Gizah Sound and Light Theater – September 14, 1978

The Grateful Dead’s fictional three-night run at the Giza Sound and Light Theater in Cairo, Egypt, would be an extraordinary and legendary event in the annals of rock history. Picture the band performing amidst the ancient pyramids and the iconic Sphinx, their music blending with the mystique of one of the world's most storied locations. Though the Grateful Dead never actually played there, imagining such a performance provides a fascinating exploration of how their music could intertwine with one of humanity's greatest wonders.

Night 1: A Journey into the Mystical

Set 1:

• "Ollin Arrageed": Opening the show with this dynamic and powerful piece, the band would set a tone of cosmic exploration, paying homage to the ancient and mysterious.
• "Not Fade Away": The crowd would be energized by this classic, with its infectious beat and the Dead’s trademark improvisation.
• "Me and My Uncle": A nod to their love of storytelling, this song would bring a touch of Americana to the Egyptian backdrop.
• "They Love Each Other": A beautiful ballad that would offer a moment of reflection amidst the grandeur.
• "New Minglewood Blues": The bluesy, upbeat energy would get everyone moving, a perfect fit for the sprawling desert landscape.
• "Peggy-O": A melodic, enchanting piece that would echo beautifully in the ancient setting.
• "Beat It on Down the Line": An upbeat, high-energy number to keep the momentum going.
• "Deal": A fitting end to a diverse first set, showcasing Garcia's guitar prowess and lyrical depth.

Set 2:

• "Sugaree": The second set would kick off with this soulful, deeply emotional song, its intricate guitar work resonating through the night.
• "Samson and Delilah": A high-energy, groove-driven track that would get the crowd dancing under the stars.
• "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain": The classic combination would transport the audience on a magical journey, seamlessly blending the songs with improvisational prowess.
• "Truckin'": A quintessential Dead song, its rhythmic drive and extended jams would fit perfectly with the setting.
• "The Other One": A spacey, exploratory track that would allow for extended improvisation and cosmic jamming.
• "Drums": The interlude would offer an immersive percussive experience, echoing across the desert sands.
• "Black Peter": A poignant and emotional song that would provide a reflective moment amidst the cosmic energy.
• "Around and Around": A rousing, upbeat finale to the second set, leaving the audience exhilarated.

Night 2: Echoes of the Eternal

Imagine the band returning for their second night, with a setlist that builds on the previous night’s magic, incorporating more of their quintessential tunes and creating an even deeper connection with the mystical environment.

Night 3: A Cosmic Finale

For the final night, the Grateful Dead would deliver a performance that combines all the elements of their musical journey with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the pyramids. The combination of classic Dead songs with the majestic setting would create an unforgettable experience, forever etched into the collective memory of the audience.

Encore:

• "Uncle John's Band": A fitting encore, blending storytelling and harmony in a way that would resonate perfectly with the grand surroundings.

In this imaginary series of concerts, the Grateful Dead’s music and the ancient wonders of Giza would merge to create an extraordinary spectacle, celebrating both the timeless nature of their music and the eternal majesty of Egypt’s historical landmarks.