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This Week In Grateful Dead History #44 (Week of 11/3)

Updated: Nov 3

A picture of a skull and roses with the words "This Week in Grateful Dead History"

Update: 11/3/2025

Today we received the sad news that Donna Jean Godchaux has passed away yesterday, November 2nd. Donna forever changed the trajectory of the band in 1971, when she successfully advocated for her husband Keith to become the keyboardist for the band. It took no time at all for the band to realize how good Keith was, and that his style melded perfectly with the new material that was being introduced into their repertoire. But Donna was an extremely accomplished professional singer as well, and quickly became part of the band along side Keith. Donna was an accomplished studio singer at the infamous Muscle Shoals, performing on classics like Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley and When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge. Bandmates and people who knew here talk about her magnetic personality and wonderful smile. Rest easy Donna, and may you be remembered for all your wonderful contributions.


For the week of 11/3 – 11/9, the Grateful Dead played several historically significant shows across multiple decades. A massive concert was held on 11/3/1991 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to honor the legacy of one of the most important figures in the Dead's history, Bill Graham. This memorial drew around 300,000 people and featured special guests, including John Popper, Neil Young, and John Fogerty. We have an unusually large number of Jam Anthem performances this week (11 in total!), so you know the music is going to be incredible. Historically, this week included the first known live performance of "Cumberland Blues" and the very first performance of "Alabama Getaway," marking key milestones in the band's repertoire. I’ve written 16 listening guides this week, to cover all of that and more.

 

11/03/1991, Polo Field, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

11/04/1977, Cotterell Gym, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY

11/04/1979, Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI

11/05/1970, Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

11/05/1977, Community War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY

11/05/1979, The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

11/05/1985, The Centrum, Worcester, MA

11/06/1977, Broome County Arena, Binghamton, NY

11/06/1979, The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

11/07/1969, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA

11/07/1971, Harding Theatre, San Francisco, CA

11/07/1985, Community War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY

11/08/1969, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA

11/08/1979, Capitol Theatre, Landover, MD

11/09/1973, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

11/09/1979, Community War Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY


If you like these weekly listening guides, and you want to support me, please consider buying a copy of my book On This Day In Grateful Dead History: A Daily Listening Journal. They're $50 and I offer free shipping if you subscribe to my mailing list, where you'll get these writeups delivered. No spam, I promise!


As I write up each week's listening guides, I mark up my copy of the book like this:


A picture of the book On This Day in Grateful Dead History with underlined song highlights and highlighted Jam Anthem songs

The underlined songs are the ones I'm calling out as highlights in the listening guide, and the songs highlighted in yellow are the ones that Howard Weiner has identified as Jam Anthem renditions. I also write notes in the space provided if I'm feeling inspired or if there are any updates such as newly released material. Ultimately you can use it however you want, but this was my original intent with the book.


So grab your copy of the book if you have it to follow along. Ok, let's jump into it. Here's the highlights for Issue 44, for the week of November 3rd, 2025:


Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

  • David Gans and Blair Jackson point out in their book This is All a Dream We Dreamed that on 11/3/65 The Grateful Dead (calling themselves the Emergency Crew for this session) cut their first demo tape

  • First performance of Alabama Getaway (11/4/1979), Cumberland Blues (11/8/1969)

  • Final performance of Kansas City (11/5/1985)


By the way, if you're new here, this is my weekly listening guide that brings you the most interesting and significant facts from Grateful Dead History, along with reviews of the music for the week ahead. The idea is to give all you Heads a "Heads up" on the interesting and cool stuff the Grateful Dead were up to on this week in history. So hit the Subscribe button below to go to the top of my blog page where you can enter your email to get this delivered to your email every week!




November 3rd

 

11/3/1991 Polo Field, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA - The Bill Graham memorial concert in Golden Gate Park drew around 300,000 people, all gathered to honor the legacy of one of the most important figures in the Dead’s history. The atmosphere was powerful, and the band rose to the occasion with help from some special guests, including John Popper, Neil Young, and John Fogerty.

 

For me, the highlights of the set include China Cat > I Know You Rider, which carried that familiar joyful flow, and Wang Dang Doodle, where John Popper’s harmonica added an extra punch of energy. The big sequence of Truckin' > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Sunshine Daydream was the heart of the performance, shifting from driving rock to deep exploration and then into soulful release before closing with pure celebration. And then there was Forever Young with Neil Young, a heartfelt tribute that felt perfectly suited for the occasion. It was a moving performance, both musically and emotionally, and a fitting way to remember Bill Graham.



November 4th

 

11/4/1977 Cotterell Gym, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY - It still amazes me that the Grateful Dead were actually booked as the Homecoming dance band, given how huge they were at the time. The band seemed hyped about the whole thing too, and the performance they delivered was nothing short of incredible.

 

The first set has some real standouts. Bertha > Good Lovin’ is full of energy and sets the tone beautifully. Brown Eyed Women is crisp and lively, and the Let It Grow here is a true Jam Anthem version—stretched out, exploratory, and absolutely on fire.

 

The second set is where things really take off. Phil’s comical “Jones Gang” introduction had the crowd laughing and cheering, and then they tore into a ripping Samson and Delilah that kept the energy sky-high. The big jam sequence of Playing in the Band > Eyes of the World > Estimated Prophet > The Other One > Drums > Iko Iko > Stella Blue (Jam Anthem version) > Playing in the Band is the centerpiece of the night. The transitions are seamless, the improvisation is bold, and the band sounds completely locked in. It’s the kind of show that captures both the fun and the intensity of the Dead at their best.

 

11/4/1979 Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI - This show might be a little on the obscure side since it wasn’t traded as heavily back in the day, but I think it’s a really strong performance with great energy and some especially sweet vocals.

 

The first set has some excellent moments, including Me & My Uncle > Big River, which is tight and lively, and a powerful closing sequence of Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Deal that builds beautifully and ends the set on a high note.

 

The second set features something truly special—the very first performance of Alabama Getaway, which flows seamlessly into Greatest Story Ever Told, a transition that hadn’t been done before and works perfectly. Other highlights include a deep and exploratory sequence of Estimated Prophet > He’s Gone > Space > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat, with the band stretching out and delivering both intensity and emotion. It’s a show that captures the band in a creative and energized place, full of surprises and strong playing throughout.



November 5th

 

11/5/1970 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY - This show is packed with incredible playing from start to finish. It’s a shame there aren’t any soundboard sources, but the audience tapes hold up surprisingly well once you settle into the sound. On my setup, I find SHNID 30115 to be the most enjoyable, though the different sources don’t vary much.

 

The highlights for me include a fiery Hard to Handle and a massive second set sequence of Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > Dark Star > St. Stephen > Drums > Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > Lovelight. The transitions are seamless, the energy never dips, and the band sounds completely locked in throughout this stretch. It’s a powerhouse performance that shows just how inspired they were on this night.

 

11/5/1977 Community War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY - Officially released on Dick's Picks Volume 34. Phil absolutely steals the spotlight in this show—he’s a force of nature, dropping huge, inventive solos that drive the music forward. The whole performance has a loose, fun energy, and you can feel how amped up the crowd is, especially with three separate calls from the band to “Take a Step Back.”

 

The first set has plenty of fire. Minglewood is gritty and powerful, and the Half Step here is a true Jam Anthem version, stretched out and full of life. Jack Straw is sharp and dynamic, and Deal closes the set with a burst of energy that leaves no doubt the band is locked in.

 

The second set is one long highlight. It kicks off with a thunderous Phil Solo > Eyes of the World > Samson and Delilah, a sequence that shows just how central Phil is on this night. It Must Have Been the Roses provides a tender breather before the band launches into a sprawling sequence of Estimated Prophet > He’s Gone > Drums > The Other One > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia. The transitions are seamless, the jams are bold, and the balance between intensity and emotion makes this set unforgettable.

 

11/5/1979 The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA - 1st of a 2-show run. Officially released on Road Trips Full Show: Spectrum 11/5/1979. This whole show stands out as outstanding from start to finish. The first set kicks off with a monster China Cat > I Know You Rider opener that immediately sets the tone. Passenger brings a burst of raw energy, Peggy-O is tender and beautifully played, and the set closes with a fiery Music Never Stopped that leaves things on a high.

 

The second set is anchored by a powerful sequence of Eyes of the World > Estimated Prophet > Franklin’s Tower > Jam, with the band stretching out and exploring different textures while keeping the flow tight and inspired. It’s a performance that captures both their precision and their willingness to push boundaries.

 

11/5/1985 The Centrum, Worcester, MA - This show really stands out for its energy and the way the band leans into the moment. The first set has some excellent highlights, with Bucket played with punch and swagger, and the final performance of Kansas City, which makes it a special listen. The stretch of Bird Song > Looks Like Rain > Don’t Ease Me In is beautifully done, moving from spacey exploration into heartfelt balladry and then back to a light, upbeat closer.

 

Before the second set, there’s a fun “Happy Birthday Bill Walton” moment that adds to the celebratory vibe of the night. From there, the music takes off with a super wah-wah-funk-filled Shakedown Street that’s dripping with groove. The Supplication Jam > Playing Reprise is a unique and unexpected sequence, tying together themes in a way that feels fresh. The encore of Brokedown Palace is delivered with real tenderness, a heartfelt close to a show that balances high energy with deep emotion.



November 6th

 

11/6/1977 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, NY - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 25. This show is incredible—bursting with energy and passion from start to finish. The first set is packed with highlights, including a powerful Half Step, a Jack Straw that stands out as a true Jam Anthem version, and a heartfelt Tennessee Jed. Dupree’s Diamond Blues is playful and sharp, Passenger is fiery and driving, Dire Wolf adds a touch of sweetness, and the set closes with a dynamic Music Never Stopped that really soars.

 

The second set keeps the momentum going with a glowing Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain > Good Lovin’ sequence that’s full of groove and excitement. Wharf Rat is delivered with deep emotion, and the Truckin’ here is another Jam Anthem version—stretched out, exploratory, and absolutely electric. It’s a performance that captures the Dead at their most inspired.

 

11/6/1979 The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA - 2nd of a 2-show run. The first set has some real standouts, with Alabama Getaway > Promised Land bringing a burst of energy early on. The pairing of Jack Straw (Jam Anthem version) > Deal is another highlight, with Jack Straw stretched out and exploratory before sliding into a tight, fiery Deal.

 

The second set feels like one long highlight, but the opening sequence of Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band really grabs me. Together they run over 37 minutes, and the band sounds completely locked in—stretching, exploring, and building something astounding right from the start of the set.



November 7th

 

11/7/1969 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - This show comes from a peak period for the Dead’s psychedelic explorations, but what makes it so compelling to me is how they were also weaving in that country influence from artists like Merle Haggard and John Phillips. You can really hear the band stretching their sound in new directions, and this run of shows captures that evolution beautifully. The recordings themselves sound surprisingly strong, which makes the performance even more enjoyable.

 

Highlights for me include a powerful Morning Dew, a spirited Mama Tried, and a lively Me & My Uncle. The centerpiece, though, is the massive sequence of Dark Star > Uncle John’s Band Jam > Dark Star > The Other One > Lovelight, which shows the band at their most adventurous—psychedelic, exploratory, and full of energy.

 

11/7/1971 Harding Theatre, San Francisco, CA - This show stands out as one of the very best from 1971, with the band completely on fire and delivering a performance that feels classic from start to finish. There are hardly any weak spots, just one strong moment after another.

 

The first set has plenty of highlights, including a driving Truckin’, a lively Brown Eyed Women, and a playful Hideaway jam that adds something unique. Sugaree is heartfelt and soulful, Cumberland Blues is fast and fierce, Comes a Time is beautifully delivered, and Saturday Night closes things out with pure rock and roll energy.

 

The second set is anchored by a massive sequence of Dark Star > Drums > The Other One (Jam Anthem version) > Me & My Uncle > The Other One, which shows the band at their most adventurous and exploratory. Later, the Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away stretch keeps the energy high and the crowd fully engaged. It’s the kind of show that captures everything great about this era of the Dead—psychedelic exploration, country-tinged storytelling, and high-octane rock all rolled into one.

 

11/7/1985 Community War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY - This show is outstanding from start to finish, with the band pouring out energy and passion the whole way through. The first set has some great moments, including a lively Dancin’ > Dire Wolf, a heartfelt Loser, and a strong sequence of Cumberland Blues > Beat It On Down the Line > Deal that really shows off the band’s range.

 

The second set is packed with highlights. Touch of Grey > Samson and Delilah features a Samson that stands out as a Jam Anthem version, full of power and drive. The long sequence of Let It Grow > Drums > Space > Gimme Some Lovin’ > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away keeps the energy shifting between deep improvisation and emotional peaks. The encore of Midnight Hour is the perfect capstone, sending the crowd off on a high note.



November 8th

 

11/8/1969 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - This show, officially released on Dick’s Picks Volume 16, is the only place to hear the complete performance, and it absolutely lives up to its reputation. It’s infamous for good reason, with some of the finest music the Dead played during this era.

 

The first set has plenty of standout moments, including Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, a gritty Easy Wind, and a flowing China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > High Time that blends psychedelic fire with heartfelt balladry. They close the set with the very first known live performance of Cumberland Blues, which makes this show historically significant as well as musically powerful.

 

The second set is one massive highlight from start to finish. The sequence of Dark Star > The Other One > Dark Star > Uncle John’s Band Jam > Dark Star > St. Stephen (Jam Anthem version) > The Eleven (Jam Anthem version) > Caution > The Main Ten > Caution > Feedback > And We Bid You Goodnight is a breathtaking journey. The transitions are seamless, the improvisation is bold, and the band is firing on all cylinders, delivering a performance that captures the essence of this peak period.

 

11/8/1979 Capitol Theatre, Landover, MD - This show is excellent from start to finish, with the band locked in and delivering one strong performance after another. The first set has plenty of highlights, including a fiery Minglewood, a tight and upbeat Mama Tried > Mexicali, and a flowing China Cat > I Know You Rider that bursts with energy. All Over Now adds a bluesy punch, Don’t Ease Me In keeps things light and fun, and the pairing of Looks Like Rain > Deal closes the set with both tenderness and fire.

 

The second set feels like one continuous highlight. Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain is glowing and expansive, while Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Jam builds with intensity and exploration. From there, Space > Not Fade Away > Morning Dew is a stunning sequence, moving from deep abstraction into raw power and emotional release.



November 9th

 

11/9/1973 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - Officially released on Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings. 1st of a 3-show run. The first show of the run feels more laid back compared to the others, but it still delivers some incredible jamming.

 

The first set has plenty of strong moments, with Promised Land full of energy, a heartfelt Black Throated Wind, and a flowing China Cat > I Know You Rider that really shines. The set closes with a monster Playing in the Band, stretched out and full of exploration.

 

The second set has some truly special highlights, starting with To Lay Me Down, making its return after being absent since 9/20/1970—a gap of 271 shows. Greatest Story > Bertha keeps the energy high, and the sequence of Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow > Eyes of the World > China Doll is beautifully played, moving from intricate jamming into deep emotion.

 

11/9/1979 Community War Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY - Officially released on Road Trips Volume 1 Number 1 and the Bonus Disc. This show is excellent from start to finish, overflowing with energy and strong playing throughout. The first set has some great highlights, with Alabama Getaway > Promised Land bringing a burst of excitement, a heartfelt Loser, and a sharp Lazy Lightning > Supplication that really clicks. The set closes with a raging Jack Straw that leaves no doubt the band is locked in.

 

The second set kicks off with a scorching Dancin’ in the Streets (Jam Anthem version) > Franklin’s Tower, a sequence that’s both funky and expansive. Other highlights include a flowing Estimated Prophet > He’s Gone > Gloria Jam, where the band stretches out and explores with real creativity.



BTW, If you're not yet familiar with Jam Anthem versions of songs you can read all about it in Deadology II by Howard Weiner. Check it out here along with all his other great books.


And that's all for now! Of course, if you want to follow along in your very own copy of my book On This Day In Grateful Dead History: A Daily Listening Journal I still have some copies available here. Once they're sold out, I won't be getting any more made. The costs of printing and shipping has almost doubled in the last few years since I had them printed, and I've decided it's just not worth it. So get one now while you can! https://www.gratefuldeadbook.com/tigdh


A picture of the book On This Day in Grateful Dead History

A picture of the inside of the book On This Day in Grateful Dead history opened to the chronological show list section

A picture of the inside of the book On This Day in Grateful Dead history opened to the monthly summary calendar page for the month of June

A picture of the inside of the book On This Day in Grateful Dead history opened to the page for the shows on June 24th

Peace out my good people. Until next week!



 
 
 

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