Tune in tonight for a legendary edition of Don’s Pick, a weekly radio show where Don curates a uniquely memorable musical experience, blending iconic moments in rock and roll with deep dives into live performances that continue to resonate with listeners. This Saturday night, Don is bringing you a truly special pick from the Grateful Dead’s catalog: their unforgettable performance at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on April 23, 1988.
For Deadheads and newcomers alike, this show is a must-listen, a quintessential moment in the band’s late-80s era, showcasing the unique energy and magic that defined the Grateful Dead’s live performances. Whether you’re revisiting this historic set or experiencing it for the first time, tonight’s pick offers a chance to relive a night of high-energy performances, improvisational jams, and community spirit.
🎤 Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre: The Perfect Venue for a Dead Show
The Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, later known as the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and eventually the FivePoint Amphitheatre, was a beloved venue in Southern California, famous for its lush surroundings, intimate feel, and incredible acoustics. With a capacity of around 16,000, it offered the perfect balance of large-scale atmosphere and a sense of closeness that Deadheads cherished. Its outdoor design, nestled within the scenic hills of Irvine, California, made it a prime spot for unforgettable performances.
For fans, the venue also had its quirks—many Deadheads recall finding spots on the surrounding hills to enjoy the show from a distance, creating a unique, communal experience that was as much about the atmosphere outside the venue as it was about what was happening on stage.
🌟 The Grateful Dead’s Iconic April 23, 1988 Show
April 23, 1988, marked another chapter in the Grateful Dead’s storied legacy, a night where the band delivered one of their most iconic performances of the late ’80s. It was a show marked by improvisation, perfect harmonies, and of course, the characteristic spontaneity that made the Dead’s live sets legendary.
Setlist Highlights:
Set 1:
- The night kicked off with “Touch of Grey”, the hit single from their 1987 album In the Dark. The song’s hopeful refrain—”I will survive!”—immediately resonated with the audience, setting a positive and energetic tone for the night.
- Next, the band dove into “New Minglewood Blues”, a rollicking, blues-infused number that let Jerry Garcia stretch out on guitar and showcase his legendary improvisational skills.
- Following that was “Peggy-O”, a beautiful folk ballad that showcased the Dead’s ability to seamlessly blend rock, folk, and Americana.
- The set also featured “West L.A. Fadeaway”, a funky and laid-back tune from the Dead’s ’80s catalog, and “Hell in a Bucket”, a high-energy crowd favorite that got everyone moving.
- The set closed with “The Weight”, a cover of The Band’s classic, providing a soulful and communal moment for fans to unite.
Set 2:
- The second set began with “Iko Iko”, a New Orleans-style tune that set the stage for a night of deep grooves and improvisation.
- One of the night’s most exciting moments came with “Playing in the Band”, where the Dead took the song into uncharted territory, with each band member contributing to an extended, intricate jam that showcased their ability to stretch the boundaries of live performance.
- The Dead also brought their famous “Drums > Space” segment to the forefront, where Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann took center stage, guiding the audience through atmospheric percussion and otherworldly soundscapes.
- The performance culminated with the epic “The Other One”, a sprawling jam that captured everything fans loved about the Dead—psychedelic rock, jazz, and endless improvisation.
- Closing out the set was “Wharf Rat”, a haunting ballad that allowed Garcia’s voice to soar, capturing the emotional depth that made the Grateful Dead’s music so powerful.
Encore:
- To end the night, the band returned to “Touch of Grey”, offering a second round of the anthemic song and sending the audience home with that unshakable feeling of unity and survival.
🎶 The Deadhead Experience: A Community Beyond the Concert
While the music was undeniably the star of the night, the Grateful Dead’s shows were about much more than just the performance on stage. The Deadhead experience was, and still is, about a sense of community—something that transcended the confines of the venue itself. One memorable story from that night involves a fan who, without a ticket, found their way to the hill behind Irvine Meadows and spent the evening listening to the music from afar. This kind of resourcefulness and camaraderie has always been part of the Dead’s charm: it wasn’t just about being in the venue, but about being part of a shared experience, wherever you were.
🐾 Why This Show Matters Today
What made the Grateful Dead’s performances so special was their ability to connect with their audience on a deeply personal level. Their mix of musical exploration, community, and spirit of improvisation created an atmosphere unlike any other. The April 23, 1988, show at Irvine Meadows is a perfect snapshot of this era—energetic, collaborative, and filled with moments that Deadheads continue to talk about decades later.
In tonight’s Don’s Pick, we’re revisiting this magic, letting the sounds of the Grateful Dead take you on a journey through a live performance that captures the essence of what made the band and its music so legendary.
📻 Tune in Tonight for Don’s Pick
Don’s Pick Tonight is your invitation to step into the world of live music like never before. Whether you were there at Irvine Meadows in 1988 or you’re discovering it for the first time, tonight’s show will transport you to a night filled with improvisation, energy, and the undeniable sense of unity that defined the Grateful Dead.
Don’t miss it—join us tonight, and relive one of the most iconic performances in Deadhead history. The music, the magic, and the spirit of the Grateful Dead are waiting for you!
Final Thoughts:
The Grateful Dead’s show at Irvine Meadows on April 23, 1988, was more than just a concert—it was an experience. From the tight musicianship to the expansive jams and the unspoken bond between the band and their fans, this performance represents the heart and soul of what made the Grateful Dead so special. Tune in tonight to Don’s Pick and let the Dead’s legacy live on through the music.
