This Week In Grateful Dead History #50 (Week of 12/15)

Mason's Children
Dec 14, 2025
12 min read

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

For the week of 12/15 – 12/21, the history of the Grateful Dead offers several deeply emotional and significant moments. I was particularly struck by the description of the crowd's deafening reaction to Jerry Garcia's return to the stage in Oakland in 1986 following his diabetic coma, which marked a joyful reunion for the community. It is also fascinating to read about the 1973 shows in Tampa where Donna Godchaux was absent due to being extremely pregnant, a situation that reportedly led the band to explore a more jazzy instrumental style. I found the details regarding the 1986 show featuring the Neville Brothers to be quite special, as their guest appearance added a celebratory atmosphere to the second set. The debut of New Speedway Boogie in 1969 stands out to me as a major historical event, even if the performance itself was described as feeling slightly underdeveloped at the time. Finally, I think the 1971 performance of Run Rudolph Run is a notable milestone because it served as the final time the band played that specific holiday tune. This week I’ve written 13 listening guides to cover all of that and more.

12/15/1971, Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI

12/15/1972, Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA

12/15/1986, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/16/1978, Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN

12/16/1986, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/16/1992, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/17/1978, Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA

12/17/1986, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/18/1973, Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL

12/19/1973, Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL

12/19/1978, Memorial Coliseum, Mississippi State Fairgrounds, Jackson, MS

12/20/1969, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA

12/21/1969, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, 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 50, for the week of December 15th, 2025:

Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

Jerry’s first show after his diabetic coma (12/15/1986)
First performance of Black Muddy River (12/15/1986), When Push Comes To Shove (12/15/1986), I’m A Man (12/15/1971), Monkey And The Engineer (12/19/1969), Little Sadie (12/19/1969), Long Black Limousine (12/19/1969), All Around This World (12/19/1969), Mason’s Children (12/19/1969), New Speedway Boogie (12/20/1969)
Final performance of Run Rudolph Run (12/15/1971), Nobody’s Fault But Mine (12/19/1994)

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 15th

12/15/1971 Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI - 2nd of a 2-show run. This show really stands out, with the band showing how much they had refined a batch of newer songs. Almost everything is played with passion and precision, and the whole night feels special.

The first set is massive, running through 18 songs with plenty of highlights. Bertha bursts with energy, Mr. Charlie is gritty and fun, and the China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows beautifully. Cumberland Blues is tight and lively, Jack Straw is sharp, and Run Rudolph Run is historic as the final performance of the tune. Brown Eyed Women shines with warmth, Big RxR Blues adds punch, Brokedown Palace is tender, and Casey Jones closes things out with raucous energy.

The second set is just as strong. The Dark Star > Deal pairing is adventurous and unique, while the Lovelight > King Bee > I’m A Man > Lovelight sequence is wild and full of raw power. Saturday Night keeps the energy high, and the Uncle John’s Band encore is a perfect, heartfelt way to wrap up the show.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1971/12/15

12/15/1972 Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - This final standalone show before the New Year’s performance in 1972 has Jerry absolutely soaring on his Alligator Stratocaster, and the energy is palpable throughout.

The first set is full of highlights. Sugaree is heartfelt and soulful, Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove, and Candyman is beautifully delivered. Big River drives hard, the China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows with joyful momentum, and Box Of Rain adds a tender touch. Closing with Playing makes for a powerful finish to the set.

The second set keeps the fire burning. Greatest Story bursts with energy, Deal is sharp and lively, and He’s Gone carries real emotional weight. The Truckin’ > Dark Star > Morning Dew sequence is the centerpiece, moving from high-energy exploration into deep improvisation and finally resolving with a stunning, powerful Morning Dew.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1972/12/15

12/15/1986 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - 1st of a 3-show run. This was the highly anticipated “Jerry return show” after his recovery from the diabetic coma, and the energy in the audience is absolutely off the charts. I’ve never heard such loud screaming on a soundboard tape as when Jerry belts out “I will survive!” during the Touch Of Grey opener—it must have been deafening in the room. The whole show bursts with energy, a clear sign to everyone that Jerry was back.

The first set has plenty of highlights, with C. C. Rider, the debut of Push Comes To Shove, a lively Beat It On Down The Line > Greatest Story Ever Told, a soulful Loser, and a sweet Candyman.

The second set keeps the excitement rolling. Iko is joyful and infectious, and the debut of Black Muddy River is heartfelt and moving. The big jam sequence—Playing > Terrapin > Drums > Space > Truckin’ > Wharf Rat > Playing > Good Lovin’—is expansive and powerful, showing the band at their most creative and celebratory.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1986/12/15

December 16th

12/16/1978 Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN - This whole show is spectacular, full of inspired and passionate playing, with long songs and great energy throughout. While no soundboards circulate for this one, the Joani Walker/Paul Scotton FOB (SHNID 82212) is an outstanding recording that really captures the feel of the night.

The first set has plenty of highlights, starting with a monster Sugaree that sets the tone beautifully. Candyman is sweet and soulful, Me & My Uncle > Big River drives hard with lively energy, Tennessee Jed rolls along with its easy groove, and Lazy Lightning > Supplication is sharp and dynamic.

The second set is just as strong. Scarlet > Fire bursts with vibrant energy, and Samson stands out as one of my favorite versions thanks to Jerry’s biting tone and the edge in his solos. The big jam sequence—He’s Gone > Drums > Space > Other One > Wharf Rat—is expansive and powerful, moving from deep exploration into a tender and emotional close.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1978/12/16

12/16/1986 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. This whole run is pretty great, and just like on the 15th, I can really feel the gratitude in Jerry’s voice and playing—he sounds so happy to be back doing what he loves most after the coma. The whole band seems to be having fun and feeling blessed to be on stage, and that energy comes through in the music, which feels inspired and refreshed.

The first set has some wonderful highlights. Bucket kicks things off with drive, Row Jimmy is tender and heartfelt, and Stagger Lee has that unforgettable moment when Bobby pulls off a whammy bar stunt right after Jerry sings “she shot him in the balls!”—something I’ve never heard him do before or since, and it’s almost comical. Bobby also throws in some cheeky improv during Minglewood (“couple shots of whiskey, about anything start looking good”), which adds to the fun. They close the set with a scorching Sugaree > Jack Straw sequence, almost like flipping the idea of a set opener on its head to end things instead.

The second set is just as strong, with a beautiful Crazy Fingers > Estimated > Eyes > Drums > Hand Jive (w/ Neville Brothers) > Iko (w/ Neville Brothers) sequence that’s both adventurous and celebratory, making the whole show feel special.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1986/12/16

12/16/1992 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - Officially released on Dick's Picks Volume 27. The band is absolutely on fire here, playing with heart and intensity that shines through the whole night. The first set has some excellent highlights. Stranger is tight and full of energy, Brown Eyed Women is warm and lively, and Loose Lucy brings playful fun. Row Jimmy is tender and beautifully delivered, while Let It Grow stretches out with power and precision.

The second set is just as strong. Shakedown Street comes with monster Phil bombs that shake the room, and the big jam sequence—Playing > Drums > Space > Dark Star (2nd verse only) > Watchtower—is adventurous and thrilling, moving from deep improvisation into a fiery close.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1992/12/16

December 17th

12/17/1978 Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA - This is a truly standout show, and I think the whole southern December ’78 run is a hidden gem. For this night in particular, the band is firing on all cylinders, and every song feels like it has that little something extra. There’s a soundboard tape in circulation (SHNID 13408), but to my ear it has some sonic issues, so I actually prefer the Joani Walker audience recording (SDHNID 92528).

The first set is packed with highlights. Jack Straw is sharp and energetic, They Love Each Other flows warmly, and Mama Tried > Mexicali is lively and fun. Peggy-O is especially pretty, Minglewood brings grit and swagger, and Music Never Stopped closes the set with joyful power.

The second set keeps the energy high. The Miracle > Bertha > Good Lovin’ sequence is vibrant and full of drive, while Ramble On Rose is playful and heartfelt. The big jam sequence—Estimated > Eyes > Drums > Space > Ollin Arrageed > Shakedown Street > Sugar Magnolia—is adventurous and thrilling, moving from deep improvisation into celebratory energy that makes the whole show feel special.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1978/12/17

12/17/1986 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - 3rd of a 3-show run. The final night of the run feels like a statement from the band—Jerry is back, and they’re playing with the kind of energy and passion that leaves no doubt about it.

The first set has some great highlights, with a rousing Alabama Getaway > Promised Land, a gritty West L.A. Fadeaway, a warm and rolling Tennessee Jed, and a powerful Music Never Stopped to close things out.

The second set is excellent from start to finish. The Saint Of Circumstance > Cumberland sequence is lively and sharp, Ship Of Fools is heartfelt and beautifully delivered, and the big jam sequence—Women Are Smarter > He’s Gone > Drums > Space > Other One > Black Peter—is expansive and deeply satisfying, moving from celebratory energy into emotional depth.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1986/12/17

December 18th

12/18/1973 Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL - 1st of a 2-show run. This is an excellent show, with the band striking a perfect balance between high-energy rock and roll and more mellow, jazzy jamming. Donna is absent here since she was extremely pregnant at the time, but the music still shines.

There’s some speculation that a few songs from the first set might be missing, yet what we do have is more than enough to enjoy. Highlights include a heartfelt Looks Like Rain, a warm They Love Each Other, and a soulful Me And Bobby McGee. Brown Eyed Women is lively, Deal bursts with energy, Jack Straw is sharp and driving, and the China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows beautifully.

The second set is where things really take off. The Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow > Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Dark Star > Drums > Eyes > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia sequence is expansive and thrilling, moving from delicate exploration into deep improvisation and back again before resolving with power and joy. The encore of Uncle John’s Band is a perfect, heartfelt way to close out the night.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1973/12/18

December 19th

12/19/1973 Curtis Hixon Convention Hall, Tampa, FL - 2nd of a 2-show run. The final show of 1973 is an absolute banger, with the band completely on fire and delivering some truly incredible moments. A lot of the magic from this night was captured on Dick’s Picks Vol. 1, which makes it even more special to revisit.

The first set has plenty of highlights, including a lively Big RxR Blues, a driving Big River, a gorgeous Here Comes Sunshine, and a powerful Playing that stretches out beautifully.

The second set is just as strong. Half Step is heartfelt and soaring, the Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow sequence is expansive and dynamic, and the big jam run—He’s Gone > Truckin’ > Nobody’s Fault But Mine > Other One > Stella Blue > Around & Around—is adventurous, emotional, and full of energy, making this show a perfect way to close out the year.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1973/12/19

12/19/1978 Memorial Coliseum, Mississippi State Fairgrounds, Jackson, MS - Here’s another fine show from the southern ’78 tour. The first set circulates on soundboard (SHNID 102429), while the second set is only available as audience, but thankfully there’s a really nice Bob Wagner FOB. Personally, I think the Rob Bertrando remaster (SHNID 121963) has the best full-spectrum sound, at least on my simple 2.1 stereo setup.

The first set has its ups and downs, but there are plenty of highlights: Half Step > Franklin’s, a gritty Minglewood, a sweet They Love Each Other, a lively Me & My Uncle > Big River, a soulful Loser, a sharp El Paso, and a dynamic Lazy Lightning > Supplication.

The second set is strong all the way through. Scarlet > Fire bursts with energy, Stagger Lee is playful and well-sung, and the big jam sequence—Truckin’ > Drums > Space > Other One > Stella Blue > NFA > Around & Around—is adventurous and powerful. The Casey Jones encore is the perfect way to send everyone home on a high note.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1978/12/19

December 20th

12/20/1969 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 6. There’s only one circulating tape for this show (SHNID 6301), but it’s incomplete—the full performance can be heard on Dave’s Picks.

The first set has some wonderful highlights, with a lively China Cat > I Know You Rider, a beautifully delivered High Time, and a sharp, driving Cumberland Blues.

The second set is one big highlight from start to finish. Dark Star is one of my favorites, stretching over 20 minutes. It begins in the familiar way, but Jerry’s guitar feels especially introspective. After the first verse, the band drifts into a long, quiet, spacey section that gradually builds in intensity before flowing into an extended jam and then the second verse. Saint Stephen is long and powerful, leading into an equally strong The Eleven, and then comes the first known live performance of New Speedway Boogie, which feels a bit underdeveloped but fascinating to hear. The cherry on top is the monster 34-minute Lovelight that closes the set—one of the longest and wildest versions I’ve ever heard.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1969/12/20

December 21st

12/21/1969 Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. Officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 6 Bonus Disc. The highlights of this show really stand out for me. The Smokestack Lightning > New Speedway Boogie pairing is raw and powerful, the China Cat > I Know You Rider sequence flows with joyful energy, and the Good Lovin’ > Drums > Other One > Cumberland Blues run is especially interesting, moving from deep rhythm into exploration and then landing in a sharp, driving finish.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1969/12/21

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