This was my introduction to live grateful dead. Up to that point I had only seen cover bands. 35 shows over the next 7 years until Jerry Died and this was still one of the tightest.

So, Worcester and Hampton gets three shows, but Detroit Rock City, only one... I know why, but still had to mention

1st Set: Despite a shaky beginning "Hell" pleases. Gotta dig the surround sound of the bike and Mickey's percussion (5:40). It's butt-buddy "Sugaree" early-on has a dependable beat and subtle Brent hued phrasings. It drags a bit, though due to Jerry's hoarse-y voice and lacking unique drive. "Minglewood" is practically on cruise-control. "Roses" is a nice novelty choice but it's not memorable. "Memphis Blues" has quickly found its groove as a 'Dead Delight' even if this version doesn't necessarily stand out. Two '73 ballads with unremarkable musical structures in one set? "To Lay Me Down..." ok... ehh "Music" casually slinks along - the whole enterprise is holding back a tad. However, they're a cohesive tight unit.

2nd Set: "Touch" is becoming a little too prevalent, but after some lyrical miscues, one can feel Jerry breaking into a smile during the final chorus. Loose opening and minor-league thrills pervade through a decent "Man Smart." Ahhh...just what the doctor ordered "Ship."?! Blah. Skip. Well, 'Detroit' is in the lyric, so you're kinda obliged as this is now the 'hit machine' Dead. Hey, Bobby didn't muff it up... "Truckin" has more of a song structural breakdown than an actual jam as it melts away into "Drums/Space" are in oen ear, out the next. "The Wheel" is semi-impassioned and Jerry's voice sounds a little better. Yea yea yea, it's the cheese-rock perfecta probably with "Gimme" making its obligatory presence felt. Bobby's really stinkin up the place during his singing "Watchtower" Thankfully, Jerry can assauge W's intruding snide counters. Due to Jerry and 'Detroit' seemingly having little connection outside it being another city Jer's played, "Stella" comes off as genuine. A short blast of "Lovelite" fairly ends the set.

"Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, this is a very special night, tonight for tonight is our drummer's birthday. In fact, in fact, it's both of our drummers' birthdays...so I want you to all help me sing - 1, 2, 3.. 'Happy Birthday...dear drummers...' Bobby's such a silly, sweet serenader...
And after that bit of silliness Jerry brings us back to ballad land with "Brokedown."

2 3/4 stars

Great sound quality. Really impressive versions of Roses, To Lay me down, Stella Blue. Ship of Fools is just plain chilling- no shit. Really high energy Touch also. DOWNLOAD IT NOW MAN! You won't be disapointed. After all, its the home of the Red Wings!