08-27-1980
Pine Knob Music Theater
Clarkston, Michigan
Although today is the anniversary of the celebrated Veneta show from ’72, there are some other gems on this date, including this show from 1980. The boys start off the night at Pine Knob with a rocking Promised Land, followed by a sweet TLEO. After nice versions of Mama Tried and Mexicali, there is an awesome Tennessee Jed, with Jerry’s steamy picking and monster riffs from Brent. A rich early 80s Minglewood then comes out before a revelatory Althea with Phil putting in a a deep resonant bass line underneath all the magic from the rest of the band. A dreamy, luscious LL Rain follows with Big Railroad Blues on its heels. The boys then close the set out with a ripping, spacious Stranger.
The China Cat that opens the second half action is short, but the final jam is smoking as Jerry and Brent combine on a sensational segue into Rider. And Rider is no slouch, especially the intense closing harmony. The other Rider – of the CC variety – makes a rare second set appearance next before a beautiful, emotional High Time. A funky, powerful Estimated leads the way into a fast-paced Eyes. There is an audience patch in the Eyes, which spoils the tune a bit, but don’t miss the downright weird and frenetic ending that seems to devolve into a laser space fight before the drummers completely take over. Drums itself sort of peters out before the entire band noodles into a relatively brief Not Fade Away. Then a magnificent Stella winds forth, Jerry’s vocals majestically ragged and the band’s mind-meld playing exquisitely setting off his solos. An upbeat and fun Bertha> Good Lovin’ then serves as the set closer before a US Blues encore.

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