The first set gets going with a bright and effervescent Touch as the boys display their near mind-meld 1989 form. And Phil, who throws in some monster licks throughout the night, first becomes real apparent on the Greatest Story that follows. Then you gotta appreciate Jerry’s sweet voice on Althea and the tight Walkin’ Blues that follows. Iko is a real treat as well with the first appearance of Clarence Clemons, who would sit in with the boys throughout the night. In the few other times that Clarence played with the band, he never meshed well. But on this evening, he adds some real sauce to the mix, even if the there is not too much intermixed jamming between him and the rest of the band. A bit later, as you would expect, the Bird Song hits some stratospheric notes with Clarence adding some lovely texture before transitioning into a romping Promised Land.

After a break and some tuning, the boys come out with a perfunctory Hell in a Bucket. The Bucket does not really segue into Fire as noted on the setlist. But that takes nothing away from the Fire. And from that moment forward, the set just lifts off. On the Blow Away that follows, Brent is as locked in as on any version, and the rest of the boys are right with him, making this, arguably no doubt, one of the best versions. The Truckin’ that follows charges forth, eventually heading into Drums. And Brent takes center stage again out the backend with a magical transition out of Space as his keys combine with some subtle work from Clarence and sparse Jerry midi touches to make a lovely I Will Take You Home. But the highlight of the night has got to be The Other One where Phil just takes control after the band noodled on the theme, getting the entire bus going in earnest with the characteristic bombing riff. Jerry owns the Wharf Rat that follows, before they all send it out with a tasty Lovelight that is as good as any post-Pig. But do not sleep in the Brokedown encore (not that we thought you would!); it is a phenomenal send off to the show, including some more fine additions from Clarence.