🌹 “Sometimes the songs write you…” – and sometimes, the music transports you straight back to the heart of the San Francisco sound. Tonight on Dead Set Live, Don’s Pick takes us to one of the most cherished chapters in Grateful Dead history: April 15th, 1970, live from the Winterland Arena—a hallowed hall that would become synonymous with Deadhead lore.
This show, now part of the acclaimed 30 Trips Around the Sun box set, is a gem in the crown of the band’s golden era. In the spring of 1970, the Dead were straddling two distinct worlds: the rootsy, acoustic-flavored Americana that would shape Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, and the cosmic, electric psychedelia that had already made them counterculture icons. This night at Winterland is a sacred fusion of both.
🎶 A Show That Starts With a Roar
Right out of the gate, the band explodes with “Good Lovin’”, a soulful, high-octane opener with Pigpen at the helm, full of funk, fire, and feel-good fervor. It’s a pure energy transfer between band and crowd, lighting the fuse for the journey ahead.
🌌 A Journey Through Sound and Space
No 1970 Dead show is complete without some deep space exploration, and this one delivers with “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider”, a fan-favorite pairing that showcases the band’s tight transitions and melodic interplay. Garcia’s guitar glides through the verses like liquid light, weaving effortlessly with Phil’s anchoring bass and Weir’s rhythm magic.
And then… the band opens the portal.
“Dark Star”.
This rendition of “Dark Star” is a galaxy of its own, shimmering with feedback-drenched atmospheres, jazz-infused detours, and celestial spirals that only the Dead could summon. From there, it’s a thrilling ride into “St. Stephen”, complete with its syncopated groove, mythic lyrics, and explosive transitions.
🌅 The Emotional Apex: “Morning Dew”
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night comes during the second set, when the Dead deliver an aching, powerful version of “Morning Dew.”
It’s not just a song—it’s a statement. Garcia’s vocals carry a haunting urgency, while his guitar solo builds like a slow-burning fire, culminating in a cathartic release that leaves Winterland suspended in reverent silence.
🔥 Encore Energy: “Turn On Your Love Light”
To close out this transcendental evening, Pigpen brings it all home with “Turn On Your Love Light”, a stomping, sweat-drenched encore that ignites the crowd one last time. With call-and-response, blistering solos, and playful grooves, it’s a fitting, funky sendoff that reminds us all of the communal joy that made the Dead’s shows unforgettable.
🎧 Why This Show Matters
Don’s Pick tonight is more than a concert—it’s a time capsule. April 15, 1970, captures the Grateful Dead in flux, in fire, and in flight—bridging eras, blending styles, and showing off their singular power to improvise, elevate, and unify. Whether you’re a seasoned Deadhead or a curious newcomer, this is a show that reminds us why the music never stopped.
📻 Tune in Tonight – Only on Dead Set Live
⏰ Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 9 PM EST
🎙️ Live on Dead Set Live – Streaming exclusively on Live Jam
Grab your headphones, spark some incense (or something stronger), and take the ride. Don’s Pick is calling, and Winterland is wide open.
