Grateful Dead

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1st Show!

just finished listening to this, great show Bob - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Spanish Jam

Just finished listening to this show, often overshadowed by other shows from the period, but this is a great show Bob - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Spanish Jam

Just finished listening to this show, often overshadowed by other shows from the period, but this is a great show Bob - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Spanish Jam

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My mom happened to take me to see the opening night of Star Wars in Iowa City, downtown near what I think was a Holiday Inn at the time. It was my first big experience with a large ballroom style theater..... would have been great for the 'Dead'. Well anyway, Star Wars rocked since I was four at the time. Larger than life! But, I regret to say, I never got to see the end, the whole climatic attack on the Death Star, because a guy in the front row suddenly jumps up and runs through the left-side of the screen, almost creating a perfect silhouette of himself busting through! Everyone got a raincheck and we were told they were immediately closing. As we walked out a bunch of policemen walked in. It's definitely one my earliest childhood memories. We left the next day to get home to Minnesota so I really never got a follow-up on what actually happened. When I got older, after college, I found myself chatting with my mom about it. A lot of these situational facts come from her take on the story. I had to piece together what I remembered as, well. She insisted it was probably a Vet reacting to the explosions and such. I entertained the idea that there was [something else involved :D] and it all became too much for him- both valid possiblities. Who knows?? Yet, after hearing this show, I'd like to think he suddenly realized he wasn't at this show. I'm hitting the Scarlet>Fire transition. Excellent follow-up from Pembroke Pines!! Funny, I just heard a comment from Jerry in a 7.10.81 interview that he felt it can often be more difficult for the band to gel after time off. The magical/alchemical/mercurial essence of classic 'Dead'. It's all here. ..........just a little anecdote for historical reference. ;)

I saw Jerry Band at the Mosque in spring '82. I can't imagine a more ideal venue for the Dead, Jerry Band or anybody else. Beautiful magnolia trees in the small park in front of the theater. If these were in bloom, those flowers made for a truly "natural high" and also made very nice flowers to toss on the stage. Quite a bit heavier than roses though... sorry guys.

Decided to go with some of the neighborhood guys at the last minute. Actually bought tickets at the box office! We were two rows from the very top section. My friends were Deadheads and I knew the music fairly well. I remember feeling the vibe and thinking that there was something extraordinary going on inside that building. I knew that I wanted to repeat that experience, and did so 54 more times.

There was a lot of anticipation in the area when this one was announced. Almost all rock concerts at the time were held at the cavernous Richmond Coliseum. The Richmond Mosque (later renamed Landmark Theater) is a smaller opera house style venue in the heart of the VA Commonwealth University campus and home to the Richmond Symphony. It has a storied history of hosting musical legends such as Frank Sanatra and Jimi Hendricks. It was a gorgeous spring evening the night of the show and people arrived early to party across the street in Monroe Park. There were few if any police and everyone was well behaved. I had seats on the floor and was mesmerized by being so close to my heroes. I remember Estimated just blew me away! I always appreciated Bobby's showmanship after that show. It's funny, today whenever I meet a fellow Deadhead in the Richmond area, they all say they were at this show!

So this is the show to start the 6th Grateful Dead music release collection series,1) From The Vault 2) Dick's Picks 3) View From The Vault 4) Box Sets 5) Road Trips 6) Dave's Picks Here's To Dave's Picks Volume 50 LORD HAVE MERCY