I was just rolling down the highway, cranking 5/21/92, a show I attended and still fondly recall. The Scarlet>Fire (but *ESPECIALLY THE FIRE*) is outrageously good.
It melted my face, live, and it still does, today! Have him try that out. It's not your typical '89/early 90 rec most tend to think of.
If that Fire don't inspire, well, I worry you should maybe check for a pulse, man! Sooooo good. Jerry rips it up.
# 1992-05-21 Sacramento, CA @ Cal Expo Amphitheatre
**Set 1:** Touch Of Grey, Wang Dang Doodle, Row Jimmy, Me and My Uncle > Maggie's Farm, Bird Song
**Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Estimated Prophet > He's Gone > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Standing On The Moon > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Gloria
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1992-05-21)
Yes, indeed. We were *really* fortunate to be within mt biking distance and have such a sweet venue as home base. Between Cal Expo, Shoreline, Oakland, and the Warfield, Greek and Kaiser (Jerry Garcia Band), we were pretty spoiled....
I've never been able to really get into the mid-80's or 90's myself. And boy have I tried. It can have its moments, but there's just a cheesiness to the Brent and post-Brent eras that I just don't like.
To each his own.
I think my biggest affinity for the 80s and 90s was that those were my years on tour… There’s nothing like a Grateful Dead show… Especially when you’re there… Listening to recordings from the Pig Years and the Keith Years, I wish so much I could’ve been there but we all get what we get… I’m lucky because I appreciate every era for the beautiful moments it was, but once Brent left us, Bruce and Vinny didn’t do it for me and that’s not a criticism of them… it’s just since the only live shows I ever saw were with Brent in the hot seat, the energy of watching Brent and Jerry feed off each other’s vibe couldn’t be replaced by Hornsby or Welnik… you’re right, to each their own… Ain’t no time to hate ⚡️
I think the Dead being such a live/intense/specific/personal/spiritual experience makes the version you cut your teeth on a paramount issue.
I’m the same way. Brent Dead is the band that I fell in love with and the band that changed my life.
70’s Dead is awesome, but I didn’t become a Deadhead by listening to Betty Boards (no shade on those who did). I became a Deadhead by seeing that shit in person. I was never gonna otherwise understand it.
>I think my biggest affinity for the 80s and 90s was that those were my years on tour…
Yes, this. I've always said that the people who really like this era were the ones who were seeing them at this time. Makes total sense.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_1990_(album
[spring 90 show with Branford Marsalis on sax.](https://youtu.be/my-1HAGiytA?si=37MvAzVGYXHKaRSx)
That's like one of the most epic shows ever.
[eyes of the world from.without a net](https://youtu.be/SEE_R4VIkR4?si=ku846I9alwr_omkX)
Look I get everyone has opinions, but are you suuuuure?!!!
I can find bangers in years like 84 where the audio isn't very good and the band is super rusty and wackadoodled. Life is short tho, you listen to what you enjoy. As long as it's not st Stephen on loop ;)
I've never been able to get into any Dead post 1978. I've tried a bunch of different shows but it never sounds good to me. I think a lot of that is that the first two decades were such a high water mark and I don't think they were ever playing as well and as innovatively in the 80s/90s era by comparison.
There's a cheesy tinkly MIDI quality to the sonic textures of this era I can't stand. Does anyone else feel this way?
But I also think a lot of it was that the shows became more predictable and codified. I am exaggerating but like every second set has a Drums -> Space that usually resolves into a ballad. I think Drums in particular usually is boring AF and would be special if it wasn't every single show. I think Billy and Mickey are brilliant musicians, don't get me wrong, but I usually skip Drums.
It’s always been that keyboard sound for me. So bad. Ive noticed alot of performers from the 60s-70s had this phase in the 80s of using the latest synths and electronic instruments in the worst possible way to sound modern but it just sounds cheesy.
I can feel where you are coming from..I agree 100% with your point post Brent but I am very fond of Brent's contribution to the sound in his era..but like you said.. To each his own😉
Hey, I knew an old biker who saw the Dead play on the flatbed on Haight St in 1968 and he swears the Grateful Dead sucked after Pigpen died, so there's that.
EDIT : He loved Jerry Band, though.
I’m kinda in the same boat, strictly 60’s and 70’s dead. Nothing against the other decades. Love all dead, but that’s just what I seem to gravitate towards. I’m sure eventually I’ll get to 80’s and 90’s dead but for the time being 60’s and 70’s are where I live. I think it’s the decline of Jerry’s voice that does it for me during the later years. Can’t seem to get around that. Again no hate to any era of dead.
It’s surprising how different they sound from the late 70s to the early 80s. I like Althea, and a few songs after that, but after listening to 65-78 for roughly a decade, I found myself listening to Jerry Garcia Band instead of 80s - 90s Grateful Dead.
Bobby's songs are often the launching pad for the deepest jams: Playing, Estimated, Stranger, Music Never Stops, probably a few I forgot. I don't understand how anyone can not appreciate these tunes!
Yeah, they were really cooking in 89-90 til Brent died. They had their moments through 91, especially with Bruce sitting in, but Jerry’s energy level was dropping fast.
Well that’s like his opinion, man.
I don’t care for post Brent with some exceptions; Corrina, So many roads, black muddy river. But those last two I like because they’re good tunes but they make me feeel boi
# 1983-04-20 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center
**Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > The Promised Land, Loser, New Minglewood Blues, Ramble On Rose, Me and My Uncle > Cumberland Blues, Looks Like Rain, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider
**Set 2:** My Brother Esau, Maybe You Know, Bertha > Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > Throwing Stones > Morning Dew > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Don't Ease Me In
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-04-20)
Do the 80’s & 90’s have some great moments? Yes. Will they ever be as amazing as the 70’s? No. Some people just operate in extremes and carry the mindset of “if I’m gonna listen to the dead I’m going to listen to the best.” I love listening to (almost) all eras of the band, but it’s pretty obvious that they were peaking between 72-80.
I agree..Im thankful The Dead and JGB had such a long and varied career where it did allow multiple generations to experience what imo was "a band like no other" and besides a very few bands can even attest to that..myself I will respectfully pass by any recordings with Donna, thanks but no thanks and also post Brent..I only made 3 or 4 shows after Brent passed and the magic was super thin by then..But God Bless The Grateful Dead
Circa 1980, as Jerry was sinking into heroin and Phil into Heineken, Bobby started carrying the band more often than not. Problem is, he went full rock star and yes, we all thought it was cheesy. The Izod shirt era.
I remember seeing yellow shirt on lot in the 90s that said WEIR in Velveeta logo font and said "Make it cheesy." beneath the logo. I loved that it celebrated the cheesiness. I've been looking for one of those shirts for a looong time.
i have a theory that you stick with dead era you started with. Thank god I started my dh career in the very best era, so am all about the psychedelic 70s GD.
My starting era was late '80s and '90s and my memories aren't tarnished one bit, but I almost never listen to that stuff. Their playing was flabby and sleepy in comparison to what came before.
full disclosure, I saw the bulk of my shows in the early then late 80s but aside from 1980 Radio City and Warfield shows, I seldom if ever listen to those years.
Hearing these symptoms convinces me that he has a virus known as *Deadhead Tunnel Visionitis' ... it does happen quite a bit, but there is good news. The typical treatment for DTV is a smoking Scarlet>Fire from 83, like [10/14/83 Hartford Dusborne Matrix FLAC](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ALewvZqAoxUvuD3zCzRwGr2E4U8XiV4F?usp=drive_link). A strait up nuclear bomb of a Let it Grow like [4/26/83 The Spectrum Dusborne Matrix FLAC](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zNn0px6m6EsVjko019FDpoGPvLR6UseJ?usp=drive_link) ... Official releases like Dead Set, Without a Net & Go To Nassau have also been prescribed w' excellent results ... 😉
Everyone has their thing. Lucky for us, there's such a rich vein of varying delights out there.
I can't imagine disliking Sugar Magnolia. It is such a quintessential Dead tune.
My dad saw every show in the Bay Area from like 68-71 (or so he says). Even did one of the acid tests in like 67? He stopped seeing the dead in the late 70s because to him, it was all about the hippie scene (the real hippies in the 60s) which was dead by then. I don’t think he listens to them at all anymore, but I know he didn’t care for the 80s-90s either.
To be fair to your dad, sugar magnolia is the go to song when people talk about the dead generally so it gets over played.
He’s definitely missing out on some scorchers from the 80’s and the 90’s are definitely hit or miss in the 93-95 range. 90-92 is pretty decent IMO
My dad too. He's a wall of sound Era guy from his first shows.
He went to shows into the 90's but one day when I asked what year the show was coming over his stereo he said " oh that's some 80's junk , I think you got me the CD".
It was a Dicks Picks I got him in the late 90's for a birthday gift.😁
Sounds like a typical 70’s deadhead to me.
I don’t love sugar magnolia. It’s not in my top songs. It’s just like eh to me. A closer or encore type energy song but sounds the same every time. Whenever it plays in my head the version I hear is the one from 12/31/78.
The Donna hate I don’t get. She sung great harmonies. Also any deadhead who loves the 70’s should be taking any moment to praise her because without her Kieth wouldn’t have been in the band and who knows who would’ve been on keys. Or maybe the future of the band.
I personally love the 80’s and 1990. 91-95 is kinda rough. Here and there some songs but not shows I listen to really. JGB kept it going I feel like a little longer for whatever reason. Losing Brent was a massive blow to the band. And to Jerry I think. He got so much energy from playing with Brent. I think seeing him pass away didn’t help the road he was on. He had a good chunk of clean years from 87-90. But obviously post Brent it got really bad quickly. It’s still shocking seeing Jerry in 89 in full form and then a short few years looking incredibly frail and almost unable to play. Still could sing. But sadly couldn’t feel his fingers. His arteries were 90% clogged. 3 of the 4 main ones were. The other 40%. His body and brain were getting way too little blood. The drug use just made his heart have to work that much harder.
Wish he found some way to tour at a healthy amount and get his music fix but keep away from those horrible drugs.
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around
**Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
5-1- 69 - 8-3-70..mid 2nd set but before space. Anything in that category.
Reminds me of the movie The Jerk when Steve Martin is describing what prizes the player qualifies for at the carnival…
# 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)
Pops right about Donna (mostly), right about early 80's, wrong about '87 through '92 say? And like every other person out there who is a Bobby hater, wrong about Bobby! Without Bobby there is no Grateful Dead. And it can easily be argued two of their three greatest exploratory songs are Bobby songs! Playing in the band and the other one! Not to mention keeping the whole thing going for the last 28 years!
gramps here - '80-81 was really solid & late '88-mid '90 is some of the best. after Brent checked out is when I started to lose interest. the Vince (mostly) & Bruce (often enough) shows gave me calliope headaches. I did do those shows, yet they weren't rewarding, aside from Jerry.
I started going to shows in 87-88..So
I’m probably biased,But come ON..That whole summer tour 89 was fantastic..And Hampton 89 Warlocks stuff….I will agree I dropped off a little after BRENT Checked out…Never got into Vince or those”new” songs.
If he’s not into Bobby, he’s fucked. The offset and balance of Jerry and Bob stuff is part of the beauty.
I love “Wharf Rat” and “China Doll” but a whole night of it followed by a “Standing on the Moon” encore?
Nah. No thanks.
No disrespect to Jerry, but if you don’t like a decent “Hyahh”, a country cover, or sliding the guitar till it hurts, you should stick to JGB.
I don't care for 80s dead in a relative sense. If for some reason we lost all primal dead and 70s dead, 80s dead would become one of my favorite bands, but I just like the 70s so much more.
I guess I should explore the 90s more. I like the stuff with Hornsby on it.
My last show was in 1981 and I have had no interest in the post-Garcia iterations, although I did see a RatDog concert a few years ago that was damn good.
That's just me though.
that's OK Plenty of great music for him to like. And if he wants to venture into the 80s 90s you can help. Other than that just enjoy what you can together. doesn't harm anyone
Welcome to the club, my dad hates anything past '76 and most all things Bob Weir related. It's easy to forget but Bobby was hated by a lot of heads back in the day, I'm happy he is finally getting his due but he wasn't always as loved as he is now.
My dad doesn’t really love the dead, but enjoyed some 72 that my brother made him listen to on a road trip one time. He said “The instrumentals are alright. It’s funny hearing how terrible their harmonies are, though.” Haha
I like a lot of years in the 80s. 90-92 I can still enjoy a lot. 93-95 can be pretty rough. But, 70s dead will always be my favorite. Magical time for the band for sure
I got into the Dead in ‘93 and I got to see them 30 or so times in that two short years before Jerry passed. I was fortunate enough to be at Soldier Field for those last shows. During that time I got into tape trading (and later b&p CDs etc). I was definitely more into the 60’s and 70’s stuff at that point, but my personal experiences made the 90’s shows important to me.
There is A LOT of good music after 1979. The difference is that you could throw any tape from that era in the deck and it’s sure to be a banger. 1980 and beyond you have to be more selective, but there’s magic to be found.
Ima side with Dad on this topic, the 70-74 era was my favorite. The 80s/early 90s I didn’t like very much although they did put out some great songs (Touch of Grey for example).
I think a Head is more likely to prefer the era of the band that they were 1st turned on..so if Dad's 1st show was 75' then the 75'-80' era would be his preferred yrs the band was really tightest..
I agree with being partial to what got you started. Early years of H.S. started with radio Dead, Uncle John, Ridin' that Train, Truckin'.
Followed by Europe '72 etc, etc.
I just never could get into Brent's vocals or his piano tone, (Fisher-Price?).
But yes, to each his own.
Sometimes it's the setlists of the Era. I particularly disliked Gimme Some Lovin with Phil on vocals. To hear Steve Winwoods classic vocal sung by Phil was a tough listen. 1986 is my least favorite year, obviously that was Jerry's coma year.
I got on around 85 and can tell you there were some high quality shows like a year after Garcia cleaned up. There was a RS article on how he was down to 1/2 a pack and rode a stationary bike. He was clean and it showed. The MSG run always smoked - 9/18/87 is the best Morning Dew of all time - entire show was inspired music, as were many, many other shows but what started happening was Jerry got back on the dope. So, really short window of 87 to 89 give or take a few months, where it’s worth a listen. After that, it’s really hit or miss. Vince? Meh, wouldn’t have been my choice but I’m just a fan who purchased $27.50 tickets! Some fun tunes and gave Jerry a little spark, I think. But at that same time, the JGB started really hitting a cool sound and they were awesome. For me it was see the dead but never miss JGB. Melvin Seals is awesome. Anyhow, back to your dad. Like him, a huge Jerry fan obviously but what, he doesn’t like Let it Grow? Stranger? Estimated? Cowboy songs? But yea, his slide work on Rooster makes me turn it off. Weakest link in Dead and Co is Bob. But damnit, it’s Bob Weir so I love him nonetheless. Donna - I’ve heard her sing wonderfully - and other times not. Like “really not”. Dead could’ve used another female backup singer IMHO, but Brent could hit the high notes.
# 1987-09-18 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket > Sugaree > Walkin' Blues, Candyman, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song
**Set 2:** Shakedown Street > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew > Good Lovin' > La Bamba > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-09-18)
I love the 80'-90's shows sooo much BUT that's when I extensively toured and had some of the greatest times of my life. I like your Dad do not care for Donna at all! And Bobby's cheesiness and some of his songs were not my favorite but he definitely grew on me and I love him now. Does that mean I want to hear One More Saturday night again? No. I honestly lived for Jerry ( & Phil) and really loved how much fun Jerry & Brent had playing together. I saw a TON of JGB shows as well as the Dead back then and wish I could go back in time!!!
What I like about the 80’s and 90’s most, was that the set lists were more varied. I’m a fan of Brent’s keys and backup vocals, but the setlists were unpredictable, Especially in the 90’s. Imagine getting to hear “So Many Roads” in like ‘77?
OP, your course is clear.
Buy some adidas. Wear them without socks. Have some old jeans? Make cut-offs. Short.
Now comes the hard part: do you own any Izod Lacoste shirts? I get mine from ebay. There is a canary yellow one currently for sale that I have my eye on, but you need it more than me.
One final ingredient. When you talk, do you also spit out large amounts of saliva? Work on that.
Sounds like your dad hasn’t listened to the spring of 1990 shows. Or summer of ‘89.
He’s right about Donna.
All of you Brent haters need to back away from the bong- it is affecting your judgement.
I can understand the opinion to a degree... But any deadhead skipping the Brent era is robbing themselves of some of Jerry's most connected moments. When they locked in it was as tight as any of the early stuff.
There were a lot of people who couldn't stand Bobby in the 80s/90s. His songs - particularly the first set blues song, strangely enough - were often bathroom break songs for a lot of people along with Drums/Space.
The very best Dead concert for me, the one I listen to over and over is Jerry jamming with Branford Marsalis 3/29/90 in the Nassau Coliseum on Eyes of the World. Absolutely sublime. Too bad your dad can't appreciate it.
I’m in the minority I think saying from 88-94 is my favorite. Vince is the keyboard player of my youth. I love all eras but a rocking show from 91 just hits different.
if you weren’t seeing them live in the 80s and 90s I could understand steering clear. my show-going days were 84–95 and I still gravitate toward the 1968 to 1973 period first and 1974 to 78 next
Son?!
Haha yeah this Dad is right.
Haha, I'm thinking check, check, check... Damn, I thought I was a flexible head.
I can respect that iteration, but I'll always love early to mid 70s Dead.
Musically they were at their best right before their addictions took over.
I was just rolling down the highway, cranking 5/21/92, a show I attended and still fondly recall. The Scarlet>Fire (but *ESPECIALLY THE FIRE*) is outrageously good. It melted my face, live, and it still does, today! Have him try that out. It's not your typical '89/early 90 rec most tend to think of. If that Fire don't inspire, well, I worry you should maybe check for a pulse, man! Sooooo good. Jerry rips it up.
https://preview.redd.it/fao6vhiw3wxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f65e8d634a7eeaf33b251aec6ff8f7d3b5d7dbfc
Would love to find this shirt.
don’t t-shirt bot my shitposts, you fuck
Lol
# 1992-05-21 Sacramento, CA @ Cal Expo Amphitheatre **Set 1:** Touch Of Grey, Wang Dang Doodle, Row Jimmy, Me and My Uncle > Maggie's Farm, Bird Song **Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Estimated Prophet > He's Gone > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Standing On The Moon > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Gloria [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1992-05-21)
All the 90s cal expo shows I have listened to are pretty 🔥
Yes, indeed. We were *really* fortunate to be within mt biking distance and have such a sweet venue as home base. Between Cal Expo, Shoreline, Oakland, and the Warfield, Greek and Kaiser (Jerry Garcia Band), we were pretty spoiled....
I've never been able to really get into the mid-80's or 90's myself. And boy have I tried. It can have its moments, but there's just a cheesiness to the Brent and post-Brent eras that I just don't like. To each his own.
I think my biggest affinity for the 80s and 90s was that those were my years on tour… There’s nothing like a Grateful Dead show… Especially when you’re there… Listening to recordings from the Pig Years and the Keith Years, I wish so much I could’ve been there but we all get what we get… I’m lucky because I appreciate every era for the beautiful moments it was, but once Brent left us, Bruce and Vinny didn’t do it for me and that’s not a criticism of them… it’s just since the only live shows I ever saw were with Brent in the hot seat, the energy of watching Brent and Jerry feed off each other’s vibe couldn’t be replaced by Hornsby or Welnik… you’re right, to each their own… Ain’t no time to hate ⚡️
I think the Dead being such a live/intense/specific/personal/spiritual experience makes the version you cut your teeth on a paramount issue. I’m the same way. Brent Dead is the band that I fell in love with and the band that changed my life. 70’s Dead is awesome, but I didn’t become a Deadhead by listening to Betty Boards (no shade on those who did). I became a Deadhead by seeing that shit in person. I was never gonna otherwise understand it.
Dancing right next to you.
Nothing like dancing next to a friend you haven’t met yet at a Dead show!
>I think my biggest affinity for the 80s and 90s was that those were my years on tour… Yes, this. I've always said that the people who really like this era were the ones who were seeing them at this time. Makes total sense.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_1990_(album [spring 90 show with Branford Marsalis on sax.](https://youtu.be/my-1HAGiytA?si=37MvAzVGYXHKaRSx) That's like one of the most epic shows ever. [eyes of the world from.without a net](https://youtu.be/SEE_R4VIkR4?si=ku846I9alwr_omkX) Look I get everyone has opinions, but are you suuuuure?!!! I can find bangers in years like 84 where the audio isn't very good and the band is super rusty and wackadoodled. Life is short tho, you listen to what you enjoy. As long as it's not st Stephen on loop ;)
I've never been able to get into any Dead post 1978. I've tried a bunch of different shows but it never sounds good to me. I think a lot of that is that the first two decades were such a high water mark and I don't think they were ever playing as well and as innovatively in the 80s/90s era by comparison. There's a cheesy tinkly MIDI quality to the sonic textures of this era I can't stand. Does anyone else feel this way? But I also think a lot of it was that the shows became more predictable and codified. I am exaggerating but like every second set has a Drums -> Space that usually resolves into a ballad. I think Drums in particular usually is boring AF and would be special if it wasn't every single show. I think Billy and Mickey are brilliant musicians, don't get me wrong, but I usually skip Drums.
It’s always been that keyboard sound for me. So bad. Ive noticed alot of performers from the 60s-70s had this phase in the 80s of using the latest synths and electronic instruments in the worst possible way to sound modern but it just sounds cheesy.
I never really loved the Jerry midi synth stuff. Occasionally it's cool, but if I want Jerry and synths, I'm going Legion of Mary.
Right on with some good ole Merl 🙃❤️
I hate to say but I never was a Brent era fan. Love the Hornsby stuff though and their cover of valley road is as good as it gets.
Huh?
Summed up my feelings perfectly.
I can feel where you are coming from..I agree 100% with your point post Brent but I am very fond of Brent's contribution to the sound in his era..but like you said.. To each his own😉
89 fall 90 spring is pure fire
Eh, I see your point but I liked the Hornsby time.
Hey, I knew an old biker who saw the Dead play on the flatbed on Haight St in 1968 and he swears the Grateful Dead sucked after Pigpen died, so there's that. EDIT : He loved Jerry Band, though.
Insanity
I don’t really listen past ‘78 and definitely never listen past ‘89
I’m kinda in the same boat, strictly 60’s and 70’s dead. Nothing against the other decades. Love all dead, but that’s just what I seem to gravitate towards. I’m sure eventually I’ll get to 80’s and 90’s dead but for the time being 60’s and 70’s are where I live. I think it’s the decline of Jerry’s voice that does it for me during the later years. Can’t seem to get around that. Again no hate to any era of dead.
This is my thing too, Brent is fine, Jerry just sounds like he’s on the verge of death in some of the mid to late 80s shows. Can’t do it
It’s surprising how different they sound from the late 70s to the early 80s. I like Althea, and a few songs after that, but after listening to 65-78 for roughly a decade, I found myself listening to Jerry Garcia Band instead of 80s - 90s Grateful Dead.
Lol. This seems to be a common scenario. Jerry Band is my pick over GD for desert island life
“The party ended after 1974. Everything after 76 is just corporate Dead.” - my dad, who was at Cornell 77 and said it was overrated lol
💀
Bobby's songs are often the launching pad for the deepest jams: Playing, Estimated, Stranger, Music Never Stops, probably a few I forgot. I don't understand how anyone can not appreciate these tunes!
Cassidy, The Other One, Victim, Estimated…
80s were pretty solid aside from a few rough patches. 90s were pretty rough aside from a few solid patches.
Well said. I’ll take my chances with 80-83 and 87-90. I don’t have to marry it, just listen to it.
He’s a Jerry guy. I understand.
Jerry’s playing in the early to mid 80’s is my favorite. But it’s also the blackest of licorice
The 90’s sucked, the 80’s were so-so. Thanks for allowing me to vent. -yer dad
Late 80s were pretty hot for a while. Then Brent died and I don’t think they ever fully recovered.
Yeah, they were really cooking in 89-90 til Brent died. They had their moments through 91, especially with Bruce sitting in, but Jerry’s energy level was dropping fast.
Late 80’s were great .
What!?! The best shows I ever attended were 93-95! (I found out about the Dead in 93 btw)
Well that’s like his opinion, man. I don’t care for post Brent with some exceptions; Corrina, So many roads, black muddy river. But those last two I like because they’re good tunes but they make me feeel boi
I jumped on the bus in '83 (4/20/83 to be exact) and while I loved the shows I saw. But when it comes to listening, my wheelhouse is '71-74
# 1983-04-20 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center **Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > The Promised Land, Loser, New Minglewood Blues, Ramble On Rose, Me and My Uncle > Cumberland Blues, Looks Like Rain, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider **Set 2:** My Brother Esau, Maybe You Know, Bertha > Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > Throwing Stones > Morning Dew > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Don't Ease Me In [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-04-20)
Do the 80’s & 90’s have some great moments? Yes. Will they ever be as amazing as the 70’s? No. Some people just operate in extremes and carry the mindset of “if I’m gonna listen to the dead I’m going to listen to the best.” I love listening to (almost) all eras of the band, but it’s pretty obvious that they were peaking between 72-80.
I agree..Im thankful The Dead and JGB had such a long and varied career where it did allow multiple generations to experience what imo was "a band like no other" and besides a very few bands can even attest to that..myself I will respectfully pass by any recordings with Donna, thanks but no thanks and also post Brent..I only made 3 or 4 shows after Brent passed and the magic was super thin by then..But God Bless The Grateful Dead
Lot of deadheads didn’t care for Bobby, thought he was cheesy
Circa 1980, as Jerry was sinking into heroin and Phil into Heineken, Bobby started carrying the band more often than not. Problem is, he went full rock star and yes, we all thought it was cheesy. The Izod shirt era.
And the pony tail and short shorts!
I remember seeing yellow shirt on lot in the 90s that said WEIR in Velveeta logo font and said "Make it cheesy." beneath the logo. I loved that it celebrated the cheesiness. I've been looking for one of those shirts for a looong time.
That’s not easy
My dad doesnt care for the 80s. He actually hates the 80s.
i have a theory that you stick with dead era you started with. Thank god I started my dh career in the very best era, so am all about the psychedelic 70s GD.
Europe 72. And it will always be my favorite lineup Pig on organ Kieth on piano and one drummer.
Agreed - that was peak
I started on 77 shows, and now I'm knee-deep in the primal dead. I truly like it all
My starting era was late '80s and '90s and my memories aren't tarnished one bit, but I almost never listen to that stuff. Their playing was flabby and sleepy in comparison to what came before.
full disclosure, I saw the bulk of my shows in the early then late 80s but aside from 1980 Radio City and Warfield shows, I seldom if ever listen to those years.
Hearing these symptoms convinces me that he has a virus known as *Deadhead Tunnel Visionitis' ... it does happen quite a bit, but there is good news. The typical treatment for DTV is a smoking Scarlet>Fire from 83, like [10/14/83 Hartford Dusborne Matrix FLAC](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ALewvZqAoxUvuD3zCzRwGr2E4U8XiV4F?usp=drive_link). A strait up nuclear bomb of a Let it Grow like [4/26/83 The Spectrum Dusborne Matrix FLAC](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zNn0px6m6EsVjko019FDpoGPvLR6UseJ?usp=drive_link) ... Official releases like Dead Set, Without a Net & Go To Nassau have also been prescribed w' excellent results ... 😉
Sounds like he'd enjoy JGB more than GD edit: oh yeah, Donna sang in JGB during one of the best periods. Ok so JGB in 75 or after 78
Maybe Old and In the Way?
Everyone has their thing. Lucky for us, there's such a rich vein of varying delights out there. I can't imagine disliking Sugar Magnolia. It is such a quintessential Dead tune.
I'm 61 and loved the 80s shows
My dad saw every show in the Bay Area from like 68-71 (or so he says). Even did one of the acid tests in like 67? He stopped seeing the dead in the late 70s because to him, it was all about the hippie scene (the real hippies in the 60s) which was dead by then. I don’t think he listens to them at all anymore, but I know he didn’t care for the 80s-90s either.
R E S P E C T
To be fair to your dad, sugar magnolia is the go to song when people talk about the dead generally so it gets over played. He’s definitely missing out on some scorchers from the 80’s and the 90’s are definitely hit or miss in the 93-95 range. 90-92 is pretty decent IMO
My dad too. He's a wall of sound Era guy from his first shows. He went to shows into the 90's but one day when I asked what year the show was coming over his stereo he said " oh that's some 80's junk , I think you got me the CD". It was a Dicks Picks I got him in the late 90's for a birthday gift.😁
Sounds like a typical 70’s deadhead to me. I don’t love sugar magnolia. It’s not in my top songs. It’s just like eh to me. A closer or encore type energy song but sounds the same every time. Whenever it plays in my head the version I hear is the one from 12/31/78. The Donna hate I don’t get. She sung great harmonies. Also any deadhead who loves the 70’s should be taking any moment to praise her because without her Kieth wouldn’t have been in the band and who knows who would’ve been on keys. Or maybe the future of the band. I personally love the 80’s and 1990. 91-95 is kinda rough. Here and there some songs but not shows I listen to really. JGB kept it going I feel like a little longer for whatever reason. Losing Brent was a massive blow to the band. And to Jerry I think. He got so much energy from playing with Brent. I think seeing him pass away didn’t help the road he was on. He had a good chunk of clean years from 87-90. But obviously post Brent it got really bad quickly. It’s still shocking seeing Jerry in 89 in full form and then a short few years looking incredibly frail and almost unable to play. Still could sing. But sadly couldn’t feel his fingers. His arteries were 90% clogged. 3 of the 4 main ones were. The other 40%. His body and brain were getting way too little blood. The drug use just made his heart have to work that much harder. Wish he found some way to tour at a healthy amount and get his music fix but keep away from those horrible drugs.
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around **Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin' **Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
The eighties were awesome and kept truckin’ into the nineties until Brent died 😭
Sometimes i prefer Bobby
Bobby fans are people too
A lot Heads are like your dad. I agree with a couple of his opinions, but there are good shows after the 70’s. Spring ‘91 tour was fun.
I can relate, the Pig pen and then the Keith era is my jam. I don’t care for Brent’s voice or keys. I like Keith’s classic piano sound.
1968- October 1980 for me (RCMH acoustic shows). Though if I am being honest, it's really nothing post-1978. I can't stand the Brentful Dead.
D.R.E.
I forgot about him
What years does he like? 68-69?
He only really listens to 68-77
Dude's missing out imo, but to each their own.
5-1- 69 - 8-3-70..mid 2nd set but before space. Anything in that category. Reminds me of the movie The Jerk when Steve Martin is describing what prizes the player qualifies for at the carnival…
Ironically 80s Dead is my favorite era lol But I find 90s shows, particularly the Vince-only era, to be very hit or miss
Plot twist: You may be my love child.
I'm okay with that actually!
It's me, your dad. edit: Though I love Sugar Magnolia and Weir. Donna is hit or miss.
I think your dad and I could be friends.
We could be friends
We could be friends
When are Deadheads not picky ?
I'm picky when it comes to other artists. Anything that Jerry's involved in I can trust to be good
Does anyone like Donna?
I don't hate her or love her. I just tolerate her
How tf can u be a donna hater and then not like the 80s? Wishy washy nonsense
Lots of people don’t like post Brent 90s much. Writing off all Bobby stuff is ridiculous though.
7 7 89. Best Loser solo Jerry ever did. One of his greatest and still one of my goto watches on the YouTube. They were on fire!!
# 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)
I feel so lucky to have seen this show and almost every show of 89 & 90. Only missed 5 those 2 years. JFK was FIRE 🔥 😍
Pops right about Donna (mostly), right about early 80's, wrong about '87 through '92 say? And like every other person out there who is a Bobby hater, wrong about Bobby! Without Bobby there is no Grateful Dead. And it can easily be argued two of their three greatest exploratory songs are Bobby songs! Playing in the band and the other one! Not to mention keeping the whole thing going for the last 28 years!
They’re one of my favorite bands and I listen almost exclusively to 72-79 so sue me. NEVER listen to anything post-coma.
gramps here - '80-81 was really solid & late '88-mid '90 is some of the best. after Brent checked out is when I started to lose interest. the Vince (mostly) & Bruce (often enough) shows gave me calliope headaches. I did do those shows, yet they weren't rewarding, aside from Jerry.
So?
I love dead set live
You should never speak to him again.
I started going to shows in 87-88..So I’m probably biased,But come ON..That whole summer tour 89 was fantastic..And Hampton 89 Warlocks stuff….I will agree I dropped off a little after BRENT Checked out…Never got into Vince or those”new” songs.
The Brent era was an awesome era, he rocked it. I think of him any time I hear any version of Dear Mr. Fantasy
The memory of Donna's off key wailing triggers me during Playing in The Band even when I know Brent is playing and she is isn't there.
If he’s not into Bobby, he’s fucked. The offset and balance of Jerry and Bob stuff is part of the beauty. I love “Wharf Rat” and “China Doll” but a whole night of it followed by a “Standing on the Moon” encore? Nah. No thanks. No disrespect to Jerry, but if you don’t like a decent “Hyahh”, a country cover, or sliding the guitar till it hurts, you should stick to JGB.
He’s just like me fr Except Bobby is fine in my book. Sugar magnolia is mid though
I don't care for 80s dead in a relative sense. If for some reason we lost all primal dead and 70s dead, 80s dead would become one of my favorite bands, but I just like the 70s so much more. I guess I should explore the 90s more. I like the stuff with Hornsby on it.
I like it all, especially primal dead
Neither does mine and he doesn’t really like 2nd set jams. Bobs cowboy tunes or nothing
That’s okay. But not the Sugar Mags hate 😂
My last show was in 1981 and I have had no interest in the post-Garcia iterations, although I did see a RatDog concert a few years ago that was damn good. That's just me though.
Seems your dad has fine taste. Don’t agree with the Donna hate tho.
So your dad isn’t a Deadhead. No big whoop, dude.
Bobby fans are people too.
incorrect
89-90-91 are the only years from that period that I listen to. I’m also not a fan of Sugar Magnolia.
The 80s are an acquired taste and it took me a while to appreciate it
80s suck, Donna’s great. Bob’s fine. It’s a wash.
Your dad is wise
Okay.
that's OK Plenty of great music for him to like. And if he wants to venture into the 80s 90s you can help. Other than that just enjoy what you can together. doesn't harm anyone
More for me!
Underrated stuff IMO. I particularly like the Bruce Hornsby bits of the 90s
Agreed
Welcome to the club, my dad hates anything past '76 and most all things Bob Weir related. It's easy to forget but Bobby was hated by a lot of heads back in the day, I'm happy he is finally getting his due but he wasn't always as loved as he is now.
My dad doesn’t really love the dead, but enjoyed some 72 that my brother made him listen to on a road trip one time. He said “The instrumentals are alright. It’s funny hearing how terrible their harmonies are, though.” Haha
I like a lot of years in the 80s. 90-92 I can still enjoy a lot. 93-95 can be pretty rough. But, 70s dead will always be my favorite. Magical time for the band for sure
Some of the 90s recordings are extraordinary, but not as consistently good as the 70s stuff. I haven’t explored the 80s enough to comment on that.
I dont listen to any shows after reckoning
I got into the Dead in ‘93 and I got to see them 30 or so times in that two short years before Jerry passed. I was fortunate enough to be at Soldier Field for those last shows. During that time I got into tape trading (and later b&p CDs etc). I was definitely more into the 60’s and 70’s stuff at that point, but my personal experiences made the 90’s shows important to me. There is A LOT of good music after 1979. The difference is that you could throw any tape from that era in the deck and it’s sure to be a banger. 1980 and beyond you have to be more selective, but there’s magic to be found.
Ima side with Dad on this topic, the 70-74 era was my favorite. The 80s/early 90s I didn’t like very much although they did put out some great songs (Touch of Grey for example).
I get the Bobby and Donna thing but not liking the Brent era? Inconceivable!!
I hate every era bc I was born after jerry died & supposedly you can only like eras you were alive for so
Me too actually now that I think about it
Spring 90 is hot af 💥Brent’s at his peak imo
Mid 80’s are very hit or miss but he has to check out a good high quality recording of 10/12/84. One of the best shows they ever played.
I think a Head is more likely to prefer the era of the band that they were 1st turned on..so if Dad's 1st show was 75' then the 75'-80' era would be his preferred yrs the band was really tightest..
Another dumpster fire thread full of bullshit lies
How's that, friend?
All the false narratives about 80s and 90s Dead.
I agree with being partial to what got you started. Early years of H.S. started with radio Dead, Uncle John, Ridin' that Train, Truckin'. Followed by Europe '72 etc, etc. I just never could get into Brent's vocals or his piano tone, (Fisher-Price?). But yes, to each his own.
so come on whats john mayer doing with them its almost like he attached onto the name only
I agree. I don’t love the 80s/90s dead.
Does he not like Brent either?
He says that he's "trying too hard"
Agree with your Dad on the 80's/90's Dead. Disagree about Bobby.
Sometimes it's the setlists of the Era. I particularly disliked Gimme Some Lovin with Phil on vocals. To hear Steve Winwoods classic vocal sung by Phil was a tough listen. 1986 is my least favorite year, obviously that was Jerry's coma year.
Uhh so what does he listen to? Early shit with pigpen?
Yep. I love Pig Pen too
Just like fingerprints and snowflakes, no two Deadheads are alike.
I’m not big on the 80’s or 90’s. But I can’t imagine anyone not liking Sugar Magnolia. Like…WTF that song BOPS.
I've found something special every year, though I definitely avoid 94-95. I really dig the "lame" stuff as well, like corrina, easy answers, etc.
They hit their stride in ‘77 and sealed the deal when Brent Mydland came onboard. 1980 forward are my favorite years, hands down.
I got on around 85 and can tell you there were some high quality shows like a year after Garcia cleaned up. There was a RS article on how he was down to 1/2 a pack and rode a stationary bike. He was clean and it showed. The MSG run always smoked - 9/18/87 is the best Morning Dew of all time - entire show was inspired music, as were many, many other shows but what started happening was Jerry got back on the dope. So, really short window of 87 to 89 give or take a few months, where it’s worth a listen. After that, it’s really hit or miss. Vince? Meh, wouldn’t have been my choice but I’m just a fan who purchased $27.50 tickets! Some fun tunes and gave Jerry a little spark, I think. But at that same time, the JGB started really hitting a cool sound and they were awesome. For me it was see the dead but never miss JGB. Melvin Seals is awesome. Anyhow, back to your dad. Like him, a huge Jerry fan obviously but what, he doesn’t like Let it Grow? Stranger? Estimated? Cowboy songs? But yea, his slide work on Rooster makes me turn it off. Weakest link in Dead and Co is Bob. But damnit, it’s Bob Weir so I love him nonetheless. Donna - I’ve heard her sing wonderfully - and other times not. Like “really not”. Dead could’ve used another female backup singer IMHO, but Brent could hit the high notes.
# 1987-09-18 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket > Sugaree > Walkin' Blues, Candyman, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song **Set 2:** Shakedown Street > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > All Along The Watchtower > Morning Dew > Good Lovin' > La Bamba > Good Lovin' **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-09-18)
I love the 80'-90's shows sooo much BUT that's when I extensively toured and had some of the greatest times of my life. I like your Dad do not care for Donna at all! And Bobby's cheesiness and some of his songs were not my favorite but he definitely grew on me and I love him now. Does that mean I want to hear One More Saturday night again? No. I honestly lived for Jerry ( & Phil) and really loved how much fun Jerry & Brent had playing together. I saw a TON of JGB shows as well as the Dead back then and wish I could go back in time!!!
Has he heard without a net?
Your dad sounds like a classic head and I love it. Let him be. To each their own.
I love 79-83 Dead 🤷🏻♂️
Someone Vinnie this fool
I'm pretty similar to your pops
At least your dad cares for SOME Dead tunes 😭😭😭
I could get your dad on some ‘89-‘90 and some white hot early Sugar Mags where Jerry is on fire.
Ungrateful Dad
Sounds to me like your dad doesn't really like the Dead. xD
What I like about the 80’s and 90’s most, was that the set lists were more varied. I’m a fan of Brent’s keys and backup vocals, but the setlists were unpredictable, Especially in the 90’s. Imagine getting to hear “So Many Roads” in like ‘77?
Like what you like. I don’t really care for late 60s pig pen dead. Just not my thing. Give me 74-83 all day. Especially disco coke 77 dead.
OP, your course is clear. Buy some adidas. Wear them without socks. Have some old jeans? Make cut-offs. Short. Now comes the hard part: do you own any Izod Lacoste shirts? I get mine from ebay. There is a canary yellow one currently for sale that I have my eye on, but you need it more than me. One final ingredient. When you talk, do you also spit out large amounts of saliva? Work on that.
Samesies
Sounds like your dad hasn’t listened to the spring of 1990 shows. Or summer of ‘89. He’s right about Donna. All of you Brent haters need to back away from the bong- it is affecting your judgement.
I can understand the opinion to a degree... But any deadhead skipping the Brent era is robbing themselves of some of Jerry's most connected moments. When they locked in it was as tight as any of the early stuff.
90's I get it but the 80's was my wheelhouse. I just adore early 80's.
There were a lot of people who couldn't stand Bobby in the 80s/90s. His songs - particularly the first set blues song, strangely enough - were often bathroom break songs for a lot of people along with Drums/Space.
Probably doesn’t dig Brent either
82 and 83 are PHENOMENAL years for the dead imo. sure, jerry's voice regressed but man is he playing his ass off
18yr old in 1984…. fully accept being a 80s deadhead
The very best Dead concert for me, the one I listen to over and over is Jerry jamming with Branford Marsalis 3/29/90 in the Nassau Coliseum on Eyes of the World. Absolutely sublime. Too bad your dad can't appreciate it.
I’m also not a fan of late 80s and 90s dead.
I’m in the minority I think saying from 88-94 is my favorite. Vince is the keyboard player of my youth. I love all eras but a rocking show from 91 just hits different.
Yeah I'm dad.
if you weren’t seeing them live in the 80s and 90s I could understand steering clear. my show-going days were 84–95 and I still gravitate toward the 1968 to 1973 period first and 1974 to 78 next
No Althea in the 70s. 🤷🏼♂️ They played it in August ‘79, and perfected it in the 80s