Dead of the Day: 11-28-1980
Lakeland Civic Center
Lakeland, Florida
There might only be one extant show from the three the Dead played on this date, but it is a really fine little masterpiece that would probably otherwise be overlooked. So, we are as pleased to make it our Dead of the Day. The show gets out of the gate with a nice Jack Straw before heading into a lovely Peggy-O with some studied playing by Jerry that seems to mesh perfectly with Bobby’s guitar work, Brent’s keys, and Phil’s relaxed bass. And, as the boys proceed from there, the band continues in similar fashion, serving up nearly perfect packages filled with spirited playing, fine musicianship, and near mind-meld precision, even when they head off on a scintillating jam, which frequently occurs. At the end of the set, the Deal provides a climatic ending with some tight and focused ripping rock before the entire jam just explodes in a series of sensationally intense almost vibrating jams.
The second set opens with a thundering Stranger, which really makes clear just what a crisp audience tape this is. Then, the magic truly begins with a magnificent, perhaps best-ever To Lay Me Down. Jerry’s vocals are passionate, and his playing is even more emotionally moving and evocative. At the end, the boys take just a second’s pause before heading into a tasty Let It Grow. Jerry and Bobby are both outstanding, seemingly dueling at times while the percussion and keys provide a fantastically layered backdrop. The Terrapin that emerges afterwards seems to flow organically from Let It Grow, making us wonder why they did not pair these two songs more often. Like nearly all Terrapins that come right before Drums, this one – even though it is on the short side – mesmerizingly explores the theme before ceding the stage to Billy and Mickey. Out of Space comes a short Not Fade Away, with a nice organ effect building in the early going on an all-round charged rendition. Next, Black Peter slows it down, but keeps the headiness coming until a rocking Sugar Mags sends the set out.
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