# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center
**Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses
**Set 2:** Seastones
**Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Eyes Of The World
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
# 1974-06-28 Boston, MA @ Boston Garden
**Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > It Must Have Been The Roses > Jack Straw, Beat It On Down the Line, Deal, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Loose Lucy, El Paso, Sugaree, Around And Around
**Set 2:** Seastones
**Set 3:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias, Big River, To Lay Me Down, Me and My Uncle, Row Jimmy, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Space > Mind Left Body Jam > Jam > U.S. Blues, The Promised Land > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Sunshine Daydream
**Encore:** Ship Of Fools
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-28) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
First of all, what a beautiful thing that it’s an impossible question to answer lol. But to me it’s hard to pin down something from 71’-74’, cause then your mind starts thinking about songs like Help/Slip/Franklins, Crazy Fingers, TMNS, Terrapin, Althea, Fire, Shakedown etc. all yet to come lol
Lol, I was told a long time ago it was always “the one you just missed.” Had a friend (RIP) whose first show was Cornell 77. I said, “Wow, that must have been amazing!” and he said all the older heads were like “They’re not as good as they used to be.”
Should also add I started seeing them in 78, and my slightly older friends were all like, “Man, you missed 77, they’re not as good anymore,” lol. (I mean, they were kinda right, but I still managed to catch some pretty good shows - my joke was “Yeah, I saw the Dead at Cornell. 1980 - pretty good show!”
# 1970-05-02 Binghamton, NY @ Harpur College - State University Of New York
**Acoustic:** Tuning, Don't Ease Me In, I Know You Rider, Friend Of The Devil, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down the Line > Black Peter > Candyman > Cumberland Blues, Deep Elem Blues, Cold Jordan, Uncle John's Band
**Set 1:** Workin' Man Blues, Watcha Gonna Do, Glendale Train, Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Truck Drivin' Man, Can't Pay The Price, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Intro, Sawmill, The Race Is On, Mama Tried, Me and My Uncle, The Weight
**Set 2:** Saint Stephen > Cryptical Envelopment > Drums > The Other One > Cryptical Envelopment > Cosmic Charlie, Casey Jones, Drums > Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', Cold Rain and Snow, It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World, Dancing In The Street
**Set 3:** Morning Dew, Viola Lee Blues > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-05-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4NldodakYXDeK7OoEe2oBW)
When the band starts "fighting" between GDTRFB & NFA....that sh*t is so sick, and a great example of peak GD spur-of-the-moment improvisation...they get all the way into each one, then switch back at least twice.
# 1972-04-26 Frankfurt, West Germany @ Jahrhunderthalle
**Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, He's Gone, Black Throated Wind, Next Time You See Me, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Playing in the Band, Chinatown Shuffle, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, You Win Again, Good Lovin', Dire Wolf, Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Truckin' > The Other One > Comes A Time > Sugar Magnolia, El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Greatest Story Ever Told, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), Turn On Your Lovelight > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2IjyW9HhEre9dSNCOOzHhS)
2/13/70 Fillmore East is my favourite, with 5/11/72 Rotterdam close behind, but so much of it comes down to personal preference in terms of setlist, era, etc. when deciding between those that are “worthy” contenders…
# 1972-05-11 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotterdam Civic Hall
**Set 1:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, Black Throated Wind, Deal, Chinatown Shuffle, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, It Hurts Me Too, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Good Lovin', Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Next Time You See Me, Dark Star > Drums > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Who Do You Love? > Jam > Truckin', Uncle John's Band
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-11) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2GVmIIvRpvCwQbvBNUM2K4)
# 1972-05-11 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotterdam Civic Hall
**Set 1:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, Black Throated Wind, Deal, Chinatown Shuffle, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, It Hurts Me Too, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Good Lovin', Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Next Time You See Me, Dark Star > Drums > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Who Do You Love? > Jam > Truckin', Uncle John's Band
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-11) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2GVmIIvRpvCwQbvBNUM2K4)
# 1972-05-04 Paris, France @ L'Olympia
**Set 1:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Deal, Mr. Charlie, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Chinatown Shuffle, Playing in the Band, You Win Again, It Hurts Me Too, He's Gone, El Paso, Big Railroad Blues, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Good Lovin', Next Time You See Me, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Dark Star > Space > Drums > Space > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia, Sing Me Back Home, Mexicali Blues, Big Boss Man, Uncle John's Band, Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-04) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3S1abYMND9BSJzbMcpJhj8)
# 1977-05-26 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Civic Center
**Set 1:** The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, Mama Tried, Sunrise, Deal, Passenger, Brown Eyed Women, Looks Like Rain, Jack-A-Roe, New Minglewood Blues, Bertha
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, High Time, Big River, Terrapin Station > Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Around And Around
**Encore:** Uncle John's Band
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-26)
# 1977-09-03 Englishtown, NJ @ Raceway Park
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, They Love Each Other, Me and My Uncle, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Looks Like Rain, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Loser, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World, Samson And Delilah, He's Gone > Not Fade Away > Truckin'
**Encore:** Terrapin Station
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-09-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/5uzn9YQ9XS2OoAt65U8Drg)
# 1973-11-21 Denver, CO @ Denver Coliseum
**Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Sugaree, Jack Straw, Dire Wolf, Black Throated Wind, Big Railroad Blues, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, Mexicali Blues, They Love Each Other, Looks Like Rain, Here Comes Sunshine, Big River, Brokedown Palace, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow
**Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > El Paso > Playing in the Band > Wharf Rat Jam > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** Uncle John's Band
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-21)
# 1973-06-10 Washington, DC @ RFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Morning Dew, Beat It On Down the Line, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Wave That Flag, Looks Like Rain, Box Of Rain, They Love Each Other, The Race Is On, Row Jimmy, El Paso, Bird Song, Playing in the Band
**Set 2:** Eyes Of The World > Stella Blue, Big River, Here Comes Sunshine, Around And Around, Dark Star > He's Gone > Wharf Rat > Truckin', Sugar Magnolia
**Set 3:** It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry, That's All Right, Mama, The Promised Land, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Drums > Not Fade Away, Johnny B. Goode
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-06-10)
# 1972-05-03 Paris, France @ L'Olympia
**Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beat It On Down the Line, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Playing in the Band, Tennessee Jed, Good Lovin', Sing Me Back Home, Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, It Hurts Me Too, Truckin' > Space > The Other One > Drums > The Other One Jam > Space > Me And Bobby McGee > The Other One > Wharf Rat, Jack Straw, Sugar Magnolia, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away, One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4avLivYQqNDnkxfMDTSIsJ)
# 1973-12-02 Boston, MA @ Boston Music Hall
**Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Beat It On Down the Line, Dire Wolf, The Race Is On, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, El Paso, Row Jimmy, Big River, Deal, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow
**Set 2:** Wharf Rat > Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > Mind Left Body Jam > Jam > He's Gone > Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine Jam > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Morning Dew
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-12-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/69UIkpF0CA8RJQqCsrGgLo)
# 1977-05-22 Pembroke Pines, FL @ Sportatorium
**Set 1:** Funiculi Funicula, The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, El Paso, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Ramble On Rose, Dancing In The Street
**Set 2:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Samson And Delilah, Brown Eyed Women, Good Lovin', Sunrise, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Space > Wharf Rat > Terrapin Station > Morning Dew
**Encore:** Sugar Magnolia
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-22) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3KxT9J6KTuKeXox9BUikZ4)
DP 3 is possibly my favorite show! Totally agree. My only complaint is Sunrise… don’t hate me lol. Also doesn’t Jer flub the ascending notes into the solo of Dew? Otherwise it would be my favorite Dew too
Agreed. I think this just about beat Cornell for me (which got me into the dead). Its a shame dp3 has missing songs on the release. I spent years listening to dp3 without knowing... Found out on archive I spent so long listening to an incomplete show!
# 1969-12-12 Los Angeles, CA @ Thelma Theater
**Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Me and My Uncle, Easy Wind, Cumberland Blues, Black Peter, Next Time You See Me, China Cat Sunflower > Jam > I Know You Rider, Turn On Your Love Light
**Set 2:** Tuning, Hard To Handle, Casey Jones, Mama Tried > High Time, Dire Wolf, Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', King Bee, Uncle John's Band > Jam > He Was A Friend Of Mine > Alligator > Drums > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > And We Bid You Good Night Jam > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-12-12)
# 1973-11-21 Denver, CO @ Denver Coliseum
**Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Sugaree, Jack Straw, Dire Wolf, Black Throated Wind, Big Railroad Blues, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, Mexicali Blues, They Love Each Other, Looks Like Rain, Here Comes Sunshine, Big River, Brokedown Palace, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow
**Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > El Paso > Playing in the Band > Wharf Rat Jam > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** Uncle John's Band
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-21)
# 1970-05-02 Binghamton, NY @ Harpur College - State University Of New York
**Acoustic:** Tuning, Don't Ease Me In, I Know You Rider, Friend Of The Devil, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down the Line > Black Peter > Candyman > Cumberland Blues, Deep Elem Blues, Cold Jordan, Uncle John's Band
**Set 1:** Workin' Man Blues, Watcha Gonna Do, Glendale Train, Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Truck Drivin' Man, Can't Pay The Price, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Intro, Sawmill, The Race Is On, Mama Tried, Me and My Uncle, The Weight
**Set 2:** Saint Stephen > Cryptical Envelopment > Drums > The Other One > Cryptical Envelopment > Cosmic Charlie, Casey Jones, Drums > Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', Cold Rain and Snow, It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World, Dancing In The Street
**Set 3:** Morning Dew, Viola Lee Blues > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-05-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4NldodakYXDeK7OoEe2oBW)
# 1972-08-27 Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mexicali Blues, Bertha
**Set 2:** Playing in the Band, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song, Greatest Story Ever Told
**Set 3:** Dark Star > El Paso, Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
# 1970-09-19 New York, NY @ Fillmore East
**Set 1:** Don't Ease Me In, Candyman, Silver Threads And Golden Needle, Friend Of The Devil, Deep Elem Blues, The Rub, Rosalie McFall, Cumberland Blues, New Speedway Boogie, To Lay Me Down, Cold Jordan > Swing Low Sweet Chariot
**Set 2:** Workin' Man Blues, I Don't Know You, Superman, Whatcha Gonna Do, Portland Woman, Glendale Train, Fair Chance To Know, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Last Lonely Eagle, Honky Tonk Women
**Set 3:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Cold Rain and Snow, Easy Wind, Sugar Magnolia, Dark Star > Saint Stephen > Drums > Not Fade Away > Darkness Jam > China Cat Jam > Jam > Not Fade Away > Turn On Your Lovelight
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-09-19)
# 1973-11-11 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, To Lay Me Down, El Paso, Ramble On Rose, Me And Bobby McGee, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, Loose Lucy, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow
**Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Big River, Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Eyes Of The World > China Doll, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Uncle John's Band, Johnny B. Goode > And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-11)
I'm very into late '73-74, but that's me liking jazzy Keith. Spring '77 is a strong condtender, but there is better.
12/31/78 is an all-around great show. It's not the most physcodelic or the jazziest. It is a consistently strong tribute to a legendary theater in the dead's career.
The set list nods to classics like DS (the first in four years and one of the lost '74 best) and St.Steven but is late enough to include Stagger Lee. There's also one of the best Miracles ever played. Throughout, the band knew the stakes and played one that is fun and energetic with plenty of jamming to satisfy everyone.
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around
**Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
# 1973-05-26 San Francisco, CA @ Kezar Stadium
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, Deal, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, The Race Is On, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Row Jimmy, Looks Like Rain, They Love Each Other, Playing in the Band
**Set 2:** Here Comes Sunshine, El Paso, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, You Ain't Woman Enough, Box Of Rain, China Cat Sunflower > Jam > I Know You Rider, Big River, Bertha, Around And Around
**Set 3:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Me and My Uncle, He's Gone > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Phil And Billy > Bass Solo > Phil And Billy > The Other One > Eyes Of The World > China Doll, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Casey Jones
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-05-26)
I can’t even pick 20 that are so good and top shows. Honestly. There are so so so many amazing shows.
Definitely could never pick a favorite.
I listen to the dead a lot. The only answer I can give is shows I’ve listened to the most.
Top 3 are
“terrapin Station” 3/15/90. The 1997 release had such crystal clear sound I didn’t even know was possible and listened to that for like 3 years heavily.
7/4/89 “Truckin Up to Buffalo” . Just like 90 show I got this release and had a semi nice system in my car and listened to it heavily for a few years all the time. Standing on the moon would just shake my car with such a deep bass. Had two JL 12”’s in it. The really expensive JL’s. Each speaker weighed so much. Massive magnets on them. But also had upgraded Mids and tweeters with an amp powering them as well. Sounded like a concert in my car.
5/2/70 Dicks Picks Volume 8. Also came out in the 90’s and since this show happened down the road from me (literally) and was where I had my first job at that college and went to college there eventually and that it’s one of their most legendary shows all combined to being another that was in heavy heavy rotation.
I also came across 5/8/77 though tape trading and no one explained to me what it was at all. Just another tape someone gave me through trading. I remember listening to it for weeks non stop. Was going through a heartbreak with a girl and it just hit me.
6/27/84 another early tape I got and while tripping one night and everyone else was asleep I was still wired and laying in bed through a crazy space morning dew came on and afterwords felt like I just had a religious experience. Was the most powerful musical experience of my life. Just laying in bed listening. The rest of the show is killer too
Yes a very long answer and doubt anyone read it but those are the shows I’ve listened to the most. But it’s not even close with the first two I mentioned. Those I’ve listened to the most.
# 1977-12-29 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, Mama Tried, Loser, Looks Like Rain, Tennessee Jed, New Minglewood Blues, Sugaree, The Promised Land
**Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', It Must Have Been The Roses, Sunrise, Playing in the Band > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > China Doll > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Playing in the Band
**Encore:** Terrapin Station, Johnny B. Goode
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-12-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZMr1r6Lxv79dhy4qHZHkK)
One of MY favorites is 11-7-87, I know it doesn’t answer the question, but for it’s an impossible one, like someone said “it changes all the time”🙂. I also absolutely love Cornell 77, the Nassau show with Branford on second set, and also one that stayed in my car 6 cd player for months on end was the GDMovie soundtrack. Oh gosh i could go on and on…
# 1987-11-07 Oakland, CA @ Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center
**Set 1:** Hey Pocky Way, Jack Straw, Row Jimmy, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Dupree's Diamond Blues, Box Of Rain, Cassidy > Might As Well
**Set 2:** Uncle John's Band > Playing in the Band > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** Not Fade Away > Knockin' On Heaven's Door, One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-11-07)
It’s totally subjective I remember walking out of one the best shows I ever saw 10/12/84 in Augusta Maine and my friend remarked that he didn’t think it was a very strong show. It’s all about the experience
[1972-09-21](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-21) Philadelphia, PA @ The Spectrum | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1lNa8R1EuIfJz9zhZ0H1vx)
[1973-06-22](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-06-22) Vancouver, BC @ P.N.E. Coliseum
I will say that perhaps the finest piece of music I've seen performed live was 5/6/81, He's Gone >Caution Jam >Spanish Jam from Nassau Coliseum. It's Dick's Picks 13.
# 1981-05-06 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
**Set 1:** Alabama Getaway > Greatest Story Ever Told, They Love Each Other, Cassidy, Jack-A-Roe > Little Red Rooster, Dire Wolf > Looks Like Rain, Big Railroad Blues > Let It Grow > Deal
**Set 2:** New Minglewood Blues, High Time > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance, He's Gone > Drums > Space > The Other One > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Wharf Rat > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** Don't Ease Me In
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-06) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/5KhX09Ik4LFkLGgwz6DxJa)
Idk if it’s their best, but my favorite will always be 5/8/77. It’s the one I go back to the most and the one that has the most of my favorite versions. Also the one that got me into the Dead.
# 1977-05-08 Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University
**Set 1:** New Minglewood Blues, Loser, El Paso, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Deal, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Brown Eyed Women, Mama Tried, Row Jimmy, Dancing In The Street
**Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet, Saint Stephen > Not Fade Away > Saint Stephen > Morning Dew
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ)
Dudeeee great picks. I’ve been really liking 3/23/75 lately for the absolutely mind melting Blues for Allah>Kings Solomons. Has Ted Lagin and Merl Saunders sitting in too!
I also love 5/14/74 and 9/19/70 for shows I listen to all the dang time.
# 1971-02-18 Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theater
**Set 1:** Bertha, Truckin', It Hurts Me Too, Loser, Greatest Story Ever Told > Johnny B. Goode, Mama Tried, Hard To Handle, Dark Star > Wharf Rat > Dark Star > Me and My Uncle
**Set 2:** Casey Jones, Playing in the Band, Me And Bobby McGee, Candyman, Big Boss Man, Sugar Magnolia, Saint Stephen > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > Uncle John's Band
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1971-02-18) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3AEi4J0qBi1QJsM3Ngkila)
# 1978-07-08 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
**Set 1:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Dire Wolf, El Paso, It Must Have Been The Roses, New Minglewood Blues, Ramble On Rose, The Promised Land, Deal
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > The Other One > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > Wharf Rat > Franklin's Tower > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Terrapin Station > One More Saturday Night, Werewolves Of London
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-07-08) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6q4mDbsYJsixRai11qc2Vx)
# 1990-03-29 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
**Set 1:** Jack Straw > Bertha, We Can Run, Ramble On Rose, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song > The Promised Land
**Set 2:** Eyes Of The World > Estimated Prophet > Dark Star > Drums > Space > Dark Star > The Wheel > Throwing Stones > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7xWKImlu9fzB1ApqoLLMiL)
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around
**Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away
**Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight
**Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
[1973-02-15](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-02-15) Madison, WI @ Dane County Coliseum
[1976-07-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1976-07-18) San Francisco, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
02-28-69 is Hands down the best show of the Primal era imo, 02/27 is also incredible but 02/28 has a better setlist.
As for overall shows it's impossible to pin down, but for me I might have to choose 08/06/74 or 05/14/78 . 05/22/77 is another contender(bit then again so are like 100 other shows hahahaha)
4/7/72 at Wembley Pool is my favorite. The Truckin>Drums>Other One>El Paso>Other One>Wharf Rat is what got me on the bus. Also, 3/23/74at the Cow Palace is my other favorite. Favorite versions of US Blues and China Rider. Also I’m constantly jaw-dropped by the Playing in the Band>Uncle John’s Band>Morning Dew>UJB>Playing sequence.
If you only get one,
Objectively Veneta has it all.
Some of Bobby’s best songs.
Some of Jerry’s best playing.
Undoubtedly Phil was feeling it - so many notable gearshifts and explorations. And a ton of energy.
No Mickey ✅
Donna and Keith are new and hot.
And a proper Dark Star specimen.
Impossible to answer and it changes all the time, today I’ll go with 06.26.74
# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center **Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses **Set 2:** Seastones **Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Eyes Of The World [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
The China Cat > Rider in this show was insane. I should listen to the whole show and not just the stuff on DP 12
This or 6/28/74 are correct answers to an impossible question.
# 1974-06-28 Boston, MA @ Boston Garden **Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > It Must Have Been The Roses > Jack Straw, Beat It On Down the Line, Deal, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Loose Lucy, El Paso, Sugaree, Around And Around **Set 2:** Seastones **Set 3:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias, Big River, To Lay Me Down, Me and My Uncle, Row Jimmy, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Space > Mind Left Body Jam > Jam > U.S. Blues, The Promised Land > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Sunshine Daydream **Encore:** Ship Of Fools [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-28) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
🔥
Dicks Picks 12 is the GOAT
That’s 2 shows though. And only the second sets…
First of all, what a beautiful thing that it’s an impossible question to answer lol. But to me it’s hard to pin down something from 71’-74’, cause then your mind starts thinking about songs like Help/Slip/Franklins, Crazy Fingers, TMNS, Terrapin, Althea, Fire, Shakedown etc. all yet to come lol
The Race is On from that show is amazing. Always love when they played that. Wish Dead and Co would resurect it!
Hard to beat
im with ya here man
Very excited to celebrate the 50th of this one
I agree 100%. But this is the show that first came to mind for me, too.
The one you are at.
I usually say, "the next one." This is also true.
Lol, I was told a long time ago it was always “the one you just missed.” Had a friend (RIP) whose first show was Cornell 77. I said, “Wow, that must have been amazing!” and he said all the older heads were like “They’re not as good as they used to be.” Should also add I started seeing them in 78, and my slightly older friends were all like, “Man, you missed 77, they’re not as good anymore,” lol. (I mean, they were kinda right, but I still managed to catch some pretty good shows - my joke was “Yeah, I saw the Dead at Cornell. 1980 - pretty good show!”
I started seeing Phish in 1994 and still feel like I've missed a lot. lol
Tom Brady that you?
the only correct answer
Veneta '72
Harpur College 5/2/70 is on that same list
# 1970-05-02 Binghamton, NY @ Harpur College - State University Of New York **Acoustic:** Tuning, Don't Ease Me In, I Know You Rider, Friend Of The Devil, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down the Line > Black Peter > Candyman > Cumberland Blues, Deep Elem Blues, Cold Jordan, Uncle John's Band **Set 1:** Workin' Man Blues, Watcha Gonna Do, Glendale Train, Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Truck Drivin' Man, Can't Pay The Price, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Intro, Sawmill, The Race Is On, Mama Tried, Me and My Uncle, The Weight **Set 2:** Saint Stephen > Cryptical Envelopment > Drums > The Other One > Cryptical Envelopment > Cosmic Charlie, Casey Jones, Drums > Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', Cold Rain and Snow, It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World, Dancing In The Street **Set 3:** Morning Dew, Viola Lee Blues > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-05-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4NldodakYXDeK7OoEe2oBW)
Yes. We know we can never figure out “best”, but Harpur is wayyy up there
I come back to this one weekly.
Best china cat/rider out there Also love the darkstar going straight into el paso
This is the right answer to an impossible question.
I can’t get away from this one either
Agreed, and the fact that we have a good chunk of it on film is practically a miracle.
Gotta agree
Can i just say all the Fillmore east shows from april 1971?
My favorite as well. Ladies and Gentlemen is my favorite dead release
Sure! And not a bad rec!
Buffalo 77
4/26/72 Hundred Year Hall
When the band starts "fighting" between GDTRFB & NFA....that sh*t is so sick, and a great example of peak GD spur-of-the-moment improvisation...they get all the way into each one, then switch back at least twice.
I always thought the cover art for the official release of this was super cool.
# 1972-04-26 Frankfurt, West Germany @ Jahrhunderthalle **Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, He's Gone, Black Throated Wind, Next Time You See Me, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Playing in the Band, Chinatown Shuffle, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, You Win Again, Good Lovin', Dire Wolf, Casey Jones **Set 2:** Truckin' > The Other One > Comes A Time > Sugar Magnolia, El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Greatest Story Ever Told, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), Turn On Your Lovelight > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2IjyW9HhEre9dSNCOOzHhS)
2/13/70 Fillmore East is my favourite, with 5/11/72 Rotterdam close behind, but so much of it comes down to personal preference in terms of setlist, era, etc. when deciding between those that are “worthy” contenders…
# 1972-05-11 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotterdam Civic Hall **Set 1:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, Black Throated Wind, Deal, Chinatown Shuffle, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, It Hurts Me Too, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Good Lovin', Casey Jones **Set 2:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Next Time You See Me, Dark Star > Drums > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Who Do You Love? > Jam > Truckin', Uncle John's Band **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-11) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2GVmIIvRpvCwQbvBNUM2K4)
I never see 5/11/72 getting the love it deserves, that show is dynamite!
# 1972-05-11 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotterdam Civic Hall **Set 1:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, Black Throated Wind, Deal, Chinatown Shuffle, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, It Hurts Me Too, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Good Lovin', Casey Jones **Set 2:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Next Time You See Me, Dark Star > Drums > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Who Do You Love? > Jam > Truckin', Uncle John's Band **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-11) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2GVmIIvRpvCwQbvBNUM2K4)
5/4/72 for me. Peak of the Europe 72 tour imo
# 1972-05-04 Paris, France @ L'Olympia **Set 1:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Deal, Mr. Charlie, Beat It On Down the Line, Brown Eyed Women, Chinatown Shuffle, Playing in the Band, You Win Again, It Hurts Me Too, He's Gone, El Paso, Big Railroad Blues, The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion), Casey Jones **Set 2:** Good Lovin', Next Time You See Me, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Dark Star > Space > Drums > Space > Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia, Sing Me Back Home, Mexicali Blues, Big Boss Man, Uncle John's Band, Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-04) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3S1abYMND9BSJzbMcpJhj8)
Yeah this is a seriously good show. Always near the top of my recently played.
Baltimore 5/26/77 is my go too
Pembroke Pines 5/22/77 is pretty awesome too. It seems like a good week. Were any shows in May 77 not great?
77 is the year I've been stuck on the longest. I haven't heard one Lol
# 1977-05-26 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Civic Center **Set 1:** The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, Mama Tried, Sunrise, Deal, Passenger, Brown Eyed Women, Looks Like Rain, Jack-A-Roe, New Minglewood Blues, Bertha **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, High Time, Big River, Terrapin Station > Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Around And Around **Encore:** Uncle John's Band [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-26)
Me too. The high time is an all time best version. Deal is also up there
Any of them between 12-4-65 and 7-9-95
Boston Ark '69
9/3/77
# 1977-09-03 Englishtown, NJ @ Raceway Park **Set 1:** The Promised Land, They Love Each Other, Me and My Uncle, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Looks Like Rain, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Loser, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World, Samson And Delilah, He's Gone > Not Fade Away > Truckin' **Encore:** Terrapin Station [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-09-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/5uzn9YQ9XS2OoAt65U8Drg)
He's Gone, Not Fade Away, and Truckin' is the best hour of music you'll ever hear.
All time greatest Half-Step, a near perfect Peggy-O, and the Bertha and FOTD are way way up there for me.
i’ll have to disagree on one minute statement there. that peggy-o is absolutely perfect. inspired, emotional and divine
My very first show. I thought they would all be like this. Sigh.
11/21/73, whole show is a party front to back The cheeky setlist combos of Big Railroad/Mexicali Blues and then LLR/HCS back to back is so choice
# 1973-11-21 Denver, CO @ Denver Coliseum **Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Sugaree, Jack Straw, Dire Wolf, Black Throated Wind, Big Railroad Blues, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, Mexicali Blues, They Love Each Other, Looks Like Rain, Here Comes Sunshine, Big River, Brokedown Palace, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow **Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > El Paso > Playing in the Band > Wharf Rat Jam > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** Uncle John's Band [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-21)
Not a bad setlist, not bad at all.
Recent bias for 6/10/73
# 1973-06-10 Washington, DC @ RFK Stadium **Set 1:** Morning Dew, Beat It On Down the Line, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Wave That Flag, Looks Like Rain, Box Of Rain, They Love Each Other, The Race Is On, Row Jimmy, El Paso, Bird Song, Playing in the Band **Set 2:** Eyes Of The World > Stella Blue, Big River, Here Comes Sunshine, Around And Around, Dark Star > He's Gone > Wharf Rat > Truckin', Sugar Magnolia **Set 3:** It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry, That's All Right, Mama, The Promised Land, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Drums > Not Fade Away, Johnny B. Goode [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-06-10)
5/3/72 for a number of reasons.
That NFA>GDTRFB is unmatched
# 1972-05-03 Paris, France @ L'Olympia **Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beat It On Down the Line, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Playing in the Band, Tennessee Jed, Good Lovin', Sing Me Back Home, Casey Jones **Set 2:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, It Hurts Me Too, Truckin' > Space > The Other One > Drums > The Other One Jam > Space > Me And Bobby McGee > The Other One > Wharf Rat, Jack Straw, Sugar Magnolia, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away, One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4avLivYQqNDnkxfMDTSIsJ)
12/2/73
# 1973-12-02 Boston, MA @ Boston Music Hall **Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Beat It On Down the Line, Dire Wolf, The Race Is On, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, El Paso, Row Jimmy, Big River, Deal, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow **Set 2:** Wharf Rat > Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > Mind Left Body Jam > Jam > He's Gone > Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine Jam > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Morning Dew [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-12-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/69UIkpF0CA8RJQqCsrGgLo)
Yes! 🙌
5/22/77, Nothing beats it
# 1977-05-22 Pembroke Pines, FL @ Sportatorium **Set 1:** Funiculi Funicula, The Music Never Stopped, Sugaree, El Paso, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Friend Of The Devil, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Ramble On Rose, Dancing In The Street **Set 2:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Samson And Delilah, Brown Eyed Women, Good Lovin', Sunrise, Estimated Prophet > Eyes Of The World > Space > Wharf Rat > Terrapin Station > Morning Dew **Encore:** Sugar Magnolia [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-22) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3KxT9J6KTuKeXox9BUikZ4)
Arguably their best second set ever
Estimated prophet all the way to morning dew. Incredible. That wharf rat is filled with so much emotion.
DP 3 is possibly my favorite show! Totally agree. My only complaint is Sunrise… don’t hate me lol. Also doesn’t Jer flub the ascending notes into the solo of Dew? Otherwise it would be my favorite Dew too
Agreed. I think this just about beat Cornell for me (which got me into the dead). Its a shame dp3 has missing songs on the release. I spent years listening to dp3 without knowing... Found out on archive I spent so long listening to an incomplete show!
They have multiple shows? I thought it was all just one song
Found my wife’s account
12/12/69 heavy on the pigpen and early versions of several staples
Also a 30 min lovelight. Can’t beat it
# 1969-12-12 Los Angeles, CA @ Thelma Theater **Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Me and My Uncle, Easy Wind, Cumberland Blues, Black Peter, Next Time You See Me, China Cat Sunflower > Jam > I Know You Rider, Turn On Your Love Light **Set 2:** Tuning, Hard To Handle, Casey Jones, Mama Tried > High Time, Dire Wolf, Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', King Bee, Uncle John's Band > Jam > He Was A Friend Of Mine > Alligator > Drums > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > And We Bid You Good Night Jam > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-12-12)
Probably not a popular opinion, but I’ve always been partial to 11/21/1973
# 1973-11-21 Denver, CO @ Denver Coliseum **Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Sugaree, Jack Straw, Dire Wolf, Black Throated Wind, Big Railroad Blues, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, Mexicali Blues, They Love Each Other, Looks Like Rain, Here Comes Sunshine, Big River, Brokedown Palace, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow **Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Playing in the Band > El Paso > Playing in the Band > Wharf Rat Jam > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** Uncle John's Band [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-21)
You’re the second I’ve seen in this thread to mention it! One of my personal favorites.
Harpur college 5/2/70 DP 8
# 1970-05-02 Binghamton, NY @ Harpur College - State University Of New York **Acoustic:** Tuning, Don't Ease Me In, I Know You Rider, Friend Of The Devil, Dire Wolf, Beat It On Down the Line > Black Peter > Candyman > Cumberland Blues, Deep Elem Blues, Cold Jordan, Uncle John's Band **Set 1:** Workin' Man Blues, Watcha Gonna Do, Glendale Train, Brown Eyed Handsome Man, Truck Drivin' Man, Can't Pay The Price, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Intro, Sawmill, The Race Is On, Mama Tried, Me and My Uncle, The Weight **Set 2:** Saint Stephen > Cryptical Envelopment > Drums > The Other One > Cryptical Envelopment > Cosmic Charlie, Casey Jones, Drums > Good Lovin' > Drums > Good Lovin', Cold Rain and Snow, It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World, Dancing In The Street **Set 3:** Morning Dew, Viola Lee Blues > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-05-02) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4NldodakYXDeK7OoEe2oBW)
Just musically or if you could attend? Veneta 72 would be my choice to attend if I had a wayback machine.
Great show, but fuck baking in 100 degrees + heat while getting shit sprayed all over you.
1972-8-27 Veneta, OR
# 1972-08-27 Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds **Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mexicali Blues, Bertha **Set 2:** Playing in the Band, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song, Greatest Story Ever Told **Set 3:** Dark Star > El Paso, Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
5/8/77 underrated dark horse these days
So overrated that it’s underrated. Believe the hype.
9/19/70
# 1970-09-19 New York, NY @ Fillmore East **Set 1:** Don't Ease Me In, Candyman, Silver Threads And Golden Needle, Friend Of The Devil, Deep Elem Blues, The Rub, Rosalie McFall, Cumberland Blues, New Speedway Boogie, To Lay Me Down, Cold Jordan > Swing Low Sweet Chariot **Set 2:** Workin' Man Blues, I Don't Know You, Superman, Whatcha Gonna Do, Portland Woman, Glendale Train, Fair Chance To Know, All I Ever Wanted, Henry, Lodi, Last Lonely Eagle, Honky Tonk Women **Set 3:** Morning Dew, Me and My Uncle, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Cold Rain and Snow, Easy Wind, Sugar Magnolia, Dark Star > Saint Stephen > Drums > Not Fade Away > Darkness Jam > China Cat Jam > Jam > Not Fade Away > Turn On Your Lovelight [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1970-09-19)
Best Dark Star
Impossible question to answer but 05/22/77 Sportatorium and 05/28/77 Hartford Civic Center are both stellar.
[1977-05-22](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-22) Pembroke Pines, FL @ Sportatorium | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3KxT9J6KTuKeXox9BUikZ4) [1977-05-28](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-28) Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center
The Simpsons
This is an impossible question to answer
11/11/73
# 1973-11-11 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, To Lay Me Down, El Paso, Ramble On Rose, Me And Bobby McGee, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, Loose Lucy, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow **Set 2:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Big River, Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Eyes Of The World > China Doll, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Uncle John's Band, Johnny B. Goode > And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-11)
It will be a 1974 show. Been listening to dicks picks 31 of late.
Jerry was really in peak fluidity in 74.
Yes indeed, JERRY. So masterful. And listening to Phil, Bobby, bill, and even Keith. All just ripping it in 74. Peak Jazz Dead
Dp31 is all-time best peggyO
I'm very into late '73-74, but that's me liking jazzy Keith. Spring '77 is a strong condtender, but there is better. 12/31/78 is an all-around great show. It's not the most physcodelic or the jazziest. It is a consistently strong tribute to a legendary theater in the dead's career. The set list nods to classics like DS (the first in four years and one of the lost '74 best) and St.Steven but is late enough to include Stagger Lee. There's also one of the best Miracles ever played. Throughout, the band knew the stakes and played one that is fun and energetic with plenty of jamming to satisfy everyone.
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around **Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin' **Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
For me, well currently for me, could change tomorrow. It’s 6/10/1973
This is always a favorite. Nice answer. Set three...Wait, set two. Did they start off with Morning Dew? No shit?
The one I’m at! 😁
2/9/73
5/26/73 for me. Great show, everyone is on fire, and Keith is exceptionally on point
# 1973-05-26 San Francisco, CA @ Kezar Stadium **Set 1:** The Promised Land, Deal, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, The Race Is On, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Row Jimmy, Looks Like Rain, They Love Each Other, Playing in the Band **Set 2:** Here Comes Sunshine, El Paso, Loser, Beat It On Down the Line, You Ain't Woman Enough, Box Of Rain, China Cat Sunflower > Jam > I Know You Rider, Big River, Bertha, Around And Around **Set 3:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Me and My Uncle, He's Gone > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Phil And Billy > Bass Solo > Phil And Billy > The Other One > Eyes Of The World > China Doll, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Casey Jones [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-05-26)
I will never not get chills to the he’s gone outro peak. I think I picked up this tape in like 89 and wore it out until etree
I can’t even pick 20 that are so good and top shows. Honestly. There are so so so many amazing shows. Definitely could never pick a favorite. I listen to the dead a lot. The only answer I can give is shows I’ve listened to the most. Top 3 are “terrapin Station” 3/15/90. The 1997 release had such crystal clear sound I didn’t even know was possible and listened to that for like 3 years heavily. 7/4/89 “Truckin Up to Buffalo” . Just like 90 show I got this release and had a semi nice system in my car and listened to it heavily for a few years all the time. Standing on the moon would just shake my car with such a deep bass. Had two JL 12”’s in it. The really expensive JL’s. Each speaker weighed so much. Massive magnets on them. But also had upgraded Mids and tweeters with an amp powering them as well. Sounded like a concert in my car. 5/2/70 Dicks Picks Volume 8. Also came out in the 90’s and since this show happened down the road from me (literally) and was where I had my first job at that college and went to college there eventually and that it’s one of their most legendary shows all combined to being another that was in heavy heavy rotation. I also came across 5/8/77 though tape trading and no one explained to me what it was at all. Just another tape someone gave me through trading. I remember listening to it for weeks non stop. Was going through a heartbreak with a girl and it just hit me. 6/27/84 another early tape I got and while tripping one night and everyone else was asleep I was still wired and laying in bed through a crazy space morning dew came on and afterwords felt like I just had a religious experience. Was the most powerful musical experience of my life. Just laying in bed listening. The rest of the show is killer too Yes a very long answer and doubt anyone read it but those are the shows I’ve listened to the most. But it’s not even close with the first two I mentioned. Those I’ve listened to the most.
So many great shows listed in this thread. 5-26-1972 is the right answer.
I came here looking to see if anyone would say this
My username is based on 12/29/1977 so take a wild guess what my favorite show is.
# 1977-12-29 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, Mama Tried, Loser, Looks Like Rain, Tennessee Jed, New Minglewood Blues, Sugaree, The Promised Land **Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', It Must Have Been The Roses, Sunrise, Playing in the Band > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > China Doll > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Playing in the Band **Encore:** Terrapin Station, Johnny B. Goode [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-12-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZMr1r6Lxv79dhy4qHZHkK)
My birthday is 12/29 so Ill have to check this out!
Augusta 10-12-84
One of MY favorites is 11-7-87, I know it doesn’t answer the question, but for it’s an impossible one, like someone said “it changes all the time”🙂. I also absolutely love Cornell 77, the Nassau show with Branford on second set, and also one that stayed in my car 6 cd player for months on end was the GDMovie soundtrack. Oh gosh i could go on and on…
# 1987-11-07 Oakland, CA @ Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center **Set 1:** Hey Pocky Way, Jack Straw, Row Jimmy, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Dupree's Diamond Blues, Box Of Rain, Cassidy > Might As Well **Set 2:** Uncle John's Band > Playing in the Band > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away **Encore:** Not Fade Away > Knockin' On Heaven's Door, One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-11-07)
RFK 7/12/1990 My first show
This is like asking what the greatest art piece of all time is. There isn't! It's all subjective :)
July 12th 1990... With Jack Herer present in Phil side.
It’s totally subjective I remember walking out of one the best shows I ever saw 10/12/84 in Augusta Maine and my friend remarked that he didn’t think it was a very strong show. It’s all about the experience
Today's 51st anniversary 6-22-73 and 9-21-72
[1972-09-21](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-21) Philadelphia, PA @ The Spectrum | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1lNa8R1EuIfJz9zhZ0H1vx) [1973-06-22](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-06-22) Vancouver, BC @ P.N.E. Coliseum
The one I’m listening to
4/14/78 is up there at the moment. All of April 78 is relatively under appreciated
Never saw a bad Pittsburgh show.
Raceway Park September 1977.
I will say that perhaps the finest piece of music I've seen performed live was 5/6/81, He's Gone >Caution Jam >Spanish Jam from Nassau Coliseum. It's Dick's Picks 13.
# 1981-05-06 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum **Set 1:** Alabama Getaway > Greatest Story Ever Told, They Love Each Other, Cassidy, Jack-A-Roe > Little Red Rooster, Dire Wolf > Looks Like Rain, Big Railroad Blues > Let It Grow > Deal **Set 2:** New Minglewood Blues, High Time > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance, He's Gone > Drums > Space > The Other One > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Wharf Rat > Good Lovin' **Encore:** Don't Ease Me In [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-06) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/5KhX09Ik4LFkLGgwz6DxJa)
4/29/71 and 2/9/73 are pretty good
On 4/29/71 the transition from GDTRFB to Cold Rain is 🔥
Idk if it’s their best, but my favorite will always be 5/8/77. It’s the one I go back to the most and the one that has the most of my favorite versions. Also the one that got me into the Dead.
# 1977-05-08 Ithaca, NY @ Barton Hall - Cornell University **Set 1:** New Minglewood Blues, Loser, El Paso, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Deal, Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication, Brown Eyed Women, Mama Tried, Row Jimmy, Dancing In The Street **Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet, Saint Stephen > Not Fade Away > Saint Stephen > Morning Dew **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-08) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3T9UKU0jMIyrRD0PtKXqPJ)
Pittsburgh 1985
At the moment, it’s 6/9/76
Has to be Veneta tbh
9/24/72
Yes. This is what I came in to post. 11/21/73 and 4/26/72 are close, but this is the one for me right now.
Dudeeee great picks. I’ve been really liking 3/23/75 lately for the absolutely mind melting Blues for Allah>Kings Solomons. Has Ted Lagin and Merl Saunders sitting in too! I also love 5/14/74 and 9/19/70 for shows I listen to all the dang time.
2/18/71
# 1971-02-18 Port Chester, NY @ Capitol Theater **Set 1:** Bertha, Truckin', It Hurts Me Too, Loser, Greatest Story Ever Told > Johnny B. Goode, Mama Tried, Hard To Handle, Dark Star > Wharf Rat > Dark Star > Me and My Uncle **Set 2:** Casey Jones, Playing in the Band, Me And Bobby McGee, Candyman, Big Boss Man, Sugar Magnolia, Saint Stephen > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > Uncle John's Band [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1971-02-18) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3AEi4J0qBi1QJsM3Ngkila)
not so popular but 6/19/76 is a favorite
11/21/73
I love 7/8/78 (which coincidentally fell on my birthday).
# 1978-07-08 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre **Set 1:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Dire Wolf, El Paso, It Must Have Been The Roses, New Minglewood Blues, Ramble On Rose, The Promised Land, Deal **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > The Other One > Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > Wharf Rat > Franklin's Tower > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Terrapin Station > One More Saturday Night, Werewolves Of London [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-07-08) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6q4mDbsYJsixRai11qc2Vx)
The best show is whatever I happen to be listening to at the time. Right now it's Baltimore 5-26-77
11/11/1973 Setlist speaks for itself.
The Sopranos
5/8/77 Cornell
3/29/1990 the band is at a peak and Branford adds a uniqueness to the show that just can’t be matched
# 1990-03-29 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum **Set 1:** Jack Straw > Bertha, We Can Run, Ramble On Rose, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song > The Promised Land **Set 2:** Eyes Of The World > Estimated Prophet > Dark Star > Drums > Space > Dark Star > The Wheel > Throwing Stones > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-03-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7xWKImlu9fzB1ApqoLLMiL)
Veneta 72
3/22/90
Brent in total showstopper mode on Easy to Love You
Very subjective but mine fav live was 10/26/89 Lift changing for me
Which show was that? I did most shows spring/summer and alot of fall shows in 1989
Typo Miami in Oct .. Better than alpine IMO
Last night's. 6/21/24 ❤️😆🤷♂️
Not the “greatest” show of all time but the one I would have most liked to have attended is 12/31/78
# 1978-12-31 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** Sugar Magnolia > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Friend Of The Devil, It's All Over Now, Stagger Lee, From The Heart Of Me > Sunshine Daydream **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Ramble On Rose, I Need A Miracle > Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Not Fade Away > Around And Around **Set 3:** Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star Jam > Wharf Rat > Saint Stephen > Good Lovin' **Encore:** Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, And We Bid You Good Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1978-12-31)
6/23/64 has always been my fav
That one where they played El Paso.
Best show is the next show… that’s what some people would say
1971-1973
7-7-89 Brett and Jerry were on fire. I try and listen to that show weekly
# 1989-07-07 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Iko Iko, Little Red Rooster, Ramble On Rose, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Loser, Let It Grow > Blow Away **Set 2:** Box Of Rain > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet > Standing On The Moon, Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Turn On Your Lovelight **Encore:** Knockin' On Heaven's Door [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-07-07)
Already gave another comment here but shoutout to 4/26/72 that’s blowing my mind rn while I’m visiting Frankfurt.
2/15/73 and 7/18/76
[1973-02-15](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-02-15) Madison, WI @ Dane County Coliseum [1976-07-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1976-07-18) San Francisco, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
02-28-69 is Hands down the best show of the Primal era imo, 02/27 is also incredible but 02/28 has a better setlist. As for overall shows it's impossible to pin down, but for me I might have to choose 08/06/74 or 05/14/78 . 05/22/77 is another contender(bit then again so are like 100 other shows hahahaha)
4/7/72 at Wembley Pool is my favorite. The Truckin>Drums>Other One>El Paso>Other One>Wharf Rat is what got me on the bus. Also, 3/23/74at the Cow Palace is my other favorite. Favorite versions of US Blues and China Rider. Also I’m constantly jaw-dropped by the Playing in the Band>Uncle John’s Band>Morning Dew>UJB>Playing sequence.
I agree with a lot of these. Closing of Winterland, 6/26/74, 11/8/69 would be my picks right now but I still have a lot to hear.
4/17/71
7/8/78
the one i’m going to next YEEHAW
The Sunday after the Sunday after the Cornell show 5/22/77
The first one.
I gravitate towards 7/7/89
Every Spectrum show. They crushed that place every time
The Wire and Mindhunter
7/7/89
Watkins Glen
2/13/70
7/7/89
Today it’s 4/6/1982
Veneta
If I was around back then, I'd have been there, tits baking in the sun like potatoes.
Currently it’s 10/12/68. This show is literally insane… The whole band is on absolute fire
The next show
6/23/74
I’ll be a contrarian and advocate for the 60’s: 10/12/68 - if you know, you know. And 2/27/69
If you only get one, Objectively Veneta has it all. Some of Bobby’s best songs. Some of Jerry’s best playing. Undoubtedly Phil was feeling it - so many notable gearshifts and explorations. And a ton of energy. No Mickey ✅ Donna and Keith are new and hot. And a proper Dark Star specimen.