The Grateful Dead's live performance at the Rainbow Theater in London on March 21, 1981, is remembered as a dynamic and electrifying show that captured the essence of their late '70s and early '80s era. The setlist from this night is a blend of their classic songs, with adventurous jams and moments of pure improvisation.

Set 1

The show kicked off with "Alabama Getaway", a high-energy, upbeat tune that immediately set the tone for the evening. The transition into "Promised Land" was seamless, bringing in more of that infectious Dead energy. The crowd was on their feet as the band blasted through these quintessential rock numbers, fueling the excitement early on.

Next up was "Peggy-O", a hauntingly beautiful folk ballad that showcased the band's softer side. Jerry Garcia’s guitar work on this track was smooth and emotive, and his vocals carried a lot of weight in the quieter moments, making it a highlight of the set. Following Peggy-O, they played "Me & My Uncle" into "Big River", a classic country-blues combination that had the audience rocking. The duo of tunes played with spirited enthusiasm, maintaining the high pace and keeping the crowd grooving.

"Tennessee Jed" then transitioned smoothly into "Little Red Rooster", a traditional blues cover that was a regular in their setlists, but always fresh with Garcia’s soulful voice and the band's tight interplay. This was a track that allowed each member to shine, especially with the bluesy vibe taking center stage.

The first set began to shift toward more complex and exploratory territory as they moved into "Althea", a Garcia-Hunter gem that reflects the band's lyrical depth and exploration of personal themes. The band then let loose with "Let It Grow", a jam that allowed each player to stretch their improvisational legs, building into a smooth segue into "China Cat Sunflower", which started a beautiful transition into "I Know You Rider". The energy in this section was palpable, with the band weaving intricate jams that built in intensity and led to a joyful, raucous conclusion to the first set.

Set 2

After a brief intermission, the Dead returned with "Jack Straw", a powerful opener that immediately pulled the crowd back into the groove. The song's drive and storytelling style allowed for more storytelling through improvisation, which they embraced.

Next, "Ship of Fools" brought a more laid-back vibe to the set, with its blend of folk-rock and the band's signature soulfulness. This led seamlessly into the highly anticipated "Estimated Prophet". The band's interplay on this tune was hypnotic, building up energy until it erupted into "Eyes of the World". The transition was smooth and highly energetic, with the band fully immersed in a psychedelic groove that had the crowd moving along with every note.

As the band reached the Drums section, it was clear they were ready to take the audience on a wild ride. The percussive break is one of those moments that separates a Dead show from other rock performances, as Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann took center stage, delivering an intense and free-form rhythm section that felt like it could go on forever.

Following the primal beats of Drums, the band came back with "Not Fade Away", a classic rock and roll number. This rendition was upbeat, playful, and full of energy, and as they moved into "Black Peter", the mood shifted back to something darker and more introspective. "One More Saturday Night" was a perfect closer to the set, with its high-energy vibe bringing the audience to their feet one last time.

Encore:

For the encore, they played "Don't Ease Me In", a fun and lighthearted tune that was the perfect way to send the audience off into the night. The performance encapsulated the band's ability to blend joy and introspection, creating an unforgettable experience for those who were lucky enough to witness it.

This show at the Rainbow Theater was a testament to the Grateful Dead's ability to balance tight, rehearsed songs with expansive improvisation. Whether they were playing blues, rock, or folk, the band's chemistry and spontaneous jams kept things exciting, making this show one of the memorable performances of the era.