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Grateful DeadGrateful Dead Live at Bickershaw Festival on 1972-05-07 (May 7, 1972)

This show has been commercially released as " Europe '72: The Complete Recordings - All The Music Edition"

Collection: GratefulDead
Band/Artist: Grateful Dead
Date: May 7, 1972 (check for other copies)
Venue: Bickershaw Festival
Location: Wigan, England

Source: Discs 3 & 4 are supplied from a Master Soundboard Reel > DAT source
Keywords: Live concert

Description

Truckin', Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, Deal, Beat It On Down The Line, He's Gone, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider, Black-Throated Wind, Next Time You See Me, Playing in the Band, Tennessee Jed, Good Lovin', Casey Jones Greatest Story Ever Told, Big Boss Man, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Dark Star-> Drums-> The Other One-> Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Turn On Your Love Light-> Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad-> Not Fade Away, E: One More Saturday Night

Individual Files

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Reviewer: jjk8995 - - September 12, 2011
Subject: Don't touch the tree if the fruit ain't ripe
I usually do no render an opinion; I just feel so blessed that the GD existed in my life time - I have the whole Europe tour (minus 4/7) and it's typically in my car; well, I knew set II of Bickershaw was darn good and I typically do not agree with most reviews BUT a few of you got it right imho, the Dark Star>Other One>Sing Me Back Home is the Grateful Dead experience driven by the music played the band....might be my new favorite 60 minutes of music with the other being 4/8/72 DS>Sugar Mag>Caution>Saturday Night...if you don't have these two recordings, do whatever it takes to get and experience this music (2nd set)

Reviewer: fibber - - May 28, 2011
Subject: tuning
I guess this was before inline guitar tuners were available, as The Other One is marred by a couple of minutes of Bob Weir attempting to tune up at full volume right after the first verse, and unfortunately he stays a bit out of tune all of the way through Sing Me Back Home: between the guitar and the badly out-of-tune barroom-quality piano, things can get a bit unlistenable for someone with a musician's ears. Needless to say, it's a bit of a drag on the general momentum of the music, and it takes quite some time before The Other One gets going again. Dark Star is nice, but not up to the level of the monumental versions from this tour. Highlights are a fantastic solo on Sing Me Back Home, and a nice Lovelight, but there's a reason this show is not discussed among the best from this era: because it's not. The first set might be great, but this audience recording is barely listenable, so we'll have to wait for the box set on that one.

Reviewer: SIRMick_ - - January 25, 2011
Subject: For all our muddy friend's
I can't wait to hear this in all it's magnificence when the Euro '72 Boxset hits my door mat

Reviewer: Cliff Hucker - - November 26, 2010
Subject: Kreutzmann's 26th birthday...
"The crowd had built bonfires around the perimeter of the field to keep warm, but now they piled on the fuel and Bickershaw became a pagan festival, dancers circling the flames, and, in the words of a local writer, the 'Dead had offered safe passage through the wierd terrain.'" Dennis McNally

A rain sodden and chilly weekend seems to have dampened this festival, though the weather appropriately cleared just before the Dead's show closing performance. Although the sound quality for most of the show renders it rather difficult to enjoy, its obvious why so many songs from this performance were included on the Steppin' Out release.

This festival gig was, for the most part, very well played (particularly the second set) and at an extremely high energy level. It also represents Pigpen's finest performance on the tour, and what might be his last great show. The Truckin' opener cooks, while Playin' in the Band, Good Lovin' and the Lovelight> GDTRFB are all great performances.

The highlight though, is certainly the phenomenal second set jam suite preserved in master reel source sound quality, featuring both Dark Star AND the Other One. It's the only performance during 1972 to include both songs. Though somewhat abreviated from other Dark Stars on the tour, clocking in at just over 16 minutes, this is a top notch effort nonetheless. The pre-verse theme intro is brilliant. Jerry is soaring! But what really stands out on this one is some rather fine playing by Bobby. His chord-work throughout is gorgeous. It might be his finest contribution to a performance of Dark Star on the entire tour. After a post-verse Space/Drums segment, the band just explodes into The Other One. It's a raging monster performance of the song. Not as jazzy or sophisticated as some of the best versions from the tour, this performance is more primal in nature. At times sounding more like '69 or '70 with a fierce pre-verse attack by Garcia and some amazing swirling organ fills from Pig. After the first verse there is an awesome solo by Phil, perhaps his best of the tour. The space segment continues with Jerry and Weir eventually going atonal. Finally Weir drives the band back into the theme and it catches fire again prior to the second verse.

The show concludes with a superb performance of Lovelight, featuring some great slidework by Jerry before another excellent GDTRFB/NFA. If the music of the first set was available in better sound quality, this amazing performance might garner a perfect score. (98 pts)

Reviewer: Dr_Breezy - - July 23, 2010
Subject: Doctor's Orders
I downloaded this one before it was disallowed by the site and I must say: Probably the most rewarding experience of my life... Dark Star > drums> the other one> sing me back home. This is premium, ULTRA MEGA TITTIES TO THE MAXOID PREMIUM spacy dead at its finest. Possibly the finest dark star ever recorded, and I have never heard such an intense other one (it is like no other (one)). If you can find a copy in circulation listen or go buy the new release. If your fiending for a crunchy jam I prescribe one to two listenings a day at least for the first week if you hope to make a speedy recovery...Trust your doctor

Reviewer: cryptical70 - - March 18, 2010
Subject: Complete audience recording of 5/7/72?
Deadlists.com mentions that a complete audience recording is in existence. Does anyone have the audience source to add to the Archive?

Reviewer: China Cat Rider Segue Cataloguer - - July 11, 2009
Subject: Can I download this? and How?
I've only just joined this site. I was at Bickershaw so ... would like the whole show. But can anyone clear up the following - I easily downloaded a Watkins Glen show, the download link was available in a left hand window. This one, Bickershaw - the heading says it's available on Steppin' Out, which of course it isn't, not all of it and not as a show. Other reviewers talk of Discs 1 and 2 and Discs 3 and 4 - of Steppin' Out? There's no easy download link on the left, but there are lists of files that just bring up file titles or something. What are they doing there if they're not downloads? Any help on the way, please?
I don't really catalogue China Cat Rider Segues. But I am fascinated by them. The Movie one rates!

Reviewer: lozar - - June 7, 2009
Subject: my first Dead show
I keep returning to the tapers section at dead.net to hear Sing me back home which was just perfect after the amazing Dark Star-Other One

Reviewer: craw - - April 6, 2009
Subject: yup
http://tela.sugarmegs.org/_asxtela/gd1972-05-07nrps.asx

Reviewer: cb18201 - - March 5, 2009
Subject: lookin for a little help from a fellow head...
i got the "steppin out" release not to long ago and its become one of my most listened to set of cds. i really really want the rest of this show though. there is so much good stuff. if anyone is willing to trade and can help me out it would be greatly appreciated. im dyin to get my hands on this copy of this awesome show. have lots of different stuff to trade.


go here for some good information about the show

http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/dead.html


cb18201@hotmail.com

Reviewer: HuaHinWharfRat - - August 18, 2008
Subject: You can't be serious ..................
Dear Vadernader, 'dream on' - if just one song from the show in question is used on the commercial release, that is the excuse to block the whole show. I have done my best to 'familiarise myself on a regular basis' (I am sure you can guess what I mean !) with the whole of the Europe '72 tour - but my collection is blighted with gaps from the UK shows in question. This is despite the fact that I for one (and probably every other serious 'deadhead') buy every official release (including "Stepping Out") regardless. Still, if it makes the little Hitlers happy!!! I'll give the show 5 stars in the expectation that I will feel the same as and when I get to hear it.

Reviewer: vadernader - - August 18, 2008
Subject: dark star > other one > sing me back
The Dark Star > Other One > Sing Me Back Home is not the versions of the those titles from "Stepping out with the Grateful Dead".

Could someone please re-post the parts that are not officially released?

Reviewer: zzcat - - November 1, 2005
Subject: Let the Sun Shine In
I was at this show--the whole festival was a rain-lashed, chilly, muddy two (three?) days of near-Woodstockosity. The Dead were the final act. Just as they started their set, the setting sun broke through the iron-gray clouds of the Midlands and the sky cleared. It was one of those "cosmic" moments for sure. And yes, this was one of the great sets of that era.

Reviewer: hyperboy - - October 19, 2005
Subject: Dark Star - Saturday Night!!!!
WOW! My suggestion is to get Dark Star - Saturday Night. This is top notch 1972 Grateful Dead!! This Europe 1972 run is flawless. Some of the best playing by any band ever...actually it IS.

Reviewer: VA slim - - October 12, 2005
Subject: pay attention.
i don't know why people can not read the source info listed for certain shows.
clearly stated: DISCS 1 & 2 are from multiple audience sources (-and relatively suck).

*BUT*, DISCS 3 & 4 are from master sbd. reel; and your a fool if you skip out on this show.

disc 3 & 4 are CLASSIC. The best part of this show just happens to be the better quality(see-perfectly mixed 72 sbd.) Dark Star and Other One are unreal and a MUST hear. --GRAB the GOODS.

Rating reflects lack of 1st two discs quality, but show would def. be a five if all four discs were the sbd.

Reviewer: undiepress.com - - August 25, 2005
Subject: Poor quality ruins All
I cannot get into this show at all, due to poor sound quality. I've tried and tried, sorry.

Reviewer: Zonker - - August 8, 2005
Subject: Wiggie Wigan
Excellent show. Highly reccomend the download time, however the first 6 or so songs have a very poor sound quality. Clears up and you get some awesome Dead at a peak performance. Dark Star--Drums---other one worth the time for the whole thing.

Reviewer: spinneresque - - June 22, 2005
Subject: most underrated, overlooked show of all time?
This show is so completely out of this world. I can't believe more people don't know about it. The Dark Star - Other One is as good as it gets. After it takes you to hell and heaven, you end up in church with Sing Me Back Home. And then after that is whole other amazing set in itself, with Sugar Magnolia, Lovelight, GDTRFB, NFA.
The Other One Jam is tangible proof of the mystic-power behind the Grateful Dead. Every day I check nervously to make sure it is still here. Get this quick, and share with friends!

Reviewer: Geoffsky - - May 2, 2005
Subject: Yep ! The real deal alright.
Started playing this one at work hours ago. The sound was a little sketchy at first but half a day of sitting at a desk and jammin later I have to wonder, "When did I ever have the energy to party and dance for these entire shows" Wow they were good when they were good.

Reviewer: joobie - - April 26, 2005
Subject: it's not gonna get much better than this.
this show is so hot it'll make your brain leak out of your ears. lovelight -> gdtrfb -> nfa! what jams. unreal! i could use three more exclamation points!

Reviewer: birdsgosouth - - April 25, 2005
Subject: Frozen but M E L T E D
50+ minutes of DarkStar>>Other One. This is one of the best shows of all time!!!! The quality is a hell of a lot better than my tape, that's for sure.

Reviewer: sheikyerbouti - - September 29, 2004
Subject: Got shivers from dark star on...
You can feel the cold, haunting and eery intense feeling of this place through the music - Pig or someone is doing some wierd stuff tuning in the middle of other one... lovelight is one of the best of the tour and prob in top 5...Garcia hammering the wawa in the beginning of NFA - this is a monster for sure...not to be missed and I am sure they left those jaded Brits with their jaws agape wondering who just stole their faces off.

Reviewer: canbear - - August 11, 2004
Subject: Wiccan bonfires/ cold rain and mud
After 2 1/2 days of freezing with chattering Brit speedfreaks and locals, watching everyone from the Kinks to Capn Beefheart, Sunday came upon the exhausted crowd, myself and my comely new long red haired lady friend. I'd been introduced to the Dead on their recent Festival Express tour in Casnada, Damn, if that band wasn't already following me around! :)
The damp was still stultifying as Donovan played his set in the early afternoon.... drizzle still cooled the crowd. Country Joe/the Fish livened things up with a rousing F*** Richard Nixon chant as the sound towers shuddered under the swaying weight of the mad climbers. 20,000 brits screaming F*** Tricky Dick.... unreal, but the best still was yet to come.
New Riders warmed things up more, and as sure as God's in heaven, as they finished their set, the clouds began to part and set the stage (literally) for the Dead.
There were video screens (hi tech in that day) on either side of the stage, and EVERYONE, all the villagers, crowd, cops, bus drivers etc had the show of their lives as the Dead played one of their all time classic shows.... under a blood red sky.
Sodden, stoned, exhausted and remorselessly devoted, or soon to be, Deadheads rocked until there was no energy left to spend. Pigpen was in his final glory days, Keith had blended and even Donna was on key. This show really left no survivors. We were all dead after that.
Luckily, I revived in time for the Lyceum shows.....
Get this one.... excellent quality. Thank you, contributor..... as I sit here, i'm, transported back to that smoky, smelly, stony ol english bog.... that I for one will never forget. Thanks for bringing this back for us.

Reviewer: mid-maine - - June 25, 2004
Subject: elvis
this is the show where elvis costello recalls wearing a soaked poncho in a muddy morass (did he have his buddy holly glasses?), loving the dead not so much for dark star, but for the way they could belt out a truly touching, sad ballad. it was an inspiration for him, and, now, thanks to archive, hopefully an inspiration for generations to come.

Reviewer: terrapin53 - - June 6, 2004
Subject: bickershaw
old colliery town on a farm near wigan manchester well lancashire in 1972
a nice steady first set with the waft of the toilets drifting over to the band which prompted bobs what you smokin out there
but dark star was lovely spacey and flares being fired into the darkening sky and happy orgasm emblazoned on the electric sign
had to put up with my recording of this until the internet brought me the wonderful sounds as they should sound
wonderful stuff
happy trails indeed

Reviewer: SIRMick - - April 13, 2004
Subject: My only show
As Bill says in the notes "The Dark Star's a true beauty" and he's right, one of my favourites. I can still remember sitting there under the sound tower listening to it. It's not the best sounding show you'll ever hear but it's what Europe '72 was all about, truly inventive playing.

Mick E

Notes

Discs 1 & 2 are a compilation of multiple Audience sources; Discs 3 & 4 are supplied from a Master Soundboard Reel > DAT source; There is a 5th disc which contains the NRPS set; Seeded by Scott Clugston