john@fritz.UUCP (John Gilbert) (01/03/85)
The New Year was once again greeted in style by the Grateful Dead, and
the traditional "Sugar Magnolia" played while thousands of balloons and
beachballs fell from the ceiling. Just before midnight, Bill Graham rode
a lightning bolt (a favorite Dead icon) from the back corner of the
San Francisco Civic Auditorium down to center stage, casting flowers upon
the masses along the way.
The three shows also offered a few surprises, like "Spoonful" and "Day
Tripper" the first nite, and "(Turn On Your) Lovelight" finishing the
second of three sets at the New Years show. The third set opened with
Phil singing "Gimme Some Lovin'".
I would not describe the event as an outstanding Dead New Years, but
I don't think anyone there failed to have a good time. The tragic news of
the death of (roadie) Steve Parish's wife and child Friday night probably
had a dampening effect on the band.
At present I do not have the setlist for the Friday nite show, but I do know
they played "Spoonful" and "Day Tripper", a Minglewood type tune called "Aint
Superstitious", and an unknown Brent blues number. They opened with "Touch Of
Grey", and "China Cat/Rider" for the second set.
The playlists for the Saturday and New Years shows are:
Saturday, 12/29 Monday, 12/31 - 01/01/85
One More Saturday Nite Shakedown Street
Friend Of The Devil New, New Minglewood Blues
My Brother Esau Fennario
Big Railroad Blues Jack Straw
Cassidy Bird Song
Althea Hell In A Bucket
Let It Grow Don't Ease Me In
Samson & Delilah Sugar Magnolia
Terrapin Scarlet Begonias
Playing In The Band Fire On The Mountain
Rhythm Devils Man Smart ... Woman Smarter
Space Rhythm Devils
Truckin' Space
Stella Blue Spanish Wind
Not Fade Away The Wheel
Throwing Stones
Brokedown Palace (Turn On Your) Lovelight
Gimme Some Lovin'
Uncle John's Band
Round 'N Round
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
The tapers section worked out quite well. We were all Dead Center balcony,
and the sound was pretty good up there. There was a feeling of comraderie and
we all made some new friends.
I presume the Dead are now off on vacation for a few months. Hope to see them
soon this spring. No answer at the hotline.
"Bound to cover just a little more ground!"
John Gilbert
..!trwrb!felix!john