The final night of one of the most beloved runs in band history. While I favor the previous night, it can't be argued that this is a lesser show; just different. The highlights are likewise insane, including one of the craziest Help>Slip>Franks of all time and a wonderful St. Stephen sammich. It was after this show that Mickey rolled his Porsche (on a narrow dirt road), derailing the band until September.

First Set. The creaky Half-Step Mississippi warms up by the end, and then it's "on". Jack Straw is melodic, but mellow over punchy. Doesn't hurt it one bit - maybe helps you savor it. Things just get better, with a static-charged Cassidy and a perfect Deal. Looks Like Rain is very fine, a bunce. For Loser, Jer squeaks out the most amazing solo. You can throw a dart at a '77 calendar and find a good Music Never Stopped; this is still a major keeper. The rest is well above average. Wow.

Second Set. Samson also has so many/so good in '77. But this still can't be denied - just check Phil. Amazing. Then comes the much-noted Help>Slipknot!>Franklin's. No one of these three is the best of the year (there are sections of vamping), but together the effect of the piece is astonishing. Jer wraps bolt after bolt of canvas around Bobby's mandrel. Bobby then does his Phil's Birthday prank. Estimated doesn't have the whiz-bang of some '77s, but just wait for the great jam. This is also a highly regarded Saint>Not Fade>Drums>Saint. Worthy of the status. Terrapin is technically great, uptempo, but no wow. Sugar is quotidian - incl. the Bobby flubs. The official release goes to mono in the 1st verse, to straighten some tape warble on the SBD. The two show-enders both get nicely raucous. This must have left 'em quite happy indeed.

1st Set:  A
2nd Set: B+
Overall = 5 stars

Highlights:
Jack Straw - equation: mellow over punchy
Cassidy - perfection
Deal - Jer sends the grins
Loser - then squeaks out amazing solo
The Music Never Stopped - a '77 dart/keeper
Help on the Way>Franklin's Tower - candidate for best ever?
St. Stephen>St. Stephen - solid A to A+

SOURCES: The original SBD is improved in image by the Seamons MTX. The SBD was upgraded by the miller-day_125857. The bertrando_troy_miller_smith_sirmick is the latest mastering of the Troy AUD. Plus the official release.

This 3 night run is the culmination of the energy and performances of one of the best tours in history. After spending a few months of touring and blowing the minds of deadheads all over the country, they come home to San Francisco playing energized and refreshed. Everything comes together at Winterland. You can hear it in their songs, the music plays the band. Welcome home, friends.

I know I've written a number of glowing reviews about Hunter in the past, but once again I come across a soundboard of an important show that lacks in sound quality, and Hunter's matrix provides the fix. This source sounds much "warmer" and more "full" than the SBD. An enjoyable listen.

And the Help>Slip>Frank really is the best I've heard, and I've heard quite a few between 75-95. Check it out, in Hunter sound!