The Grateful Dead’s performance on April 19, 1978, at Veterans' Memorial Hall in Columbus, Ohio, is a beloved show among Deadheads for its energetic setlist, impeccable playing, and seamless flow of songs. This show was part of the Dead’s Spring 1978 tour, and it captures the band at a peak moment in their career, with a tight, cohesive sound and an undeniable chemistry on stage. The mix of improvisational jams, classic Dead tunes, and stellar performances makes this concert stand out in the minds of those who were there.

The Venue: Veterans' Memorial Hall, Columbus, OH

Veterans' Memorial Hall in Columbus, Ohio, provided a unique setting for the Grateful Dead’s performance. While it was a smaller venue compared to the larger arenas they often played, it offered an intimate vibe that was perfect for the Dead’s exploratory live music. The audience was close to the band, allowing for that shared, almost communal experience that became a hallmark of the Grateful Dead’s shows. The acoustics in this venue helped the Dead’s mix of jazz, rock, and improvisational music shine, creating an unforgettable experience for both the fans and the band.

Set 1 Highlights:

• Bertha > Good Lovin' The show kicked off with Bertha, one of the Dead’s signature rockers, full of energy and fiery guitar work from Jerry Garcia. It set the tone for the night: energetic and electric. This flowed seamlessly into Good Lovin’, a song often used as a jam vehicle for the band. The song's funky, upbeat rhythm combined with Garcia’s intense guitar solos gave the audience an exciting start to the evening.

• Friend of the Devil Following Good Lovin’, the Dead moved into Friend of the Devil, a fan favorite that has become a staple in their acoustic and electric performances. Garcia’s soulful voice and guitar work gave the song a tender, heartfelt quality that resonated deeply with the crowd. This was a perfect contrast to the energetic vibe of Good Lovin’, showcasing the band’s versatility.

• Passenger Next, Passenger added another layer to the set, with Bob Weir’s strong vocal delivery and tight rhythm guitar playing. Written by Weir and John Barlow, Passenger was a relative newcomer to the Dead's catalog at the time, but it was already being embraced by fans. Its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks made it a fun addition to the set.

• Candyman Candyman followed, a beautiful, blues-infused ballad from American Beauty. The song's slow, melancholic pace allowed Garcia’s voice to shine, while the rest of the band provided a perfect backdrop to this haunting tune. The audience was quiet and attentive as they took in the mellow vibes of this song.

• Cassidy The next track was Cassidy, another Barlow-Weir composition, which was still relatively new to the band’s setlists at the time. With its intricate rhythm changes and complex lyrics, Cassidy offered a dose of progressive rock with a folk-rock twist. The Dead’s performance here was tight, with Garcia’s guitar work intertwining beautifully with the rhythm section.

• Peggy-O Peggy-O followed next, a classic folk song that the Dead had adopted as their own. Garcia’s expressive guitar and voice brought out the sadness and beauty of this traditional tune, creating a transcendent moment for the audience.

• Me and My Uncle > Big River The first set closed with the high-energy pairing of Me and My Uncle into Big River. Me and My Uncle is a fast-paced cowboy tune that had the audience rocking, while Big River brought its own brand of honky-tonk energy. These two songs, played back-to-back, were a great way to keep the crowd dancing as the set came to a close.

Set 2 Highlights:

• Samson & Delilah The second set kicked off with Samson & Delilah, a lively and powerful tune that injected the audience with new energy. The Dead used this song as a vehicle for some serious improvisation, and the band’s performance was intense, with Garcia’s guitar blazing through the powerful rhythm section.

• It Must Have Been The Roses Next came It Must Have Been The Roses, a beautiful, emotional ballad from Blues for Allah. It provided a softer, reflective moment in the middle of the second set, with Garcia’s voice and guitar pulling the audience into the song’s poignant lyrics.

• Estimated Prophet > He's Gone Estimated Prophet followed, a song with a funky, jazz-infused rhythm that was perfect for improvisation. Garcia's guitar solos on this track are often sublime, and this night was no exception. The song segued seamlessly into He's Gone, a fan favorite that delves deep into the theme of loss and searching. Both songs were perfect examples of the Dead’s ability to blend deep lyrical meaning with improvisational exploration.

• Drums > Space > The Other One As was customary for many Grateful Dead shows, the band took the audience into the Drums > Space section, which was filled with experimental and free-form music. This segment often found the band members venturing into uncharted territory. Following this, the Dead dove into The Other One, one of their most powerful and improvisational tracks. The energy in the room was palpable, and the band explored the song with fierce creativity, creating an otherworldly experience for the audience.

• Wharf Rat > Around & Around The energy then shifted back to familiar Dead territory with Wharf Rat, a haunting and deeply emotional song. The band brought the energy back up with Around & Around, a classic Chuck Berry tune that the Dead made their own. The crowd was dancing and cheering, as the Dead brought the night to a triumphant close.

Encore: Werewolves of London

To wrap up an incredible show, the Grateful Dead came back for an encore with Warren Zevon’s Werewolves of London. This was always a fun and lighthearted way to close a show, with the entire band getting into the playful, rocking tune. The crowd was energized, and it was a perfect way to end an unforgettable night of music.

Final Thoughts:

The Grateful Dead’s April 19, 1978 performance at Veterans' Memorial Hall in Columbus, Ohio, was a perfect showcase of the band’s musical prowess during one of their most creative and energized periods. With a mix of fast-paced rockers, tender ballads, and extended jams, the show captures the essence of what made the Grateful Dead so unique: their ability to balance improvisation and structure, creating an experience that felt both spontaneous and timeless. For those in attendance, this concert is undoubtedly remembered as one of the many highlights of the Dead’s legendary 1978 tour.