This was one of the top 5 hottest Dead shows I ever saw (out of about 70 between 82 and 92). Yes, there are some ragged moments vocally (words and otherwise), but the energy is/was off da hook and for me that is far more important. WangDang was a breakout or close to it (at least rare at the time), and therefore notable. Jack Straw and Birdsong were also first set highlights, but there were no weak links. As is most often the case, they really stepped up their game in the second set. The entire pre-drums run was just rockin, especially Bertha. And if I recall correctly, China Doll was not in rotation much or at all at that time, and I think it was a big deal because Phil sang on that one (had his own mike), and that was a first in several years. I dont think much more needs to be said about the St Stephen rendition, except that the ragged moments were nothing in comparison to the energy coming from the stage. And the energy coming back at the stage when the crowd recognized and appreciated the song, was never topped at any other show I attended (matrix or aud a must for this show). In my opinion, the Stones that followed might be the best rendition they ever played (before it got all locked down in the jam section). The rest of the set finished just as high energy and it was a night I will never forget. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that as luck would have it, I had a large bag full of original St Stephen t-shirts I made the night before with some friends tucked under my seat that were to go on sale after the show. Holy crap what a cosmic coincidence!!! They had a border of roses with a SYF scull in the middle. But instead of the lighting in the center of the skull there was a three color rainbow in the yin-yang shape (blue and red on either side of the rainbow with the two dots). the rainbow came spilling out of the scull jaws and spread into a pool below. It said on top: "One man gathers" and on the bottom: "What another man spills." needless to say they were an almost instant sell out. but the next night, I couldn't get a ticket, and outside the show, some asshole cop ripped open my bag of shirts and threw them into the crowd/street. and of course it being NYC, everyone grabbed them and ran. People asked me how I knew the Dead were gonna break out St Stephen and my reply was: "how did the Dead know I made the shirts the night before?"

Great show. During space, a guy spins up to me and my friends and tells us they're going to do St Stephen. Yeah right, spin along..... a few chords later... Holy SHIT St Stephen what a treat.great show,and you cant beat the Garden.

This show was one of my faves, the whole night was awesome. Wang dang doodle Jack straw opener was smokin..China Rider was incredible, China doll was sweet too. And when they ever did St Steven..I thought Madison Square Garden was going to come off its foundation. The energy level was thru the roof. Also I think this is one of the first Throwing stones, Touch of grey ever played live. What a fun night it was. unforgetable. this sound board is great..Thanks for the lift!!