For months before we started this project, we would spend the evening listening to a Dead show from the same date in the past. Usually, we would try to make sure it was some combination of the most interesting, highest quality, historically significant, and, simply, the “best” show for that given day. Eventually, this daily ritual gave birth to this project.
Our selection process for the Dead of the Day is fairly straightforward and largely subjective. We will often point to shows that are only available on commerical release from the band, but, just as we were looking for something to listen to immediately each night, our Dead of the Day picks have to be available for all to stream. Next, we use an idiosyncratic combination of the aforementioned criteria, leaning heavily towards the shows that we think rock the most. We also try to vary the years from day to day. So, even if there is a smoking run of dates from, say, 1970, we will most likely insert a few picks from other years to spice things up.
Please, feel free to disagree with our Dead of the Day selection. In fact, we encourage you to add your comments about the chosen show and others on that date at the bottom of each Dead of the Day page. We also provide a link to the other shows from a given day that are available for streaming so that you can listen to them all and choose for yourself.
And, if you have any comments or suggestions about the site, please contact us.
We hope you enjoy the site.