Grateful DeadGrateful Dead Live at Soldier Field on 1995-07-09 (July 9, 1995)

This audio is available in streaming format

Collection: GratefulDead
Band/Artist: Grateful Dead
Date: July 9, 1995 (check for other copies)
Venue: Soldier Field
Location: Chicago, IL

Source: Soundboard
Keywords: Live concert

Description

Touch Of Gray, Little Red Rooster, Lazy River Road, When I Paint My Masterpiece*, Childhood's End, Cumberland Blues, Promised Land Shakedown Street, Samson & Delilah, So Many Roads, Samba In The Rain, Corrina, Drums, Space, Unbroken Chain, Sugar Magnolia

E: Black Muddy River, Box Of Rain

Individual Files

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Reviewer: as;ofigj;oiaf - - July 18, 2008
Subject: Just an ok show

all of the reviews below are either "best show ever!" or "Worst show ever!" Remember, this probably was just-another-show to the Dead. I'm sure that they weren't aware that it was to be their last. To be honest. If everyone didn't know that this was the last show, everyone probably would agree that it was just an ok show. and that is all that it is. Just an ok show. So... Let's get over ourselves people

Reviewer: dr steve reprise - - July 14, 2008
Subject: not the best but definitely the last

When I entered Soldier Field that night, I had no idea it was going to be my last Dead show ever. But looking back after Jerry died, I think he knew it was going to be his last. I get chills when I think about it. He was off the entire show, as is well documented, but he came out for the encore and did Black Muddy River with such conviction and energy, it was almost like he knew he wasnt going to do it ever again. I mean c'mon, just the choice of that song alone speaks volumes. Listen to the rest of this show and then listen to BMR. Dont just listen to song, listen to the lyrics too. Take it all in. There is a definite difference. It was like his farewell. I remember from that night thinking about that song and how it completely turned the show around for me. Maybe he got a shot of something backstage, who knows... I like to think it was Jerry's last gift to all those that loved him and the Dead.

Reviewer: Bigrooster587 - - July 9, 2008
Subject: 13 years ago...

To the day..


R.I.P.

Thanks for everything.

Great sounding recording, but its hard to listen to... :(

Reviewer: timeofdeaths - - June 25, 2008
Subject: so many roads SO MANY ROADS!

its like how a small candle can light up a large room..

Reviewer: Tim Crawford - - June 25, 2008
Subject: the days that lied between

I saw my 1st GD show in 1978 at the Capitol Theatre in NJ . Since then Ive seen over 250 shows of all incarnations . For me it was never about quality, we all wanted a good show but it was more about the moment . That feeling you got during the pre song noodling " hey its goona be Scarlet " or whatever . We all had that moment and it was always good . For me it was human , it showed that the most unlikely of people could achieve greatness - even if it wasnt always pretty . I miss Jerry alot but the moment still is there , and it will be there at the Arts Center fpr me in August when I see Ratdog and the Allmans and when i see Phil in PA . Funny the stuff you realize in the days that lie between . Miss you big guy - 5 STARS and the gratest version of So Many Roads ever . Fare The Well .

Reviewer: ride_her_like_a_surfer - - June 7, 2008
Subject: Assbag Tito.....

And once again,the Assbag entity known as Tito, shows the world what he's really all about.... You really and truly are a sad and pathetic excuse for a human being.....As for the show,I give it Five Stars,just for it's significance,The End Of A Truly Special Era, 'Nuff Said.....

Reviewer: Darrylizer - - May 27, 2008
Subject: Not as bad as some would have you think

I'm a huge fan of '68 to '74 Dead, although most of the shows I saw were in the '80s and '90s. And while it's very true that Jerry was in serious decline in the '90s, this isn't a horrible show. The sound quality is excellent and the band, Jerry excluded, is playing very well, Vince and especially Phil's vocals notwithstanding. Yeah Jerry's energy level is low, well really low. He's far from the musician he once was and is missing in action for much of this show, but I've heard much less pleasant performances in the late '80s and '90s where the whole band sounded like a listless, sloppy, slow motion train wreck. Nor does this show even remotely approach a 5 star rating either. Solider Field is a mediocre show important only for its historical significance. If I had to judge the show by Jerry's playing alone it would merit one star though he has some good moments, So Many Roads for example, but the Dead weren't just Jerry (blasphemy!), and because of the contributions of the other Dead members I give this show a three. How ironic is it that the last song the Dead played together was Box Of Rain? The synchronicity that the Dead were know for was working up until the last.

Reviewer: deadinohio - - May 23, 2008
Subject: Thank you Jerry, Phil, Bob, Billy, Mickey....

Donna and all the keyboard players. It has been a while for me too, the last time I listened to this show it was just too painful. How beautiful to read the compassionate thoughts of so many reviewers in 2008. I only saw the boys a few times in the 80's but I've listened to untold hours of so many shows and they really did give us a special gift. I'm getting older and feeling more pain every year and I can totally identify with how hard it must have been for Jerry, not to mention the other guys, to do those monster 90's tours. The point of this show is not the quality of the playing, it is the soul obvious in the effort. I pray Jerry is resting in true eternal peace. I've also discovered the music that Bob and Phil are still cranking out these days and am so thankful for them and to them for keeping the music alive.

All you young Deadheads out there....treasure this music. It is for the ages.

Reviewer: demigodband - - May 21, 2008
Subject: A word about dead shows

About me-1st show Alpine 84...saw 200plus shows(so what right)

Ok, This might sound like a life time acheivement review of this show but oh well. This show is great for so many reasons. 1st of all, it's the last show...very significant. To say it's not significant is plain wrong. Someone saw their 1st and last show here. Was it the Deads best show,obviously no. Was it there worst?Probably not. Listen to that drums/space, that's good isnt it? The last song EVER PLAYED was Box of Rain. You no likey? I'm sorry if you were not old enough to get to see a better show or if Jerry didnt blow your mind on this night. I wish I could have seen them in 77 or even better in 74. Improvisation is just that. Sometimes you have to hit some bad notes to get to the good ones. That's rock and roll. Anyhow, I give this show 5 stars for it's SIGNIFICANCE, it's the LAST SHOW. A must have download. RIP Capt'n Trips Thank you for your gift.

Reviewer: Without Anet - - May 15, 2008
Subject: Don't Hate: Appreciate

For those who can’t recognize these gentlemen rocked our asses for over 30 years. Solo tours in between seasonal tours and you know what? They did it for their fans. It started because they did it for themselves but after reinventing rock and roll and making a music that promoted spirituality…they lost their spirit at times. You get up everyday with the same attitude for work? They did it for Clive don’t forget.

Act as a fool and be a critic to the shows in the later years. They were more electric than anything Dave Mathews or Phish (in all their efforts) put together in one tour. They brought something new every tour. Spring to Summer to Fall tour…every tour they brought something new. Who has done that so far for music? Anyhow. I was in the taper section at Soldier Field both nights. To the “song selection” critic with zero stars for this show…you idiot…they pulled a double encore and brought out box of rain. So what, we got two vince songs…did you have somewhere else to go?? You should appreciate what you get more, you may actually like it. I can’t stand Dead critics. Talk to me in 2021 when DMB plays for 30 years or Phish who went on hiatus 5to7 years after hitting it big and then played with Tom Hanks and JayZ and tried mainstream for two mores years before collapsing. Anyhoot. I miss you Jerry. Love you and Thank You; to, Phil and Bob and Bill and Pigpen and any and all of the Vinces and Donnas of the band.

Chris Lawrence Little York, NY

Reviewer: goonigoogoo - - May 11, 2008
Subject: Loved the show

I loved it, so many roads, unbroken, masterpiece, box of rain, and black muddy river. I loved it. So what if so many people hated it, I loved it, I love the grateful dead, and that was a good show. Relax and hear the message!! I am a recovering heroin addict, and I heard so much out of this show. Thank you Jerry, and your not alone up in heaven.

Reviewer: Dead Rich - - May 5, 2008
Subject: Give Jerry a break

I am sick and tired of hearing these so called "fans" talking trash about this show. These guys gave their lives to us. Jerry could've been chilling somewhere trying to feel better, but he got up on that stage for all of us. To rate this show (or any show for that matter) is completly besides the point. We all have our prefrences for one reason or another what shows are better. Let's respect one another and just love the memories that The Dead gave us. PEACE!

Reviewer: billyfromphilly - - May 4, 2008
Subject: end of the end

I was at this show and I left early cause I remember thinking to myself that God himself could come on stage and play guitar and not be able to redeeme one of the worst dead shows ever(Tampa 95 was up there too) the song selection sucked, the band had 0 energy and when you c pix of Jerry from Chicago he looks faded. The last good dead show was 1st night albany summer 95. They came out of the gate smokin and never let up.plus no vince songs.2nd night St Louis was the last time they kicked it out there with some nice jams in the 2nd set.Chicago was done before it started.

Reviewer: miketerrien - - May 4, 2008
Subject: Dead in 1995

So I gave it a 3stars just because its the boys. I was 15yrs old in 1995 and got to see GD here in VT at Highgate. I was only 15 and I could tell from all the live shows I had previously listened to that it was over. Sloppy Playing, bad vocals, etc. We all know how the story goes. I will say I would have rather been there than seeing some shit MTV band. These guys rocked it for a long long time and sadly this was the end. I can relate to Jerry now that I've been through Opiate addiction, it is not a fun time being sick! I really enjoyed Dylan opening the show on 6.15.95. That was great. Ok show, not as good as the 1994 show here in VT @ Highgate but I obviously had a blast. Then Jerry dies and I had nowhere to go but Phishing! Best route I've ever taken, I ended up liking Phish more than I ever did the Dead..for some reason, like a first love, GD will always be my favorite though I suppose! Smile, Smile, Smile!

Reviewer: BVD - - May 1, 2008
Subject: Thanks for 30 yrs. on the bus

to bobweirsucks...YOU SUCK

Reviewer: JourneyHome - - April 25, 2008
Subject: So Many Roads

Wow - I finally got around to listening to this - shied away from it just cause - but you know - everybody is right - its an awful show - it's an amazing show - it's a part of the ride show - it's the end show the closing chapter - the unbroken chain - the one big circle that was the Grateful Dead finally collapsing around on itself - like a building coming down no matter how hard Phil tries to growl out his lyrics - it's done and he knows it and can't save it (built to last) we watch in awe.

It's all there - As a DJ for ten years I played Mars Hotel religiously - Unbroken Chain is one of my favorites and I missed hearing them do it live by one night in Philadelphia, and after hearing this version I'm glad I did - because my last show was up, up, up (St. Patricks Day 1995 - extended Revolution opening because a mic went out) fun, fun, fun because of who we were with and great seats - so I missed the cosmic plug being pulled and I'm glad I did - BUT now a new discovery - and wow blown away again...hey Jerry not fair.

In my opinion - it sounds to me that Jerry's head cleared in the middle of the show but to start the show and after the break I'm afraid he was badly polluted - So Many Roads is exactly what people think it is - singing is testifying - not just showing off and playing licks - performing has to be about something other than yourself or it gets old quick - this show is worth it for So Many Roads - yes "LAST" Muddy River is a muddy, worn, sad crawl off this mortal coil for Jerry and the bitter sweet in that - but So Many Roads is a last gasp testimony a rise up from the ashes and haze of addiction - a defiant - I ain't done yet, died with their boots on - final punch of consciousness and enlightenment - he knew it while he was in it too - don't doubt that for a minute - all the rest of the time just trying to get through it but here - this moment a final burst of light a super nova tour de force as to what it all is and what it was all - and that's the song folks - I've been on the bus since 1973 - and that version of So Many Roads lays it all out there - that's his last gasp and it's a beauty. I mean think of it - listen to it - the finite and the infinite are mingling right there for you through our conduit of all those years Uncle Jerry.

Thank you Jerry I'm sorry that heroin took you out god people stay away from that shit - like cigarettes took George Harrison we are just biological bodies and we need to be extremely careful about what we put into our bodies and the Earth.

It was great being born into a time on Earth when you Jerry were, and all the wonderful happenings and moments we all explored separately and together. Rest assured the Road Goes on Forever and the magic is not in any one man but in all of us and in our conscious and unconscious being - enjoy the ride - stay righteous, be kind - and smile, smile, smile.

Love to all,

Paul
Author-Journey Home

Reviewer: Living_Dead_Bear - - April 13, 2008
Subject: Q4T

<i>"as i sit and listen i cannot help but feel joy my experience with the grateful dead still remains a life changing one all the years all the memories and the music are PERMENANTLY embeded in my soul on august ninth Jerome john garcia gave his best for us just like all the other times he he performed it is now mar 2008 and i am still learning from the selfless acts they commited for some many years on so many roads I am forever grateful"</i>


May I continue to play and project my soul until the day I die.
We miss you Cap'n Trips.. and we loved you through both best and worst

Reviewer: Hey Now! - - April 1, 2008
Subject: Sorry, this is more of a commentary than a review

I have to agree with some of the other posters that if Jerry had taken a year off, he might still be with us today.

The last few shows I attended, Jerry looked exhausted and like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

What was his motivation for trudging ahead? A couple of reasons I suppose. These shows arent exactly dreamed up a week before they happen...It's called the 1995 tour because the band makes a yearlong commitment to the tour and the fans a year in advance.

I know the free-sprirted nature of deadheads prevents a lot of them from understanding this kind of commitment, but it is probably the main reason Jerry kept on truckin' despite his ailing health.

I think we should be even more grateful for the nights he had to struggle through a performance. He may have had no idea how grave his health situation had become. (even if he did know, he may have decided he was going to keep playing till his last breath.)

After all, he crawled off what seemed to be his death-bed in 1986, learned to play again, and gave us another nine years.

Reviewer: GarciaGrateful - - March 31, 2008
Subject: So Many Roads

To think that I was almost 5 when they played this last show. I didnt know who Garcia or the Dead were. Not I'm nearly 18 and I love them. It's a shame I didn't appreciate the music sooner.

Reviewer: G. Ganter - - March 28, 2008
Subject: Different music

Looking at the negative reviews here, someimes it's good to remember that this is a different kind of music. Sure Jer was great in 1967, but he was great in 1977, and 1989 too. My best friend's life was changed by 8-4-79, not the greatest show by my standards. But the point is this: it's a kind of music where they spoke to us directly in a bizarre kind of social communion (and still do in the recordings). Any Dead show has the magic if you put yourself in the right place. A confession Rob Bertrando once made on Deadnet in the 90s was instructive: he and his taper friends were griping during the June 1974 tour that they wished they were still at those Portchester 70 shows. And as they griped, the Dead were laying down some of the most fabulous music in God's eyes, and they weren't hearing it because they were thinking about being somewhere else. What makes this music precious is always there---it's up to you to hear it. If you're interested, I have more theories about this stuff: http://facpub.stjohns.edu/~ganterg/dead.htm

Reviewer: mark barky schep - - March 20, 2008
Subject: good times

as i sit and listen i cannot help but feel joy my experience with the grateful dead still remains a life changing one all the years all the memories and the music are PERMENANTLY embeded in my soul on august ninth Jerome john garcia gave his best for us just like all the other times he he performed it is now mar 2008 and i am still learning from the selfless acts they commited for some many years on so many roads I am forever grateful

Reviewer: deadheadted007 - - February 25, 2008
Subject: last time

Any one who says this show or any other dead was bad is crazy going to theses shows were the best times my life!!!!!!!!!!!! Jerry great fianl go man RIP MISS ya

Reviewer: closetomyheart - - February 22, 2008
Subject: ending the long strange trip in style

The men finished strong. What a great thirty years they provided to us lucky fans. What more 'do you want them to do'. Keep it all in perspective when you listen to this grand finale(it is what it is) and don't too critical and picky. Consider yourself lucky(old son(s)- and daughters. Greatest band ever and a nice summer tour finale. Enjoy your retirement fellas! Play when you want and when you feel genuinely appreciated. I know that I never left any of your shows anything but happy,lucid, thankful,delighted and fulfilled.

Reviewer: redroosterr - - January 23, 2008
Subject: the grateful dead lives on

this was only the beginning the musics guna live on in all uss forever

Reviewer: EPOSITIVE - - January 10, 2008
Subject: IT IS WHAT IT WAS

I BEGAN SEEING THE DEAD IN 1977. IT WAS ONE OF MY JOYS TO GO AND SEE THEM AT LEAST 5 TIMES A YEAR TILL 94. JERRY WAS NOT WELL BUT HE GAVE IT HIS ALL TILL THE END. I SAW SHOWS THAT WERE GREAT AND SOMETIMES GREAT BECAUSE I WAS STANDING ON THE MOON. I WAS THE YOUNGEST OF 6 KIDS ALL OF WHOM PLAY MUSIC AND LIVED FOR MUSIC. MY OLDEST BROTHER WENT TO WOODSTOCK WITH BOTH MY SISTERS HUSBANDS. THE CONCERTS WE ALL WENT TO COULD FILL AN ARCHIVE BY THEMSELVES. ITS WHAT WE LOVE TO DO. I FELT BAD AS JERRY BEGAN TO DECLINE PHYSICALLY. I CRIED AND GOT DRUNK THAT MORNING I HEARD FROM A GIRL FRIEND IN CALIFORNIA WHO CALLED ME WITH THE NEWS JERRY WAS GONE. I FELT LIKE IT WAS AN END OF AN ERA. JERRY STILL PLAYS. HE AND THE BAND ARE STILL MY FAVORITE. PEACE AND LOVE. NOT THE BEST SHOW, NOT THE ONLY SOW.

Reviewer: adeadhead6695 - - December 23, 2007
Subject: the last show

well it's been over 12 years and I still have yet 2 listen 2 this entire show, what I did want to listen 2 of course was the touch grey, roads n muddy river, obviuos irony in last show openr.
road here in deed has soul and might b one of the if not the best b/c its the last real good performance by jerry w/the dead b/c muddy river is all around sad and as i read in phil's book or somewhere Phil's heart was broken w.that rendition both jerry and his box rain kinda last ditch grasp at saving his 'ol pal"what do u want me to do to do 4 u 2 c u thru...for this is all a dream we dreamed 1 afternoon long ago" (like 30 some odd years) i guess i now have not seen a live show for as many years as i saw live shows majority of 150 or so from early 80's to 90 east(msg,nassau,rochester,carrierdome, niagara falls in 84 that whole tour in fact hampton, merriweather early 80's Rich stadium, oxford plains akron, etc etc west Greek, frost, shoreline, kasier, Oakland, LA, vegas AZ etc alpine in between) lost interest when we lost brent i was mad, saw the occasional local but no more tours for me, like many of us the ol man was a father figure, and now that im a father in my 40's i recall the days when i was a kid and saw him as a man, mmmmm talk about a TRIP. well tears come to my eyes every time i do listen to that so many roads "lord, so many road to ease my soul" jerry adds the lord, he knows he's goin to see him, and the plainness at the start "I thought i head a jug band playin if i dont who will" (mother mcree's!) to the sadness of "..lonely and i call ur name no place left 2 go aint that a shame" "i've been walkin down that road," as if he were really the person the song was about. well will not rate this show b/c it is unrateable, often to this day i recall those days and the innocence and simplicity. Jerry's light was a bright one and he always gave it all to the music, and he lives on...

Reviewer: raybo - - December 6, 2007
Subject: I just don't get it

[EDIT again, and I wonders why?]

For one, Gaybo, lol, that makes me laugh, even though it is not very original.

But unclesam77, isn't the review suppose to about criticism? That has been one of the points through out this posting mess. To tell the show how it is. And yes, there are some songs, that I think I mentioned (not by name), where you can hear Jerry really feeling it.

All in all, I understand all of your points, and it really isn't worth any of our times to keep flaming back and forth. I was just trying to convey, that this show isn't really that great to listen to. And that, besides a couple of songs, it really sounded like the band was going through the motions....which excludes the condition of Jerry, his goes without saying.

I just wonder sometimes, if the fans of such mass gathering would except change as much as the whole idea of seeing their band live, maybe some of these "jambands" (sorry I hate that word as well) would still exist. I mean, with the talent this band had, I think it was a waste to only corner them into a certain catalog or "package" of songs. I agree, the catalog was vast, but I am sure they wanted to live a little a change, but couldn't.

Why? I don't know, Dylan did it, despite all the "booing" and whatnot, and has done it more than once.

Anyway, rambling on. Peace all! And for those of you, don't take my work for a grain of salt. I mean, who the f@#! am I?

[EDIT for those speaking to me]

I really do want to start a war on MY OPINION, so I will try my best.

CT, why the door? What did I say wrong, other than giving my honest opinion of the show? I really didn't think it was all that special, and even stated the obvious, they sounded tired.

How is that wrong to say? Again I do not understand the mentality of half you people, and your negative responses to someones mind. I did not come down, negate, nor take away ANYTHING from either one of these musicians. Nor did I EVER say that I could do better.

I did say, that I am sure they were and have been sick and tired of playing the music to all of you, wouldn't you? I mean, don't you think after playing a song for so many years, you would get tired of doing it? I say yes, even if they were blessed with the ability to chaneg it up and never play it the same twice. Again, you just don't get it. Musicians are artists, and they need to create. If they don't it gets stale. And I am sure playing DarkStar a million times would get old. Don't you think a painter would become tired of painting the same painting over and over, year after year, even though he changed colors, brushes, and added or subtracted things each time? Again, I would say yes. Why, because I am one myself, and the best feeling in the world, other than having a magic moment on a jam, is creating something new and fresh.

As for you Dylan, I am sorry I hurt your feelings in regards to Phil. And FYI, I listen to Phil & Friends quite a bit on this archive, so I have no issues with Mr. Lesh and I absolutley love his bass playing. Again, I only commented on the vocals, and how bad they sounded in contrast to the music. So, I guess stating my opinion is wrong? Whatever.

As for listening to this and that, that is not the point of this review. It is to comment on the show. Not to say, compared to this show in the 70s' or that show in the 80s' this song or that song was better. I do agree however, to point someone to a better show in light of this VERY UNENERGIC UNCARING show. But alas, since most of you are such experts in this matter, I will keep my mouth shut. Besides, the best way to enjoy everything, both good, bad, ugly, and beautiful is to try and listen to as much of these shows as you can.
[END]

This is meant to be a review of the show not a whining and bitching session.

I never have gotten into the "scene", and I in ways, I am glad I didn't. As it appears that most of y'all only care about yourselves and whom has seen what and how it was...blah blah blah

I am going to listen to this show, and I will then make my 1st rating based on "HOW I THOUGHT" it was. It will be pure and honest, with nothing weighted due to this or that.

Hate to jump into the fire with the rest. But if you honestly think about it, it was you that made the band go down hill. You all became greedy, even when with all the tapes in circulation and side projects...you couldn't get enough.

It is sad, some of these jam bands get around the whole corporation only to still be held down by the scene. Odd, music is the most beautiful and pure thing, but when it is too good, too special, it almost becomes tainted. People don't want to others in, nor do they want the music to stop.

You have to understand, these are people, yes people you are watching, listening to. They have lives, feelings, goals. Let them be, let them do, specially if you love them so much.

Peace

[edit]
I heard the set and I must say, really was not all that. However, seems the vocals weren't there, specially for Jerry in some songs, sounded a little low. Overall, Jerry sings when he wants to, and it does sing and play well when you have him on a song he wants to do. I guess, you know, after all those years of playing so many of those tunes, he got bored. Do you blame him? Heck, I know I would, even if you were blessed enough to "supposedly (sp?)" never play the same song twice.

Anyway, I enjoyed listening to this, except when Phil sang. I am sorry Phil, just can't handle your vocal. I realize you have had issues, surgery and all that, but honestly, how can you live with yourself singing over something and killing it as you do?

I am giving this show a 2. Why? There was no energy, they sounded like they were tired, and a bunch of old men...which they kind of are/were. Also, what were they thinking about when they agreed to the keys player? In the opener, it sounded like someone was playing along with a casio keyboard they got from christmas and it made it on the tape somehow.

Anyway, thanks all for giving me an interesting read about a show. Odd parallel you fans have with phans. It is too bad that Jerry couldn't have done what Trey did, and kill the monster before it killed him. But even if he did, I am sure all the hate that would have come out of it, would have brought him down as well.

Enjoy the music people, please, stop whining about it...you miss the point if you stand around picking it apart.

Reviewer: Stealz - - December 2, 2007
Subject: C

C

Reviewer: stealyogrill - - December 1, 2007
Subject: Goosebumbs

Honestly, the majority of this show is hard to listen to, knowing the pain that Jerry was in at the time. I'm a fellow recovering addict and "It hurts me too". I discovered this show in my former life and the So Many Roads and Black Muddy River were a treat in the good times and a crutch in the bad. I just listened to them again for the first time since I've straightened up (18mos ago). I was sitting on the couch with my lady friend, who's a virgin to the Dead. I was explaining the background of the show and Jerry's struggle as I was searching for it. I played "Roads" first, and when I heard Jerry's voice, I thought "Damn, I'm gonna' cry". Well, as soon as he started into that first guitar solo, I was defenseless. It felt pretty damn good, too. Its so hard to rate something like this, so I won't try to. "All I know is the sun STILL shines and the rain refuses to fall" on this old 'head.

Reviewer: bottleneckbill - - November 30, 2007
Subject: Nice

I'm not sure why there is so much criticism of the show. We all know who Jerry is and was and that he had some skeletons in his closet. The scene was far gone by '95, but listening to the show, I hear some nice jams, and well, I've heard worse GD shows. I think Jerry finished strong, as you can hear in his JGB shows too. The guy was a pickin' junkie and this was the last chapter of a great era.

The sound quality is very good. Rythem Devils and Phil are anchoring the whole band for a decent show. Jerry has enough tone, and voices are soulful enough. Enjoy it for what it is.

Reviewer: happy420 - - November 30, 2007
Subject: ...oh and one more thing

I also read an interview with Phil from 1980 (I think it was in David Gans' book Conversations With the Dead) where he was asked about Unbroken Chain and why they didn't play it live any more. He talked about damaging his voice and also that it was a complex arrangement, and then in what seemed an off-hand comment he said that if they ever played it again it would portend the "end of the Grateful Dead". No shit. The first time they played it after that statement was of course 3/19/95, and I think it's no accident it appears here as well.

Reviewer: sierrapay - - November 30, 2007
Subject: Bitterness isn't Becoming

Just think of this as Jerry's farewell to all his devoted fans. Don't get caught up in the quality of the voices. Listen to it for what it was. Jerry was tired and unhealthy but he still toured. May not have been the right thing but that's what it was.....Remember he died one month to the day from this last concert. Would any of you who criticized the quality rathered they didn't do this show? If yes then you are not truly a Dead Head. For me I look to the setlist and take meaning from the line up of songs. I don't even think I will rate this show. I know when I listen to it the quality doesn't come to mind, only that this was the last show the Dead ever did. And that to me guys is the sad sad fact of it all. What once was will never be again. Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there.....gratefully yours,

Reviewer: unclesam77 - - November 28, 2007
Subject: Gaybo

Hey man... theres no to critisize anything about this show. We all know that the dead kind of struggled towards the end of the road but you know what man, its just a part of the ride. When you listen to this show dont try to pick out the bad parts of it. You have to think about how serious and touching of a moment it is to hear Jerry sing black muddy river as his last song. this is it man... enjoy it.. dont bash it. Black muddy river, roll on forever

Reviewer: Dylan M - - November 23, 2007
Subject: Phil held this nite togther

Hey Raybo,

I understand where you are comming from in regards to the painter comparison. Alot of pressure was placed on the Dead to constantly tour even when Jerry was paining severly. The scene couldnt just let the band take a hiatus or stop playing all together if they want to. I wouldn't want to play Dark Star 477 times either. Its hard to remain genuine and to "never repeat the same song twice" after playing 3,500 shows.

My point about Phil was that he was doing what he could to hold a weaker show together, not that your opinion was "wrong". Thats what makes an opinion an opinion. I as well listen to P&F and admit that after this show he has had MUCH better vocal moments than this. It is sad when everything is deteriorating so much that Phil, the most vocally challenged :) of the vocals in the group has to step up and hold it together.

Heres to the good times and respecting eachothers OPINIONS.

Reviewer: Funkalicious - - November 21, 2007
Subject: Has everyone lost their mind?

People lets not argue who the bigger Dead Head is, lets stick to the music. Muscially this was a tough show to stomach. Between song selection, sound and fatigue this show was boring. Wih that being said, listen to the so many roads. If your like me you will have come full circle!

Reviewer: Tito&Smokey - - November 15, 2007
Subject: Hey assbag

to all you total idiots that are having a fucking cow because some people are saying this show sucked,take a fucking pill already.Its called a review.Some people actually read the reviews to get a feel on how the show may be,and this show sucked.Its not all rainbows and fucking waterfalls man.Review the show,stop telling stupid fucking stories about how your car broke down that night and you were high on acid and some kind sister with fucking disgusting hairy armpits miracled you and it started raining and bob weir was singing to you and your dad fucking died and Garcia played "hes gone" for him.Jesus Christ you morons are stupid.I saw the GD over 300 times and i liked the music,not the ridiculous poser fucking hippy bums that ruined the good venues(Deer Creek,Greek Theater to name a few)i didnt dress like a goddamn bum and try to screw people out of everything,i went for the music,and thats what it should be.I read fucking reviews where people say they saw Garcia crying during Stella Blue or So many roads or whatever.I ask you this question,why in the fucking world would the man cry while he was singing Stella Blue?Cry?Tears?Huh?Maybe tears of joy for all the fucking money he was making.Just remeber,Garcia was in my mind the greatest musician ever,but he wasnt some peace loving hippie wanting to change the world and supporting"The Cause".He was a junk food eating,Deadbeat Dad,womanizing junkie.You may say"Tito,you just dont get it".No YOU just dont get it,open your fucking eyes.

Reviewer: Tito&Smokey - - November 15, 2007
Subject: Hey assbag

to all you total idiots that are having a fucking cow because some people are saying this show sucked,take a fucking pill already.Its called a review.Some people actually read the reviews to get a feel on how the show may be,and this show sucked.Its not all rainbows and fucking waterfalls man.Review the show,stop telling stupid fucking stories about how your car broke down that night and you were high on acid and some kind sister with fucking disgusting hairy armpits miracled you and it started raining and bob weir was singing to you and your dad fucking died and Garcia played "hes gone" for him.Jesus Christ you morons are stupid.I saw the GD over 300 times and i liked the music,not the ridiculous poser fucking hippy bums that ruined the good venues(Deer Creek,Greek Theater to name a few)i didnt dress like a goddamn bum and try to screw people out of everything,i went for the music,and thats what it should be.I read fucking reviews where people say they saw Garcia crying during Stella Blue or So many roads or whatever.I ask you this question,why in the fucking world would the man cry while he was singing Stella Blue?Cry?Tears?Huh?Maybe tears of joy for all the fucking money he was making.Just remeber,Garcia was in my mind the greatest musician ever,but he wasnt some peace loving hippie wanting to change the world and supporting"The Cause".He was a junk food eating,Deadbeat Dad,womanizing junkie.You may say"Tito,you just dont get it".No YOU just dont get it,open your fucking eyes.

Reviewer: cosmic_chad - - November 10, 2007
Subject: :)

Today was the day the I finally decided to listen to this show. I have around 800 shows and have had this one for about 5 years and have never listened till today. Im not sure why I waited. I couldnt be at this show because, well I couldnt be at any show after somewhere in 1992. The scene was just too far gone at that point.

Listening to So many Roads and Black Muddy River was very intense.I really cant put into words the emotions that ran through me as I was listening, but im sure that there are many of you out there that dont need an explanation.

One thing about Jerry being gone though. A lot of you people say how you miss Jerry. Well even though Ive seen so many shows, I never knew Jerry, the person and The Grateful Dead had died some time before he did. I cant really say that I miss Jerry becuase I never knew Jerry, the person. I cant say that I miss Jerry as a musician either because just about every single day of my life, The boys, led by Jerry, take my mind on a journey and make my soul glow. There is no one that will ever be able to take my mind on the explorations that Jerry did with his guitar. No one will ever take my soul to those places that I never knew existed. I cant dwell on what might never happen again though. I choose to just be thankful for what did.

Thank you so much Jerry :)

Reviewer: CatherwoodTirebiter - - November 10, 2007
Subject: Raybo

The door's thataway. Nobody's making you listen... Besides, I've heard these guys sound alot worse than this. There were some truly horrific train wreck shows back in the 60's and 70's. You know, where everybody forgets the words, stops playing too soon or overshoots a curve in the song, the lighting designer blacks out the stage in the middle of a hot song and the guys are all pissed off for the duration. This is peanuts in terms of major fuck ups. The Old Man was tired, f'er Christ sakes. It ain't easy pourin' your soul out night after night for 40 years to a bunch of snotty kids that think they got a direct line on Nirvana that begins and ends with how good a guy plays that night. I'll give 5 stars to any one of you Negative Nellies that can rip it up like this here a month before y'er pushin' up roses. I'm done now. Go find another show to listen to for free.

-CT

Reviewer: dnavillus - - October 24, 2007
Subject: Respect

This show is a thousand times better than anything anyone on this forum ever played in their lives.

Reviewer: drgnw/mtchs - - October 24, 2007
Subject: Amen to the reviewer below this one!!

Ditto!!!!!!!!

Reviewer: King Enots - - October 23, 2007
Subject: Un-Grateful Losers

Un-Grateful bastarts. I'm sick of these so called experts baging on Garcia cause he's not perfect..wasn't that the point behind the hole thing? Had Jerry took off a few years he'd still be with us. He gave his life for his fans right up till the bitter-sweet end. This wasn't the great 68-69 band, or the Superdead from the 70's, or even the monsters of the Brent era. No this was the Grateful Dead and Jerry at the end of his days. You fake deadheads would probley rip on Louie Armstrong's last show when he was near death, or say Johnny Cash's last recording sucked compared to his early work, or say Billie Holiday's singing on Lady in Satin sucked. Your missing the F***in' point. When someone you love is facing death it takes on an even deeper level of emotion. He did this shit for you remember that! I am so Grateful for being at that show and I will defend ever show they did because they did for us not the $ or the fame for us. Jerry was a worrior 30 years of live performing when his health was failing he stood on that stage and gave his soul away every night. Just listen to so many roads the best live performance the Grateful Dead ever did in any era in my oppion. The emotion he puts in that song and the meaning behind the words break my heart and make me cry till this day. I want to thank Jerry Garcia for the love he gave away every time his played music. Remember if every show was perfect they would be Yes not the Grateful Dead.

Thank you Guys!

Reviewer: Let's All Be Cheerful - - October 23, 2007
Subject: Has Everyone Gone Deaf?

There will never be anything like them again. Period.

That said, this show is an Irish funeral. Nearly everything sounds noisy and out of sync -- an awful Touch of Grey sets the tone and it doesn't get much better from there. They pull it together with a nice Queen Jane, SMR is okay too but the so-so Shakedown goes on for about a week.

Drums/Space grabs a little lightning but it can't save the forgettable Samba or the UC/SM moosefart that closes the second set (I read here that Phil took voice lessons -- another child left behind . . .) Jerry nails BMR, Box is a nice gesture and not terrible, Karaoke Phil notwithstanding.

Only mediocre artists are good all the time.

Reviewer: Schmatzhagen - - October 20, 2007
Subject: Worth A Listen

I saw the Dead earlier this tour at Three Rivers, and must agree, it was not the band at it's full potential, yet there were many times in my own history of seeing them (1984-1995) that they did not always play to their full potential. Much like Three Rivers, I think musically.....not so bad, vocally.....not so good (especially Jerry). If this was the only show you ever got to see live, it's too bad, but if you saw them many times, you may have seen better, and may have seen worse. Listen here at the Archive, and find some you like, enjoy them, remember them if you were there, and never forget them.

Reviewer: Daddy D - - October 13, 2007
Subject: Memories live forever . . .

I don't like to attend open-casket funerals, as I prefer to remember the person as they were, when they were healthy & alive.

Similarly, I'm glad I wasn't at this show.

RIP, Jerry.

In my memories you remain Forever Young.

Doug

Reviewer: Conrad314 - - October 7, 2007
Subject: Damn Fine Black Muddy River!!!

Love this version!! If anyone knows where or how i can download, buy, Trade...whatever please please let me know! Thanks for the mighty fine trip!

Reviewer: phatman - - October 7, 2007
Subject: does it make you feel good?

For those of you that want to gripe about this show this, and this show that, please sit back smell the roses and think about the big picture. This was all done for us, as fans. Be glad it was there when it was. In my eyes there is no Dead show that deserves less than 5 stars. Lets keep this thing going!

Reviewer: Tito&Smokey - - October 6, 2007
Subject: Total Crap

This last show was total crap.I was there and had a good time and all but i can only imagine what a first timer thought after seeing this show.He would be laughing.
To the previous reviewer that thinks hes "Mr. Dead",dude,you said the Dead sucked after 1977?Your out of you mind.Im a big fan of the late 70s Dead,and also the late 80s Dead.Jerry didnt lose shit.There was Great shows in 91,some in 93,even some in 95(Delta Center Salt Lake 95)To say the Dead was at its peak in the 60s is asinine.They sucked in the 60s.Pigpen was a basic three chord blues man.Open up your ears jackass.Listen to 6-7-91 second set or soemthing.Ya pickle smoocher

Reviewer: Tito&Smokey - - October 6, 2007
Subject: Total Crap

This last show was total crap.I was there and had a good time and all but i can only imagine what a first timer thought after seeing this show.He would be laughing.
To the previous reviewer that thinks hes "Mr. Dead",dude,you said the Dead sucked after 1977?Your out of you mind.Im a big fan of the late 70s Dead,and also the late 80s Dead.Jerry didnt lose shit.There was Great shows in 91,some in 93,even some in 95(Delta Center Salt Lake 95)To say the Dead was at its peak in the 60s is asinine.They sucked in the 60s.Pigpen was a basic three chord blues man.Open up your ears jackass.Listen to 6-7-91 second set or soemthing.Ya pickle smoocher

Reviewer: Brontis - - October 5, 2007
Subject: Last show

I started seeing the Dead in 1970. I started to lose interest in 1978.

The band's magnificence begins really in 67 when the band first shifted identities from Pig Pen's backup band to Jerry's backup band.

The music they produced in the years 67-69 is really in a class by itself. During this period, the music was (instrumentally) centered on Jerry's unique guitar playing. There is no better example of the Dead's musical magic, for which to introduce someone to the band, than "Dark Star" on "Live Dead."

Jerry's guitar lines were the central heart around which Phil, Bobby and the drummers flowed around.

Jerry started to retreat from this position as musical voice "on top" in the early 70's.

He switched from Gibson to thinner sounding Strat and then the Alembic.
He changed his finguring technique from a three-fingered rock-blues style to a four-fingered jazz style.

There are positives and negatives to be drawn from this change. For me, the musical high point of the band (instrumentally speaking) is the Live Dead era, specifically, early 1969.

The rise and fall of the Grateful Dead is charted to the rise and fall of Jerry Garcia. As early as 1973, his thinning guitar style began to take on a meandering, doddling nature.

The "last" shows from Winterland in Oct. 74 show the band in decline. Mainly because of Jerry. I was there.I saw all five nights.

After the hiatus, they reemerged to mixed musical success. The GAMH show broadcasted nationwide in 8/75 showed the band in truly fine form. This was like sex after a long breakup.

When they began touring the following year, the same trends in Garcia's playing reemerged. However, for some reason (I suspect, believe it or not, the *initial* influence of heroin), Jerry's playing found a new lease on life, particularly for some reason in May 77.

The shows from this short period have some remarkable playing. Unfortunately, this was ephemeral.

I saw them after the Egypt shows in Oct. 78 and clearly something was wrong. Jerry's hands simply could no longer move about the fretboard with the facility of prior times.

Within a year or so, he lost his voice.

A year ago, I saw on PBS the broadcast of the closing of Winterland shows from 1978 (or was it 1980 -- I forget...). If anything, it made me feel embarrassed. "St. Stephen shall remain, all he lost he shall regain..." ????

I don't think so.

Later, I saw the Dead sporadically, maybe three or four times in 1979 and the early 80s.

Musically, the band had very little to say, mainly because the lead guitarist could no longer really play, and he certainly couln't sing, as he had physically lost his voice.

There were one or two truly magical, beautiful songs written (Black Muddy River, Foolish Heart), but essentially, these musicians had nothing relevant to add to the conversation.

I will always love the Dead. Their music stands unique in history. I still listen to them (shows from the 60s and very early 70s). They are a part of me.

I mean no disrespect to Jerry's memory; but a fact is a fact. The man's spirit failed. He became a junkie. According to some, his first use happened in the 1974 (short) Europe tour.

In the 80s I happened to reconnect with an old friend from high school. He now was part of the Dead scene. These people were using heroin.
Dead Heads were now heroin users. Okeeeee.....

This is why the music is so bad. This is what happened to the dream. It got defiled by hard drugs. Jerry's spirit was not strong enough. Did you know that Emmet Grogan of Diggers fame from SF Summer of Love was found dead homeless in a NYC subway train some years ago...

Phil and Bobby survived. Jerry, for whatever reason, could not.

May he rest in peace. He was a shell of a man when he died. But he had ceased to have anything musically worthwhile to say at least 15 years earlier.

A shame.

Sorry.

Reviewer: mcgannahan - - October 2, 2007
Subject: this aint my cup of dead

i don't like to listen to these shows from 92-95, just because it's really not good, sure some gems in there, as there will always be, but i could really care less that this is the last show. the last show for me is the last one i just listened to. the dead to me are alive and well , bringing me immense joy on a daily basis. yeah it's a shame about jerry, he finally gave in to what demons were haunting his soul for many years, but he lived 53 years, so be grateful for it. let's keep the spirit alive, no matter how strange and sad life can get.

Reviewer: clashcity - - October 2, 2007
Subject: good grief

it comes down to one thing as it regards the "review" below... did you go to see the dead for a cosmic awakening, or did you go to see a rock'n'roll band?

As much as everyone wants to believe in some grandious collective where everyone was a member of some family, etc... and the world's problems would all be solved if Jerry would only play Morning Dew... that's great and really cool in a very idealitic sense.

The reality is that just like the stones, the who, jimi hendrix, led zeppelin, janis joplin, the band, bob dylan, et al, etc, etc and so on... The Grateful Dead were a rock band and they were artists. They charged people money to come and see them perform their art - rock'n'roll music.

There are moments where I start to think otherwise... then I recall spending a whole ton of money to watch Jerry forget words, not play leads, and nod out on the microphone...

A different journey, indeed...

Reviewer: maione - - October 1, 2007
Subject: Thank God

I am so gr8ful that there of us out there, still, over 12 years later, who still lament about the loss of the Jerry. I regularly shed tears for our loss and think of Jerry, the band, and the memories several times daily.

I unforunately was not at this last show, but have it on various different versions of bootleg. To those of you who dare critize the performance, I seriously pity you for missing the point. It was another trip, another adventure, another place the boys brought us to as they had so many times before. Regardless of the the quality...they we still playing. I'd give anything to still be able to see them live and go back on tour, to get back involvoled in the parking lot scence. On or off the mark, they played their best, and desreve nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation.

The worst Dead show was a more positive and enlighening experience that the the best perforance of any other band. Period.

For 30 years they gave us all. In return they will always have my heart, my ears, and my mind. None of that could fade away.

Reviewer: brianmchlsn - - September 21, 2007
Subject: Tell me why...

There's a line in "So Many Roads" that goes "Tell
me why you treat me so unkind". To listen to this
show is one thing, but I sat seventh row center on this night and eleventh row center the night
before. These shows are best viewed in their context. They were the last two shows of a run
described by Phil Lesh in his book as the "Tour
from Hell". In this light, I will concede that
the preformances were eneven at best. However,
"So Many Roads" and the encores make this more
than worthwhile to listen to. If you're a true
Deadhead and you can do it without getting choked up, you've got my congradulations.

Reviewer: sm0key42o8 - - September 15, 2007
Subject: I concur

This show has no energy, to depth, nothing. I did get shivers while listening to it, but that on the mere fact it was the last show. If not for that, it would be overlooked as it should

Reviewer: beenwaytoolongatsea - - September 14, 2007
Subject: so many roads ... to ease my soul ...........

i felt a need to chime in after reading almost all or all 'reviews' of this show so far, many agree that this show was not good, many of us have seen and heard many very good and great grateful dead shows, i myself think that vince was atrocious and after brent the sound was gone, though the nineties had moments, no one can deny this.

this show gives me the shivers, because i believe jerry, and phil. knew something, maybe that it was the last show. listen to jerry in black muddy, his vocals, he really does 'moan,' like the ripples he sings of, and the richness to his tone as he sings, and his inflections, bring us jerry from the soul, and i think hefelt something, he says ' stones fall from my eyes instead of years,' not tears, and it's not a fuck up because he BELTS it.

The show was over and phil bombed the first note box bomb and they were off, and listen to him SCREAM these word: such a long long time to be gone, and a short time to be here .... everyone knows phil can't sing but he can scream when he means it and man did he mean that .....

thank you jerry, for the 'short time' you were here and will meet, all of us, shaken' our hands, when we make to the promised land ..... bless you jerry and all who read this

Reviewer: morning dew 71 - - September 10, 2007
Subject: ...,not the best at what they do...

I sent off my comment before concluding with my acknowledgments to sugar23ee, Thank you for the kind reminder. Bill was a great inspiration and mentor to me! That being said, let it be known, these reviews are simply a blog where we can all share our memories of "the laughter, the love, and the music"! I don't take the harsh comments all that seriously. Peace.

Reviewer: Sugar23ee - - September 9, 2007
Subject: For better or worse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wasn't at this show, however I have listened to it several times. It wasn't their best, so what and now we all know why. It pains me to read some of these reviews. I have been to many, many shows between 1976 and 1995 and frankly those of you who feel it necessary to be a critic til the end miss the point. Someone once said they are not the best at what they do, they are the only ones that do what they do". Know who?????????? As for me, I wouldn't trade one minute of the 300+ shows I've seen.

Reviewer: 3chrds - - August 19, 2007
Subject: @--->---

Much love, Jerry!

Much much LOVE!!!

Reviewer: dj53219 - - August 17, 2007
Subject: Most Contentiuous Show OF ALL TIME !!!!

You guys are all the best .. having been at the 95 Chicago run .. for what its worth .. it was clear that Mr. Garcia Gave us what he was capable of at the time .. I'm listening right now .. and remembering so .. why not get your own band together and grind it out for 30 years + ... let me know how that works out for you ..

I was also at Stevie Ray Vaughan's last show at alpine .. so maybe he's terrible too i mean .. he wasn't even on heroin or anything or Clapton either .. i mean Clapton doesn't even play his own solos.. and I saw Ray Charles *very* late in his career also not on heroin .. and man I tell ya .that guy is just AWFUL i mean .. he's frigging blind for god sakes ... .
... get over yourselves ...
(sometimes id give anything to have one more lousy rotten weekend with the dead ..)

i went for the magic .(read Goosebumps .. an I *Never* failed to get goosebumps at a dead show) . and yes it wasn't 8 solid hours of it .. it got down to little glimpses _ sat Visions - Sun BMR etc.. so .. have a great day ......reminds me of an old Joke .. What did one Deadhead say to the other when the drugs ran out ? These guys SUCK!.. anyway glad i had the experience.. hope you all get your Music Critic Jobs At Billboard or Rolling Stone .. or whatever .. Peace & Love .... p.s. one poster did actually get the point .. I'd rather be at a Lousy Dead Show than anywhere else ...

Maybe he should have died earlier ..say 1986 from the coma .. then you all would have been spared so many many poor poor pitiful ( Zevon reference - yeah .. he's dead too so he must suck as well ) dreadful agonizing eternities .. of all those lousy terrible shows that followed .. and we could be kibitzing about how 1985 was the Worst Year Ever ! and How this Brent guy really isnt Pigpen and my god none of those men went to Juilliard or Berkelee how can they Possibly call themselves musicians ?!?!?!? .. anyway .. 11 years later .. cant just let it go .. ??? so in the end ... 3 stars 5 star historical significance 1 star for showing up one last time .. . Best they could muster . also check out Mickey's book... ( can't remember which one & I paraphrase ) .. ."Magic doesn't just happen .. you have to set a place for it" .. see you all on the road

I'm going to listen to the whole lousy show now ... cause I can -
My Honest Heartfelt Thanks to every last one of you tapers ... for preserving all that crap !!!!

R.I.P Jerry , Brent , Pig, Vince , Keith and anyone i may have missed - Dick , RamRod , Kesey et.al.

Reviewer: shermski - - August 11, 2007
Subject: the end

this is the last show sadly, i will give it a 5 for its memory. my cousin was there, its hard to listen to it. out of respect.

Reviewer: TuneIN - - August 11, 2007
Subject: On the bus

Jack, sounds like you ARE on...There's plenty of room so bring friends. So what if we got on a little late, that just means the vibe is being kept alive and growing!

Reviewer: Freakshow541 - - August 10, 2007
Subject: Swan Song

Touching that Jerry's last song was Black Muddy River, so much to think about between the lines of music and history itself. The saddest thing is the last song the boys did together was Phil's tone deaf box of crap. I love phil, the bombs that shook foundations across the world but he can sing fer shat.

I miss the scene but we are all blessed that we have all of these shows to charish.

God Bless

Reviewer: JaCkStRaW Lay His Body Down - - August 3, 2007
Subject: I'm very much so aware of this (also i forgot my password to now im this

yes i didn't hop on any busses, no i never even went to any shows, never expierienced a dead show... that don't mean i dont get teh same vibes as you when you pop in an album. I love the grateful dead. I dont nessicarly have any memories from concerts but i still have memories when i pop in a cd. I went to italy once and forgot my cd on the plane and the only cd i had was the one i had in my cd player and that was american beauty, thats all i had to listen to... now every time i hear that album it reminds me of Italy.

Reviewer: taperrick - - August 3, 2007
Subject: to the young

To the young one.If you don't get on the bus,you can't get to know the riders.

Reviewer: JackStraw4rmWitchita - - August 2, 2007
Subject: Unbroken chain

Im only 16 but i heard this from my biology teacher after i told him my one of my favorite songs is unbroken chain. he said there was a myth of rumor that the dead would never play unbroken chain live and if they did something bad would happen. they played unbroken chain and jerry died... a little wierd but probably just coqencedence. anyway just a weird fact. The show isn't all that grate not very much energy and the one time they did play unbroken chain it sucked...

Reviewer: ccclyde - - August 2, 2007
Subject: Box Of Rain

Right on Zim. Box of Rain was written by Hunter about Phil's father dying. That makes it being the last song extra sad. :.( Thanks for the memories! :)

Reviewer: ZIMDEPENDENT - - August 1, 2007
Subject: The last song

If you were there you should remember that the boys were walking off the stage when Phil started into Box of Rain. You should treasure that moment of clarity that defining moment. I was 17 and that was it for me. I knew it was special then and as I saw someone else review say that Phil pushed through it like never before. The first and second night were the only times I got to see them Ever I rate this a five because I was there and my memories of the night make the show one of the best, I love to listen to all of the missed lyrics and laugh again and again. Jerry is missed.

Reviewer: bushleaguer1 - - July 19, 2007
Subject: last dance

Good or bad is indiferent...what matters is the memories. Those that were at the last show, this is priceless. Those that were at other shows, you have your memories as well. It is all about the memories and the trip it takes you on!

Reviewer: haykay965 - - July 17, 2007
Subject: I WISH

In 1995 I was 16 years old. My best friends older sister was really into the grateful dead and turned me onto them. She had been to a few shows and had tickets to this show. She offered my friend and I tickets to go. We knew our parents would never let us (at 16 years old!) go to Chicago to see the Dead, so we decided to lie and sneak out and drove 3.5 hours to Chicago. I had the best time ever. It was an amazing experience that I will remember and cherish forever. This is actually the first time I have listened to the show since it was played live. Just sitting here listening to the music and knowing that I was there gave me the chills. I wish I was able to go to more shows, but I am forever thankful that I atleast made it to one show...the last one...that makes it even more cherishable! My freinds sister passed away 2 years ago, so not only am I thankful of the grateful dead and the experience that I had, I am thankful for my friend for making it all possible. R.I.P. Jerry and R.I.P Melissa
Thank you both for the wonderful memories!

Reviewer: Compsurfah_Too - - July 9, 2007
Subject: It is what it is..

Good show..
OR
Bad show...

It was Jerry's final show.


We ALL miss him.... R.I.P Old Man

Reviewer: notgnimer - - July 9, 2007
Subject: What a long, strange trip it's been

I would have to agree with most of the other reviews. This was a sub-par Dead show. Compared to other Dead shows this was really a one star performance. So many Roads is good, and Mickey and Bill had a fun Drums session. Can't say much more about it. However, compared to other shows in general, it is still the Dead, and I'd rather be a one star Dead show, than a Bon Jovi, or Whitesnake, or Kelly Clarkson show. So it is what it is. It is worth listening to for the historical value, and I agree with one of the review, I didn't know I still had tears to shed for Jerry, but listening to this, and knowing this was the last, my heart was broken again. Peace.

Reviewer: grateful kev - - July 9, 2007
Subject: RIP JERRY

this day I will always remember being the last dead show....
and a month later jerry would be dead..... this show although
has some high points you could just tell about 1995 shows
in general that the dead were at the end of the road......sad
but true and 12 years later I am truely grateful for bands
like DSO and Ratdog and JGB that keep the magic and spirit of
Jerry alive and well..... thanks to the archive I love the music
ten times more than I did 12 years ago........

Reviewer: greylian - - July 1, 2007
Subject: Can I download these?

Can anyone tell me if theres any way to record these so's I can burn them/ my email is ellard356@hotmail.com

Reviewer: 1970Junkie - - November 22, 2006
Subject: Poor at best...

I see it an insult to the Grateful Dead not to vote on the merits of the music and love/energy produced as a result. Vote how you feel. For my taste, this show is very poor with only a few enjoyable moments.

Reviewer: entropy4205 - - June 4, 2006
Subject: What a long strange trip is have been.

Overall it is a good show for the 90's era. Some people dislike this show because it was the last, but it wasnt a bad show bu t anymeans. I myself am too young to have seen the dead w/ jerry , sigh. So I have to get my fix with Phil and Freinds and The Dead 2003,2004.

I think that the Grateful Dead had a great run, and will always be the greatest rock and roll band of all time. 30 years, 30000+ songs, I mean no one can top what they did. RIP Jerry

PS: Vince Welnick pass away this morning. GD keyboardist 90-95 . RIP

Reviewer: tamedturtle - - June 1, 2006
Subject: we need to be more critical

yes i must agree nothing stands out to me just historical value


*since when were we not allowed to be negative in our criticisums??????isnt that what critics do they are suppose to tell u if something is good or not. plus art is made to be criticized and if everything thing was just "stayed postitive" and was good then art would lose its value, b/c then essentially there is no difference so if i were to compare garcia to kelly clarkson we essentially can say that they both are awesome(since we have to stay positive)and there is no difference then right?plz art is made to be criticized seriously though its people like that that give 4 or 5 star ratings to 2 or 3 star shows come on guys just admit it they were just average a lot of the times and suck some of the time so please 4 or 5 star ratings to shows that were just average come on be alittle critical because i see 4 or 5 stars on every show except for audience recordings come on guys

om a side note-we need more ppl like skuzzlebutt ppl that are actually listening not just barely listening thinkin that the dead were these magical musical titans come on guys lets just admit they were just not always like that they were human and how was his/her review egotisical???????? i think it was just plain honest

Reviewer: veteranhead - - May 31, 2006
Subject: Waste of Time

I will always love this band but can't give this show a five just for posterity's sake (or even a two for that matter). There's no energy here at all. The whole band sounds sloppy and bored, it's simply not a good show and a piss poor representation of what the dead were all about. They literally crawled across the finish line. Total crap.

Reviewer: santacruzer - - May 27, 2006
Subject: A sad ending, but beautiful beginning.

I was lucky enough to catch the last three Dead shows ever - St. Louis and Chicago. I was traveling with a tour friend, and we got to share these final moments with Jerry together. Now over 10 years later, my tour friend is now my wife and we have an incredibly beautiful 14 month old son. I cannot express how badly I wish my little guy could have seen Jerry, however he definitely loves the music (his favorite song seeems to be Shakedown Street).

Anyways, it's strange how life takes you places you never would have guessed... So this show, Jerry was absolutely dying in front of our eyes. My incredible denial kept me from admitting what I knew in my heart/soul that he was leaving soon. I tried to ignore the lyrical mishaps and sometimes inaudible guitar (he'd turn himself down a lot), but the one thing he never denied us was his soul. There were those tunes that Jerry just identified with and his brilliance just poured out into all of our souls... His frailty, his humility and willingness to just drop his guard and tell us what his heart had to say.

So Many Roads was one of those moments, in fact the most powerful soul experience I ever witnessed from Jerry (in my 69 shows). He was just laying it out there as a gift and affirmation maybe, a resignation to the fact that life is fleeting and so precious that it should be lived in every moment. At least that's what I take away from it.

Unbroken Chain was actually pretty well played, and of course was a surprise coming out of space, really sweet. I was totally bummed in the moment when Jerry was winding down Unbroken Chain and Bob jumped in with Sugar Mag... If you listen very closely to the end of Unbroken, I swear you can hear Jerry slowly trickle down and wind up on what i swear was the opening chord of Morning Dew, or possibly China Doll. Imagine if he could have given us just one more final Dew...

The double encore of Black Muddy River > Box of Rain made up for Jerry getting snubbed. BMR was the first one i'd ever heard, so it was quite a moment regardless, let alone that he couldn't have picked a more fitting and tragic song. His last story was about him taking a walk towards death and finally sing himself a song, just like he did for us for so long. Strange to think of his perspective of the whole Dead experience... very different from ours! But regardless of our "point of view" we were ALL connected directly on a soul level in those deep and magical moments, which gives me consolation and will always remind me of the incredible mystery this "life/dream" really is.

PS: I have to rate this show as a 5 for the simple fact that it IS a 5 to me personally.

Reviewer: Windowpayne - - May 26, 2006
Subject: F minus

Interesting to see the strong feelings this show elicits.

With all the other shows here I don't see how this can be rated highly at all. I'm giving it a one. I have listened to it twice, thinking maybe I was missing something, but am almost certain that I will never listen to it again.

Why? Well, for starters because of the overall lack of energy. The drummers are lethargic, Phil's contirbutions are relatively uninspired, Weir sounds almost as though he is playing with a different group, and poor Jerry's playing just isn't very good here- there's simply nothing interesting or impressive going on in his playing.

Secondly, I don't rate shows relative to their era. A great show is a great show period, whether its 3/1/69, 11/6/77, 3/27/88 or whatever. Same applies to bad shows, and this most certainly is bad show (as are most from '95 and '95, sad to say). I'm not cutting this one any slack because it came during the weak 90s.

Still, all reveiws are just opinions, and opinions definately can bring out some firey passions. I'm not writing this to piss off fans of 90s Dead or "take sides" in the back-and-forth that seems to have taken place here. I'm just throwing in my two cents that what I hear here is very poor in light of what I know this band was capable of on a good night.

Reviewer: skullf*ck - - May 23, 2006
Subject: Show Is Poor

I find it odd that the previous reviewer says "no one" can honestly tell him they don't like "Samba In the Rain" when almost nobody I've ever met liked it.

As for the 90s, if people think they sucked, then to them, they sucked. End of discussion. If you liked them, great, then to you they didn't suck.

What isn't great is this final Dead show. Just hollow and lifeless; not much I can add to what others have already noted. If this show hadn't been the last one there wouldn't be 10 reviews here, much less almost 200, and the average rating would be one and a half stars. The show just isn't good.

Reviewer: tenjed2112 - - May 22, 2006
Subject: so long farewell and goodnight

i like many feel that this was not one of the best performances the band has had. and, yes it does rank near the bottom of the 90's class of shows for obvious reasons. i was at many of the shows in 95 and almost all of the summer shows that year and can tell you guys first hand that most of them were not worth much of note - maybe with the exception of the rfk shows. that being said, those who continue to trash the 90's as a whole remind me of the guy in a comic book store that will say, ohhh well the way superman was written 40 years ago is far superior to now. would you want to continue reading the same comic from 40 years ago or would you like a change, some new innovations. the dead experimented throughout their career and changed up things as they saw fit. i love the shows from the 60's and 70's but would be bored if that's all i listened to. there are reasons why the band itself stopped playing some songs: boredom on the road. there's a reason why we flinch whenever we hear the same five dead songs on the radio all of the time: no variety. what the band bought to the table in the late 80's and early nineties was an exciting change. although vince's vocals are not the greatest no-one can tell me honestly that they don't like samba. it's a great tune(especially if sung by someone else). so, no this was not a good show by any means, and i defy anyone to contradict me with true sincerity and truthfulness, but, let's stop trashing the 90's as a whole - there were several outstanding performances - i know 'cause i was there(not relying on the tapes as a reference. btw, this is coming from someone who saw them for over 3 decades.

Reviewer: jeromejohngarcia - - May 22, 2006
Subject: Goodbye

The Grateful Dead had a great time. But now, when you listen to such records from 91 to present, you feel that they're on the way down from their peak. Jerry very sick, Lesh plays shit, sorry but his higtime is over. No Brent Mydland...

"Lord I've been walking death road."
God bless you Jerry, you gave us a great time full of beautiful music.

Reviewer: oldschoolhead - - May 18, 2006
Subject: A disappointing end

I agree with those giving this show poor marks. It's simply not very good; the musicianship is sloppy, just as it usually was the last few years, but what's worse is that the "jams" aren't really jams at all, just sort of pointless noodling. A poor performance not just measured against the 70s and 80s but against any spot on the band's career other than these last 2-3 awful years. It's likely those who are rather hysterically defending it are doing so because they either feel like