At the Dean Dome on this day back in 1993, the Dead delivered a brilliant night of music. The first set is replete with standouts, including a smoking GSET and excellent versions of So Many Roads and Lazy River Road. But buckle yourself in for the Terrapin> Drums> Way to Go Home> Other One> Dew. Enjoy the crisp soundboard…

On this day in 1970, the Dead played Pirate’s World, which was an eclectic, pirate-themed amusement park that, given its deathtrap appearance, would never be allowed to operate today. The boys, ever the pirates, take over the place with an absolutely cosmic Dark Star that kicks off an Other One> Stephen> Drums> NFA> Lovelight> Me and My Uncle. Listen to the entire show and read more about the show at Pirate’s World…

In 1987, the Dead were charging back after Jerry’s coma. And the Hampton run – the first on the East Coast in ’87 – is about as good as it gets. The crowd knows something special is in the offing – or does the audience inspire the band, creating the moment? it’s hard to tell – erupting from the very first notes of Touch. In the gem of a first set, don’t miss the magisterial Althea, rousing Iko, or lightning-laced Stranger. The second half includes a sweet Truckin’ and an Other One that builds and teases out of Space before finally storming forth. But the highlight of the entire evening is the Stella Blue, which is superbly played and so plaintive and pleading, almost as if Jerry himself is begging forgiveness or, at least, asking the assembled Heads to understand his choices. Listen to the entire show…

In the midst of their hiatus, the Dead took to the stage for a SNACK benefit, debuting Blues for Allah and Stronger than Dirt. The Doobie Brothers, Graham Central Station, Mimi Farina, Jefferson Starship, Joan Baez, Santana, the Tower of Power, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young all shared the bill. The Dead were joined on stage by Merl Saunders and Ned Lagin, and Donna did not play with the band. Listen to the entire show…

Jerry, as we all know, was struggling mightily by March of 1995. And the Dead, recognizing this, reached out to Bruce Hornsby to join the band and help raise Jerry’s energy and spirits. And that is exactly what happened as the Dead delivered the best show of 1995.