The lights are down…. the show has begun….
So far:
set 1
Jam>
Music Never Stopped
Jack Straw
Estimated Prophet
He’s gone
Touch of Grey
I need a Miracle
Truckin
Set Break…. Mid set reviews not so hot. The boys are being “raked” in the chat room at The Phil Zone
Many calling the first set a glorified Ratdog set with a couple Jerry songs thrown in. OK, what do we think here at Deadheadland?
Well, having not yet heard the show, but in constant communication with many there, we feel the set was fun, awesome, and weird. Seems the spirit of one Jerome John Garcia (1942-1995) is still needing to be grieved.
They began with an affirmation of why we are here today – The Music Never Stopped, a Weir song. Next up, Jack Straw, where we can share the singing, and begin to hear the deadheads whine…. Jerry is gone. This is not the Grateful Dead, Shannon. It becomes so apparent when someone else takes on Jerry’s verse. For those who don’t know, Jerry and Bobby would generally switch back and forth song for song. And in Jack Straw, they would trade off verses…
Give the band a chance to settle into a groove with Estimated Prophet (another Weir tune), reggae vibe, powerfully simple bass line the crowd knows well. But no one can escape the deep sadness gnawing at our hearts… He’s Gone. And ain’t nothing gonna bring him back, not even a resurected Dead playing on Easter Sunday.
He’s Gone – again, so apparently about Jerry and a reminder of all the Great Moments we have had with Mr. Garcia… and a mournful truth we can all sing together. But we came to the show tonight, not to simply mourn the dead, but to celebrate with The Dead and if we need a reminder, another affirmation of our unity, while still holding Jerry’s memory in our heart – “We Will Survive!” the resounding chorus of Touch Of Grey.
To get through this day, this tour, like any other, we Need A Miracle. And of course, Truckin’ – because the long strange trip ain’t done!
I said to the people in the Phil Zone chat: I am glad they are playing, we all have to keep on keepin on, and it would be weirder if they didn’t play.
Another way to say that: Music Never Stopped Jack Straw Estimated Prophet He’s Gone Touch of Grey I need a Miracle Truckin!
Set II coming any minute now…
Check out the TV page to watch the WHOLE show via PHAKECAST an amazing new technology…
Thanks! Only site I could find with a set. Keep em coming! Let me know if you need a Philly source!
Jerry was born on 8/1/1942, not in 1948
Thanks Mike! I knew that. Really.
I saw the Charlottesville show, and I was elated to see the boys play. BUT, Warren Haynes needs to be handed permission to sing any and all Garcia/Hunter songs. Bobby Sang way to many Jerry tunes and I was more than disappointed. Standing on the Moon was like Standing at a Ratdog show. Mississippi Half-Step was ruined for me forever, Bob you have no bluesy soul. Warren Haynes is there for a reason. He can play a mean guitar and he can sing the songs the way they should be sang. Not hacked to pieces and butchered by your vocals. If I see another show this year I can only pray the other band members can convince Bob that Warren has more soul in his voice and beauty in his spirit and if he is there to play, well better let him sing too. On a highnote, Playing > Crazy Fingers was sick sick sick…Made my night. And guess what, Bob you can sing your own songs. No problem, we are used to it and actually enjoy you singing your own songs. But not Jerry’s Songs…Please release your power trip and hand that torch to Warren. He can sing Bob, give the man the ropes and let him Roll! Make Jerry proud, do the right thing.
BOB WEIR FOR PRESIDENT