Tonight on Dead Set Live, DJ Don Edwards takes us deep into the vault with his latest handpicked gem—a full-blown cosmic journey through one of the most underrated shows of the early ‘80s. This week’s Don’s Pick transports us back to May 11, 1981, when the Grateful Dead rolled into the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut, and delivered a set filled with vintage fire, deep grooves, and exploratory jams that capture the band in full creative flight.
Whether you’re a seasoned Deadhead or just dipping your toes into the sonic sea of the Grateful Dead, this show is a must-hear. Airing tonight at 9 PM EST, only on Dead Set Live.
🎶 A Night to Remember: The Magic of 5/11/81
From the very first notes of “New Minglewood Blues,” it’s clear this night was going to be something special. The crowd at the New Haven Coliseum was locked in from the start, as the band launched into a gritty, high-energy opener that let everyone know the Grateful Dead were wide awake and ready to play.
Up next? A heart-melting version of “Sugaree” that stretches out with soulful, spiraling guitar licks from Jerry Garcia, who was in particularly fine voice and form. His soloing here is both delicate and daring, teetering on the edge of emotion and improvisation. The rhythm section—Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart—is locked in with telepathic precision, driving the band forward with that unmistakable Dead groove.
🌵 A Setlist That Crosses Genres and Generations
One of the joys of this performance is its setlist variety, balancing honky-tonk cowboy tales, traditional folk, and deep psychedelic wanderings. Highlights from the first set include:
- “El Paso” – Bobby Weir takes the reins on this Marty Robbins classic with swagger and Western flair.
- “Jack-A-Roe” – A fan favorite with nimble acoustic-style picking and tight harmonies.
- “Beat It On Down the Line” – Pure fun, vintage Dead rock ‘n’ roll energy.
But the crown jewel of the night’s first half is the unbeatable pairing of “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire On The Mountain.” It’s a seamless, soaring transition—Garcia’s tone is rich and exploratory, and the band’s chemistry is on full display as they stretch the groove into blissful terrain before riding it straight into the fiery heart of “Fire.”
🌀 Second Set: Space, Spirit, and Satisfaction
The second set opens with “Playing In The Band”, a classic jam vehicle that immediately signals lift-off. The song morphs into a long, fluid jam that touches on jazz, rock, and outer-space psychedelia—all before plunging into the immersive depths of “Drums” and “Space.”
For fans who crave that ethereal Dead experience, this is prime-time weirdness at its best—Mickey and Billy’s percussive wizardry followed by Garcia and Weir’s sonic experimentation in zero gravity.
When they re-enter the atmosphere with “The Wheel”, the mood shifts to something warm and reflective. That energy carries into a triumphant “Playing In The Band” (reprise) that ties the entire segment together in one beautiful arc.
🎤 Encore Energy: Closing With a Bang
Just when you think it’s winding down, the Dead fire off a triple encore that’s equal parts tender and raucous:
- “China Doll” – Fragile, emotional, and haunting—Garcia delivers it like a lullaby to the cosmos.
- “Around and Around” > “Good Lovin’” – The party kicks into high gear with Weir leading the charge in full rock ‘n’ roll preacher mode.
- And the surprise closer? “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The Stones classic, delivered Dead-style, caps off the night with raw power and crowd-shaking energy. The band means it, and the crowd feels it.
🧡 Why This Show Matters
May 11, 1981, might not be the most famous date in Dead history, but it’s a perfect example of the band’s ability to turn any night into something unforgettable. With its dynamic setlist, nuanced jams, and fiery playing, this performance stands as a testament to why we keep coming back to the vault—because the Dead always find new ways to surprise, uplift, and transport us.
And tonight, thanks to DJ Don Edwards, you get to experience it as if you were right there in the Coliseum, surrounded by swirling tie-dye, incense, and unfiltered joy.
🔊 Tune in Tonight – Dead Set Live, 9 PM EST
📻 Stream at LiveJamRadio.com
🎧 Follow us on socials @DeadSetLiveRadio
📬 Subscribe for weekly setlists, behind-the-scenes picks, and Deadhead exclusives
#DeadSetLive #DonsPick #GratefulDeadLive #VeteransColiseum1981 #DeadheadsUnite #GratefulDeadRadio #LiveJamRadio #GDSetlist #JamBandRadio
