The Daily Nugs - February 26, 2024
From Grateful Dead of the Day
The show from the Swing Auditorium not only opens the fabulous ’77 campaign and contains the first live versions of two of the truly great Dead tunes – Terrapin Station and Estimated Prophet – but it throws smoke and spits flames. The Terrapin gets things going and, though it is not a jammed out epic of biblical proportions, it is pretty damn solid. There is also a Help> Slip> Franklin's that is a phenomenal wonderland filled with billowing fields of beautiful vocals, resonant bass, fine rhythm, and Garcia’s guitar, hovering over it all. And don't miss the Eyes> Dancin'> Around & Around that closes the show. Give it all a listen at Grateful Dead of the Day.
Featuring arguably the best GSET, Big Railroad Blues, and TLEO, the 1973 show from this date is already one for the ages. But there is also a super tight Row Jimmy, an intensely creative Playin', and an exuberant Loose Lucy. And, of course, there is also the Dark Star> Eyes with its perfect mix of beatific Dead jazz, discordant spacey noodling, and masterfully lovely searching. This show is utterly stunning. Listen to the entire show and read more.
On this day in 1990, Bobby attempts to hide the fact he forgot the lyrics to the opening Hell in a Bucket, but nobody in the crowd or on stage is falling for it. Some good-natured banter ensues, and the band is off and running on a lovely night of music. By the second set, the boys are in mind-meld form and melting faces with a Scarlet> Fire> Playin'> Terrapin, haunting Stella, and stratospheric Baby Blue. Cue this one up!
February 26th Shows and Recordings:
Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!