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This Week In Grateful Dead History #46 (Week of 11/17)

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

For the week of 11/17 – 11/23, includes a significant period of Grateful Dead history, covering shows from 1970 through 1985. Notable non-Grateful Dead events include an acoustic Bob Weir Band set for the Hunger Week Benefit on 11/17/1978, during which Phil Lesh did not attend, but which debuted rare songs. The 1972 shows frequently highlighted specific band members, such as Phil Lesh laying down bold, melodic leads that shaped the direction of the jams. Historical context for the 11/20/1970 show mentioned that sound recording duties were inconsistent because Owsley was incarcerated at the time. High-energy performances occurred in 1985, including the 11/20/1985 show where Bobby Weir famously climbed the scaffolding with his guitar during the closing jam. I’ve written 19 listening guides this week to cover all of that and more.

 

11/17/1971, Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, Albuquerque, NM

11/17/1972, Century II Convention Center Hall, Wichita, KS

11/17/1973, Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA

11/17/1978, Rambler Room, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

11/17/1985, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA

11/18/1972, Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX

11/18/1978, Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL

11/19/1972, Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX

11/20/1970, The Palestra, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

11/20/1971, Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA

11/20/1973, Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO

11/20/1978, Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH

11/20/1985, Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA

11/21/1973, Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO

11/21/1985, Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA

11/22/1972, Austin Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX

11/22/1985, Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA

11/23/1973, County Coliseum, El Paso, TX

11/23/1979, Golden Hall, San Diego, 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 8, for the week of February 24th, 2025:


Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

  • First performance of Me and Bobby McGee (11/23/1970), K.C. Moan (11/17/1978), Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (11/17/1978)

  • Final performance of Big Boy Pete (11/21/1985), She Belongs to Me (11/21/1985), Walking the Dog (11/21/1985), Whinin’ Boy Blues (11/17/1978), World to Give (11/20/1978)

  • Only performance of Tom Dooley (11/17/1978), This Time Forever (11/17/1978)


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 17th

 

11/17/1971 Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, Albuquerque, NM - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 26. The first set is an absolute monster—over ninety minutes of consistently strong playing, with the band delivering above-average versions across the board. Highlights for me include a soulful Sugaree, a rocking Big Railroad Blues, and a deeply exploratory Playing in the Band. Cumberland Blues is full of drive, Me and Bobby McGee adds a tender touch, and Casey Jones wraps things up with high energy and precision.

 

The second set is one massive highlight in itself. The jamming is extended, inspired, and fearless, with the band diving deep and staying locked in throughout. Every transition feels purposeful, and the improvisation is top-tier from start to finish.

 

11/17/1972 Century II Convention Center Hall, Wichita, KS - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 11. This entire show feels outstanding to me. The band sounds totally inspired, and they stretch out the jams in a way that’s both confident and creative.

 

The first set is packed with strong moments. Sugaree is soulful and expansive, Me & My Uncle brings a burst of energy, and Tennessee Jed is played with grit and charm. Bird Song is especially beautiful, drifting into some lovely spaces. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider sequence is tight and joyful, and Around & Around closes things out with a punch.

 

The second set keeps the fire burning. Cumberland Blues is full of drive, He’s Gone carries a deep emotional weight, and the Truckin’ > The Other One sequence is the centerpiece—bold, exploratory, and totally locked in.

 

11/17/1973 Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 5. This show is absolutely epic—easily one of the standout performances of the year, with the band firing on all cylinders from the jump.

 

The first set kicks off with a rare and intense Me & My Uncle opener (only the fourth time it ever opened a set), which immediately grabs my attention. Right after that comes a flawless Here Comes Sunshine, complete with a big, juicy jam that stretches things out beautifully. Other highlights for me include a crisp Deal, a heartfelt Tennessee Jed, a joyful China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, and a rocking Around and Around to close the set with a punch.

 

The second set is anchored by an incredible Jam Anthem Playing in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John’s Band > Playing in the Band sequence. It’s one of those rare moments where everything clicks—the transitions are seamless, the jamming is deep and inspired, and the emotional payoff is huge.

 

11/17/1978 Rambler Room, Loyola University, Chicago, IL - Billed as the Bob Weir Band, this acoustic set for the Hunger Week Benefit turned out to be something truly special. The intimate crowd got treated to a rare and historic selection of breakout tunes that hadn’t been played since the early '70s. Highlights include Big Boy Pete (last played 9/20/1970, after a 498-show gap), Deep Elem Blues (12/28/1970, 455 shows), Oh Boy (4/6/1971, 432 shows), Dark Hollow (4/29/1971, 415 shows), and Whinin’ Boy Blues (8/21/1971, 402 shows).

 

Even though it wasn’t technically a Grateful Dead show—Phil wasn’t there—it still felt monumental. This was the first time they ever played K.C. Moan and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, the only time they’d ever do Tom Dooley and This Time Forever, and the final performance of Whinin’ Boy Blues. For a small benefit gig, it delivered some truly historic moments.

 

11/17/1985 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 2nd of a 2-show run. This is a high-energy ’85 show that really hits the mark for me—tight playing, sharp transitions, and some nicely stretched-out jams throughout.

 

The first set has a lot to love. Mississippi Half-Step is full of swagger and warmth, Minglewood Blues brings that gritty punch, and All Over Now is played with drive. Cassidy is especially strong, with some great interplay, and Big Railroad Blues closes things out with a burst of rock and roll fire.

 

The second set is packed with standout moments. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider sequence is joyful and fluid, and the stretch of He’s Gone > Spoonful > Good Time Blues dives into some deep grooves. The final sequence of The Wheel > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away is delivered with intensity and momentum, a powerful way to wrap up a great night.



November 18th

 

11/18/1972 Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX- 1st of a 2-show run. Partially officially released on Houston, TX 11-18-1972. This show is a bit of a mystery—only eight songs made it onto the official release, and the full performance doesn’t seem to circulate anywhere. Thankfully, the entire second set is available through the usual sources, and Charlie Miller’s transfer (SHNID 123077) is my go-to. Phil is absolutely in the driver’s seat here. He’s way up in the mix and lays down some bold, melodic leads that shape the direction of the jams in a big way.

 

Highlights for me include a punchy Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, a soulful He’s Gone, and a massive, raging Playing in the Band. That Playing jam has a fierce, almost menacing edge to it—much darker and more aggressive than the mellow, spacey versions you usually hear from this era. It’s a standout moment in a show that deserves more attention.

 

11/18/1978 Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL - 2nd of a 2-show run. This entire show is excellent—the band sounds hyped up and totally committed, and the performance stands out from start to finish.

 

The first set has some great moments. Jack Straw is tight and energetic, Candyman is delivered with warmth and feeling, and Big River brings a burst of momentum. Sugaree stretches out beautifully, and Music Never Stopped closes the set with a strong, driving -finish.

 

The second set kicks into high gear with a vibrant Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, full of color and flow. The sequence of He’s Gone > The Other One > Drums > Ollin Arageed is the centerpiece for me—deep, rhythmic, and adventurous, with the band exploring some truly inspired territory.



November 19th

 

11/19/1972 Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, TX- 2nd of a 2-show run. This is another spectacular performance, with the band locked in and delivering one inspired moment after another. The first set is full of highlights for me. Bird Song is expansive and beautifully played, Black Throated Wind has that emotional punch, and Box of Rain feels especially tender. Tomorrow Is Forever adds a rare and heartfelt touch, while Big River brings a burst of energy. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider sequence is tight and joyful, and Playing in the Band closes things out with deep, exploratory jamming.

 

The second set is anchored by a stunning sequence of Dark Star > Weather Report Suite > Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, full of nuance and dynamic shifts. The show wraps with a powerful Sugar Magnolia—described as a Jam Anthem version—leading into a celebratory Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad.



November 20th

 

11/20/1970 The Palestra, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY - There’s only one circulating source for this show, and luckily it’s a pretty solid audience recording (SHNID 9001). The music is so good that I don’t mind the limitations in sound quality. Given the era, with Owsley in prison and sound duties bouncing between different folks, it feels like if no one stepped up to record, it just didn’t happen.

 

The first set is packed with heat. The Drums > Good Lovin’ > Drums > Good Lovin’ sequence is wild and full of energy, and the long stretch of Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > St. Stephen > Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away > King Bee is absolutely massive. The transitions are raw and exciting, and the band sounds fearless.

 

The second set with Jorma is hot from start to finish. Highlights for me include a rocking All Over Now, a deep and rootsy Jam > Darling Corey > Jam, and a beautiful Jam > Uncle John’s Band that brings things to a heartfelt close.

 

11/20/1971 Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 48. It takes the band a few first set songs to settle in and stretch out, but by the time they hit Big Railroad Blues, something clicks—and from that moment on, they’re locked in. The first set has some great moments, with a driving Cumberland Blues, a fiery Casey Jones, and a celebratory One More Saturday Night that caps things off with punch.

 

The second set is a scorcher right from the jump. They launch into a massive Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > Ramble On Rose sequence that’s full of momentum and deep exploration. Other highlights for me include a high-energy Sugar Magnolia, and a classic Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away that brings the house down.

 

11/20/1973 Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO - Partially officially released on Road Trips Volume 4 Number 3. This whole show is expertly played, and while the band is solid right out of the gate, it takes about halfway through the first set for things to really start feeling inspired. Once they hit their stride, the energy and focus are unmistakable. Highlights for me include a smooth and soulful They Love Each Other, a gritty Tennessee Jed, and a punchy Big River. The Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow sequence is where things really open up—dynamic, expressive, and beautifully executed.

 

The second set is where the real madness begins. The China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider sequence is joyful and fluid, and the stretch of Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > Mind Left Body Jam > Stella Blue is absolutely stunning—deep, exploratory, and emotionally rich. They wrap things up with a high-energy Sugar Magnolia that sends it all home with a bang.

 

11/20/1978 Cleveland Music Hall, Cleveland, OH - This is easily one of my favorite shows from ’78, and it’s the second set that really seals it for me. The first set kicks off with Mississippi Half-Step > Franklin’s Tower, and while it takes the band a minute to settle in, by the time they hit the transition into Franklin’s, the energy shifts and things start to feel much more inspired. Other highlights include a smooth Stagger Lee and a fiery Lazy Lightning > Supplication, both played with precision and spark.

 

The second set is where things get truly special. They ease into it with a unique Jam that begins with the drummers and gradually builds into a full-band groove. That leads into a proper Drums segment, then back into another Jam where Jerry lays down that thick envelope filter tone he’s known for—very reminiscent of his sound on songs like Estimated Prophet and Fire on the Mountain. As the jam winds down, Jerry surprises everyone with a playful and heartfelt Jack-A-Roe, which sets the tone for the rest of the set. From there, it’s standout material all the way: Playing in the Band > Shakedown Street > World to Give (the final performance, a little rough vocally but full of feeling) > Playing in the Band > Around and Around. It’s a powerful sequence that blends deep improvisation with emotional weight, and it’s what makes this show such a standout for me.

 

11/20/1985 Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA - 1st of a 3-show run. This run of shows came right before the New Year’s run, and the energy is off the charts from start to finish. It’s a high-powered performance that never really lets up.

 

The first set has some great moments. Jack Straw > Peggy-O is a beautiful pairing, with tight playing and emotional depth. C.C. Rider brings some grit, High Time is tender and well-paced, and the Promised Land > Don’t Ease Me In combo closes things out with a burst of rock and roll joy.

 

The second set is packed with momentum. The sequence of Iko Iko > Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Terrapin Station > Don’t Need Love is full of dynamic shifts and inspired playing. The set ends with a wild Sugar Magnolia, and one of the most memorable moments of the night—Bobby climbs the scaffolding with his guitar while Jerry tears through the closing jam. You can see a video of it here. It’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.



November 21st

 

11/21/1973 Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO - Officially released on Road Trips Volume 4 Number 3. This whole show is a winner for me. The first set starts off solid—good playing, but nothing too out of the ordinary at first. Things really catch fire with Big Railroad Blues, and from there it’s a different story. Looks Like Rain is beautifully delivered, Here Comes Sunshine is bright and expansive, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow sequence is full of dynamic shifts and inspired moments.

 

The second set is where the magic really happens. Every song feels like a highlight, but the centerpiece is the incredible Playing “three-peat” sequence: Playing in the Band > El Paso > Playing in the Band > Wharf Rat > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew. It’s one of those rare stretches where the band is completely in sync—fluid transitions, deep jams, and emotional payoff at every turn.

 

11/21/1985 Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA – Entire show officially released on Enjoying the Ride. 2nd of a 3-show run. The band returns for night two with another knockout performance—just as high-energy and dialed-in as the night before.

 

The first set has a great mix of fun and fire. Big Boy Pete would be the final performance, and is a blast. Little Red Rooster brings the blues swagger, and the Me & My Uncle > Mexicali Blues pairing is full of twang and grit. Ramble On Rose is warm and playful, and Might As Well wraps things up with a joyful punch.

 

The second set is where things really take off. The sequence of Shakedown Street > Crazy Fingers > Playing in the Band > She Belongs to Me is adventurous and full of surprises. Later on, Gimme Some Lovin’ > Midnight Hour keeps the energy high, and the Walking the Dog encore is the perfect exclamation point to close out a wild night. This was the final performance of She Belongs to Me and Walking the Dog.



November 22nd

 

11/22/1972 Austin Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX - This whole show is excellent—one of those nights where the band feels locked in and the playing is consistently masterful. The first set has a string of standout moments. Sugaree is rich and expressive, Mexicali Blues brings that familiar bounce, and Loser is delivered with grit and soul. Black Throated Wind is especially strong, full of emotional nuance, while Candyman glows with warmth. Bird Song stretches out beautifully, and Playing in the Band closes the set with deep, exploratory jamming that really hits the mark.

 

The second set is anchored by a powerful sequence: He’s Gone > Truckin’ > Drums > The Other One > Stella Blue. The transitions are seamless, the jams are bold, and Stella Blue lands with quiet intensity. It’s the kind of set that stays with you.

 

11/22/1985 Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA – 2nd set officially released on Enjoying the Ride. 3rd of a 3-show run. The band closes out the run with a stellar, high-energy show that feels like a celebration from start to finish.

 

The first set is outstanding all the way through. Hell in a Bucket > Sugaree is a standout pairing, with lots of vocal effects courtesy of Dan Healey that add a unique texture to the mix. Minglewood Blues > Althea keeps the momentum going—gritty, smooth, and full of swagger.

 

The second set delivers some truly powerful moments. The Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World sequence is fluid and expansive, and Morning Dew lands with emotional weight and quiet intensity. They wrap it all up with a heartfelt Brokedown Palace encore that feels like the perfect sendoff.



November 23rd

 

11/23/1973 County Coliseum, El Paso, TX - This show is a total standout—full of great energy and tight playing from start to finish. The first set is packed with highlights. You just know Bobby was itching to play El Paso in El Paso, and this version feels like one of the best I’ve heard—confident, fiery, and totally dialed in. Bertha is punchy and joyful, Mexicali Blues brings that dusty swagger, and Looks Like Rain is beautifully delivered. Jack Straw is sharp and dynamic, and the China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider sequence is full of momentum and color. Big River is high-octane, Row Jimmy is tender and flowing, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow combo closes the set with depth and drive.

 

The second set keeps the fire burning. The stretch of He’s Gone > Truckin’ > The Other One > Space > Me and Bobby McGee is adventurous and full of surprises, with the band exploring some deep territory. Eyes of the World shines with that signature bounce and clarity, a perfect way to round out a powerful set.

 

11/23/1979 Golden Hall, San Diego, CA - This show is high energy from top to bottom, and Jerry’s playing and singing both have that extra sparkle that makes everything feel just a little more alive.

 

The first set is full of punch. Alabama Getaway > Promised Land kicks things into gear with a burst of momentum, and Big River keeps that pace going strong. Minglewood Blues is gritty and full of swagger, and Deal closes things out with a fiery solo that really hits the mark.

 

The second set is where things get especially interesting. The Music Never Stopped > Sugaree pairing is a great blend of tight grooves and emotional depth. Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World flows beautifully, and the Space > Not Fade Away > Black Peter stretch is a highlight for me—especially Not Fade Away, where Brent lays down a fat, funky groove that gives it a totally fresh feel.



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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