This is one of my favorite shows that I attended. I was usually a hallway guy (need my space to get my freak on), but I went up front right between Jerry and Brent on three occasions (12/31/88; 3/31/89; and 10/8/89). All were really special shows, but our interactions with Brent and Jerry on this night set this show apart for me. We were "bugging" Brent to sing for the whole first set. We even got a "we want Brent" chant going at one point. Jerry joined in with us and was also egging Brent on to play something. Finally, for the second set they came out and RIPPED this Hey Pocky Way. It was truly amazing and the rest of the show was just as impressive. The Dew is phenomenal. This is one of my favorite memories of my days seeing the boys.

After a quality BMRC show, (too many same-sounding "Howl" organic blues with their whiny, reedy vocals...however the show closer, "Salvation" was amazing) and more importantly my first show since February 25th, I'm all pumped for a ridiculous "Hell." It's not momentous, but the energy during the last 45 seconds is delicious. Let's now visualize some meaty, strong thighs swivelhake it'ling to "Sugaree." 'Shake it, Shake it' It's comfortable and ruffles feathers during a couple of the elevating guitar solos. Back to free-wheeling dancing, although I must say that although Jerry's guitar is busy during the late 1, early 2 solo, it's disaffecting...not much feeling. However, after Brent's solo he comes much more alive. "Peggy" continues Jerry's streak for touching, affecting notes. Cowboy time... knee-slapping after a infectious "Uncle." A tight, focused "River" follows. Shoulder-shakey.I'm not feeling terribly "Loser"iffic today, but the version convinces me that at least 1000 of that Carolina crowd had their head down in introspection. "Victim" is also well-performed but I may be in too energized a mood to appreciate its desperation. However, it's not trippy by any means. "Standing" is tenderly put and they're beginning to learn how to stretch it out. Originally the song was never longer than 6:30, this version's just about 7:00. "We're going to take a short break, and be right back." (Bobby, in a more soothing, relaxed conversational tone than most nights.)

2nd Set: An enthusastic "Hey Pocky" revitalizes the show with a flurry of energy. Alright, a goody "Truckin" steamrolls ahead. Why does a frickin' N Carolina crowd cheer when 'New York' is mentioned?! That's pathetic. At first I thought we were going to be treated with a 'Smokestack' or 'Spoonful' but they pussy out into a "Terrapin." It almost reaches tumultuous scales, slighly held back by ordinaryness... But purposefully attacked. Nice streamside outro jam; when Mickey messes with his percussions sounds like RUSH's 'Passage to Bangkok.' "Drums" is predictable whereas "Space" features wary, menacing tones until about 90 seconds before they allow Brent's lullabye "I Will" to take center stage. It's so poignant and sweet intentioned. Man I so wanna rock out now, "Watchtower" is good but impeded by everyone's reluctance to combat Jerry, so he's enhanced...but considering he's not brilliant, per se tonight, it's solid but, you know..."Dew" is patiently and passionately conveyed but not overwhelming as to alter my breathing patterns. Ahhh...relief with "Good Lovin." Despite Bobby's efforts, it's a little too easy-going for my tastes.

We're ending our time in N. Carolina with a 'hug around your mate cause the Dead are leaving our vicinity' "Brokedown."

3 1/4 stars

It's not the best performance the boys ever had - but it was pretty good. It's not the best recording, but it's pretty good. Having said that, this was a very fun show (actually my first). First Set starts of good and by the time Victim rolls around, things are getting a littly wiggy. Second Set: LOVE the Hey Pocky Way and Morning Dew absolutely SCREAMS. Pretty good Truckin and Terrapin and a sweet I will Take You home. Brokedown Palace was the perfect thing to finish with before the walk back out to the lots and a nice night of partying. Things were surprisingly mellow outside after the show - no real hassles. I skipped the filler tracks when I burned this so I could squeeze it onto 2 CDs. Also, this recording is a little bass heavy (partly due to the acoustics of the old Greensboro Coliseum) and a little muddy (like there was an EQ turned on during anCassette generation somewhere). But, when I burned it with Nero, I just turned on the EQ filter to take down the bass a little (EQ profile Bass Cut (light)) and boost the overall levels. That did the trick. This recording really captures the audience energy from that night

Nice Brent moment indeed. I believe during some jammy-jam during "I will take you home" I looked up into the upper deck and saw some folks playing with glow necklaces, making patterns and so forth. After a while, of shifting shapes, a word emerged "STAR", which I thought was a nice compliment to Brent. Then, the letters began to shift and melt, and then re-congealed into the words "DARK STAR" -- wishful thinking that was not fulfilled that day, but a trippy experience nonetheless. In some manner of dejavu I have the feeling that I witnessed this scene more than just once. I wonder if anyone else has witnessed this then or at other shows. This weas my second show, my first being the night before. A great parking lot scene, not long before the parking lot scene became verbotten. Camping in the parking lot, very nice. The show rocked my world ... what choice did I have?

This show the boys had settled in a bit and with Bobby's turn to open we get the Hell in a bucket which is sprited for the year. Sugaree takes is down a notch. Minglewood cranks it back up.
Nice FOB with lots of crowd action for you live show fans. The Hey Pockey Way is taken from this night for the So Many Roads: 1965-1995 [BOX SET].

last greensboro show until renovations in '91 those shows are magical. Still a great Brent moment and a stellar Dew ***1/2