06-14-1985
Greek Theatre, University of California
Berkeley, California
When the boys hit up the Greek, you know it’ll be one hell of a show, and this date in 1985 certainly lives up to the iconic theater’s billing. An airy Dancing in the Streets kicks the show off, so different than the disco-fied seventies versions. But the song still brings the energy, gettign the home crowd rocking. A smoldering, pungent West L.A. Fadeaway follows with Jerry in command. Then, pay attention to the dead air afterwards as Healy, in what would be the first of his many contributions throughout the show, whispers on the board, “Bobby, Bobby” followed up by a few smooches. Bobby himself then struts in on CC Rider, followed up by a lovely Peggy-O and Bucket. Following the Bucket, technical difficulties ensue, and they are so bad that the band actually leaves the stage for a bit. When the Dead return, they launch into the first-ever Keep On Growing, a Derek and the Dominos tune that the Dead covered just four times. This first take is a little rough around the edges, but is so fun (June 30th at Merriweather is probably the definitive version) with Brent leading on the Hammond and Phil delivering the goods. Right on the heels of the debut, the band breaks out Stagger Lee – all bouncy and bright – for the first time in three years. Then it is on to Let It Grow with Jerry scorching the jams before they drop right into a rocking Deal set closer.
In the second half, the boys open with an oddly slotted Dew. But the tune, in all its apocalyptic rapture, is no less welcome. From there, the band launches into Playin’ for a bright and joyful counterpoint, packed tight with some juicy playing. In the last minutes of the tune, the boys are searching like tripping cockroaches for the next portal and happen into an absolutely stunning China Doll. Jerry’s vocals are just the right ratio of raspy and gorgeous on top of the beautiful music, and the appreciative crowd roars with delight in response. Drums> Space follows before Truckin’ springs out of the trippy ether. Brent’s whirling organ punctuates Jerry and Bobby’s breakneck shredding. Then the boys downshift into a bluesy Smokestack Lightning, laced with Bobby cheese. On the other end, they turn to Comes a Time – gorgeous and gut-wrenching – for the first time since October 1980. After that emotional tune, Sugar Mags comes as a joyous release, sending the set out on a rocking note.
Today’s Dead of the Day:
Other June 14th Shows and Recordings:
- 1968 – Fillmore East – New York, New York
- 1969 – Monterey Performing Arts Center – Monterey, California
- 1976 – Beacon Theater – New York, New York
- 1980 – Spokane Coliseum – Spokane, Washington
- 1984 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
- 1987 – Ventura County Fairgrounds – Ventura, California
- 1991 – Robert F. Kennedy Stadium – Washington, DC
- 1992 – Giants Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
- 1994 – Memorial Stadium – Seattle, Washington
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