The Daily Nugs - February 7, 2025
From Grateful Dead of the Day
On this day back in 1969, the Velvet Underground opened for the Dead at Pittsburgh's Stanley Theater. As you might imagine, "such a collection of freaks could hardly lead anywhere but up." And, true to form, the boys followed Lou Reed by bringing a meteoric Dark Star out of the gate before a luscious Stephen> Eleven. But save yourself for all the ridiculousness of the second show, from the "Primal Alligator Jam" to the utterly dark lamentation that is Death Don't Have No Mercy. Listen to it all at Grateful Dead of the Day.
There are some tasty little treats in this 1970 show. First off, Jerry starts off on pedal steel guitar for the first three tunes - Green Grass of Home, Sawmill, and Seasons - which are all rarities in their own right. From there it is really hard to say a bad thing about the show. Highlights abound, but the Uncle John's Band that scorches right into a stellar Black Peter should not be missed. Give it a listen and weigh it all yourself.
Backstage before this 1979 show, Jerry popped a handful of valiums. And the effects can be heard in the first set as Jerry is nearly falling asleep while Bobby takes over. At set break, the band pumped the bearded one full of all sorts of uppers, allowing the show to continue. Listen for yourself and read all about this interesting footnote in the Dead’s sordid but rapturous history.
February 7th Shows and Recordings:
1979 - Arena (University of Southern Illinois) - Carbondale, Illinois
1989 - Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center - Oakland, California
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Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!