31 years ago, The Dead wrapped up what many might suggest was the 2nd best summer tour of the last 15 years of their career. The summer of 1989 is often cited as being superior, and if you solely compare Tinley Park; which was a suburban monstrosity, to the Alpine Valley from 1989; which was Dead head Shangri La, runs that very well may be the case. I strongly would suggest that the summer of 1982 is up there as well.

Regardless these final shows offered up all of what really demonstrated the strengths of this band during this peak era, while hiding issues that sadly would come to light less than three days later July 26, 1990, with the sudden passing of beloved keyboardist Brent Mydland at age 37. A this show it was clear that Brent was have a very good time, but his playing was top notch, and we could not even guess that things were bad as they would ultimately be revealed.

Being a Sunday show, and which is often the case, the Dead always performed quite well. This night is no exception. The first set if highly charged and extremely well played, except for a couple minor missteps. It is an audience sing-along and Phil breaks out a very rare show opening “Box of Rain”, we were at this show and racing to our seats under the pavilion during this tune, and it was joyously received.
The Stranger offers up the most jamming you will hear during this nine-song set and is very good. Jerry lays down an extremely good “Loser”. Bobby counters with “BIODTL” granted the start is slightly hilarious as they clearly did not agree on how many beats they would play before Bob sang the first verse. Jerry responds with is easily on of the best “West L.A. Fadeway” of the 1990’s, one that harks back to the days of 1982 when the song was first introduced. Clearly one of the best songs of the set. Bobby counter with a joyous “Masterpiece”. Brent then steps up to the mike for a heartfelt, and slighlyt slower tempo “Far from Me’ which was performed three times on this tour.
Jerry continues the sing-along with a highly spirited “Tennessee Jed” and Bob closed the set with a rollicking “Hell in a Bucket” He misses one verse completely, but it is only a slight taint on this strong set.

Set II starts off in typical Sunday evening fashion with a strong “Samson” nothing outrageous here but simply played the way it should be played, and it sets the vibes for this energetic second set. Next up is easily the second major high light of the show, “Hey Pocky Way.” Brent clearly steals the show at this point as he takes command and throws it down big time. Of course, the band and Phil are there at every step of the way and this is a KILLER rendition.

Next up is the second major jamming of the show and it is a good one with a classic “Estimated Prophet” I guess we can safely call this night a Bobby show. It dissolves into a very strong version of “Eyes of the World”. As many might know this was the year in which “Eyes” became a stand along song, often to up the second set, which they had already done in Eugene and Foxboro. With Brent’s passing this was a combo that would not occur again for nearly two years so it noteworthy for that fact. Very short drums on this source and the Space is classic cosmic pinball and arrives a very exceptional “Wheel” in which Jerry and the band plays for several minutes before they start the first verse, sort of like what thy did back in the late 1970’s, and it is very nice to say the least. Then monster Phil starts playing those philnonimal notes at the start of “Gimme Some Lovin’”. Of course, this was a joyous crowd-pleasing favorite back in the day, and showed the strong bond between Brent and Phil. It is played at a slightly slower tempo, but is packed full of that righteous energy and Brent is amazing on the B3. They often would play “Morning Dew” after this one, but Jerry nicely serves up only the third “Stella Blue” of this summer tour. Jerry and Phil steal this one, as Phil’s playing is wonderful this entire performance. Healy adds some echo at first to Jerry’s vocals and then rightly lays off. It is a very emotional version, although Bobby’s and Brent’s attempt at harmonizing before the bridge are slightly rough off on this night.
Jerry ends the song very strong, and offers a nice little surprise at the end, with a very dreamy ending solo instead of the crashing crescendo that we all love and most often hear. It is a very special change and was perfect on this glorious summer evening in the mid-west. Bobby senses he must act responsibly and next slowly begins the charge into “Throwing Stones”, so the transition is quite classy. It is a strong version, with no crazy Bob screams, too.

The transition into “Lovelight” is always welcomed, instead of NFA, and the band delivers a barn burning to close out this second set. Jerry taps a little sax on the MIDI, which was very typical for these 1990’s versions and was not my preference but he really cranks it up on this night. He then he lays off for the second verse, and then adds some MIDI on his main solo which is quite good. Bobby is very classy on the vocals as well, simply just singing instead of screaming and it is a commanding performance by him. He does add some high-pitched screams at the very end, but then retreats, and the band ends the song with a swirling wall of sound to close out this joyous post space second set.
Jerry sends us off into this warm summer night with a stellar rendition of “Knockin on Heaven’s Door”. The harmonizing vocals are very sweet and tight on this one and yes, this song was always a showcase for Brent’s sweet and raspy voice. Brent even offers up a couple of bars of scat before he begins his electric piano solo. Jerry guitar solo is stunning!
The band played for over 46 minutes post space so that tells you how much fun they, and we were all having this night. This source remastered by Jay Asley back in May of 2008 is exceptional as well. Only 10,000 streams and it deserves a lot more than that kids.

Rest easy Brent.
Happy trails!

Sweet review Midway Kid.

i think they all forgot how many beats to start the song with, and were just waiting for bobby to just start singing already.

as far as the show, tremendous! sublime estimated > eyes, awesome post drums.

Gold! Thank you, Mr. Ashley, once again.

well i was at this one and to this day is one of my favs.not for the typical reason. i'll tell you why. i was dosed of course and about my merry way. when during the end of set break. there was a ruckus outside.at the fence looking down on the parking lot in the dark of the suburban chicago night.the cops on horseback and the heads were squaring of for a hill run up and over the fence. well i was super relaxed and in the show. so watching was quite intersting.the crazy funny moment was right next to me was this guy with his baby.his baby no less.just very calmly shaking the fence with his right arm.so it was me standing on top of the hill watching through the fence down the hill at the cops on horseback forcing the dead heads from taking the hill.text book stuff.but the irony was that this guy just had his hand resting on the fence.not really even moving it . but the movement of all the other dead heads chearing on the hill run.with his baby in his arms.but it was not to be. the cops and the horses won.and i and that man with baby watched each with our own thoughts.super contrast and irony all in a single minute.than the dead came back on. this is where the night got special for me. all that tension with youth and oldness. the war.stopped the second I turned around and let the dead do there thing.i really got sampson and delilah.that night.

Remeber the good ol days

These were some great Chi-town shows...Brent's last hurrah..RIP BRENT!!

Remarkable remaster of a remarkable recording of a screaming out loud I am alive I am a wish to end my life

Brent.