This Week In Grateful Dead History #49 (Week of 12/8)
- Mason's Children
- 11 hours ago
- 17 min read
For the week of 12/8 - 12/14, I found myself immersed in a fascinating mix of eras, ranging from the raw, psychedelic country sound of 1969 to the polished, high-energy arenas of 1990. It was particularly moving to see the band remembering John Lennon on the day of his passing in 1980, adding a layer of historical gravity to the music. I was also struck by how prominent Pigpen was in those early St. Louis and Los Angeles shows, driving the energy with his bluesy grit before the sound evolved in later years. The 1990 Denver run offered its own unique history, featuring a Dark Star with verses split across two different nights, something I had never realized happened before discovering it a few years into my tap trading days. It is incredible to hear how the band’s improvisation changed over the decades while keeping that core spirit alive across so many memorable nights. To cover all of that and more, I’ve written 23 listening guides this week.
12/08/1973, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC
12/09/1971, Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO
12/09/1979, Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO
12/09/1981, Events Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
12/09/1990, Compton Terrace Amphitheatre, Chandler, AZ
12/10/1971, Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO
12/10/1972, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA
12/10/1973, Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
12/10/1979, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, MO
12/11/1969, Thelma Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
12/11/1972, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA
12/11/1979, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, MO
12/12/1969, Thelma Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
12/12/1970, Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA
12/12/1972, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA
12/12/1973, The Omni, Atlanta, GA
12/12/1980, Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, CA
12/12/1990, McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO
12/13/1980, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA
12/13/1990, McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO
12/14/1971, Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI
12/14/1980, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA
12/14/1990, McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO
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As I write up each week's listening guides, I mark up my copy of the book like this:
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 49, for the week of December 8th, 2025:
Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:
Remembering John Lennon (12/8/1980)
First performance of Peggy-O (12/10/1973), Sugar Magnolia - Sunshine Daydream split (12/10/1973)
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!
December 8th
12/8/1973 Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC - Here’s an excellent late ’73 show that’s bursting with energy and inspired playing from start to finish. The first set has plenty of highlights. Sugaree is soulful and heartfelt, They Love Each Other flows with warmth, and Don’t Ease keeps things light and lively. Brown Eyed Women is crisp and melodic, while Big River drives hard with its punchy rhythm. Candyman adds a sweet, reflective touch, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow sequence is expansive and beautifully played. Closing out with China Cat > I Know You Rider brings a joyful rush of energy that caps the set perfectly.
The second set is just as strong. Around & Around kicks up the energy, and the Greatest Story > Bertha pairing is fiery and fun. The big jam sequence—He’s Gone > Truckin’ > Nobody’s Fault But Mine > Other One > Wharf Rat > Stella Blue—is the centerpiece, moving from soulful reflection to high-powered jamming and finally landing in tender, emotional territory. It’s a powerful stretch that shows the band at their best.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1973/12/08
December 9th
12/9/1971 Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO - 1st of a 2-show run. Officially released on Listen To The River: St. Louis '71, '72, '73. This is a high-energy show, even if it doesn’t really feature a big jam segment. What stands out to me is how nearly perfect the renditions of each song are. Pigpen is especially inspired here, and his songs come across with real strength and character.
The first set has plenty of highlights: Truckin’ is tight and driving, Mr. Charlie shows Pigpen at his best, Sugaree is soulful, and Hurts Me Too digs deep into the blues. Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove, Run Rudolph Run adds a fun seasonal spark, and Black Peter is heartfelt and moving. Casey Jones brings the energy up, and the set closes with an absolute rocket ship version of Saturday Night—one of my all-time favorite versions.
The second set keeps the momentum strong. Ramble On Rose is playful and well-sung, Big Boss Man has grit and swagger, and Sugar Magnolia bursts with joyful energy. The closing NFA > GDTRFB > NFA sequence is fiery and celebratory, sending the show out on a high note.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1971/12/09
12/9/1979 Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 47. This entire show is outstanding, with the band locked in and delivering one strong performance after another. The first set has plenty of highlights. Alabama Getaway > Promised Land bursts with energy, Brown Eyed Women is crisp and melodic, and Minglewood carries a gritty punch. The Lazy Lightning > Supplication sequence is fiery and tight, while Deal closes things out with joyful swagger.
The second set keeps the momentum rolling. The Shakedown Street > Samson pairing is funky and powerful, and the Terrapin > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance sequence is expansive and beautifully played. Space > Black Peter moves from exploration into heartfelt emotion, and the closing Bertha > Good Lovin' is pure celebration, sending the show out with high energy.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1979/12/09
12/9/1981 Events Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 20. This is an excellent show with a set list that really delivers, full of powerful renditions and energy that peaks and spills over at just the right moments.
The first set has some beautiful highlights. Cold Rain & Snow is crisp and driving, Friend Of The Devil > Little Red Rooster flows with a mix of sweetness and grit, and Bird Song stretches out with rich, exploratory playing. Cassidy is sharp and lively, while China Cat > I Know You Rider brings that joyful rush of momentum that always lifts the crowd.
The second set is packed with depth and intensity. The Scarlet > Fire > Estimated > He’s Gone sequence is vibrant and expansive, moving seamlessly from groove to exploration to soulful release. Later, the Space > Other One > Stella Blue sequence stands out, with Stella Blue described as a Jam Anthem version—achingly beautiful and emotionally powerful, the perfect way to close that stretch of music.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1981/12/09
12/9/1990 Compton Terrace Amphitheatre, Chandler, AZ - Here’s a really nice show with a strong set list and an inspired performance from the band. The first set has some excellent moments. Bucket > Bertha bursts with energy, Jack A Roe is tender and heartfelt, and Bird Song stretches out beautifully with rich improvisation.
The second set keeps the fire burning. Scarlet > Fire is vibrant and flowing, while the Truckin’ > Spoonful > He’s Gone > Jam sequence digs deep into the blues and then opens into soulful territory. The closing stretch—Wheel > Playing Reprise > GDTRFB > Good Lovin’—is joyful and celebratory, sending the show out with high energy and a sense of fun.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/12/09
December 10th
12/10/1971 Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO - 2nd of a 2-show run. Officially released on Listen To The River: St. Louis '71, '72, '73. This is an outstanding show, packed with everything I love about a classic late-’71 performance—blistering energy, sharp solos, tight improvisation, and sweet harmonies throughout.
The first set has plenty of highlights. Bertha bursts with drive, Me & My Uncle is lively and fun, and Mr. Charlie shows Pigpen in fine form. Beat It On Down The Line is crisp and energetic, Sugaree carries soulful warmth, and Big RxR Blues adds grit and punch. Casey Jones closes things out with a raucous, high-energy finish.
The second set is even more powerful. Good Lovin’ stretches out with fiery jams, and the big sequence—Truckin’ > Drums > Other One > Sitting On Top Of The World > Other One > NFA > GDTRFB > NFA—is the centerpiece of the night, moving seamlessly from deep improvisation to celebratory rock-and-roll. It’s a thrilling run that captures the band at their peak.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1971/12/10
12/10/1972 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - 1st of a 3-show run. The complete show doesn’t circulate, but what we do have is epic. It’s clear a reel is missing since the tape picks up at the tail end of the first set with Bertha and runs through the rest of the night. Both Bertha and Playing stand out as highlights, full of energy and sharp playing.
The second set is preserved in full, and it’s a powerhouse. The China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence is joyful and flowing, while the Truckin’ > Jam > Drums > Other One stretch is the centerpiece—deep, exploratory, and thrilling from start to finish.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1972/12/10
12/10/1973 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC - Partially officially released on Grateful Dead Download Series Volume 8, which is pretty much the only place to hear this awesome show, since only two songs circulate (on SHNID 11800 as of December, 2025). The first set has some strong highlights with Bertha, Big River, and Playing, each delivered with great energy and precision.
The real meat of the show comes in the second set. Peggy-O makes its debut here, a beautiful first performance that feels special. Row Jimmy is soulful, Big RxR Blues adds grit, and the Truckin’ > Nobody’s Fault But Mine > Eyes > Brokedown Palace sequence is expansive and deeply satisfying. China Cat > I Know You Rider brings joyful momentum, and the Sugar Magnolia > GDTRFB > Sunshine Daydream stretch is historic—it’s the first time they split Sugar Magnolia and Sunshine Daydream, and the performance is bursting with energy.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1973/12/10
12/10/1979 Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, MO - 1st of a 2-show run. Overall, I think this is an excellent show, with the second set standing out the most. The first set has some really strong moments and an interesting flow, especially in the latter half with Dancin’ > Franklin’s > Looks Like Rain > Deal, which is played with great energy and emotion.
The second set is where things truly shine. Scarlet > Fire is vibrant and full of life, while the Easy To Love You > Let It Grow > He’s Gone > Truckin’ sequence is expansive and powerful, moving seamlessly from tender moments to high-energy jamming. It’s a thrilling stretch of music that makes this show feel special.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1979/12/10
December 11th
12/11/1969 Thelma Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - These tapes capture a great snapshot of the band as they were maturing and shifting into that “psychedelic country” sound that would continue to develop over the next few years. The whole performance has a more laid-back feel, but the playing is consistently strong.
Highlights for me include Casey Jones, which is tight and energetic, and Cold Rain & Snow, delivered with crisp precision. The Dark Star > St. Stephen > The Eleven > Cumberland sequence is expansive and adventurous, showing the band at their exploratory best. The Cryptical > Drums > Other One > Cryptical > Cosmic Charlie stretch is another standout, moving from deep improvisation into a joyful, spirited close.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1969/12/11
12/11/1972 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. This is an excellent show from start to finish, with the band sounding tight and clearly having fun throughout.
The first set has a lot of strong highlights. Sugaree is soulful and heartfelt, Mexicali Blues brings its lively bounce, and Bobby McGee is sung with warmth. Brown Eyed Women is crisp and melodic, while Beat It On Down The Line adds punch. The China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence is joyful and flowing, and Box Of Rain is delivered with tenderness. He’s Gone carries emotional weight, Around & Around keeps the energy high, and Friend Of The Devil is sweet and well-played. Closing with Playing makes for a powerful finish to the set.
The second set is just as impressive. Half Step is vibrant and uplifting, Me & My Uncle is fun and energetic, and the Dark Star > Stella Blue sequence is the centerpiece—deeply exploratory and then beautifully resolved with a heartfelt rendition of Stella Blue.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1972/12/11
12/11/1979 Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, MO - 2nd of a 2-show run. This whole show is excellent, with the band delivering strong performances throughout. The first set has plenty of highlights. Jack Straw is sharp and energetic, Big River drives hard with its rhythm, and Althea is soulful and heartfelt. Minglewood adds grit and swagger, while China Cat > I Know You Rider brings that joyful rush of momentum that always lifts the crowd.
The second set is especially memorable. The Shakedown Street > Samson pairing is funky and powerful, and the Terrapin > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > Estimated Jam sequence is unique. Some listeners don’t recognize it as Estimated, preferring to call it simply a jam, but I can definitely hear themes and elements of the song woven into it. Either way, it’s a rare and fascinating performance that makes this show stand out.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1979/12/11
December 12th
12/12/1969 Thelma Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 10. This is an outstanding show that blends the band’s early “psychedelic country” sound with raw, primal energy. For me, it’s one of the best examples of how they were evolving during this period, and it’s just plain fun to hear. Pigpen really dominates here, delivering monster versions of his songs that stand out across the night.
The first set is packed with highlights. Cold Rain & Snow is crisp and driving, Me & My Uncle is lively, and Easy Wind shows Pigpen at his gritty best. Cumberland Blues is tight and energetic, Black Peter is heartfelt, and China Cat > I Know You Rider flows with joyful momentum. The set closes with a massive 30+ minute Lovelight, which is an absolute powerhouse.
The second set keeps the magic going. High Time is tender and beautifully sung, Dire Wolf adds a sweet touch, and Good Lovin’ > Drums > Good Lovin’ stretches out with fiery jams. King Bee digs deep into the blues, while Uncle John’s Band > He Was A Friend Of Mine is both warm and reflective. The Alligator > Drums > Alligator > Caution > Feedback sequence is wild and adventurous, and the night ends with And We Bid You Goodnight, a perfect, soulful farewell.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1969/12/12
12/12/1970 Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA - This is a really nice show, full of high energy and some pretty incredible improvisation that keeps things exciting throughout.
The first set has plenty of standout moments. The Truckin’ > Brokedown Palace pairing is both powerful and tender, Hard To Handle is gritty and fiery, and the China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows with joyful momentum. Big RxR Blues adds punch, King Bee digs deep into the blues, and Sugar Magnolia bursts with celebratory energy. Closing with Casey Jones makes for a raucous finish to the set.
The second set is a wild ride from start to finish. The big jam sequence—Cryptical > Drums > Other One > Cryptical > NFA > GDTRFB > Darkness Jam > NFA > Good Lovin’ > Drums > Good Lovin’ > Uncle John’s Band—is adventurous and thrilling, moving seamlessly between deep improvisation, bluesy grooves, and joyful celebration. It’s the kind of stretch that shows the band at their most fearless and creative.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1970/12/12
12/12/1972 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - This is a bit of an obscure show, but I think it’s a really nice one all the same. Even though the complete performance doesn’t circulate, what’s available is a real treat.
The first set has some wonderful highlights. Bird Song stretches out beautifully, Jack Straw is sharp and energetic, and Cumberland Blues drives hard with its punchy rhythm. Box Of Rain is tender and heartfelt, Don’t Ease keeps things light and lively, and Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove.
The second set is where things really shine. Playing is expansive and full of energy, and the big jam sequence—He’s Gone > Truckin’ > Nobody’s Fault But Mine Jam > Drums > Other One > Sing Me Back Home—is adventurous and deeply satisfying. Sugar Magnolia bursts with joyful energy, and the closing GDTRFB > Saturday Night sends the show out on a celebratory high.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1972/12/12
12/12/1973 The Omni, Atlanta, GA - There’s a whole lot to love about this show. The band sounds relaxed and clearly enjoying themselves, but they also bring plenty of energy and drive when the moment calls for it.
The first set has some wonderful highlights. Sugaree is soulful and heartfelt, Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove, and Looks Like Rain is tender and beautifully played. They Love Each Other flows warmly, Big River is sharp and driving, and Deal bursts with joyful swagger. Closing with Playing makes for a powerful finish to the set.
The second set is just as strong. The Half Step > Bobby McGee pairing is vibrant and uplifting, while China Cat > I Know You Rider brings that familiar rush of joyful momentum. Greatest Story is fiery and fun, and the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow sequence is expansive and beautifully executed. The Eyes > Morning Dew stretch is the emotional centerpiece, moving from shimmering improvisation into a deeply powerful and heartfelt close.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1973/12/12
12/12/1980 Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, CA - This entire show is outstanding, with the band firing on all cylinders from start to finish. The first set kicks off with a bang in Alabama Getaway > Greatest Story, full of energy and drive. Things settle beautifully with a perfect Friend Of The Devil, and later Althea > Rooster brings a mix of soulful playing and grit. The sequence of Peggy-O > Looks Like Rain > Tennessee Jed > Promised Land is especially pretty, flowing smoothly and showing off the band’s range.
The second set is packed with highlights. The China Cat > I Know You Rider > Estimated > He’s Gone > Eyes sequence is expansive and deeply satisfying, moving from joyful momentum into exploratory jamming and then into soulful reflection. It’s a powerful stretch that makes the show truly memorable.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1980/12/12
12/12/1990 McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO - 1st of a 3-show run. This show is full of great energy, with the band delivering nearly perfect renditions across a really strong set list.
The first set has some excellent highlights. Touch > Greatest Story bursts with drive, Candyman is sweet and soulful, Loose Lucy brings playful fun, and Deal closes things out with joyful swagger.
The second set is where things get truly special. The China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows with joyful momentum, and the Dark Star (first verse only) > Terrapin stretch is both unique and deeply engaging. Later, Watchtower > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > NFA builds intensity and emotion before the encore of The Weight, which is a heartfelt and fitting way to end the night.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/12/12
December 13th
12/13/1980 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 1st of a 2-show run. This show is a real gem, with the band sounding inspired and delivering a truly fine performance.
The first set has some excellent highlights. The Stranger > Sugaree > C. C. Rider sequence flows beautifully, Minglewood is gritty and energetic, Ramble On Rose is playful and heartfelt, and Deal closes things out with joyful swagger.
The second set is just as strong. Scarlet > Fire is vibrant and full of life, Playing stretches out with deep improvisation, and the closing run of NFA > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia balances intensity, emotion, and celebration in a way that makes the whole show feel special.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1980/12/13
12/13/1990 McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO - 2nd of a 3-show run. Continuing on the energy from the previous night, the band comes blasting out with a ripping Jack Straw > Sugaree that sets the tone perfectly. The first set also has some great moments with Ramble On Rose, a lively Memphis Blues, and a heartfelt Valley Road.
The second set is packed with highlights. The Help > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower sequence is expansive and full of drive, Eyes shimmers with beauty, and the Other One > Morning Dew stretch is powerful and deeply emotional. The show closes with a rare treat—a Box Of Rain set closer, the first of only two times they ever did it—which makes this performance feel truly special.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/12/13
December 14th
12/14/1971 Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI - 1st of a 2-show run. Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 26 and Dave's Picks Volume 26 Bonus CD (2018). This is an outstanding show from start to finish, with the band showing how much they had grown into the newer “psychedelic country” material.
Songs like Sugaree, Mr. Charlie, and Jack Straw feel sharper and more confident than ever. The first set has plenty of other highlights too. Loser is soulful and heartfelt, Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove, and Big RxR Blues adds grit and punch. Run Rudolph Run is a fun surprise, Black Peter carries real emotional weight, and Casey Jones closes things out with raucous energy.
The second set is just as strong. Ramble On Rose is playful and well-sung, while the Cryptical > Drums > Other One > Wharf Rat sequence is expansive and powerful, moving from deep improvisation into a beautifully tender Wharf Rat. Sugar Magnolia bursts with celebratory energy, and the closing NFA > GDTRFB > NFA run is pure joy, sending the show out on a high note.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1971/12/14
12/14/1980 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - 2nd of a 2-show run. This is a fine show with plenty of passion and good energy throughout. The first set has some great highlights. Bertha > Greatest Story comes out strong, and Rooster with Matt Kelley on harmonica is a real treat. Loser is soulful, Big River drives hard, and Bird Song stretches beautifully. Passenger adds intensity, while Candyman > Looks Like Rain flows with warmth and emotion. Closing with Don’t Ease keeps the energy light and fun.
The second set is just as memorable. The Cold Rain & Snow > Samson pairing is powerful, Roses is heartfelt, and the Estimated > Wheel sequence is historic since it’s the only time that pairing was ever performed. The Other One > Stella Blue stretch is the centerpiece, moving from deep exploration into a tender, emotional close.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1980/12/14
12/14/1990 McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO - 2nd of a 3-show run. Capping off a great run of shows, the band comes back for the final night with a monster Shakedown Street to get things moving. The first set has plenty of other highlights too, with a heartfelt Peggy-O, a gritty Rooster, a sweet Stagger Lee, and a beautiful To Lay Me Down > Let It Grow sequence.
The second set is packed with memorable moments. Foolish Heart > Women Are Smarter > He’s Gone flows with energy and emotion, and then out of Space comes the conclusion of the Dark Star that began on the first night of the run. It emerges softly, almost delicately, as the band builds into the familiar melody, and Jerry sings only the second verse to close out what had been started two nights earlier. To my knowledge, it’s the only time they ever split the song across shows, which makes it especially fascinating. The rest of the set is just as strong, with Miracle > Wharf Rat > Lovelight delivering power and soul, and a Knockin’ encore to send everyone home with a final, heartfelt touch.
Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1990/12/14
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
Peace out my good people. Until next week!
i was at the 12/12/1980 San Berdoo show, and it was one of the most intense of my GD experiences.
He's Gone was definitely for John Lennon. it has been reported that Jerry was weeping. also, the only Gone > Eyes.