What a fine tape! It really captures the essence of well-amplified music filling a large room. Your basic soundboard doesn't have the layers, textures, and dimensions of the actual show like this one here. Without audience and the effects of sound projected into space there is so much less context.
Thank you archivists.

Wow, just when my tape of this show was about to die too. Glad someone posted this. As said above, this was a truly great and special show. In fact, unless I'm much mistaken, I saw it with Spooge up there. That is if Spooge went to VW in 89 and had a roommate named John his first semester...

NoOneButJerry hit it on the head. This show was billed as the Warlocks to circumvent the fact that the Dead were banned from Hampton due to previous debacles caused by unruly screamers who had no respect for the scene. The scene was more like the shows of the early mid 80's. The Birdsong brought me to to tears and the Help>Slip>Franklins drove the crowd into a frezy. This night and the 9th were one of my favorite shows of all time.

There is a small cut in the MAMU. Other than that, this is a great FOB. It really puts you there. As for the second set, I think it's every bit as good as it looks. The Slipknot was long and out there with some fantastic midi work. I was hoping for the Sailor/Saint following Franklin's, what the heck, but the Victim was very well played. I wondered about the song selection outta Space but that's my own preference. Jerry picked it right back up with The Wheel after that though. The Dew was one of the best I had the opportunity to see. Maybe only equalled by the one from Auburn Hills 3/23/92 as the best later years' Dews. Then again I haven't heard every show :-). This show was not as tight or out there as the following night but it was a great show.

The second set is not as good as it looks, despite the Help > Slip breakout. The Dew is hot, though. The first set is very nice too.

The rumors from within on this day's sound check was that Dark Star and Saint Stephen were approached and decied upon. Dark Star made it into the next nights set, but we are left without another Jerry-fied Saint Stephen befor ehis passing. This show was as special as any, for they billed as the Warlocks and didn't announce until a few days before the gig that it would even take place. The crowds were a bit thinner outside, something the guys in the band always liked. It was a beautiful October experience at the best east coast venue next to MSG. Yeah, Landover became good, but nothing like Hampton ever was, eh. The edge of their playing was real and enjoyed, not contrived, dare I say...like many a night for them. Enjoy the first Dark Star on 10/9/89, the first since 1984, I think. I do have a wide musical taste as a DJ, so please be nice as my ignorance is spread thin.

This remarkable set of shows was the straw that broke the camel's back and sent me off to Grateful Dead LA LA land. Everyone in the Hampton Coliseum knew that they were apart of something special. From the first notes of the Foolish Heart, to the amazing roar of the crowd when the lights when up after the Attics the next night(remember how everyone cheered when the lights went up after the 9th!! goose bumps still go through me when I think back to that!!)the boys busted it out to everyone's amazement and delight. These shows kicked off an amazing stretch that lasted through the end of 1991 of solid tight playing with a desire to take the music to it's limits.
Check out the Birdsong...what a version! Agressive jam that features the full array of midi sounds. The Promised Land...whew!!! I've never heard a more fun and lively version, Brent's on fire, this wonderful recording allows you hear the audiance just get more more into it, until we all (band included) finally throw everthing we got into it. When you listen to it, turn up the volume!!! From there who could ask for a better second set! Help Slip Franklinz!!and not just a meek version either. The post drumz Gimmie Some Lovin!! DEW!!!The only thing that could top this show was the next night and did they ever top this show. What a great time to be into the Dead!!!Thanks archive...Thanks Grateful Dead!!!