The Daily Nugs - June 17, 2024
From Grateful Dead of the Day
On this day in 1972, the Dead triumphantly returned to the States with their first show after the epic European tour. Sadly, it was also Pigpen's last time on stage with his brothers. The Dead played a great show, but the first-ever Stella is certainly the highlight. Pig plays some funereal organ on the tune as the lyrics suggest a dying bluesman looking back on the broken dreams of a hard life on the road. Ron Pigpen McKernan, rest in peace. Listen to the entire show at Grateful Dead of the Day.
In the midst of their hiatus, coming off the Blues for Allah sessions, the Dead launched a number of tunes on this day in '75, including Crazy Fingers, Blues for Allah, and Stronger Than Dirt, all of which are exceptional. But the biggest debut of them all was Help> Slip> Franklin’s. The trio is magisterial from the outset, even with a wordless Help on the Way as the boys are still working it into form. Beyond the new tunes, the Dead - who were billed as Kingfish and JGB - are in perfect form, especially for what is one of the sweetest Peggy-O renditions of all time. Give it all a listen by clicking through.
And on this day in 1991, the Dead cracked their Giants Stadium show open with Eyes Of The World. Enjoy video of the rare Eyes opener.
June 17th Shows and Recordings:
Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!