The Grateful Dead – Dick's Picks Volume 29: Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia (May 19, 1977)

Released as part of the Dick's Picks series, Volume 29 is a stunning representation of the Grateful Dead’s legendary performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 19, 1977. The Dick's Picks series, which featured some of the band's most iconic live recordings, was a gift to Deadheads, offering previously unreleased shows from various points in the band's career. Volume 29, recorded during the Spring 1977 tour, is widely considered one of the best entries in the series and is a fan favorite.

The Fox Theatre: A Beautiful Setting for a Memorable Night

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, a historic venue known for its opulent architecture and rich acoustics, was the perfect setting for this performance. The venue, with its grand and intimate feel, lent itself beautifully to the Dead's mix of rock, folk, blues, and improvisational music. The acoustics were pristine, allowing the band’s intricate melodies and jam-heavy songs to resonate perfectly with the audience. This show marked the Dead's return to Atlanta after a long hiatus, and the energy from both the band and the fans was palpable.

The 1977 Grateful Dead: A Time of Transformation

1977 was a transformative year for the Grateful Dead. The band had recently come off a series of successful albums, including Blues for Allah (1975) and Terrapin Station (1977), and the live performances from this period are often considered some of the most polished and energetic in their career. The band was firing on all cylinders: Jerry Garcia was playing with precision and emotion, Bob Weir’s vocals and rhythm guitar were sharp, and the rhythm section of Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart was providing a rock-solid foundation for the band to experiment and explore.

The Dead’s sound in 1977 was tighter than ever, with a focus on well-rehearsed arrangements and tighter improvisation, resulting in performances that were both musically sophisticated and emotionally engaging. This show, in particular, captures the band at its peak.

A Legendary Night in Atlanta: The Grateful Dead – Dick’s Picks Volume 29 (Fox Theatre, May 19, 1977) – Full Setlist & Spotlight on One of the Dead's Greatest Shows

On May 19, 1977, the Grateful Dead delivered a performance for the ages at the iconic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and we’re reliving the magic this weekend on Dead Set Live. Captured in Dick’s Picks Volume 29, this show has gone down in Deadhead history as a high-water mark of precision, creativity, and emotional power.

Whether you were spinning it on cassette back in the day or discovering it anew on vinyl or stream, this show still shimmers with that unmistakable Spring '77 glow. And tonight, it’s Don’s Pick—a full feature on Live Jam Radio at 9 PM EST, bringing the Fox Theatre back to life, one song at a time.

🎭 The Venue: Fox Theatre, Atlanta – A Regal Setting for a Psychedelic Sermon

Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre provided the perfect backdrop for one of the Dead’s most celebrated performances. With its Moorish design, plush interiors, and near-perfect acoustics, the Fox gave the band’s intricate jams and vocal harmonies room to breathe and bloom. Combine that with the electric energy of a Spring '77 crowd, and you've got a show that's nothing short of legendary.

🎶 Setlist Breakdown: May 19, 1977

Set One Highlights – A Warm Southern Breeze of Americana & Soul

1. Promised Land (Chuck Berry cover)
   A rock 'n' roll kickoff that immediately sets the tone. Tight and punchy, with Weir leading the charge.

2. Sugaree (Jerry Garcia)
   Stretching over 10 minutes, this version is dripping with Garcia’s emotive licks and dynamic phrasing—classic slow-burn energy.

3. El Paso (Marty Robbins cover)
   Weir's cowboy ballad hits with clean harmonies and a storytelling flow. A tour favorite.

4. Peggy-O (Traditional)
   Garcia’s tender vocals make this one shine. Keith Godchaux's piano work adds extra depth to this traditional folk tune.

5. Looks Like Rain (Bob Weir)
   Atmospheric and heartfelt. Donna Jean’s background vocals and a gentle storm of emotion make this one a sleeper standout.

6. Row Jimmy
   Lazy-river Dead at its finest. Slower tempo, but soulfully rich with layers of melody and warm harmonics.

7. Passenger
   One of the few ‘hard rock’ moments of the night. Short, sharp, and thunderous.

8. Loser (Jerry Garcia)
   One of Garcia’s most poignant storytelling songs—dark and brooding but beautifully played.

9. Dancin’ in the Street (Martha Reeves & The Vandellas cover)
   The real gem of the first set—funky, disco-inflected grooves with a jam that slips effortlessly into a cosmic breakdown. Spring ’77 Dancin’s are legendary for a reason—and this one is top tier.

Set Two – Lift-Off to the Outer Cosmos

1. Samson and Delilah (Traditional)
   Drum-heavy, thumping, and always a crowd-pleaser. Kreutzmann and Hart set the room ablaze.

2. Ramble On Rose
   Playful and sharp, with great lyrical delivery from Garcia and infectious call-and-response moments.

3. Estimated Prophet
   Weir’s mystic reggae rhythm and prophecy-soaked lyrics come alive with wah-heavy jamming and deep bass from Lesh.

4. Terrapin Station
   One of the earliest live versions—delivered with elegance and reverence. This version is cinematic, with that iconic build-up exploding into pure euphoria.

5. Playing in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Drums > The Wheel > China Doll > Playing Reprise
   This sequence is what makes this show such a crown jewel.

   • Playing in the Band — hypnotic grooves, winding improvisation, and seamless segues.

   • Uncle John’s Band — sweet harmonies and a feeling of home.

   • Drums — tribal and exploratory, a percussive portal to another dimension.

   • The Wheel — rising like a phoenix, filled with spiraling rhythm and hopeful melody.

   • China Doll — tender, melancholic, and exquisitely performed.

   • Playing Reprise — tying it all together like only the Dead can do.

🧠 Why This Show Still Resonates

The May 19, 1977 show is more than a good night—it’s a masterclass. It shows how far the Dead had come musically by this point in their journey: the harmonies tighter, the jams more mature, and the transitions seamless.

Whether it's Garcia's fiery soloing, Weir’s rhythm mastery, Lesh’s melodic bass flourishes, or the way Keith and Donna Jean elevate every tune—they’re all locked in. And the soundboard quality on Dick’s Picks Volume 29 makes you feel like you’re right there in the sixth row, eyes closed, soaking it all in.

🎧 TONIGHT on Dead Set Live: Don’s Pick – Dick’s Picks Vol. 29 (5/19/77)

Don't miss tonight’s Don’s Pick—a full tribute to Dick’s Picks Volume 29. Tune in at 9 PM EST on Live Jam Radio as we let the Fox Theatre flow through the airwaves once again.

🌌 Whether you're a lifelong Deadhead or just taking your first ride, this show is an invitation to dance with the past and revel in the timeless energy that only the Grateful Dead can conjure.

Why This Show Matters:

Dick's Picks Volume 29 is an essential listen for any Grateful Dead fan, not only because it captures a fantastic show, but because it represents the Dead at their peak. The May 19, 1977, performance at the Fox Theatre exemplifies the band’s ability to combine tight, well-rehearsed songs with exploratory jams, and it shows how they could transform each night into something unique. The sound quality on the recording is fantastic, preserving the energy of the night and the interaction between the band and the audience. It’s a performance filled with excitement, elegance, and a sense of community—a perfect example of why the Grateful Dead’s live shows were so revered.

In many ways, this show represents the essence of what made the Grateful Dead great: their willingness to embrace both precision and improvisation, creating a musical experience that was always evolving, always surprising, and always deeply connected to their audience. Whether you’re a long-time Deadhead or a newcomer, Dick's Picks Volume 29 is a must-have for your collection.