Fun, rockin', what more can you expect. Well, NYE '81, maybe...

I know what the previous reviewer meant when he said it was a lackluster show... this was my first, and so many guys afterwards said, "Oh, sorry man." But it was also my first time on the bus and the whole thing was utterly spectacular, and like a gateway to a living dream. This third set still takes me back to our walk up to the side stage, balcony level of the old Oakland Auditorium in its last show before they remodeled some things and it came back as the Kaiser.

So it only suffers when you grade it on a curve. Every Dead show is a miracle to someone. When "Greensleeves" played at the end, it was the first time I heard it without the Christian lyrics and the message I took in was that the new boss was NOT the same as the old boss!

Overall, this was the least interesting NYE show I ever saw. Just listening to the 10" reel copy I've had for years (a Pre-FM, I believe). Its played ok (no big screwups) but has very little emotional content. Seems like they were going through the motions. And the 3rd set was an abomination in my mind.

fare thee well, 1982. On to 1983.

for its guest jam.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/11-greatest-guest-jams-at-grateful-dead-concerts-20150520

Third set is loose and laid back. Lovelight was not back in rotation. Weir is okay on it, but when Etta James comes in it takes off. (*Never became what Pigpen made of it. But if you want a few decent ones 7/7/84 and 6/27/85 are worth a listen.*).

I write this b/c Etta James passed 3 days ago (tomorrow would have been her 74th bday) and b/c I had one heckuva crisp sound board of this 3rd set. You could hear (Garcia?) ask "what song are you playing Weir? Lovelight?" while the boys were getting cued up to begin.

Incidently, I read a story in Dennis McNally's book about James being late for her appearance at this show and the band waiting to begin. Then she came back stage and joined mid Lovelight and took over.
Not sure if that story is true but either way, rest in peace, Etta.

God Bless

Tower of Power on horns, jerry on guitar, can you honestly as for a more jam packed sound!!!

I am a huge TOP fan and this makes it all come true five stars!

Holy Moly what a bunch of balloons!!!!! I really respect Bill Graham (sic) I had a test of cool with him once and I passed! Not an easy thing with Mr! I guess that I wasted another opportunity that day. I should have been more assertive. Too shy and east coast, now there is an oxymoron! Either way we must forge FURTHUR!!!!!
Grateful

Great set, great playing, great recording, put simply, GREAT.

Last exit to Oakland

I never knew that these artists played with the dead. what an ensemble of talent for this new year's eve show. even the standard fare part of this show is rocking with the playing-drums-fade away sequence. and to add "EJ" and "ToP" on top of that!!!WOW!!! what a long strange trip it's been, sorting through these archives. on this night, it was like they were in the blues clubs of chicago. by listening to these archives, you can travel from appalachia to arabia and all the places in between. this show just adds another dimension to the Dead legacy.

Joani taped the MSCs used here.