It’s time for “Dead Set Live”! Tonight, we’re diving deep into the immersive world of live Grateful Dead, where every note pulsates with the energy of the crowd and the improvisation takes on a life of its own. Dead Set Live, your all-live Grateful Dead radio station, is here to capture that magic, energy, and improvisational spirit.
Before we crank up the volume, let’s talk about something incredibly exciting on the horizon for Deadheads everywhere. You heard it here first (or, well, maybe you saw the news too!), but the “Extended ‘Grateful Dead Movie’ To Hit IMAX Screens For 2025 ‘Meet-Up At The Movies’” is a game-changer! Imagine settling into those plush IMAX seats, surrounded by that crystal-clear sound, and witnessing Jerry Garcia’s directorial vision for The Grateful Dead Movie like never before. This isn’t just a re-release; it’s a monumental experience. From the legendary five-night residency at Winterland Arena, documented in the film, to the groundbreaking milestone it remains in cinematic history, this is going to be an unmissable event. The new trailer, making waves on the Grateful Dead’s YouTube channel, gives us just a taste of the larger-than-life viewing experience awaiting us worldwide on August 14th. Grateful Dead archivist and legacy manager David, along with the band, is truly pulling out all the stops for the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary. Forget just celebrating, they’re amplifying the legacy!
Speaking of anniversaries, we’ve also been soaking in the “Grateful Dead Retrospective: 1985 ‘Twenty Years So Far’ Summer Tour – Highlights & Audio From All 14 Shows.” What a journey that has been! Revisiting those shows, hearing the evolution, and seeing the visual portraits of the band in officially sanctioned biographies – it truly brings to life the “Strange Trip It’s Been,” as Grateful Dead publicist Dennis McNally so humorously put it. These retrospective deep dives remind us that while Dead-related anniversaries used to be more niche, the band’s cultural footprint is only growing.
But now, back to tonight’s main event: “Live Jam”! Every single track we spin tonight will be a testament to the Grateful Dead’s unparalleled improvisational prowess. We’re talking about those versions that capture a moment in time, where the band stretched out, explored new sonic landscapes, and truly became one with the music and the audience.
Same Goes with Tonight’s Don’s Pick from Silver Stadium on June 30, 1988!
And, of course, no Saturday night would be complete without tuning into Don’s Pick Radio Show. Our very own Don, with his encyclopedic knowledge and infectious passion, curates a musical journey that always surprises and delights. His handpicked selections are a true celebration of music’s diverse and eclectic landscape, making “Don’s Pick” a highly anticipated listen every week. Tonight, Don is taking us back to a quintessential moment in the band’s late-’80s touring era: The Grateful Dead’s show on June 30, 1988, at Silver Stadium in Rochester, New York.
This show is often remembered fondly by fans due to the band’s rejuvenated energy, a killer setlist, and the general vibrancy that defined the Dead’s performances during this period. The 1988 Summer Tour was a pivotal year, as the Dead continued to build on the success they’d found in the ‘80s, with Brent Mydland, who had joined in 1979, fully integrated and contributing significantly to their evolving sound.
As a personal note from our very own Don, he fondly recalls, “Our car broke down in Hermimer, New York. We had to hitch to the show and drive back to New Jersey with friends.” That’s the dedication of a true Deadhead, folks! It was also the first time Don had ever heard the term ‘Kind’ when referring to things being good and this case, someone in our car had asked for the ‘Kind Kelly’ and then minutes later the person exclaimed after eating some of that Kind Kelly, ‘That is the Kind Jelly’ he said which then led to complete uproar in laughter throughout the car. Now of course, ‘Kind’ is used to describe anything, however, Don never uses the term ‘Kind’ related to anything but people, animals and wildlife being kind and in turn being kind to everyone and everything. Growing up, Don would use the term Kind Bud to separate the sh*t bud from the good bud when trying to find it. Don would only want Kind Bud of course but then again, Don also claims to never use its name in the 3rd Person.
Regardless, Let’s Set the Scene: Silver Stadium, 1988
Silver Stadium, a minor league baseball stadium in Rochester, home to the Rochester Red Wings, wasn’t a traditional Dead venue, but its open-air setting made for a fantastic summer night concert. The spacious atmosphere was perfect for the communal experience the Dead always provided. By the late ’80s, the Dead’s shows were drawing large, enthusiastic crowds, and Silver Stadium, despite its “stadium rock” vibe, still offered an intimate, almost family-like setting. The night was warm, the energy was high, and the fans were ready for another legendary show. 1988 marked a particularly strong period for the Dead, and this show is often considered one of the highlights of the summer tour. Records from the era indicate June 30, 1988, in Rochester, NY had a low temperature of 62°F, suggesting a pleasant, warm evening for the outdoor concert.
The Band’s Vibe in 1988
The Dead had a strong musical revival throughout the mid-to-late ’80s. With Brent Mydland fully integrated, the band sounded tighter than ever. Mydland’s keyboard playing added a fresh layer, particularly noticeable in this era, and his vocal harmonies strengthened the overall vocal arrangements. His electric piano and organ work gave the band a richer, fuller sound. This was also when the band’s mix of classic Dead songs and newer material from albums like In the Dark (released in 1987) brought exciting energy, with “Touch of Grey” quickly becoming a crowd favorite.
Setlist Breakdown: June 30, 1988, Silver Stadium
Here’s a breakdown of the June 30, 1988 show, featuring classic Dead staples, crowd-pleasing surprises, and newer hits:
First Set:
- “Box of Rain”: A beautiful Phil Lesh opener, setting a reflective tone.
- “Cold Rain and Snow”: A traditional, lively start to get the crowd moving.
- “New Minglewood Blues”: A classic cover, loose and full of energy.
- “Ramble On Rose”: A beloved country-folk tune, always a joy.
- “Me and My Uncle” > “Mexicali Blues”: A classic cowboy medley, showcasing Bob Weir’s vocal prowess.
- “Far From Me”: A Brent Mydland original, highlighting his soulful contributions.
- “Queen Jane Approximately”: A Bob Dylan cover, always given a unique Dead twist.
- “Don’t Ease Me In”: An energetic, bluesy finisher for the first set.
Second Set:
- “Green Onions”: A fantastic, unexpected instrumental opener (first and only time played live by the Dead!), setting a funky, groove-heavy tone.
- “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider”: One of the Dead’s most iconic and seamless segues, a journey of improvisation and energy.
- “Samson and Delilah”: A powerful traditional spiritual, a crowd favorite with its driving rhythm.
- “Believe It Or Not”: A rare Brent Mydland original, a pleasant surprise.
- “Truckin'” > “He’s Gone”: A legendary pairing, moving from road-trip anthem to mournful ballad, showcasing the band’s emotional depth.
- “Drums” > “Space”: The always-unpredictable, free-form sonic exploration, a hallmark of Dead shows.
- “The Other One” > “Wharf Rat”: A psychedelic, jam-heavy journey followed by a poignant, storytelling ballad.
- “Throwing Stones” > “Turn On Your Love Light”: A powerful late-set combination, building intensity with political commentary and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Encore:
- “Brokedown Palace”: A beautiful, reflective ballad to perfectly close out an unforgettable night.
Noticeably, the often-played “Hell in a Bucket,” “Sugaree,” “Might As Well,” “It’s All Over Now,” “Tennessee Jed,” “The Music Never Stopped,” “Iko Iko,” “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain,” “Playin’ in the Band” > “Uncle John’s Band” > “Playin’ in the Band” and “Stella Blue” were not part of this particular show’s official setlist as was previously mentioned, making the actual setlist for June 30, 1988, even more unique with the inclusion of “Green Onions” and a more varied first set. It’s these kinds of deep dives that Don loves to explore!
Why This Show Stands Out:
- Brent Mydland’s Contribution: In 1988, Brent was fully settled, and his keyboard and vocal work was pivotal. His contributions on tracks like “Far From Me” and “Believe It Or Not” added a rich layer to the band’s sound.
- A Perfect Summer Night: The setting of Silver Stadium – spacious but still intimate – made it feel like the ideal place for a summer Dead show. The crowd was dancing, laughing, and singing along under the stars, and the Dead’s energy reflected that carefree summer vibe.
- Musical Excellence: The band’s tightness and improvisational prowess were on full display. The “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider” and the extended second set jam were highlights of their ability to meld songs and take the audience on a musical journey. The debut of “Green Onions” speaks volumes about their willingness to explore.
- The Crowd’s Connection: The energy in the venue was palpable. Whether it was the dancing in the aisles or the sing-alongs, the audience was fully engaged, making the experience even more magical.
The June 30, 1988, show at Silver Stadium was one of those quintessential Grateful Dead performances that captured the magic of their late-’80s era—tight, energetic, and filled with improvisational brilliance. With a great setlist, the Dead were able to blend their classic tunes with newer hits, creating a performance that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The combination of Brent Mydland’s musical contributions, the band’s chemistry, and the celebratory summer atmosphere made this show a highlight of the 1988 tour.
So buckle up, Deadheads, because tonight on “Dead Set Live,” we’re not just playing songs; we’re reliving history, one electrifying live note at a time. The energy is palpable, the music is eternal, and the jam is about to begin! After our “Live Jam,” make sure you switch over for Don’s unique musical tapestry and experience the magic of June 30, 1988! Do you have a favorite track from this show, or maybe a particular moment you find special in their late ’80s catalog? Let us know!
