Midnight Hour-> Bertha-> Little Red Rooster, Stagger Lee-> El Paso, Crazy Fingers-> Supplication-> High Time, Hell In A Bucket-> Don't Ease Me In Feel Like A Stranger-> Eyes Of The World-> Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad-> Women Are Smarter-> Drums-> Truckin'-> Spoonful-> Black Peter-> Turn On Your Love Light, E:Johnny B. Goode-> E: It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Amy's Soundboard VHS > Cassette > DAT> CDR; CD Re-Mastering, EAC'ed / SHN'ed by Scott Clugston
Reviewer:
Thomas Glynn
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 22, 2023
Subject:
Bobby Joke
Bobby's worse joke told after telling crowd in balcony to sit down. Phil's straight man routine makes it all funny. Jerry takes off like a rocket during Bertha. Almost faster than the band.
Reviewer:
Dpwilljr
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
December 7, 2020
Subject:
Tour
Thought I had written a review of this show. I was on the entire tour after driving from Southeast Florida to San Francisco for the Greek shows. This was my first High Time and my 59th show. We were in the pavilion. I remember looking back at that dumb shit climbing around the edge of that small balcony that wrapped around SPAC. This was my third and last visit to Saratoga for The Grateful Dead after attending the previous two years. So many great memories.
Reviewer:
rjw0426
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
October 19, 2020
Subject:
a wild show that almost became a tragedy
Beautiful venue...it was overrun...the staff lost control of the entry points. There was a Harley davidson Convention in Syracuse the night before and a huge biker crowd showed ...we had to pick up and carry a girl in the mayhem of getting in. once in the cowherd you had no control...if someone fell they would have died in the crowd. I am crazy as hell and have done alot of of stupid and insane things but the press of the crowd at the entry points was one of the scariest experiences of my life. If we hadn't put the girl on our shoulders she would have been a casualty of an unruly mob. Was thinking it was gonna end up like the Who show where people were crushed by the crowd. The band was distracted and played decent but lots of firworks were being lit...ashcans, m80s etc....watched a beautiful girl with waste length hair get hit by a sideways careening buzz bomb ....burned her hair up....in an altered state it was not what I considered to be a better show....loved the Dead and saw them at least 70 times but this show was memorable for the wild and out of control nature of the vibe
Reviewer:
tsj63
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 23, 2019
Subject:
cutting thru golf game
i remember this show ,folks hanging off the balconies and rushing, dropping balconie passes to the folks below , overcrowding issues ,i know that the marshmello war was insane..still wanted jerry to kick that ball,my boss said hey did they sing el paso,i was so colorized on perf. i did not even what year is
was.go figure
Reviewer:
Joel from Seaford, New York
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
February 27, 2019
Subject:
SPAC '85
Honestly, 34 years after attending this show all I remember (vividly too) is Bobby and Phil telling those folks not to hang from the balcony and Bobby's bad dog joke. Upon hearing it again, after so many years, I really cracked up. Their banter was just as good as I remember it. As for the music, what happened, Jerry didn't feel like finishing "Feel like a Stranger"? Took forever to get to Hershey the next day.
Reviewer:
subscout
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 19, 2017
Subject:
Hazy Clarity
Reading the reviews from like minded heads about this epic show, I am adding more perceptions from that beautiful day on 6/27/85.This venue was one of the top three summer sheds although four is the number of times they played there. This show was for sure the apex, as my brother was with me, he was also here in 84 and I was here again in 88. Set in Adirondack Park, the things that stand out are the overall happy vibe,along with the sheer magnitude of humanity.Everybody who was there has a story, and here's mine. Driving up from Long Island early am show day with my two high school head buddies Tom Miale and John Lamonica, we were in good spirits, I drove, my vehicle was mechanically sound so we enjoyed the ride. I was to meet my brother and a few friends, one who had a box center lower balcony. Good news my ticket was mailed a few weeks beforehand and my buds were on the lawn. We were in. Arriving, parking was were you turned off the engine, while daylight everything seems so easy, but ten hours later the mountain darkness rendered vehicle location an hours long activity. Into the venue, over the bridge every one was ready. The sheer amount of gooney bird was probably the primary reason for all these great memories from so long ago, or was it really that far back. I saved mine for the next night decompressing in front of a bonfire and glad I did, for the added responsibility of driving a few folks to our next destination curtailed my dosing enthusiasm on that night. Anyways with the mammoth 85 20 years so far tour lots of hot shows were abound and the Nassau shows three months earlier verified that. Downstate, you know with all the venues and shows there's a certain vibe, but anything Albany and North amplifies the feeling. This was my first show back after 82, when my thirsty habit took me off the bus. Two things struck me,. Jerry's physical condition and Brent's strength. Constant touring ,these things go unnoticed but overall this evolved into a monster since my last shows in 82. Upon my entrance to the balcony, I felt like a lucky NYE ticket holder with glances of envy shot my way. I had that peculiar feeling that these lawn people wanted in and it was gonna happen.Getting to my seat and meeting some new friends it was like heaven in that amphitheater with the pine trees behind the band. I arrived during Bertha, so I had a good view of the madness that was simmering. From my vantage point during Rooster I believe, the security arm chain buckled under the human volume and up the ramps they started to ascend. Our little box became like any other show, crowded with
heads.the balcony that might have seated 1200 was now taking on at least twice as much. As this was going on, the band noticed what was transpiring and next is what's heard on the tapes. Being accommodating people, all were welcome but during Don't Ease I was really feeling the structural integrity of the balcony becoming a sort of trampoline. My bud with the box freaked and headed for the exit. Probably the only one, because after the break was the reason we spend all our time, money and life in this persuit.The 2nd set was just awesome and by Eyes that balcony was shedding plaster on to the unfortunate ones below. This could well have been the ultimate tragedy for The Grateful Dead and had the potential of being the a total disaster at any concert, anywhere. After, the show, a few concerts at SPAC were cancelled, Clapton among them, , while emergency repairs were made on the structure. What we got was the east coast 80's similarity to Veneta., but with 60,000 heads, some scary mob scene action and one of the last summer shows before they started playing football stadium's every summer and it wasn't just "us" anymore.
March 18, 2017
Edward J Roller
Reviewer:
coonrodkid
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 12, 2016
Subject:
Air was electric and half got in free
It was a breezy evening, the crowd was buzzing - the skies promised lightening yet thousands were pogo jumping up and down arms extended skyward. Watching hundreds of gate crashers run through the dozens of security was interesting. Most of the night was dry though it did rain lightly toward the end. I had to ride my motorcycle 30 miles south through drizzle. The bike was running like shit and I was barely better.
The atmosphere was awesome. Most participants seemed primed for the festivities. Dead music sounds even better outside. People can move about. The wind becomes a stage prop. Sitting in a theater seat watching a show pales in comparison. I saw them in Utica in 1981 and the Syracuse Dome in 1983. Had fun at each of those shows but this was my favorite. The ambiance is just that much better. That's what I love about the LOCKN Festival held in VA in late August each year. Great music in a Grateful venue.
Reviewer:
jjohnson4180
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 5, 2013
Subject:
First show
This was my first and only GD show, as I was five years old and with my parents! I would be lying if I said I can remember any of these songs, but I do recall the incredible scene on the lawn, at the campsite that night, and all over town the next day. Listening to this now is a real gift to me, as I was never able to see the band in its entirety again (although I will be seeing Dark Star Orchestra in Malibu this weekend!)
Reviewer:
dupree413
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 1, 2012
Subject:
Could have been a Vault Release
I certainly am not arguing that 11/1/85 is not a show worthy of Dick's Picks. But this show could be and hopefully one day will be released.
I know - there is a big draw back from that!!
But this is one of the top 5 shows (imho) of '84, '85 and '86.
It has most everything - Midnite Hour opening, Crazy Fingers, wild happenings on the Balcony, Supplication Jam. And that's just the first set.
Stranger is cooking!!! Brent matches rock star Weir "crazy Night!!!" The segue into "Eyes" is not perfect, but what a song choice for Jerry!
PostSpace is awesome...and this may be the best post-Pigpen Lovelight (helped by Healy's echo and reverb) that Weir ever did. (I know that is still a cry from Ron RIP).
Anyway...JBG is also sizzling and I think along with She Belongs to Me, Jerry REALLY connected with Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue."
Enjoy God Bless.
Reviewer:
njpg
-
favoritefavoritefavorite -
June 28, 2012
Subject:
Pretty good show,
kind of jarring & unpleasant sounding board.
Reviewer:
dfvellone
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 15, 2011
Subject:
crazy spac
It's great to read these reviews of this SPAC show to help validate my slightly twisted memories of this electric night. I'll second what the previous reviewer said about the rapid-fire song to song nature of this show. Though I was in a state of mind to be readily manipulated by the band, the progression and pace of songs was like a riptide to be certain, and after being pulled out into their crashing waves Baby Blue was the most soothing and calming landing. This was a great show and great tour really. Didn't it pour rain too? Thanks for the recording.
Reviewer:
erwinguitars -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 17, 2010
Subject:
GD Train
First GD show of 53. Still the best Stranger Ive heard. This was an interesting show of sorts.Had fourth row center seats due to my then neighbor having seats there...Top 5 shows Ive seen..Thought it was better than Hershey Park the following day...
Reviewer:
recession ecology
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 30, 2010
Subject:
Good Times @ SPAC
Greetings, This my 6th show.The Bridge was filled, Garcia was rockin, THEY WERE WELL ON THEIR WAY. Reaaly long and goode Eyes. Every Song was worth a lifetime of unlimeted devotion.
Reviewer:
Alex, Geddy, Neil, Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Brent, Mickey, Billy -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 12, 2007
Subject:
those were the days my friend...
...i thought they'd never end..
Reviewer:
Old&OuttadaWay -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 7, 2007
Subject:
hearing this for first time in 22 years
may have been my 2nd show as well. hitchhiked with a couple buddies, just enough dough for lawn seats. night in the rain wrapped in garbage bags. inundating the local pricechopper with "head shopping hour." ate the same italian combo for 3 days. sounds like the show was good too. only thing i recall was the joke and some guy stripping to rooster on the center walkway.
Reviewer:
Yeahbaby
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 25, 2007
Subject:
CLASSICK SPAC
SPAC shows in 83, 84 and 85 were some of the best moments I had touring. Its great to listen to this stuff. Crowd and the scene and the music all worked together at SPAC we were all definately having a high time on this night.
Reviewer:
jamiejoon
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 2, 2007
Subject:
A gem
One of the best shows from a terrific summer tour. Flawless first set, including (in my opinion), candidates for best 80's versions of High Time, Stagger Lee, Crazy Fingers, and Supplication. I was there, though not totally in my body, and was blown away from beginning to end. SPAC was an awesome place to see the Dead. The guy fell from the balcony like 15 feet from me, got up and walked away- right after Bobby's bad joke.
Reviewer:
nameeman
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 20, 2007
Subject:
what a night...
Any possibility of getting this show for dowloading in .shn?
gdlive has been down for way too long.
was there in 85, loved the show, looking for a great sounding version of it. You have to love all those tall pines around SPAC, what a great place for a show. Lawn all the way with lysergic acid dythylamide, a square piece of pizza, then space blew my mind later that evening. Was standing next to a big stack of speakers on the lawn dosed out.
Reviewer:
craven714
-
-
June 28, 2007
Subject:
Is it me?
Was the final verse of Bertha skipped or what?
Reviewer:
Chris Freedom
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 23, 2007
Subject:
Why 1985 is underated
This show is a prime of example of the Grateful Dead
freight train of 1985, On a good night, Once they got going they just played one tune into the next.
There are only three rest spots in the first set and none , zero, zilch, nada in the second set.
You had to be mighty quick writing down your set list!
-The previous reviewer raises a good point about the N.Y. State troopers. I grew up in N.Y.C and those upstate cops are just wired differently.
Reviewer:
serpentbox
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 10, 2006
Subject:
Second Show
This was my second show. Drove up from Long Island in the back of a 1976 Gold Duster with three other dudes and sold a batch of early tee's made with the famous Aljo dyes from NYC. This paid for my show and my weed. I remember that we contructed a make-shift tent using Hefty bags and using the open trunk of the Duster as a frame. We were stoned to the B-Jesus and it took us two hours to build it. We were proud. Then the Jack-booted NY State Trooper showed up and destroyed our tent with his billy-club, he also took my 22" US Bong equipped with a six-bowl Slider, all fully packed with green, stinky, deslicious weed. That bastard ruined our tent but did not ruin the show. I remember bits and pieces and all of it ethereal, surreal and other-worldy, as SPAC shows always were. I slept that night in the trunk of the Duster curled around the spare.