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This Week In Grateful Dead History #47 (Week of 11/24)

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

For the week of 11/24 - 11/30, we have fifteen unique Grateful Dead performances spanning 1966 to 1994, showcasing various eras of the band. It includes some notable performances from Pigpen, whose strong presence was evident on the early 1966 recording from The Matrix, and Hamza El Din, who joined the band for "Ollin Arageed" during the phenomenal 1978 show at the Capitol Theatre. The recordings highlight different era sounds, such as the "pure Texas-style high-energy Grateful Dead" from 1972 and the "smooth, funky vibe" of the peak 1979 performances, sometimes featuring Jerry ripping epic solos and Brent adding his own flair. Several shows are notable for their official status, including the 11/28/1980 show officially released on 30 Trips Around The Sun and the 11/30/1973 show partially released on Dick's Picks Volume 4. This week I’ve written 15 listening guides to cover all of this and more.

 

11/24/1972, Dallas Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, TX

11/24/1978, Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ

11/25/1973, Feyline Field, Tempe, AZ

11/25/1979, Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA

11/26/1972, San Antonio Civic Center Auditorium, San Antonio, TX

11/26/1980, The Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL

11/28/1980, Lakeland Civic Center, Lakeland, FL

11/29/1966, The Matrix, San Francisco, CA

11/29/1979, Cleveland Public Hall, Cleveland, OH

11/29/1980, Alligator Alley Gymnasium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

11/29/1981, Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

11/29/1994, McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO

11/30/1973, Music Hall, Boston, MA

11/30/1979, Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA

11/30/1980, Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA


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 47, for the week of November 24th, 2025:


Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

  • First known live performance of Satisfaction (11/26/1980)


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 24th

 

11/24/1972 Dallas Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, TX - This show is pure Texas-style high-energy Grateful Dead, the kind of performance that feels larger than life. The first set has plenty of standout moments for me: Don’t Ease Me In, a heartfelt Black Throated Wind, a rocking Bertha, and a fiery El Paso. Jack Straw is sharp and driving, and the Playing in the Band here is a Jam Anthem version—massive, exploratory, and full of intensity.

 

The second set keeps the energy flowing with a joyful China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, a powerful Truckin’, and a celebratory Sugar Magnolia. The closing sequence of Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away is also described as Jam Anthem versions, and it’s the kind of finish that leaves the whole room buzzing.

 

11/24/1978 Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ - This show is absolutely phenomenal, one of those nights where the band seems to have that extra sparkle on nearly every song. It’s a well-known Thanksgiving run performance from the day after the holiday, and for me it easily ranks among the best of 1978.

 

The first set is loaded with highlights. Jack Straw is sharp and energetic, Sugaree stretches beautifully with Jerry pouring himself into the solos, Stagger Lee has a playful edge, Candyman is tender and heartfelt, and Minglewood Blues closes things out with grit and swagger.

 

The second set is where things really soar. The sequence of I Need a Miracle > Good Lovin’ is fiery and fun, and then the band dives into a massive stretch: Estimated Prophet > Shakedown Street > Drums > Ollin Arageed with Hamza El Din, followed by Fire on the Mountain > Sugar Magnolia. It’s adventurous, joyful, and powerful all at once—a perfect example of why this show stands out so much.



November 25th

 

11/25/1973 Feyline Field, Tempe, AZ - This show captures the kind of perfection that late ’73 is all about, and it doesn’t let me down at any point. The first set starts off with solid, confident playing, and I especially enjoy Sugaree and Tennessee Jed early on. Things really catch fire with China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, and from there the energy feels unstoppable. Other highlights for me include a lively Big River, a tight Me and My Uncle, and a deep Playing in the Band.

 

The second set is equally impressive, with a gorgeous sequence of Eyes of the World > Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow that shows the band at their most inspired and adventurous.

 

11/25/1979 Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA - This show is peak ’79 Grateful Dead for me, with a smooth, funky vibe running through the whole night. Jerry is on fire, ripping epic solos that cut through with clarity, while Brent really shines and adds his own flair that lifts the music even higher.

 

The first set has plenty of highlights. Jack Straw is tight and energetic, Tennessee Jed has that laid-back groove, and Big River comes in hot with driving momentum. The sequence of Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Deal is a standout, blending moodiness, intensity, and a fiery finish.

 

The second set keeps the energy rolling. Shakedown Street > Bertha is funky and joyful, and the stretch of He’s Gone > The Other One digs deep into exploratory territory. From there, Truckin’ > Stella Blue > Good Lovin’ makes for a powerful sequence, balancing grit with emotion. The encore of Johnny B. Goode is the perfect high-energy sendoff to cap the night.



November 26th

 

11/26/1972 San Antonio Civic Center Auditorium, San Antonio, TX - This show is outstanding from start to finish. Even though it’s the last stop of the fall Texas tour, the band sounds fresh and fully energized, delivering a perfectly executed performance.

 

The first set has plenty of highlights for me: a crisp Deal, a soulful Sugaree, and a heartfelt Black Throated Wind. Bird Song stretches beautifully, Box of Rain is tender and uplifting, and Big Railroad Blues brings the fire with its driving energy.

 

The second set is just as strong. Playing in the Band is expansive and exploratory, and the Dark Star > Me and Bobby McGee sequence is a stunning blend of deep improvisation and heartfelt delivery. They keep the momentum going with a rocking Sugar Magnolia, and the closing Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night sends the show out on a joyful high.

 

11/26/1980 The Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, FL - Where do you go to unwind and have fun in the sun after a hectic work schedule? Florida, of course! This little mini-Florida tour is a hidden gem of 1980, in my opinion.

 

The first set has some great highlights for me: Alabama Getaway > Greatest Story Ever Told kicks things into gear with energy, Friend of the Devil is sweet and easygoing, and the sequence of Althea > Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Deal blends moodiness with a strong finish.

 

The second set keeps that playful vibe going. Cold Rain & Snow is delivered with punch, and the China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World sequence is flowing and inspired. The encore is especially notable, with what may be the first version of Satisfaction since the mid-’60s—though there’s no definitive proof of an earlier performance. It’s a fun surprise to close out the night.



November 27th

 

Unfortunately, no shows from this date circulate. Maybe there's someone out there that taped one of these shows in 1968 or 1970, and the tapes are stashed away in a box in the basement. Maybe someday one of them will come to light, or a Vault tape will appear. Until then, pick something from another day, I guess!



November 28th

 

11/28/1980 Lakeland Civic Center, Lakeland, FL - Officially released on 30 Trips Around The Sun. Continuing the 1980 Florida run, this show stands out with some truly outstanding energy from start to finish.

 

The first set has some beautiful moments, with a heartfelt Peggy-O, a gritty and bluesy Little Red Rooster, and a fiery Deal that closes things with punch.

 

The second set is even stronger. Feel Like a Stranger is tight and funky, and the sequence of To Lay Me Down > Let It Grow > Terrapin Station is both emotional and expansive, showing the band at their most inspired. They wrap it all up with a joyful U.S. Blues encore that sends the crowd home smiling.



November 29th

 

11/29/1966 The Matrix, San Francisco, CA - This is one of those infamous early recordings that really shows how the band sounded at the very beginning. For me, SHNID 152151 is the best version to hear—it captures their raw energy and that signature sound that would carry forward into the early ’70s. Pigpen is clearly the lead voice here, and I love how strong his presence is throughout.

This set has some standout songs I really enjoy: Same Thing, One Kind Favor, Cold Rain & Snow, Viola Lee Blues, Something On Your Mind, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, and I Just Want to Make Love to You. On top of that, you have to include Down So Long and another Something On Your Mind before Lindy, since those surfaced later when new material circulated. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the band’s early days, full of grit and personality.

 

11/29/1979 Cleveland Public Hall, Cleveland, OH - This show feels absolutely epic to me, easily one of the best of the year. It’s got everything I love—great song choices, long and powerful jams, strong vocals, tons of energy, and that extra sparkle that makes it stand out. I especially enjoy listening to the Charlie Miller remaster (SHNID 95831), which really brings the performance to life.

 

The first set is packed with highlights: Alabama Getaway > Promised Land bursts with energy, Candyman is tender and beautifully sung, and Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues brings that classic country flavor. They Love Each Other is smooth and heartfelt, Minglewood Blues adds grit, and Don’t Ease Me In keeps the momentum rolling.

 

The second set is just as strong. Shakedown Street > Samson and Delilah is funky and fiery, High Time is delivered with real emotion, and the sequence of Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World > Drums > Black Peter is both expansive and deeply moving. It’s the kind of set that shows the band firing on all cylinders.

 

11/29/1980 Alligator Alley Gymnasium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL - This show is the third and final stop on the little Florida tour, and it carries the same laid-back, fun vibe as the others, while still hitting some really intense peaks when the energy surges. I’ve listened to a lot of sources for this one, and I find myself preferring the audience tapes over the soundboards—especially since only the second set circulates on soundboard. My go-to is SHNID 145665, the Stankiewicz recording from the “sweet spot,” which almost has the feel of a Matrix.

 

The first set has plenty of highlights: Alabama Getaway > Promised Land bursts with energy, Candyman is sweet and soulful, Minglewood Blues is gritty and rocking, and Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues brings that classic country flavor. The sequence of Althea > Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Don’t Ease Me In is another standout, blending moodiness with drive.

 

The second set is truly epic from start to finish. The band digs deep into Shakedown Street > Franklin’s Tower > Estimated Prophet > He’s Gone > Truckin’ > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue, a sequence that flows beautifully and balances funk, exploration, and emotion. It’s the kind of set that shows the band at their most adventurous and inspired.

 

11/29/1981 Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA - This show is blazing hot, with Jerry’s guitar work standing out all night and the jams feeling especially inspired. The first set has plenty of highlights for me: Shakedown Street > Greatest Story Ever Told is funky and energetic, Friend of the Devil > C.C. Rider flows beautifully, Candyman is tender and heartfelt, Looks Like Rain is delivered with real emotion, and Might As Well caps things off with joyful energy.

 

The second set kicks off with a rousing Samson and Delilah, then eases into a moving Ship of Fools. The sequence of Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance is perfectly played, and the jam builds to great intensity before opening into a standout He’s Gone that stretches over 12 minutes. There’s a Truckin’ tease that gets pulled back, and the band instead moves into a rare Mind Left Body Jam, the first since 10/22/1978. Drums > Space are fascinating and lead into a long, spacey buildup that finally bursts into Truckin’, one of those signature transitions I love. From there, a beautiful Black Peter follows, with Jerry’s vocals full of emotion. The set closes with Bobby and the band tearing into a powerful Satisfaction, Jerry shredding with abandon, and the encore of U.S. Blues sends everyone home grinning.

 

11/29/1994 McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO - 1st of a 3-show run. There’s no doubt the band is really “on” for this one, and I think it’s one of the standout shows from 1994. Even without a circulating soundboard, the audience energy adds so much to the experience, and I especially enjoy the Greg Clark FOB tape (SHNID 141190) that Charlie Miller and Joel Noel transferred—it captures the vibe beautifully.

 

The first set kicks off with a rousing Jack Straw, and the energy is already peaking with Bobby throwing himself into the vocals while Jerry shreds on guitar. Peggy-O follows with sweet vocals and delicate guitar from Jerry, played at a nice tempo that keeps it moving. Walkin’ Blues gives Bobby a chance to dig into some gritty riffs, and Tennessee Jed is another highlight. Jerry has some microphone issues during the first verse, but the crowd jumps in to sing along, which sparks a laugh from Jerry and lifts the whole performance with even more passion and energy.

 

The second set keeps the momentum going, opening with a lively Iko Iko that gets the crowd dancing. From there, the band launches into a powerful sequence of Playing in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Baba O’Riley > Tomorrow Never Knows, which feels adventurous and inspired. After Drums > Space, the highlight for me is a stunning Stella Blue, with Jerry pouring his heart and soul into every note. It’s a deeply moving way to close out the night.



November 30th

 

11/30/1973 Music Hall, Boston, MA - 1st of a 3-show run. Partially officially released on Dick's Picks Volume 4. This show is excellent from start to finish, with the band delivering one inspired performance after another.

 

The first set opens with a massive Morning Dew that stretches over 14 minutes and feels absolutely monumental. Brown Eyed Women is lively and crisp, Don’t Ease Me In keeps the energy rolling, and They Love Each Other is sweet and heartfelt. Loser hits with grit and emotion, and then comes a monster 23+ minute Playing in the Band that shows the group at their most exploratory.

 

The second set kicks off with a rousing Bertha > Promised Land, followed by a soulful Row Jimmy. The highlight for me is an epic Here Comes Sunshine, played with incredible depth and beauty. The big jam sequence of Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow > Dark Star Jam > Eyes of the World > Sugar Magnolia is the centerpiece of the night, flowing seamlessly and showcasing the band’s full range of power and creativity.

 

11/30/1979 Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA - 1st of a 2-show run. This show is an absolute scorcher, with the band playing with undeniable energy and passion all the way through. The first set has some fantastic highlights: Alabama Getaway > Greatest Story Ever Told bursts with intensity, Peggy-O is tender and beautifully played, and Cassidy is sharp and dynamic. Friend of the Devil flows with ease, Tennessee Jed has that joyful bounce, and the Dancin’ in the Streets > Deal sequence is pure fire, closing the set with a mix of funk and grit.

 

The second set keeps the heat going. Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain is expansive and glowing, Passenger adds a punch of rock energy, and the sequence of Terrapin Station > Playing in the Band is adventurous and deeply satisfying, showing the band at their most inspired.

 

11/30/1980 Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 8. This show is truly outstanding, with the band locked in and delivering one strong performance after another.

 

The first set has some beautiful highlights for me: Feel Like a Stranger is funky and tight, Ramble On Rose is playful and full of charm, and Little Red Rooster brings gritty blues energy. Bird Song stretches out with gorgeous improvisation, and the sequence of Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance > Deal is powerful, blending moodiness with a fiery finish.

 

The second set keeps the magic going. Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain glows with intensity, Samson and Delilah is rousing and energetic, and Ship of Fools is heartfelt and moving. The sequence of Playing in the Band > Drums > Space is expansive and adventurous, showing the band at their most exploratory.



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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