Spartan Stadium
April 22, 1979
San Jose, CA US
Notes:
Brent Mydland's first concert - billing: GD; Charlie Daniels; Greg Kihn Band
Set List:
Jack StrawTennessee Jed
Mama Tried
Mexicali
Sugaree
Minglewood
B. E. Women
L. L. Rain, Stagger Lee, Passenger, Deal
Miracle
Bertha
Good Lovin
Scarlet
Fire
Estimated Prophet
He's Gone
Drumz
Other One
Wharf Rat
Around
U. S. Blues
Shakedown
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Charlotte Coliseum - May 3, 1979 »Attendees of this show
I remember reading Corry Arnold's Deadbase review, which basically trashed the entire show. With that, I was initially hesitant to listen to the tapes. But once I got the tapes, I was blown away, and now it's my #1 recording of all time. Disco Dead at its finest. Great "Jack Straw" opener, terrific "Sugaree." Set two is awesome, Scarlet/Fire is a classic. Estimated>He's Gone is beautiful. Drumz contains some interesting percussion sounds. Elegant "Wharf Rat" and a good "Shakedown Street" ends the show. Brilliant and underrated show.
Long ago in a volume of Deadbase (children, this was in the Stone Age, before the Internet) I wrote a review of this show, saying how badly the Dead played and how let down I was by the whole thing. I'm glad other people liked it, but I haven't changed my mind.
Corry Arnold
Gregg brought his dog to the show and lost Rainbow, his mind and his relationship. dog was found several days later through our community.
A complete audience recording of this show is now available for download at the Archive.
By the way, I definitely understand what Corry was saying in his review, and fully respect his criticisms. The Dead did not introduce any new songs into their playlist. '79 was definitely not a year for new material. However I feel that at Spartan Stadium, Brent did help foster a bit of change in the arrangements. There was a lot more keyboards than ever before. Scarlet/Fire is filled with great leads from Jerry. And dig that funky & amazing Shakedown final encore!
I picked up an AUD copy of this show at "Its Only Rock n Roll" on 8th Street in Manhattan, maybe 20 years ago. I could swear you could hear the crowd yelling "Where's Keith?" and "Jerry, who's the new guy?". The show itself was mundane; nothing remarkable, except I didn't know a lot of "Shakedown" encores. That and the whole "Brent" thing...
Great opening acts(remember them?). LOL! Shrooms, Brent's 1st show, 1st set rain turning into beautiful Spring day, one of(if not the first) outdoor Ultrasound P.A. shows(GREAT sound), passenger jets overhead(almost next to San Jose airport), jets heard on aud. tape during "He's Gone" & "Wharf Rat"-WOW(My mind was blown)! Stunning Scarlet/Fire.
Absolutely Fabulous - Will Never Forget This One!
The Dead made it start raining with an awsum looks like rain. Then a bunch of Uncle Bo Bo's blue coats started handing out orange garbage bags that the Deadheads made into rain coats. It was a beautiful orange rain sunshine trip. I was amazed by Brent's style and his very good advise. Shakedown kicked ass! SJCC dance heads were shakin n bakin.
I was a BGP Blue Coat at this show and was stationed up in the Press Box (upper stage right) Great view and great sound! I was very impressed with Brent and loved Greg Kihn and Charlie Daniels, but the best part was being paid to attend the show!
Thank you, and Stay In Touch!
but around this time I saw what remains one of my favorite shows of all time there--Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon and Jimmy Buffett. I have very fond memories of the venue, which was perfect for summer shows.
Location
A good show with Greg Kihn and Charlie Daniels. I'll never forget how it was RAINING with the SUN still shining while the Dead were playing 'Looks Like Rain'. It gave me chills!! Wish I could find my T-Shirt from that show.