This Week In Grateful Dead History #52 (Week of 12/29)

Mason's Children
3 days ago
14 min read

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

Hello everyone. I’d like to wish all of you a Happy New Year! This will be my final writeup. I’m going to transition to a different format for 2026. But don’t worry, all of my listening guides will be available on my website. I just can’t do weekly writeups any more. I need to focus on other more personal matters for the time being. But I will try to do some social media posts when I can. Thanks for going on this journey with me over the last year, it’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve rediscovered a lot of incredible music along the way. Take care of yourselves, and as Phil would say, keep “searching for the sound.” Now onto the good stuff…

For the week (plus one day) of 12/29 – 1/5, the Grateful Dead delivered some of their most legendary performances, including the historic Closing of Winterland which featured guests like Ken Kesey and John Cipollina. I was particularly struck by the collaborative energy in these shows, such as Etta James and the Tower of Power horns joining the band in 1982, or Lee Oskar adding his harmonica to the mix in 1978. The setlists demonstrate incredible range, moving from the psychedelic exploration of 1969's Dark Star into Alligator sequences to the polished, high-energy rock of late 70s shows like the 1977 Winterland run. It is fascinating to hear rare moments like the acoustic-style early Uncle John's Band in Boston or the massive jams involving Airto Moreira adding tribal chanting during the 1989 Oakland run. Whether it is the first New Year's Eve show since 1972 or the preeminent 1978 blowout, this week offers an unparalleled snapshot of the band's history and their ability to rise to the occasion for holiday crowds. I’ve written 13 listening guides this week to cover all of this and more.

12/29/1977, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

12/29/1988, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/30/1969, Boston Tea Party, Boston, MA

12/30/1977, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

12/30/1978, Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA

12/30/1979, Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA

12/30/1982, Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA

12/30/1989, Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA

12/31/1976, Cow Palace, Daly City, CA

12/31/1978, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

01/02/1970, Fillmore East, New York, NY

01/03/1970, Fillmore East, New York, NY

01/05/1979, The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

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 52, for the week of December 29th, 2025:

Interesting historical facts for this week in Grateful Dead history:

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 29th

12/29/1977 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - 2nd of a 4-show run. Officially released on Dick's Picks Volume 10. This whole show is excellent, not just because of how well the band is playing, but also thanks to the set list. The first set is full of highlights, with a ripping Jack Straw, a sweet They Love Each Other, a heartfelt Loser, and a lively Tennessee Jed. Minglewood brings grit, and Sugaree shines with energy.

The second set is some of the best music of the year—and that’s saying a lot in 1977. It’s probably one of my all-time favorite second sets. A cool Bertha > Good Lovin’ gets things rolling, followed by a gorgeous Must Have Been The Roses, with Jerry’s voice sounding pure and plaintive in a way that really moves me. The big highlight comes next: Playing > Jam > China Cat > I Know You Rider (which hadn’t been played since 10/20/1974—103 shows) > China Doll > Jam > Playing > Drums > NFA > Playing, an incredible sequence that shows the band at their most adventurous. And to top it all off, the double encore of Terrapin Station and Johnny B. Goode closes the night in spectacular fashion.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1977/12/29

12/29/1988 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - 2nd of a 3-show run. This whole show is really good, both for the set list and the performance. Unlike the night before, this one feels like a complete “day and night” show, full of energy and inspired playing. The first set has plenty of highlights, with Bucket > Sugaree, a gritty Minglewood, a sweet Friend Of The Devil, and a gorgeous To Lay Me Down > Let It Grow sequence.

The second set is one massive highlight from start to finish, but my favorite stretch is the adventurous run of Playing > Crazy Fingers > Samson > Jam > Eyes, followed by the deep and emotional Space > Other One > Stella Blue that closes things beautifully.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1988/12/29

December 30th

12/30/1969 Boston Tea Party, Boston, MA - 2nd of a 3-show run. I’ve always thought it was a little unusual that the Dead were in Boston for New Year’s Eve, but I suppose back then they didn’t have as much control over their schedule. This show is a gem, full of fierce jamming mixed with Bobby’s Bakersfield country flavor, and the band is both singing and playing at a really high level.

The first set has some great highlights, including Good Lovin’ > Drums > Good Lovin’, a unique early version of New Speedway that sounds nothing like the way it would later develop, a heartfelt Black Peter, a soulful Midnight Hour, and a powerful Cryptical > Drums > Other One. Unfortunately, the tape cuts before the transition back into the Cryptical reprise that would normally follow, and that part doesn’t circulate.

The second set is one big highlight all the way through. They open with an early Uncle John’s Band, which had first appeared on 9/27/1969, disappeared for a bit, and then re-emerged on 11/1/1969 to become a regular feature. I especially love Jerry’s riffs here, which have a Spanish feel to my ears. From there they move quickly into a strong Mason’s Children, then shift gears into China Cat > I Know You Rider. The big jam sequence that closes the show is my favorite part: Dark Star > Alligator > Drums > The Eleven > Alligator > Feedback > And We Bid You Goodnight. It’s a thrilling way to end the night.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1969/12/30

12/30/1977 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - 3rd of a 4-show run. Partially officially released on Dick's Picks Volume 10. Another powerful performance from the band during one of their strongest peak periods.

The first set has some beautiful highlights, with a lively Half Step, a soulful Row Jimmy, a pretty Peggy-O, and a driving Let It Grow.

The second set is packed with energy, featuring a flowing Estimated > Eyes > St. Stephen > Sugar Magnolia sequence that shows the band at their best.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1977/12/30

12/30/1978 Pauley Pavilion, UC, Los Angeles, CA - This show is really under-appreciated, mostly because of the tape quality and the fact that the infamous show from the next night circulates in perfect sound. But this one is a total heater, and I think it deserves more love. Personally, I like SHNID 123100 the best—it’s a Matrix recording, and it captures the energy beautifully. The band is clearly inspired and having fun, and the whole night runs long with plenty of highlights.

The first set is a 12-song buffet, and it’s packed with great moments. A powerful Jack Straw sets the tone, followed by sweet versions of They Love Each Other and Loser. Looks Like Rain is heartfelt, Stagger Lee is sharp, and Tennessee Jed keeps the energy rolling. Minglewood adds grit, and Sugaree shines with passion.

The second set is one giant highlight. They kick things off with a ripping rock triad of Miracle > Bertha > Good Lovin’, and then dive into a hot Scarlet > Fire—where you might expect a Jerry ballad, but instead they keep the energy high. From there, a strong Playing > Shakedown Street flows into a rousing Drums > Ollin Arageed > Jam, and then comes the big surprise: a St. Stephen breakout (last played 1/22/1978). That segues into a fiery NFA > GDTRFB > Around & Around combo. To top it off, Lee Oskar joins in on Around & Around, adding his famous harmonica riffs and giving the audience a taste of what’s to come the following night.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1978/12/30

12/30/1979 Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA - 1st of a 2-show run. Partially officially released on Road Trips Volume 3 Number 1 Bonus Disc. Partially officially released on Road Trips Volume 3 Number 1 Bonus Disc, this is a great show that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. While there are a few slower moments, the high-energy sparks more than make up for them.

The first set kicks off with an unusual opening sequence of Minglewood and Candyman, which I think works really well. The closing run of Lazy Lightning > Supplication > Deal is an absolute scorcher and one of the highlights of the night.

The second set starts with a laid-back Scarlet > Fire that doesn’t quite reach an intense peak, but flows nicely into a hot Let It Grow. From there, the band really catches fire with the post-Drums > Space sequence of Truckin’ > Wharf Rat > Around & Around > Johnny B. Goode, which is full of energy and drive. To finish things off, they give the audience a fine double encore: a rocking Don’t Ease, followed by a beautiful Brokedown Palace that closes the show on a perfect note.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1979/12/30

12/30/1982 Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, CA - 4th of a 5-show run. This show is a total scorcher, with the band energized and clearly having fun throughout the night. The first set has some great highlights, including a powerful Alabama Getaway > Promised Land, a funky Feel Like A Stranger, and a lively Music > Don’t Ease sequence that keeps the energy high.

The second set kicks off with an early version of Touch, followed by a strong Throwing Stones that flows into a scorching Franklin’s Tower. The rest of the pre-Drums > Space songs are solid, but the band really catches fire in the back half of the set with Space > Truckin’ > Stella Blue > GDTRFB > Johnny B. Goode, a run that’s both powerful and emotional. The double encore is unforgettable—a powerful one-two punch with the breakout of Hard To Handle, featuring Etta James and the Tower of Power horns. This was the first time it had been played since 8/26/1971 (726 shows!), and Etta’s funky Tell Mama closed the night in spectacular fashion.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1982/12/30

12/30/1989 Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA - 3rd of a 4-show run. This whole show feels nearly flawless to me, with every song played beautifully and the vocals sounding strong throughout. The energy is high, and there’s plenty of extended jamming that makes it even more exciting.

The first set kicks off with a powerful Bertha > Good Lovin’ > Sugaree, and Airto Moreira joins in during Sugaree, adding something really special. The rest of the set is full of well-played songs, but the closer, Music Never Stops, absolutely sizzles and leaves a big impression.

The second set is the highlight of the night. They open with a powerful Jack Straw that flows into China Cat > I Know You Rider, with an outstanding transition jam. From there, the standout Estimated Prophet > Terrapin segment keeps things moving, and then comes one of the wildest Drums segments I’ve ever heard, with Airto adding tribal chanting and laughter, enhanced by Dan Healy’s trippy effects. Out of Space, they drop into Brent’s I Will Take You Home—which, honestly, has never been my favorite—but the mood shifts quickly with a rousing Other One full of strong jamming. A beautiful Standing On The Moon follows, and then they rock out with One More Saturday Night. To send the crowd home smiling, they finish with a great Baby Blue encore.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1989/12/30

December 31st

There are no less than 23 shows on this day (22 with a circulating tape of some sort), so I decided to break this up and just pick a couple of favorites every year. I'll start with my favorite NYE shows. Enjoy!

12/31/1976 Cow Palace, Daly City, CA - Officially released on Live at the Cow Palace. I remember getting my first Deadbase and staring at that second set list in disbelief—it looked almost too good to be true. But then again, 1976 was full of cool improvisation, and this being the first New Year’s Eve show since 1972, the anticipation was sky-high.

The first set is short but has that unmistakable laid-back ’76 vibe. They run through a standard Promised Land and a nice Bertha, but the real highlight is the massive, exploratory Playing that closes the set—it’s a strong version and really sets the tone.

For me, though, the second set is the best part of the night. The highlights include a fiery Sugar Magnolia > Eyes > Wharf Rat > Good Lovin’ > Samson (Jam Anthem version), and then the incredible sequence of Help > Slipknot! > Drums > NFA > Morning Dew (Jam Anthem version). It’s a stunning run of music that shows just how adventurous the band was at this point.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1976/12/31

12/31/1978 Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA - Officially released on The Closing of Winterland. This is the preeminent New Year’s Eve show—the one all the others seem to strive toward. If I had a time machine, this would be my first stop. Uncle Bobo really pulled out all the stops, and you can feel it whether you’re watching the video or just listening to the audio. It was an all-night blowout that even wrapped up with breakfast at dawn. For years, this was my go-to NYE soundtrack, and I’d cue up the silly countdown intro at midnight and blast the whole thing at my parties—at least before kids and family life changed the routine.

The first set kicks off with Bill Graham’s favorite, the song that became synonymous with NYE: Sugar Magnolia. They drive it straight into a powerful Scarlet > Fire, and while the rest of the set is solid but fairly standard, I love how they close it with Sunshine Daydream.

The second set starts strong with a rousing Samson, followed by an excellent Ramble On Rose. Then comes a powerful, edgy Miracle, with Matt Kelly adding sweet harmonica riffs that make it one of my all-time favorite versions. The transition into Terrapin Station is gorgeous and picture-perfect—another one of my favorites. The outro builds into a frenzy, cools into a soft melody, and then slams headlong into Playing, which stretches out into a long jam. That leads into one of my favorite Drums segments, with Mickey and Billy joined by Kesey while Matt Kelly blows blues riffs on his harp. They slide into a deliberate, powerful Not Fade Away, with John Cipollina’s guitar mojo pushing it over the top. It’s one of my all-time favorite versions. The set closes with a ripping Around & Around.

And then there’s the third set, which is one massive highlight: Dark Star > Other One > Dark Star > Wharf Rat > St. Stephen > Good Lovin’. The energy is still sky-high for the double encores of Casey Jones > Johnny B. Goode, followed by And We Bid You Goodnight. What a way to finish—phew!

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1978/12/31

January 1st

Happy New Year! Unfortunately, there aren't any circulating tapes of the two shows on this day (1/1/1966 and 1/1/1967). Maybe go back and pick another NYE show form another year to enjoy today.

January 2nd

1/2/1970 Fillmore East, New York, NY - 1st of a 2-show run. After the New Year’s Eve show in Boston, the band returned to the Big Apple and delivered an outstanding, high-voltage performance. This one was set up with both an early and a late show.

The first set (early show) has some great highlights, including Mason’s Children, a rocking Casey Jones, a heartfelt Black Peter, and a powerful Cryptical > Drums > Other One > Cryptical sequence.

The second set (late show) is just as strong, with a gorgeous Uncle John’s Band > High Time, a gritty Easy Wind, and a lively China Cat > I Know You Rider. The big highlight for me is the beautiful, exploratory Dark Star > St. Stephen > The Eleven > Lovelight, which closes things out in spectacular fashion.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1970/01/02

January 3rd

1/3/1970 Fillmore East, New York, NY - 2nd of a 2-show run. Another early/late format show. Partially officially released on Dave's Picks Volume 30 Bonus Disc. The early show has some excellent highlights, starting with a powerful Morning Dew and a lively Cold Rain & Snow. The big centerpiece for me is the adventurous Alligator > Drums > Jam > Alligator > Caution Jam > Feedback, which shows the band stretching out in all directions. They wrap things up with a sweet Uncle John’s Band encore that feels just right.

The late show is just as strong, with a gritty Big Boss Man and a dynamic Cryptical > Drums > Other One > Cryptical sequence that really delivers. A playful Dancin’ > Drums > Dancin’ keeps the energy flowing, and the closing run of St. Stephen > Midnight Hour is a perfect way to end the night.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1970/01/03

January 4th

There aren't any circulating tapes of the two shows on this day (1/4/1966 and 1/4/1969). But there are 22 NYE shows to pick from that you could listen to!

January 5th

1/5/1979 The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA - This may not be the best show of the year, but since it’s the only one with a circulating tape from this date, I think it’s worth appreciating—and there’s plenty to enjoy. The tapes are all audience recordings, and I prefer SHNID 156053, which captures the feel of the night best. The sound system has some issues, with feedback popping up in spots that can be a little jarring. Jerry’s voice is strained too, so some of the moments where he usually shines vocally don’t quite land. But his guitar playing feels especially inspired, almost like he’s channeling the frustration with his voice into the instrument, and it really comes through.

The first set has some strong highlights, including Sugaree, a gritty Minglewood, a lively Mexicali, a sweet Brown Eyed Women, and a fiery Music Never Stopped.

The second set brings more standout moments, with a flowing Estimated > Eyes, and then a powerful sequence of Truckin’ > Nobody’s Fault But Mine (a breakout after 98 shows, last played 10/12/1977) > Black Peter > Around & Around. It’s a great way to close out the night.

Music link: https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1979/01/05

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