The Dead: A site to behold
I was able to mark off a lifetime goal this past week as I was finally able to catch what is remaining of The Grateful Dead live. The IZOD Center was the location in which thousands of deadheads wandered the streets with splash’s of tie-dye everywhere you looked. Old, young and everywhere in between were present at this experience - as it is much, much more than your average concert. Tickets for this show were a little steep, however since it was the second night at the venue, prices dropped, so three friends and myself were able to get in paying a shade over 60 for very solid seats.
Unlike most shows, The Dead needed no opening act, but rather calmly walked on stage, tuned their instruments, and went right into Touch Of Grey. The first set lasted a little over an hour and a half starting with Touch Of Grey and continued with Pride Of Cucamonga, Crazy Fingers, The Music Never Stopped, Deal, Days Between and ended with Casey Jones. After the set came to a close, the lights were drawn and a smoked filled arena was quite apparent. However, the families and guards seemed pretty content with the scene and what aroma’s were in the air which made for one of the best crowd experiences I’ve had at a show to date. The intermission lasted a little over 40 minuets and the second set was not to disappoint by any means.
Starting off the set strong with Sittin’ On Top Of The World, The Dead then went on to play Doin’ That Rag which was my favorite song of the night, followed by Ramble On Rose, Lady With A Fan, then into their trippy break which were the back to back songs Drums and Space. They then went on to play The Wheel, Terrapin Station, I Know You Rider and capped off the show with Women Are Smarter.
It was a jaw dropping show for all of us, nevertheless, I was a bit skeptical prior to the show. Rumors of The Dead not being the same Dead as they once were worried me. But, I would’ve been an idiot not to go as it was one of the best shows of my life. They may not be the same as they once were, but The Dead I saw were absolutely amazing. I can’t emphasize it enough. The next time The Dead are in your neck of the woods, go see them… period. It is a fascinating show from start to end and I can confidently say that The Dead put on a one of a kind experience
Yea, I happened to catch this show also… wow, unbelievable, life changing (ehhhh maybe not), but it was really incredible. What I find to be so amazing about a show like that was 100% the environment around you. That being said, the band would have been enough also. Thats why I think there are not many bands out there that can pull something like that off but the Dead can and there is no question about that. They played 18 songs that night and I am pretty sure every single one of them was someone’s favorite. It was that hard to choose. CRAZY FINGERS!!!!
Though it would not have been my first show, nor the first for my friends, all had the same sentiments that the boys were on fire and the show rocked.
I attended close to 300 Grateful Dead concerts between 1973 and 1995. Since then, I haven’t seen any shows by any of the band members. I had some interest in seeing the current tour of the surviving members, but the $100 ticket price turned me off.
I’m sorry I missed the show at IZOD but I did catch 3 other shows. My brother insisted we celebrate the big 50 at (3) Dead concerts. They all were different and each one was an amazingly enjoyable concert experience. One important element to mention is the feeling of the audience. Everyone was so nice and considerate and positive. Actually there was one exception. The girl in the seat next to me refused to move over one seat to allow my nephew to sit next to me. The nephew’s seat was few seats away in the same row. She insisted she paid for this seat and would not move. Oh well, by the time the concert was over she had fallen asleep in her boyfriends arms.
I am just happy that the newer generation is tuned into the music of the Dead and other sounds of the 60’s and 70’s. Its not all the original members but who cares.. its like seeing an understudy on Broadway and delivers the goods.. “Come here Uncle John;s Band playing through the night” Thanks for the write up Justin!
yep, I’ve seen my share. toured around with them on and off from 1986 to 1993. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when Garcia died. And I ain’t never gonna pay $100 frickin’ bucks for a Dead show. Nope.