Back around 2010 I contacted Dave Lemieux and suggested that the band could put together a very nice box set from the 1969, 1977, 1978, and 1980 shows (the only four) at the San Bernardino Swing Auditorium. Soundboard tapes of all four circulate, and all four have things to recommend them. Dave's reply was that he thought it was a very good idea but with one problem: NONE of the four shows was (at that time) in the Vault. The master of the '69 show is probably held by Bear's estate. '77 was one of the lost Betty Boards (which was finally returned to the band to allow it to get released officially); '78 may have been in that same batch of returned tapes, but it was one of Jerry's laryngitis shows (great playing but no singing during 2nd set, gargling voice on the songs he tried in the 1st set). '80 was in the cassette masters years, and is probably not in the recovered tapes.

If you haven't heard this one, it is a phenomenal performance. Simply spectacular start to end.

hi, David,

for your consideration, i submit the monumental San Bernardino Swing Auditorium show on December 12, 1980. (unless it's already been published; i've long been unable to keep up with ALL the releases ...).

this show has some startlingly unique bits, as well as a unique venue with with a startlingly final history, and a uniquely tragic history connected with this week. having just revisited this for the anniversary, i've got these points for you:

this was the first show they played after John Lennon's death.
this was one of only two ever Estimated > He's Gone > Eyes.
there are reports of "tears pouring down Jerry's face during He's Gone."
the entire show is action-packed; the band on fire from the opening note; and lemme tell you, it was breathtaking to be in the room
the unbroken series of Peggy-O through Promised Land
the entire seamless second set
the charging triumphant Estimated and Truckin
the uniquely delicate, graceful jam at the end of Space, just before Truckin' (hint of MLB?)
Jerry's playing throughout, especially:
raging Alabama coda
GSET 2nd solo
FOTD solo
extended, flowing Mexicali solo
extended Althea solo
Rooster ragged, on the razor's edge of destruction and glory
crystalline LLR solo
fiery Rider closer
heartbreakingly still first notes of He's Gone solo and lilting coda
shining, joyous extended Eyes coda
hot Wharf Rat solo
Bobby's slide playing throughout, especially:
Althea
Rooster solo
Tenn Jed
extended Truckin coda jam
Phil's bombs:
Althea
Tenn Jed
Truckin
Wharf Rat
Brent:
FOTD lilting solo
Rooster
voice and B3 in a majestic Wharf Rat
there's scarcely any mistakes throughout the show; none of those wince-inducing moments (tho Jerry misses Bobby's cue going into Lovelight!)
this was an INTENSE, heavy energy room with an honored history in rock'n'roll, and a unique end to its story (an airplane crashed into it)
the audience tapes have some great room presence; you could release a matrix blend ...

The Deadhead's Taping Compendium (vol 2, 1999) notes this as "particularly worthy of Dick's Pick's consideration."

i can't stop listening to it for the past week. i'm sure i could add more notes!

Treat yourself to a listen.

Thanks for all you do, and keep up the great work!

Ned White
Bothell, WA

Over 6 years ago since the last review, and they were correct, this is a hidden gem! Alabama is blistering among others!! A high energy, good old-fashioned trip this one turned out to be. Imagine, 32 years ago this week we had just lost John Lennon, but otherwise 1980 was a great year ~

Last review for this was two years ago......IT'S A GREAT SET!!!! Jerry navigates a verse-heavy 5 song set without missing a step(almost). Not a loafer in the lot, from the bit-chomping alabama to the barefoot dash over hot sand promised this decent sounding aud. is another fortunate find on Archive. Last show they played at Swing Auditorium, sounds like a fun time.

and fairly long set ! I 'm still partial to the second set, however.