The Daily Nugs - June 17, 2025
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. And read our bio of Pig, who Jerry referred to as "the heart and soul of the Grateful Dead."
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.
Check out video of the rare Eyes Of The World show opener from Giants Stadium on this day in 1991.
June 17th Shows and Recordings:
Join Grateful Dead of the Day on Facebook.
Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!