BigRR

Yep. I caught 4 or 5 of them. The place felt like a second home during that 2 week run. Front tables for them all. And it was my one and only taping experience. I believe it was Tom or Sherie that minded my deck during the show so that I experienced it completely as an audience member. Bruce even came out and chatted with the faithful out in line one afternoon. It was quite civilized. You waited in line, then went in, picked your seat, signed your name on a card on the back of the chair, then went out to eat or do whatever until showtime. When we came back, our seats were there waiting for us. And I believe it was the last time a soundboard feed was given out to most tapers. The sound guy was so casual back then.

Steve Kimock sat in on most shows, both solo and band shows. The extra treat was when Phil showed up on Friday night. Many of us were at the show as a matter of course when the news rippled through the line. Phil looked very gaunt; it was before his liver transplant and the Hep C had ravaged his body. But he played with gusto and it was a real joy to experience.

These shows were also the last I saw with the Big Dog and Debbie Henry. They were quite a big band back in those days. That small stage was quite crowded.

I did see Bruce play with the Boys a few times. The one that I enjoyed most was at the Kaiser Auditorium in December 1990. They played Stander On The Mountain and it showed how powerful the Dead were when they played as a straight-ahead rock band. It was obvious at every show I saw, and on tape, that Bruce pushed Jerry musically and brought his interest back into the band’s music.

I’m hoping against hope that the 13th won’t be Back To School night. Unfortunately, it’s been the Tuesday night of that week for the last 3 years. It goes until 8:30 and there’s no way to skip out early.It’s an hour long drive from school to SF so I’ll be an hour late for the show if it is on that night, to say nothing of being up so late and teaching the next day. At 54, I just can’t pull off those concert nights and working with a clear head the next day. I just hope my students won’t be that challenging on the 14th.

As to the shirt, I got that and a “kind veggie burrito” at a Shakedown Street outside of a show back in the day.

I wish I could sponsor you for a trip out here. You’ll have to settle for a review.

Enjoy the Biltmo’ show.

Rick

Thanks for sharing all those shows Scott. I have lots of good listening ahead of me.