As good as the first set is, the real fireworks occur in the second half. Opening that second set, the China Cat Sunflower takes a moment to develop, but once the boys find their groove, they do not let up. The jam in the second half of the song is simply magisterial, rising into the segue to I Know You Rider. The Rider slows the pacing a bit at the beginning, but things were so feverishly heady in the China Cat, there was really nowhere else for the band to go. And, not to worry, the Rider itself builds as Jerry and Brent drive it forward into a brilliant, steaming thing of beauty. Then, after just a second’s pause, the band launches into a Playin’> Uncle John’s> Playin’ that is bright and enjoyable, even if it never lifts off into the deep jamming exploration of some other versions. On the other hand, the Drums and Space do take it way out there. Then, seemingly abandoned in deep space, the boys bring it around to The Other One, sending out probes until they find the way in seriously trippy fashion. The Other One itself will steal your face with its MIDI-infused, dark and intriguing runs, and insane vocal manipulation. Wharf Rat then follows on more familiar, but no less awesome, ground, transitioning into a long and rocking Not Fade Away set closer. The Foolish Heart encore is something special too with Jerry killing it on guitar and adding in some tasty flute MIDI runs.

The Dead played their first show at the Greek all the way back on October 1st of 1967. During the 80s, the runs at the Greek would serve as a gathering of the tribe. And the boys played some sweet shows at the venue over the years. But the concert we have here was the last of those legendary runs.