Tonight’s Don’s Pick on Dead Set Live features the Grateful Dead’s legendary performance at The Rainbow Theater in London on March 21, 1981. This show stands out as an electrifying mix of their iconic songs and the kind of spontaneous, adventurous jams that made the Dead one of the most beloved live bands in history. The energy in the air that night was palpable, as the band delivered an unforgettable performance that showcased their musical dexterity, lyrical depth, and unique chemistry.
Set 1:
The evening began with a high-energy blast as the band kicked off with “Alabama Getaway”, a raucous opener that immediately set the stage for an unforgettable night. As the crowd roared in approval, the Dead transitioned seamlessly into “Promised Land”, driving forward with that signature Dead groove that had the audience on their feet from the start.
The next track, “Peggy-O”, brought a shift in tone as the band explored their folk roots. Jerry Garcia’s emotive guitar work and soulful vocals gave the song a hauntingly beautiful quality, contrasting nicely with the upbeat rockers that had come before. The shift to “Me & My Uncle”, followed by “Big River”, brought back the lively country-blues vibe that would keep the audience dancing throughout the set.
Things took another turn as they launched into “Tennessee Jed”, which bled into “Little Red Rooster”, a blues classic that always brought a fresh vibe to the Dead’s shows. Garcia’s soulful delivery and the band’s sharp, synchronized rhythm provided an exciting dynamic that had everyone grooving along.
The band then ventured into more complex territory with “Althea”, a song that combines the band’s signature folk and rock sounds with profound lyrics. From there, they dove into the expansive “Let It Grow”, a vehicle for the band’s improvisational prowess. The transitions during this portion were smooth, eventually leading to the “China Cat Sunflower”/ “I Know You Rider” pairing that brought the first set to a joyful, raucous conclusion.
Set 2:
After a brief intermission, the Dead came back firing on all cylinders with “Jack Straw”, a fan favorite that delivered high-energy storytelling. As they segued into “Ship of Fools”, the mood relaxed into something more laid-back, with a folk-rock vibe that gradually built up to the explosive “Estimated Prophet”. This track, with its hypnotic groove, set the stage for the wildly energetic “Eyes of the World”, where the band reached new heights of psychedelic improvisation, the kind of musical journey that the Dead were famous for.
The “Drums” section came next, where Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann took over, engaging in an intense and primal percussion jam. This section separated the Dead’s live performances from most other rock shows, offering an unpredictable and free-form moment that was both disorienting and mesmerizing.
When the band returned, they launched into “Not Fade Away”, a rollicking rock ‘n’ roll number that got the crowd back in motion. As they transitioned into “Black Peter”, the mood shifted to something darker, reflective, and introspective, only to be followed by the high-energy “One More Saturday Night”, which wrapped up the set with a final burst of excitement.
Encore:
For the encore, the Dead capped off the night with the playful “Don’t Ease Me In”, a lighthearted tune that perfectly captured the joy and camaraderie of their live shows. It was a fitting end to a night filled with musical exploration and infectious energy.
This performance at the Rainbow Theater remains a testament to the Grateful Dead’s ability to blend their most beloved songs with a sense of freedom and improvisation. Whether it was their blues, folk, or rock tracks, the band was firing on all cylinders, showcasing their unparalleled ability to keep things exciting and fresh. For those lucky enough to be in the crowd that night, it was an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy tonight’s Dead Set Live as we revisit this dynamic and memorable performance, where the Grateful Dead showed once again why they were one of the greatest live bands of their time.
