Although I have reservations about the nitrus scene at Dead shows, I am pleased that I decided to smuggle in several whip-it cartriges and my plastic whip-it dispenser in my shoes to this show.

I loaded a whip-it as the first notes to Dark Star began. My friend made me hold it until just before Jerry's first lyrics. Needless to say, this was the best whip-it of my life and the final Dark Star by the boys.

I guess my guardian angel was watching over me.

Nice first set w/ unique and inspired song selections and placements. Smokin' Stranger and Promised Land. Tremendous 2nd set....Scarlet>Fire is long, hot, and exhaustively explored with Jerry using midi to max effect. I remember my jaw dropping to the floor as they began Scarlet, astounded by Bobby's powerful, propulsive guitar licks. Fire just scorches from long, simmering, smoldering peak to big, building, burning climax, with Jerry wringing every amount of energy and inspiration out of and into this epic version. Key contributions from Vince throughout. Very long, deep, dark spacey segment from Playin'>Dark Star>Drums>Space transporting to otherworlds. And then one of the most beautifully sung and played Stellas you'll ever hear, with a big, beautiful closing instrumental segment that gloriously shimmers and shines. Rollicking, high energy Sugar Mags to close things out. The Liberty encore is on the So Many Roads box set. What a night!!