The early 70s were an interesting time for the Grateful Dead – a period of massive songwriting, creative, and musical growth and at the same time an era of sadness over the loss of Pigpen and growing weariness due to building troubles of years on the road. The weight of these troubles would eventually lead to the band’s brief hiatus in the mid-seventies.
It never ceases to amaze me that the band onstage continued to build on each night’s performance, with unbridled abandon, regardless of what was going on in their world. This show from 1971 is a great example of this relentlessness. This is one of Keith’s first shows with the band, filling in for the ailing Pigpen. Despite some sound issues early on, this show is pure bliss from start to finish. Give it a go and see for yourself.
11/07/71
Harding Theater
San Francisco, CA
Set 1: Truckin’, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down The Line, Hideaway, Sugaree, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Cumberland Blues, El Paso, Big Railroad Blues, Comes A Time, Mexicali Blues, One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Ramble On Rose, Me And Bobby McGee, Loser, Sugar Magnolia, Dark Star-> Drums-> The Other One-> Me & My Uncle-> The Other One, Deal, Brokedown Palace, Playin’ In The Band, Casey Jones, Not Fade Away-> Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad-> Not Fade Away, E: Johnny B. Goode
Encore: Uncle John’s Band
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