Man, growing up in the south meant you had to see the dead in super shitty places like the omni. a huge cavernous venue, couldn't hear well in the halls, downtown ATL, cops......ugh!!
I remember this show as being OK. A rare complete version of Playin makes this interesting, as does the great drums/space and songs that follow. Saw this week of shows and it culminated in the incredible 2nd night in greensboro....now that's a superb place to see the dead!

Hey man, I rememeber the flagpole thing, but your second guess was right, that happened in 90'. But the fact that you brought it up here makes me remember more of the story, and remember that it was really the super cool and spiritul vibe going around not just a band; see second night OMNI 90' for my take on the "flagpole" incident.

1st Set: Has the crowd left the Omni since last night? After about 80 seconds of tuning we're in for some 'soul music' with "LTGTR." Some lady moans 'oh my god' at 2:19 which only confirms my belief that being at a Dead show can bring instant orgasms. The demanding imperativeness of the lyrics are fully pronounced by the intensity of the last minute. A groovin but slightly listless "Franklin" continues the good vibes. Keen continual drumbeat seguing into a noticeably different rhythm basis for "Stranger." Me likey this version for its focus and tightness, not for it being unanticipatingly unexplorative. Decent "Stagger" but I wish Jerry's vocals were more pointed and fierce. At first the vibe of "Stuck in Memphis" is just reassuring in its protective guise, but by the end the crowd wrings out some genuine emotion. "Ramble" pokes and wah-wah's so it's not just filler. Hmmm..right before the song switched tracks, I heard the diffidently insistent beckoning chords for "Let." A fresh breath of air from the cumulative photosynthetic forestation. Not digging the deepest hole, but earthy just the same. Shimmy-shake and skirt across the floor with some "Ease." Clap Clap.

What is that arena rock-solid but unquirky drum-beat song playing at halftime?

2nd Set: Around 160 seconds of tuning precede a minute drumming intro into "Samson." Highly enjoyable formula. A version of "Ship" taken at this patient smooth pace deserves the backing vocals of the ladies from 'Jerry's band.' Just some brooding, solemn oooo's. the action picks back up with a easy to digest "Playin." 'Float like a butterfly, stinging like a bee.' Plenty of mutterings linger under the surface; however, noone is brave enough to make a statement. Full-on reprisal in the early eleven's. "Foolish"'s pace is awfully fast...pitter-patter imprint with Jerry forgetting some lyrics. The crowd's so eager to 'join' the band that throughout "Drums" they're looking for any opening possible to participate. Check out the basson bombs and demented aliens flapping overhead early 3's in "Space." Back with arena-rocking songs like "Gimme." Not necessary by any means...but fine. "Wharf" coulda been a contenda as evidenced by the swelling in the 3's and 4's. The jam in the 6's provides an opportunity for novel sidetracking...but it just leads to quiet into "Throwing" which has that diffident airy swiftness that's personified songs since 'Playin.' They're on beat, though, making the final call-out (starting around 6:40) head-bobbingly cool. "NFA" is more chewy satisfaction; however, don't expect the remnants to pleasingly last longer than a few moments aftrwards. Three minutes of chanting, and

A less than thrilling, but acceptable "Box."

3 1/5th stars

The Franklins>Stranger transition is kind of nifty (and opposite the way this pair usually goes together). Nice jam at the end of Stranger with Weir really stepping forward.

The old-style Playin is also pretty cool ... rare version of the song and the reprise played intact, like it used to be back in the 70's.

Drove up from FL for the 2 shows... After the second show In front of the CNN center the was 3 large flag poles and a NFA clap and drum circle formed in the area by the entrance to the building ...it was rockin, the cops didnt know what to do, dancin with the flag poles being drumed on, it was loud, just too cool.....Maybe it wasnt this year at all? i just remember following years the cops wouldnt let anyone hang in that area like they didnt forget the little post show dance party....
Then i had the 9 hr drive back to Daytona.....
Cheers THX for the show

This was a crazy trip to the ATL. My brother and I went down via amtrack from NC.The 28th was his birthday and GDTS hooked me up mega with the last seat on the front row. WOW I was amped.

The 1st set was kicked off with the Let the good times roll (indeeed), Kinda mellow opener switched into a rockin' Franklin's (Blues for Allah was my fav Dead Album). Stranger set the pace for a interesting Bobby /Jerry counter in the set. "You know it's gonna get stranger for Weir and mostly Jerry crooning ballads. The Stagger ,Memphis and Ramble On Rose were all new to me. The Let It Grow took me back to Hampton 3-27-88, great jamming and Bob and Brent harmonies. The drummers seemed to dig this song bringing strong Bill and Mickey attack. I was getting ready to meet up with my bro when Jerry kicked it in to Don't Ease bonus track! Jerry got the set closer Rockin'

The crowd up front had been messing with a we want Phil chant before both sets but after a few minute tune up Bobby was ready for some sunday school Sampson. Bill and Mickey were really working with Phil great on this one. Weir's slidework seemed to have improved from what I had been hearing on earlier shows. Ship was kinda short but more great harmony's. Playin' was what my Brother wanted to hear so he got his Birthday wish. The late 80's Playin's were some of the best jam songs in the Dead rotation. This one holds up well with great improv and some wicked Jerry MIDI riffs.
Foolish Heart was a new song at the time and the band worked the tempo up a bit on it. Kinda interesting compared to later versions.

Drumz was intense. Mickey was giving the beast a workout. The Omni was great for drums it had really good sound for an Arena and Healy and the crew knew how to deliver. Space was heavy on the midi horns and giant blobs of sound.
Gimmie Some Lovin was Brents' time to shine. His Hammond riffs with Phil and Bob's backing vocals pushed the energy up short and strong.
Wharf Rat was the Jerry capper the crowd was into it and they were rewarded with a touching rendition.
Throwing>NFA was a staple of the period. Good crowd clapping but it's what is kinda rough.

I figured the Phil chant was in vain but for the encore we got the thumbs up and the Box. American Beauty for sure.

While this is not the most critical review hey I was 1st row. The crowd was a big part of the fun and they were ready to rock. It's a great example of how the music played the band and why SBD's are
not always the best way to enjoy a show. Take a trip back to a magic time and place. Bob had his way they later tore that old building down. R.I.P
The Omni.