>>I mean we are talking about 3 of the very best on the planet so we are very lucky!

TRUE!

At one point during a jam (in Lovelight I think?), I could distinctly hear all 4 guitarists (Bobby included) doing their own thing while Phil anchored them with his incredible bass riffs... It was simply a thing of beauty, much like the Gorge itself.

If only the Allman's and Dead would play together at every show...

Here's some pics... More on the way

http://community.webshots.com/album/160889561uXAxtt

Thank you Johnny! awesome!

Thanks for the link and posting your photos! this is the picture I tried to take but couldnt get wide enough.

Nice reviews Thanks to all!!!

Although some of these reviews are subjective, everyone I talked to after the show thought it rocked- no negative feedback. I talked to one lame ass that left during Lady with a Fan, because he thought it was the set closer. He also said "they were all over the place- couldn't keep it together". I was like- you missed the some of the best, most high energy parts of the show! They jammed for a solid hour after Lady with a Fan. What a loser- why spend the money to leave early? Aside from him I heard nothing but good in the campground. Until next time-

>>>What a loser- why spend the money to leave early?

No shit, thats like putting a book down just before the climax and saying it's not any good.

If only the Allman's and Dead would play together everynight! You said it man.
I was front row on the fence for this one, and I remained there from Bob Hunters set all the way till the end, then barely had enough strength to climb the damn hill out of the venue.
A smokin show, the new Allman Bros. are absolutely magnificent, breaking out a Walk on Guilded splinters? amazing!
They frollicked into about a 30 minute Mountain Jam Whippin Post jam that left me feeling fine.
Then The Dead, came out as the sun wrapped around the other side of the globe. And it was phenomenal. This Gorge is incredible to be a part of, and I thought spaceships may have been coming towards Mickey's mega drums. Derek came on stage and revealed why he is the best new guitar player in the history of the instrument, however to be cut short by Bobby Weir, intentional? that was weird.
Overall, a rockin, glorious show, i need a recording.

Followed the Allmans to Big Sky, MT the following night and witnessed the illest drums i have ever felt. Quinones + Jaimoe + Butch Trucks kept me dancing like an Indian in the heinous 40 degree weather.
And I'll be a monkeys uncle if John Fogerty didn't usher in one hell of a lightning storm with his hit single "Looks like we're in for nasty weather"

But the Gorge, damn. I would love to see more Allman/Dead combinations. How bout a Phil and friends with Oteil Burbridge, Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring, the Allman drummers, and a Chuck Leavell on keys? huh? just a dream?
but i like to dream