The intersection of music history and personal experience can sometimes happen in the most unexpected ways. For many Grateful Dead fans, the December 26, 1982 show at the Oakland Auditorium holds a special place in their hearts, not just because of the music, but because of a chance encounter with one of the band’s legendary members—Phil Lesh. For one high school student, it became a moment frozen in time, a story that still resonates as a defining memory of the Deadhead experience.
The Scene: Oakland Auditorium, 1982
It was the first night of the Grateful Dead’s New Year’s run in 1982, and the energy around the Oakland Auditorium was electric. The venue, known at the time as the Oakland Auditorium (before eventually becoming the Oakland Coliseum Arena), was a landmark for Deadheads, drawing crowds from all over the Bay Area. The Dead were known for their dynamic performances, and the December 26 show was no exception. The excitement was palpable as fans filed into the venue, eagerly awaiting another unforgettable night of music.
But for one high school student, the real magic happened outside the venue, before the show even started.
A Chance Encounter with Phil Lesh
It was the first day of the run, and the young fan was sitting on the curb outside the Oakland Auditorium, taking in the scene. The hustle and bustle of concertgoers filled the air, but amidst the chaos, something caught his eye. A sleek BMW pulled up right next to him, gliding smoothly to a stop at the entryway. The door opened, and out stepped a tall, lanky figure—someone the young fan recognized but couldn’t quite place.
It wasn’t until the man popped the trunk of the BMW that the connection was made. Out came a bass guitar—a massive, six-string bass to be exact. That’s when it hit him: the man standing in front of him was none other than Phil Lesh, the bassist of the Grateful Dead.
Phil Lesh, always known for his innovative approach to the bass guitar, had just debuted his new instrument that night. The six-string bass, which became one of his defining tools in the years to come, was about to make its first appearance onstage, and this fan was about to witness it up close and personal.
Phil’s Six-String Bass Debut
Lesh had always been a trailblazer in the world of bass guitar. His unique playing style, which blended jazz, classical, and rock influences, helped define the Grateful Dead’s sound. His decision to incorporate a six-string bass into his arsenal was a significant step forward in his musical evolution. The new instrument allowed him to expand his range, playing more intricate melodic lines and filling out the band’s sound in ways that a traditional four-string bass couldn’t.
At the December 26, 1982 show, fans were treated to the first live performance of Phil’s six-string bass, which would go on to become an iconic part of his sound. The night was filled with experimentation and new musical textures, as Lesh’s playing brought a fresh dynamic to the Dead’s legendary improvisational jams.
The December 26, 1982 Grateful Dead Show
The Grateful Dead’s performance that night was one of the highlights of the 1982 run. The setlist featured a classic mix of Dead staples and deep cuts, with standout performances of “Shakedown Street,” “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” and “Scarlet Begonias.” But it was the interplay between the band members that truly defined the night, as they weaved intricate, extended jams that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The debut of the six-string bass was felt throughout the show, particularly in the jam sections, where Lesh’s new instrument added new layers and textures to the music. His bass lines became more melodic, allowing him to take on a greater role as both a rhythm player and a lead voice in the band. For fans in the crowd that night—especially those who witnessed the moment outside the venue—it was clear that something special was unfolding.
A Defining Moment
For the high school student sitting outside the Oakland Auditorium that evening, the encounter with Phil Lesh would go on to define his own journey as a Deadhead. Meeting one of the band’s most influential members, especially on the night he debuted his six-string bass, was an experience that couldn’t be replicated. That chance meeting with Phil Lesh outside the venue, followed by a legendary show, became one of those rare, full-circle moments in a fan’s life.
It also serves as a reminder of the magic that happens around Grateful Dead shows—how the experience is never just about the music, but about the unexpected moments that come with being part of the Grateful Dead community. Whether it’s a personal connection with the band, a chance encounter outside a venue, or simply sharing in the joy of a live performance, these experiences become a part of the fabric of what it means to be a Deadhead.
For the December 26, 1982 show at the Oakland Auditorium, it wasn’t just the debut of a new bass. It was a night that left an indelible mark on all who attended—whether they were lucky enough to meet Phil Lesh in person or simply share in the magic of another unforgettable Grateful Dead performance.
Phil Lesh played a Modulus 6-string bass at the Oakland Auditorium on New Year’s Eve in 1982:
- How he got the bassA Modulus Graphite Products owner was featured in Guitar Player magazine holding a 6-string bass with a neck designed for a 4-string. Robbie Andrew Saw the magazine and contacted the owner to try the bass, who then sent him the exact one featured in the photo. Lesh played the bass at the next Grateful Dead show.
- The story behind the bassThe owner of Modulus Graphite Products later made many basses for Lesh, guitars for Bobby, and a couple for Jerry. The owner says that Lesh’s impact on his life and family was so great that he doesn’t think Modulus would exist without that time in 1974.
