The Daily Nugs - May 1, 2025
From Grateful Dead of the Day
May Day 1970 saw the Dead at tiny little Alfred College in front of maybe 100 people. The boys pulled off a magnificent opening acoustic set, including a brilliant Cold Jordan. And the second half raged, providing the perfect counterpoint to the ease and beauty of the first, topped by a frothing Other One. Listen to the entire show at Grateful Dead of the Day.
The boys enter May '77 in the middle of their five-night run at the Palladium. Keyed by a surreal and dreamy Playin', a heart-wrenching Comes A Time, and a breakout of Brokedown, the show continues the magic of spring tour. There is also banter about Phil hopping the last flight to Acapulco before the rest of the band launches into a fun Beer Barrel Polka. Listen to the entire show.
In May 1990, Blues Traveler released their eponymous first album, which launched John Popper to stardom. A year later, at Bill Graham's memorial, Popper would take the stage with his idols, the Grateful Dead. Read more about Popper and listen to his harp on Wang Dang Doodle with the Dead.
On this day in 1985, Suzanne Vega released her eponymous first album. Two years later, Jerry caught her live in NYC, which led to Vega taking the stage with the Dead at a rainforest benefit at MSG. Click on over to Grateful Dead of the Day and read more about Vega's time with the Dead.
May 1st Shows and Recordings:
Join Grateful Dead of the Day on Facebook.
Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!