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This Week In Grateful Dead History #45 (Week of 11/10)

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

For the week of November 10th through November 16th, we have several significant historical events and performances by the band. The period is marked by the passing of Ken Kesey on November 10, 2001. Kesey was a prominent central figure of the Grateful Dead, and the larger Beat Generation. On top of being an extremely talented writer (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), he was the leader of the Merry Pranksters. The band’s performances spanned decades for the dates this week, including "Primal Dead" shows from 1967 and later runs in the 1970s and 1980s. We have several strong performances from Keith Godchaux, and Jerry Garcia’s voice and emotive playing are definite highlights from this week's shows. I've written 17 listening guides this week to cover all that and more.

 

11/10/1967, Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA

11/10/1973, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

11/10/1979, Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, MI

11/10/1985, Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, NJ

11/11/1967, Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA

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

11/12/1971, San Antonio Civic Auditorium, San Antonio, TX

11/13/1978, Music Hall, Boston, MA

11/13/1987, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA

11/14/1971, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

11/14/1972, Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City, OK

11/14/1973, San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, CA

11/14/1987, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA

11/15/1971, Austin Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX

11/15/1972, Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City, OK

11/15/1987, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA

11/16/1985, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA


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 45, for the week of November 10th, 2025:


Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

  • RIP Ken Kesey (11/10/2001)

  • First known recording of Dark Star (11/14/1967)


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 10th

 

11/10/1967 Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA - Officially released on 30 Trips Around The Sun. I picked up a DAT of this show along with 11/11 back around 1994, and I remember being completely floored the first time I heard it—not just by the performance, but by how good it sounded. The trader had it listed as “A” grade, and while I was skeptical at first, it really did live up to that. At the time, it was the earliest Dead recording I had, and I was amazed at how clear and crisp it was for that era.

 

The entire show is outstanding, the kind of thing I think of when people talk about “Primal Dead.” Viola Lee is absolutely wild, and it makes perfect sense that it’s considered a Jam Anthem version. Other highlights for me are a gritty Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, a beautifully trippy New Potato Caboose, and a fiery Alligator > Caution that just rips.

 

 

11/10/1973 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - Officially released on Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings. 2nd of a 3-show run. The band returns for another excellent performance. This show is a step up in intensity and improvisational exploration over the night before. Spoiler alert, the next night is what most people consider the best show of the run. But that's a story for next week. 1st set highlights are "Bertha", "Jack Straw", "Deal", "El Paso", "Brokedown Palace", "Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow". 2nd set highlights are "Playing > Uncle John's Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John's Band > Playing".

The band came back with another excellent performance, and to my ears this show feels like a real step up in both intensity and improvisational reach compared to the night before. The first set has plenty of highlights, with Bertha bursting with energy, a sharp Jack Straw, and a strong Deal. El Paso adds a nice change of pace, Brokedown Palace is tender and heartfelt, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow closes the set with some beautiful interplay.

The second set is anchored by a phenomenal sequence of Playing in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John’s Band > Playing in the Band. The transitions are seamless, the improvisation is bold, and the band sounds completely locked in throughout, making this one of the standout performances of the run.

 

11/10/1979 Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, MI - Partially officially released on Road Trips Volume 1 Number 1. This show is a scorcher from start to finish, easily one of my favorites from 1979 with the band just boiling over with energy.

 

The first set has some fantastic highlights, starting with Cold Rain & Snow > Minglewood, which comes out strong and full of fire. High Time is beautifully delivered, Ramble On Rose is playful and fun, and Dire Wolf adds a touch of sweetness. The Passenger here is a Jam Anthem version, absolutely ripping and full of intensity, and Deal closes the set with a burst of power.

 

The second set keeps the momentum going with Alabama Getaway > Promised Land, a pairing that’s fast, tight, and full of energy. The big sequence of Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > Not Fade Away > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia is the heart of the set, with the band stretching out and exploring while still keeping things cohesive. They cap it all off with a blowout version of Saturday Night, sending the crowd home on a high.

 

11/10/1985 Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, NJ - This show is bursting with energy and has some really unique improvisational moments that make it stand out. The first set has plenty of highlights for me, starting with Touch of Grey > Bucket > Sugaree, which flows beautifully and sets a strong tone. The Cassidy is a Jam Anthem version, stretched and exploratory in a way that really grabs me. All Over Now adds some grit, Row Jimmy is tender and heartfelt, and the Feel Like a Stranger is another Jam Anthem version, full of funk and deep jamming.

 

The second set keeps the creativity going with a powerful sequence of Half Step > I Know You Rider > Playing in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Supplication Jam, which feels adventurous and seamless. Later, Space > Truckin’ > Comes a Time delivers both intensity and emotion, closing the night on a deeply satisfying note.



November 11th

 

11/11/1967 Shrine Exposition Hall, Los Angeles, CA - Like the 11/10 show from the night before, this one captures peak primal Dead at their most ferocious. The energy is raw and unrelenting, with the band pushing themselves into wild territory. Highlights for me include a fiery Lovelight, a powerful Cryptical > The Other One > Cryptical that’s full of intensity, and a raging Alligator > Caution that closes things out in explosive fashion.

 

11/11/1973 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - Officially released on Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings. This performance is absolutely incredible, with the band sounding tight, energetic, and constantly pushing the boundaries in the jams—it’s 1973, after all, and they were in peak form.

 

The first set has some fantastic highlights, starting with Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story, which bursts with energy. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider is a Jam Anthem version, stretched and exploratory in all the right ways. Loose Lucy adds a playful touch, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow closes the set with beautiful interplay and depth.

 

The second set keeps the momentum going, with a lively Big River and then a breathtaking sequence of Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Eyes of the World > China Doll, which flows seamlessly from deep space into delicate beauty. The set wraps up with a powerhouse Sugar Magnolia, another Jam Anthem version, exploding with energy and leaving the show on a high.



November 12th

 

11/12/1971 San Antonio Civic Auditorium, San Antonio, TX - This whole show is outstanding, with above-average versions across the board. Keith is especially strong here—his playing is sharp, inventive, and very prominent in the mix, which adds so much depth to the performance.

 

The first set has plenty of highlights for me, including a driving Truckin’, a heartfelt Loser, a lively Beat It On Down the Line, a soulful Sugaree, and a beautifully delivered Black Peter.

 

The second set keeps the energy high, with a strong Ramble On Rose and then a massive jam sequence of Cryptical > Drums > The Other One > Cryptical > Big Railroad Blues. The transitions are seamless, the improvisation is bold, and the band sounds completely locked in throughout.



November 13th

 

11/13/1978 Music Hall, Boston, MA - Jerry’s voice is in especially fine form on this show, warm and expressive throughout. The first set has some beautiful moments, with They Love Each Other delivered with real sweetness, a heartfelt Peggy-O, and a lively Tennessee Jed. Stagger Lee is another standout, full of character and charm.

 

The second set keeps the magic going, opening with a flowing Half Step > Franklin’s Tower that feels both expansive and joyful. Friend of the Devil is played with a delicate touch, and the big sequence of Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > Black Peter > Playing in the Band is the heart of the set, moving from deep improvisation into raw emotion before circling back to close it out.

 

11/13/1987 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 1st of a 3-show run. This show is packed with high energy from start to finish, and the band sounds sharp and fully engaged throughout.

 

The first set has some excellent highlights, with Bucket > Sugaree setting a strong tone, Far From Me adding a nice change of pace, and a beautiful Bird Song that stretches out in all the right ways. The set closes with a lively Music Never Stopped, full of drive and interplay.

The second set keeps the momentum going with Bertha > Women Are Smarter, a fun and upbeat pairing that gets things moving. Estimated Prophet is another standout, full of tension and release, and the sequence of Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia balances deep emotion with pure rock energy. The encore of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door is delivered with heart, a fitting way to end such a strong performance.



November 14th

 

11/14/1971 Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX - Partially officially released on Road Trips Volume 3 Number 2 Bonus Disc. This show features a long first set packed with strong performances, but the moments that really stand out to me are Bertha, a flowing China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, and a lively Big Railroad Blues.

 

The second set feels like one continuous highlight, but the centerpiece for me is the powerful sequence of Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > Me & My Uncle > The Other One, where the band stretches out and delivers some of their most inspired playing of the night.

 

11/14/1972 Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City, OK - This is an excellent fall ’72 show that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. The circulating source has its quirks—the guitars and vocals are pushed a little too high, while the drummers and Keith sit lower in the mix—but it’s still very listenable and the performance shines through.

 

The first set has some real standouts, with Bertha full of energy, a strong Tennessee Jed, and a lively Big River. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider is another highlight, played with that classic ’72 flow and drive.

 

The second set keeps the momentum going, with a fiery Greatest Story Ever Told and then a powerful sequence of He’s Gone > Truckin’ > The Other One > Sing Me Back Home, balancing deep improvisation with heartfelt emotion.

 

11/14/1973 San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, CA - Officially released on 30 Trips Around The Sun. This whole show is top quality from start to finish, with a laid-back feel but a tightness in the playing that makes it really shine.

 

The first set kicks off in rare fashion with Big Railroad Blues—only the sixth and final time it ever opened a first set—which makes it a special moment right away. Other standouts for me are a soulful Sugaree, a strong Black Throated Wind, and a heartfelt Row Jimmy. The Race Is On adds a fun burst of energy, and the China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider pairing is played with that classic drive. They wrap things up with a rocking Around and Around that leaves the set on a high note.

 

The second set is anchored by a massive jam sequence: Truckin’ > The Other One (Jam Anthem version) > Big River > The Other One > Eyes of the World > The Other One > Wharf Rat. The way the band weaves in and out of themes here is incredible, balancing deep improvisation with emotional weight, and it’s easily the centerpiece of the night.

 

11/14/1987 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. This is an excellent show from start to finish, and I can’t help but love a big, funky Shakedown Street opening the first set. This one really delivers and sets the tone for everything that follows. Other highlights in the set for me are a lively Hey Pocky Way and a strong Deal that closes things out with plenty of fire.

 

The second set keeps the energy high with a unique pairing of Maggie’s Farm > Cumberland Blues, which feels both playful and powerful. The big sequence of Playing in the Band > Terrapin Station is the centerpiece, full of exploration and depth, and it shows the band stretching out in all the right ways.



November 15th

 

11/15/1971 Austin Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX - Officially released on Road Trips Volume 3 Number 2. This show is a scorcher from start to finish, with the band locked in and playing with fire all night. The first set kicks off with a blistering Truckin’ that sets the tone right away. Bertha and Jack Straw both come through strong, while Loser is delivered with real weight and emotion. The highlight for me is the incredible Dark Star > El Paso > Dark Star > Casey Jones, a sequence that blends deep improvisation with sharp transitions.

 

The second set keeps the energy high, with Me & My Uncle and a standout Ramble On Rose, which is one of my personal favorite versions. Mexicali Blues adds a burst of fun, Brokedown Palace is tender and heartfelt, and Cumberland Blues is played with drive. The set closes with a fast, fat, and furious Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away, another personal favorite version of this classic combo.

 

11/15/1972 Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City, OK - Partially officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 11. This whole show is outstanding, with the band locked in from start to finish. The mix is a little shaky during the opening of Bertha, but it settles in quickly and sounds great after that.

 

The first set has plenty of strong moments, with Bertha kicking things off, a lively Beat It On Down the Line, a gorgeous Bird Song, and a flowing China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider that really stands out.

 

The second set keeps the energy high, with a fun Ramble On Rose, a deep and exploratory Playing in the Band, and a rocking Big Railroad Blues. Wharf Rat brings a heavy dose of emotion, and the closing Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away is a classic sequence delivered with power and joy.

 

11/15/1987 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. The first set kicks off with a fun Iko Iko, and right away the band locks into a sweet groove that has the crowd fully engaged. Walkin’ Blues stands out with its shuffling rhythm and some raw, biting slide guitar work. Jerry’s vocals on Candyman are especially moving, and his solo adds just the right touch. Other highlights for me are Cassidy, which feels a little on the short side but still delivers, and a lively Don’t Ease Me In to keep the energy up.

 

The second set is where the real magic unfolds. Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain is easily one of the best versions I’ve heard from 1987, full of energy and flow. Looks Like Rain builds with real intensity, creating a powerful emotional peak. From there, He’s Gone carries a soulful weight, and the sequence of The Other One > Morning Dew is absolutely stunning. They close things out with a fiery All Along the Watchtower, ending the night on a high.



November 16th

 

11/16/1985 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 1st of a 2-show run. There are some really great moments in this show, and overall I think the energy and passion in the playing make it a strong one.

 

The first set has some excellent highlights, with Hell in a Bucket coming in hot, a heartfelt Dupree’s Diamond Blues, and a powerful Let It Grow that really stands out.

 

The second set shines especially in the post-Drums sequence, starting with Space > Comes a Time > Gimme Some Lovin’ > Truckin’ > Black Peter > Good Lovin’. The flow here is fantastic, moving from deep emotion to high-energy rock and closing the night on a joyful note.



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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