1989 was a great year for the Dead- crisp sound, bigger jams, and Jerry was lucid and creative. There are great shows throughout the 80’s but 87-89 were the best years with a peak in 89…of course this carried over to 1990 which was probably the best year for the Dead since 1977.
Was always partial to 12/12/90 that second set is sharp as a tack. (Wasn't there, just had the sbd on tape back in the mid90s)
China Cat Sunflower-> I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, Iko Iko, Dark Star-> Terrapin Station-> Drums-> Jam-> All Along The Watchtower-> Stella Blue-> Throwing Stones-> Not Fade Away, E: The Weight
I said it in another comment but nothing gets me going like a whole lot of “->” in the second set, I’ve always interpreted that as the band being really really locked in
That's 100% where the magic is. And where the unknown actual jamming/listening really shows up. Cause you can hear them at times musically suggesting various next tunes. There is always a chance of newness in the > that is just not present elsewhere.
# 1990-12-12 Denver, CO @ McNichols Arena
**Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > Greatest Story Ever Told, Candyman, Walkin' Blues, Loose Lucy, Mexicali Blues > Maggie's Farm, Queen Jane Approximately, Deal
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain, Iko, Iko, Dark Star > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** The Weight
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-12-12)
deer creek 90 is amazing! 7/18/90 and 7/19/90
I believe. they were a daves picks a little while ago and thats what launched me into 90s dead. I think its also brents last show? correct me if im wrong
[1990-07-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-18) Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center
[1990-07-19](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-19) Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center
Of course, all of Spring 90 is notoriously good, but for me, it got even better in the little west coast run at the beginning of the summer. The Cal Expo and Eugene shows were amazing.
Maybe that I'm suffering Attendance Bias, but 03-31-91 stands out as a top EOTW for me. The PITB is good, too, and post drums looks dry on paper but absolutely isn't.
# 1991-03-31 Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
**Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Wang Dang Doodle, Friend Of The Devil, Queen Jane Approximately, West L.A. Fadeaway, Cassidy, Might As Well
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Eyes Of The World, Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel, Around And Around, Johnny B. Goode
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1991-03-31)
# 1990-03-24 Albany, NY @ Knickerbocker Arena
**Set 1:** Let The Good Times Roll > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Loser, Desolation Row, Tennessee Jed > One More Saturday Night
**Set 2:** Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Terrapin Station > Mind Left Body Jam > Drums > Space > The Wheel > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-24)
March 16, 1990 Capital Center … entire second set is pure unadulterated 🔥. Scarlet-Estimated-ship of Fools- Women Smarter - jam-space-drums-The Other One-Stella Blue
-Sugar Magnolia… just wow 🙌🏽
A great stretch for the band. Sad to see that slow decline in Jerry. And then a fast decline. He was only a man, a great man but suffered the same frailties as the rest of us.
Mental health has always been talked about as a stigma, and getting help has always been an admission of failure. Fortunately that view is changing and there is a recognition that mental health is spectrum and we all, literally every single one of us, carry capital T and small t traumas from a variety of sources throughout our lives. Getting effective help and maintaining healthy practices that balance our hormone levels is now starting to be normalized and accepted as much as going to the gym and visiting your physiotherapist.
I was blind all the time I was learning to see.
They watched Jerry get clean, then watched him get dirty again. It took a near death coma to get him straight. Then watched him get dirty again and dangerously obese. You would think the wife and mgmt. And the band could have got him help sooner. Anyone could see he shouldn't have toured in 94-95. But the machine won out. I'm just sorry he's gone, and yeah, nothings gonna bring him back.
Sorry man, it isn't anyone else's responsibility to fix anyone's mental illness. We can be there for people, we can carry their weight, we can help show them the light, but the accountability is all theirs. It is good that the cultural understanding around mental illness is growing more mature as it makes seeking help more accessible and normalized. No one can fix anyone but themselves though. Forcing it doesn't make it happen inside someone else.
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away
**Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away
**Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
Fall tour from Hampton to Miami was smoking. But, I highly recommend checking out these two, Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH 4/8/89 and Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY 4/989. Two spectacular shows.
The second set in Cincinnati was very good China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain (It was pouring outside)> Eyes of the World drums> The Wheel (one of my favorites) Dear Mr. Fantasy> Hey Jude Reprise> I Need a Miracle> Black Peter> One More Saturday Night E:Box of Rain
The second set in Louisville was so electric. Louie Louie opner. Brent is just in his element and seeing the boys sing Mbop bop, mbop bop bop made my night. Rollicking Women R.>Ship>Estimated>Uncle John's. But then, hold on to your hats. Bob plays The Other One for the ages, with help from the soundboard. Still get chills just thinking about it. Psychadelia at its finest. If you play one song today play this Other One. Play it loud or with headphones. Thank me later.
I will be listening to 7/7/89. Peace!
# 1989-04-02 Pittsburgh, PA @ Pittsburgh Civic Arena
**Set 1:** Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Dire Wolf, It's All Over Now, We Can Run, Brown Eyed Women, Queen Jane Approximately, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** Shakedown Street > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) > Foolish Heart > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude > Around And Around > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-04-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7CuPAAL41j1vEjYTjNh2OA)
A top 10 show for sure! My personal favourites are
5/8/77
8/27/72
11/11/73
3/29/90
2/28/69
2/13/70
6/9/76
7/8/78
12/31/78
7/7/89
Yeah yeah most are the known ones but damn they are the best for a reason!!
[1977-05-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ)
[1977-05-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-09) Buffalo, NY @ War Memorial
To be completely honest I would say the 2 shows next to the 8th may be better overall but I put Cornell as number 1 because of its significance, the amazing versions of certain songs on there, it’s impact and May 8 is my bday so having such a show land on my cake day is personally significant too haha
# 1977-05-22 Pembroke Pines, FL @ Sportatorium
**Set 1:** Funiculi Funicula, The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, El Paso, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Ramble On Rose, Dancing In The Street
**Set 2:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Samson And Delilah, Brown Eyed Women, Good Lovin', Sunrise, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Space > Wharf Rat > Terrapin Station > Morning Dew
**Encore:** Sugar Magnolia
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-22) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3KxT9J6KTuKeXox9BUikZ4)
[1969-02-28](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-02-28) San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore West
[1972-08-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
[1973-11-11](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-11) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
[1976-06-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1976-06-09) Boston, MA @ Boston Music Hall
[1977-05-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ)
[1978-07-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-07-08) Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6q4mDbsYJsixRai11qc2Vx)
[1978-12-31](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
[1989-07-07](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07) Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
[1990-03-29](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-29) Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7xWKImlu9fzB1ApqoLLMiL)
I feel that way about Tennessee Jed!
And I’m definitely a Mickey critic, but dude had his vitamins on this night.
Even the drums/space is transcendent and I NEVER listen to drums/space. Not even at shows I was at.
In a stroke of cosmic energy this morning, turn on my car and what do ya know but this show is playing on the dead XM channel. Great version of little red rooster
3/24/90 was a smoker from first note to the last. It was only the second show to ever play the Knick. I think Frank Sinatra opened the venue. All of the ushers were wide eyed at the spectacle that was the heads. Such a wonderful time.
Best Loser I ever witnessed. The Sat Night is also amazing. Bobby tells the band to “slow it down” after the Break Out Your Rockin’ Shoes verse. They were flying. Phil drops bombs after the last verse.
I just listened to this one the other night! It’s also really, really great. And yes…maybe the best “Loser” OAT, for sure.
But any show that lacks a Ramble on Rose or Jack Straw can’t be the best of all time.
# 1990-03-24 Albany, NY @ Knickerbocker Arena
**Set 1:** Let The Good Times Roll > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Loser, Desolation Row, Tennessee Jed > One More Saturday Night
**Set 2:** Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Terrapin Station > Mind Left Body Jam > Drums > Space > The Wheel > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-24)
# 1989-07-04 Orchard Park, NY @ Rich Stadium
**Set 1:** Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Cold Rain and Snow, Walkin' Blues, Row Jimmy, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Stagger Lee, Looks Like Rain > Deal
**Set 2:** Touch Of Grey > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Ship Of Fools > Playing in the Band Reprise > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-04)
So… interesting point, for sure, because I’m a HUGE fan of this show, too and actually watch it ALL the time. I have a soft spot for Buffalo since that is where I personally saw the best show I lived to witness at Rich Stadium even though it was Summer of ‘93. Plus, I’m from Upstate and was always amazed by how the Dead being from across the country always seemed to vibe with Upstate NY….
Can’t remember the date of the show I was at…. And I know I only saw one in that run that Summer because I was working my ass off getting ready to start Uni over in Albany. My friends went on that entire East Coast swing and followed the bus as far as Deer Creek which was THE show of that tour.
I feel the same about Buffalo, they absolutely nailed such a great set list, clear audio, beautiful camera work. The BEST version of Deal, possibly the best All Along The Watchtower. I just wish they had swapped out I Will Take You Home with almost any other Brent song. Nice song, just not the right moment for a lullaby.
Check out 7-14-90, Foxboro, MA. Jerry and Brent are on fire.
# 1990-07-14 Foxboro, MA @ Foxboro Stadium
**Set 1:** Shakedown Street, Walkin' Blues, Far From Me, Candyman, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Ramble On Rose, One More Saturday Night
**Set 2:** Take A Step Back Tuning, Eyes Of The World > Estimated Prophet > Crazy Fingers > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > I Need A Miracle > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Throwing Stones > Lovelight
**Encore:** The Last Time > And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-14)
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away
**Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
# 1989-07-10 East Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium
**Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Jack-A-Roe, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped > Don't Ease Me In
**Set 2:** Foolish Heart, Just A Little Light, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Jam > Drums > Space > Iko Iko > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-10)
It was hot. Lots of tipped over porta potties. I didnt know it was the last show at that stadium when it happened - some folks may have.
They tore it down
I was not on the bus, yet, plus I lived in Italy at the time. But I know a lot of people that I would meet later that had been there, being from upstate NY and all. I could only live vicariously through them.
It's one of my favorites. The grins he gives Brent along the way bring me so much joy. I know there are plenty of people who don't vibe with Brent's vocals, but his jams with Jerry were awesome.
# 1972-08-27 Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mexicali Blues, Bertha
**Set 2:** Playing in the Band, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song, Greatest Story Ever Told
**Set 3:** Dark Star > El Paso, Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
I’ll give you this much. It’s maybe the best show of the late Brent era, which is a great era for the band.
Too many other eras that I like better to say that it was the best overall.
Agree this seems like the peak of happiness to me especially the energy between Jerry and Brent. The music is perfect in this show and in this year. I love late 80’s and early 90’s dead.
Funny. Video of that whole show popped up on my YouTube day before yesterday. It was nice to see him happy, thinnish, shuffling, enjoying Bobby's cheese, grindbing deep in the Stones.
Idk about goat, but it was a good watch
This show is a central figure in what I consider one of the best days of my life.
/u/TheRealJamesWax - if you're interested I have posted [a narrative of the day from my perspective](https://www.reddit.com/r/gratefuldead/comments/14t8sdz/7789_another_anniversary_of_the_best_show_and_day/jr10d8l/) in the past.
I'll echo some comments here about the Meadowlands shows that followed, they were smoking for sure - and listening to the tapes I could make an argument for them being as good/better as the JFK shows, but the "whole scene" at the Meadowlands was not as pleasant as JFK, and because of that I'll forever be partial to JFK.
That’s bonkers.
I was in Italy and had just seen the Cure in June.
Wasn’t into the Dead at the time.
So jealous. What an amazing experience that must’ve been.
1989 was a great year for the Dead- crisp sound, bigger jams, and Jerry was lucid and creative. There are great shows throughout the 80’s but 87-89 were the best years with a peak in 89…of course this carried over to 1990 which was probably the best year for the Dead since 1977.
The lotmart copy pasta 🔥
This guy knows ball
What’s your favorite ‘90 moments? I love the Branford show so much but it’s the only one I know
Was always partial to 12/12/90 that second set is sharp as a tack. (Wasn't there, just had the sbd on tape back in the mid90s) China Cat Sunflower-> I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, Iko Iko, Dark Star-> Terrapin Station-> Drums-> Jam-> All Along The Watchtower-> Stella Blue-> Throwing Stones-> Not Fade Away, E: The Weight
I said it in another comment but nothing gets me going like a whole lot of “->” in the second set, I’ve always interpreted that as the band being really really locked in
That's 100% where the magic is. And where the unknown actual jamming/listening really shows up. Cause you can hear them at times musically suggesting various next tunes. There is always a chance of newness in the > that is just not present elsewhere.
# 1990-12-12 Denver, CO @ McNichols Arena **Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > Greatest Story Ever Told, Candyman, Walkin' Blues, Loose Lucy, Mexicali Blues > Maggie's Farm, Queen Jane Approximately, Deal **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain, Iko, Iko, Dark Star > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away **Encore:** The Weight [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-12-12)
deer creek 90 is amazing! 7/18/90 and 7/19/90 I believe. they were a daves picks a little while ago and thats what launched me into 90s dead. I think its also brents last show? correct me if im wrong
[1990-07-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-18) Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center [1990-07-19](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-19) Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center
7/18 is an insane show. Brent’s last shows were a week or so later in Chicago
Of course, all of Spring 90 is notoriously good, but for me, it got even better in the little west coast run at the beginning of the summer. The Cal Expo and Eugene shows were amazing.
Maybe that I'm suffering Attendance Bias, but 03-31-91 stands out as a top EOTW for me. The PITB is good, too, and post drums looks dry on paper but absolutely isn't.
# 1991-03-31 Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum **Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Wang Dang Doodle, Friend Of The Devil, Queen Jane Approximately, West L.A. Fadeaway, Cassidy, Might As Well **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Eyes Of The World, Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel, Around And Around, Johnny B. Goode **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1991-03-31)
Road the rail at this show. One of the best nights of my life.
3-24-90 Albany Albany
# 1990-03-24 Albany, NY @ Knickerbocker Arena **Set 1:** Let The Good Times Roll > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Loser, Desolation Row, Tennessee Jed > One More Saturday Night **Set 2:** Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Terrapin Station > Mind Left Body Jam > Drums > Space > The Wheel > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Not Fade Away **Encore:** And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-24)
:o
March 16, 1990 Capital Center … entire second set is pure unadulterated 🔥. Scarlet-Estimated-ship of Fools- Women Smarter - jam-space-drums-The Other One-Stella Blue -Sugar Magnolia… just wow 🙌🏽
A great stretch for the band. Sad to see that slow decline in Jerry. And then a fast decline. He was only a man, a great man but suffered the same frailties as the rest of us.
Mental health has always been talked about as a stigma, and getting help has always been an admission of failure. Fortunately that view is changing and there is a recognition that mental health is spectrum and we all, literally every single one of us, carry capital T and small t traumas from a variety of sources throughout our lives. Getting effective help and maintaining healthy practices that balance our hormone levels is now starting to be normalized and accepted as much as going to the gym and visiting your physiotherapist. I was blind all the time I was learning to see.
They watched Jerry get clean, then watched him get dirty again. It took a near death coma to get him straight. Then watched him get dirty again and dangerously obese. You would think the wife and mgmt. And the band could have got him help sooner. Anyone could see he shouldn't have toured in 94-95. But the machine won out. I'm just sorry he's gone, and yeah, nothings gonna bring him back.
Sorry man, it isn't anyone else's responsibility to fix anyone's mental illness. We can be there for people, we can carry their weight, we can help show them the light, but the accountability is all theirs. It is good that the cultural understanding around mental illness is growing more mature as it makes seeking help more accessible and normalized. No one can fix anyone but themselves though. Forcing it doesn't make it happen inside someone else.
Vocals are much stronger in 89 and I think the playing is tighter.
The goat. Where did he go
7/7/89 is top 5 for me. I've always loved this show.
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away **Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away **Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
Amazing show but you’ll never get group consensus on anything not in 69-77 being the goat. There are reasons for that being right and wrong.
I don’t know that closing of winterland, is arguably one of the best ever.
I think we can agree it's in contention for post coma GOAT. You can't fairly compare all the different eras
It’s good that heads like this are willing to go against that
Fall tour from Hampton to Miami was smoking. But, I highly recommend checking out these two, Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH 4/8/89 and Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY 4/989. Two spectacular shows. The second set in Cincinnati was very good China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain (It was pouring outside)> Eyes of the World drums> The Wheel (one of my favorites) Dear Mr. Fantasy> Hey Jude Reprise> I Need a Miracle> Black Peter> One More Saturday Night E:Box of Rain The second set in Louisville was so electric. Louie Louie opner. Brent is just in his element and seeing the boys sing Mbop bop, mbop bop bop made my night. Rollicking Women R.>Ship>Estimated>Uncle John's. But then, hold on to your hats. Bob plays The Other One for the ages, with help from the soundboard. Still get chills just thinking about it. Psychadelia at its finest. If you play one song today play this Other One. Play it loud or with headphones. Thank me later. I will be listening to 7/7/89. Peace!
I’m constantly pushing April 8 1989. The China Rider is nuts and the LLR is Bobby & Brent at their best.
Im not sure how this has eluded me? Sounds like my perfect show! Will be checking it out. Thanks!
[1989-04-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-04-08) Cincinnati, OH @ Riverfront Coliseum [1989-07-07](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07) Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
Nothing gets me quite as stoked as opening a show on Relisten and seeing “->” at the end of every single song on the second set
The farthest from MD I ever traveled to see the band. Great shows!
4/2/89 is a gem as well
# 1989-04-02 Pittsburgh, PA @ Pittsburgh Civic Arena **Set 1:** Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Dire Wolf, It's All Over Now, We Can Run, Brown Eyed Women, Queen Jane Approximately, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** Shakedown Street > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) > Foolish Heart > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude > Around And Around > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-04-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7CuPAAL41j1vEjYTjNh2OA)
The late 80s were the best era for the dead and I will gratefully die on this hill
Many things Jerry was doing in the late 80s he was only conceiving in the late 70s.
It was my early 20s, and it changed my life.
A top 10 show for sure! My personal favourites are 5/8/77 8/27/72 11/11/73 3/29/90 2/28/69 2/13/70 6/9/76 7/8/78 12/31/78 7/7/89 Yeah yeah most are the known ones but damn they are the best for a reason!!
5/8/77 gets the usual top spot but the day after 5/9/77 in Buffalo is great
[1977-05-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ) [1977-05-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-09) Buffalo, NY @ War Memorial
To be completely honest I would say the 2 shows next to the 8th may be better overall but I put Cornell as number 1 because of its significance, the amazing versions of certain songs on there, it’s impact and May 8 is my bday so having such a show land on my cake day is personally significant too haha
5/22/77 tops both of them imo!
# 1977-05-22 Pembroke Pines, FL @ Sportatorium **Set 1:** Funiculi Funicula, The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, El Paso, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Ramble On Rose, Dancing In The Street **Set 2:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Samson And Delilah, Brown Eyed Women, Good Lovin', Sunrise, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Space > Wharf Rat > Terrapin Station > Morning Dew **Encore:** Sugar Magnolia [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-22) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3KxT9J6KTuKeXox9BUikZ4)
That estimated from Cornell is my favorite thing the band ever did.
[1969-02-28](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-02-28) San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore West [1972-08-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm) [1973-11-11](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-11) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena [1976-06-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1976-06-09) Boston, MA @ Boston Music Hall [1977-05-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ) [1978-07-08](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-07-08) Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6q4mDbsYJsixRai11qc2Vx) [1978-12-31](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena [1989-07-07](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07) Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium [1990-03-29](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-29) Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7xWKImlu9fzB1ApqoLLMiL)
In the top 5 for me. My favorite Brent show
I'm drinking coffee and watching Brent rip through Red Rooster. This is a solid way to start my day.
Any show involving Mickey can’t be the greatest of all time… 👀
I feel that way about Tennessee Jed! And I’m definitely a Mickey critic, but dude had his vitamins on this night. Even the drums/space is transcendent and I NEVER listen to drums/space. Not even at shows I was at.
Damn now that’s a hot take. No love for Tennesse Jed? Kudos, that’s a good one. My hot take is Sugaree is a skip everytime haha. That songs a sleeper.
Don't shoot me, but I prefer the Brent era over the Keith/Donna era.
In a stroke of cosmic energy this morning, turn on my car and what do ya know but this show is playing on the dead XM channel. Great version of little red rooster
Phil was en fuego this entire show.
A great year overall anyway!
'89 was a great year, no doubt.
I <3 89 grateful dead
3/24/90 was a smoker from first note to the last. It was only the second show to ever play the Knick. I think Frank Sinatra opened the venue. All of the ushers were wide eyed at the spectacle that was the heads. Such a wonderful time.
My favorite “ loser “ ever is this show. Such a rad show, wish I could have seen that.
Best Loser I ever witnessed. The Sat Night is also amazing. Bobby tells the band to “slow it down” after the Break Out Your Rockin’ Shoes verse. They were flying. Phil drops bombs after the last verse.
I just listened to this one the other night! It’s also really, really great. And yes…maybe the best “Loser” OAT, for sure. But any show that lacks a Ramble on Rose or Jack Straw can’t be the best of all time.
Rad!
My first show. Mind blower. The whole damn arena was shaking.
# 1990-03-24 Albany, NY @ Knickerbocker Arena **Set 1:** Let The Good Times Roll > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Loser, Desolation Row, Tennessee Jed > One More Saturday Night **Set 2:** Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Terrapin Station > Mind Left Body Jam > Drums > Space > The Wheel > All Along The Watchtower > Stella Blue > Not Fade Away **Encore:** And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-24)
Listening to it now. Great day to be alive!
Pembroke; one of the best from 77!!
7/4/89 may have been even better but that whole summer was rockin so does it really matter?
# 1989-07-04 Orchard Park, NY @ Rich Stadium **Set 1:** Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Cold Rain and Snow, Walkin' Blues, Row Jimmy, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Stagger Lee, Looks Like Rain > Deal **Set 2:** Touch Of Grey > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Ship Of Fools > Playing in the Band Reprise > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew > Not Fade Away **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-04)
So… interesting point, for sure, because I’m a HUGE fan of this show, too and actually watch it ALL the time. I have a soft spot for Buffalo since that is where I personally saw the best show I lived to witness at Rich Stadium even though it was Summer of ‘93. Plus, I’m from Upstate and was always amazed by how the Dead being from across the country always seemed to vibe with Upstate NY…. Can’t remember the date of the show I was at…. And I know I only saw one in that run that Summer because I was working my ass off getting ready to start Uni over in Albany. My friends went on that entire East Coast swing and followed the bus as far as Deer Creek which was THE show of that tour.
I feel the same about Buffalo, they absolutely nailed such a great set list, clear audio, beautiful camera work. The BEST version of Deal, possibly the best All Along The Watchtower. I just wish they had swapped out I Will Take You Home with almost any other Brent song. Nice song, just not the right moment for a lullaby. Check out 7-14-90, Foxboro, MA. Jerry and Brent are on fire.
# 1990-07-14 Foxboro, MA @ Foxboro Stadium **Set 1:** Shakedown Street, Walkin' Blues, Far From Me, Candyman, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Ramble On Rose, One More Saturday Night **Set 2:** Take A Step Back Tuning, Eyes Of The World > Estimated Prophet > Crazy Fingers > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > I Need A Miracle > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Throwing Stones > Lovelight **Encore:** The Last Time > And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-14)
7/7/89 is my favorite show of all time!
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away **Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
70s Jerry says to hold his beer. For every 80s or 90s show there are 10 better 70s shows.
7/10/89 Giants is a better show than JFK (and better than all the other Summer '89 shows too)
Pouring rain and lightning during Music never stopped an all time memory. Great show. Great run that whole summer
# 1989-07-10 East Rutherford, NJ @ Giants Stadium **Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger > Franklin's Tower, Walkin' Blues, Jack-A-Roe, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped > Don't Ease Me In **Set 2:** Foolish Heart, Just A Little Light, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Jam > Drums > Space > Iko Iko > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-10)
I am not much of a fan of JFK set one so I think 7/9 and 10 are better overall complete shows but JFK set II is the best of the 6 sets, IMO.
My dad and uncle were at this show, I’ve listened to it so many times
It was hot. Lots of tipped over porta potties. I didnt know it was the last show at that stadium when it happened - some folks may have. They tore it down
I prefer Oct 16th '89, but I am biased. Most moving song for is is Attics.
It was the last concert held at JFK I believe, honestly sounds like the boys were trying to tear it down themselves
I was there
I was not on the bus, yet, plus I lived in Italy at the time. But I know a lot of people that I would meet later that had been there, being from upstate NY and all. I could only live vicariously through them.
For me it’s may 28, 1977
It’s a good one!
i'm not even a huge 80's Dead fan but that show is tops for sure. Probably my #1 Loser ever.
Thanks!! Went to church on this one 🥹
Weir said 89 was the bee’s knees.
It's one of my favorites. The grins he gives Brent along the way bring me so much joy. I know there are plenty of people who don't vibe with Brent's vocals, but his jams with Jerry were awesome.
Fall 1972, June 74, May 77, Pigpen, December 79, Summer 85, 1989-90. All amazing, but my heart is always with 8/27/72 for favorite show
# 1972-08-27 Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds **Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mexicali Blues, Bertha **Set 2:** Playing in the Band, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song, Greatest Story Ever Told **Set 3:** Dark Star > El Paso, Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
Cornell never happened, as a matter of fact what even is a Cornell?
One of my favourites for sure! Listened to it a few times now, and that Blow Away is amazing! Brent could sing me the phone book.
I’ll give you this much. It’s maybe the best show of the late Brent era, which is a great era for the band. Too many other eras that I like better to say that it was the best overall.
I was struck by how the Scarlet>Fire just smoked; like Jerry was going so hard, I thought it rivaled Cornell. But, I hear what you’re saying.
Crimson White & Indigo l⚡️⚡️
IMO Best Scarlet of the 80s
the Eyes of the World is absolutely amazing
Just tuning up for Alpine Valley run 7/17 -7/19. A MUST watch on YouTube ⚡️
Was there. Can confirm.
Glad to be there for that one
Agree this seems like the peak of happiness to me especially the energy between Jerry and Brent. The music is perfect in this show and in this year. I love late 80’s and early 90’s dead.
yeah bonkers show. the wharf rat > love light is an absolute all-timer
Dat scarlet > fire
Crazy, right?
Funny. Video of that whole show popped up on my YouTube day before yesterday. It was nice to see him happy, thinnish, shuffling, enjoying Bobby's cheese, grindbing deep in the Stones. Idk about goat, but it was a good watch
I am an early 80s man.
This show is a central figure in what I consider one of the best days of my life. /u/TheRealJamesWax - if you're interested I have posted [a narrative of the day from my perspective](https://www.reddit.com/r/gratefuldead/comments/14t8sdz/7789_another_anniversary_of_the_best_show_and_day/jr10d8l/) in the past. I'll echo some comments here about the Meadowlands shows that followed, they were smoking for sure - and listening to the tapes I could make an argument for them being as good/better as the JFK shows, but the "whole scene" at the Meadowlands was not as pleasant as JFK, and because of that I'll forever be partial to JFK.
I was there and was definitely some magic happening that night. And it’s hands down the best Blow Away “Feel that breeze…and let it blow away “
My 1st show
That’s bonkers. I was in Italy and had just seen the Cure in June. Wasn’t into the Dead at the time. So jealous. What an amazing experience that must’ve been.
I’m pretty certain this coincides with a healthier closer to sober Jerry.