Chinese New Year of The Rooster
The Grateful Dead’s performance on February 27, 1981, at the Uptown Theatre in Chicago remains a celebrated and quintessential example of their mid-era sound, marked by stellar improvisation and seamless transitions between songs. This show was a highlight for Deadheads, offering a mixture of beloved classics, upbeat rockers, folk-inspired ballads, and expansive jams that showcased the band’s ability to craft a unique live experience night after night.
First Set: High Energy and Soulful Moments
The night kicks off with Alabama Getaway, a high-energy, rollicking tune that immediately gets the crowd moving. The Dead wastes no time in engaging the audience, setting a lively tone that continues throughout the set. The energy flows effortlessly into Promised Land, a Chuck Berry-inspired anthem that brings fans to their feet with its fast tempo and infectious chorus.
The band then takes a slight detour into a more reflective mood with Friend of the Devil, one of their iconic folk songs. Its soulful lyrics and intimate feel provide a beautiful contrast to the prior rock-driven tunes, with the crowd joining in for this sing-along classic.
Next, Cassidy follows, offering a thematic journey that merges the personal with the mythic. The song transitions smoothly into Loser, which blends melancholy with groove, showcasing the Dead’s mastery of storytelling through music. C.C. Rider picks up the pace again, delivering a bluesy jam that allows the band to stretch their improvisational muscles. The band is in full swing here, showing off their ability to weave fluidly between genres while keeping the energy alive.
Slowing things down once again, It Must Have Been the Roses enters, delivering a tender and emotional ballad that perfectly fits in the lull before the closing song of the first set. New Minglewood Blues wraps up the first set with a lively, crowd-pleasing tune, bringing the tempo back up and leaving the audience eager for more.
Second Set: Extended Jams and Seamless Transitions
As the second set opens, the band delves into Scarlet Begonias, one of their most beloved songs, with its vibrant melodies and ample room for improvisation. The Dead fluidly segue into Fire on the Mountain, a pairing that builds on the energy of Scarlet Begonias, and often leads to some of the band’s most intricate and powerful jams. The seamless connection between these songs creates an almost hypnotic flow, keeping the crowd entranced.
From there, Estimated Prophet takes the vibe into a more experimental territory. The song’s hypnotic rhythms and futuristic lyrics give way to a dreamy, open-ended jam, stretching the boundaries of the live performance. Eyes of the World follows, raising the energy even further. With its uplifting and exploratory feel, it gives Jerry Garcia the opportunity to lead the audience through intricate guitar solos and improvisation that sweep across the venue.
The mood takes a rhythmic turn as the show shifts into Drums, an extended percussion interlude that gives the band’s rhythm section — Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann — the chance to shine. This segment allows the entire band to re-enter the stage with renewed energy, preparing for the dynamic musical return.
The transition from Drums to Not Fade Away is electric. This Buddy Holly cover is a Dead classic, a crowd favorite that invites huge sing-alongs and builds to explosive jams. The Dead flow effortlessly into Wharf Rat, one of the band’s most heartfelt songs, offering a poignant, emotionally charged moment that remains a hallmark of their catalog.
To close out the second set, the band brings the crowd to a fever pitch with Sugar Magnolia. The song, with its joy, celebration, and vibrant energy, makes sure everyone is fully energized and basking in the music as the set concludes.
Encore: A Warm, Upbeat Finale
For the encore, the Grateful Dead wraps up the night with Don’t Ease Me In. A laid-back yet groovy tune, it brings the show to a satisfying and warm finale, leaving the audience smiling and energized as they exit the Uptown Theatre.
Conclusion: A Night of Immaculate Jamming
The February 27, 1981 show at the Uptown Theatre is a perfect encapsulation of the Grateful Dead at the peak of their powers. The band delivers a performance that is dynamic, full of energy, and brimming with improvisational moments. Their connection with each other and with the audience is palpable throughout the show, making every song feel timeless. The fluidity between deep reflective moments and high-energy jams ensures that this performance stands out as an unforgettable experience for all lucky enough to be in attendance. This show, both in energy and emotional depth, is a hallmark of what makes the Grateful Dead’s live performances so legendary.
