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The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA (11/5/79) China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Cassidy Friend of the Devil El Paso Stagger Lee Passenger Peggy-O Music Never Stopped Althea Easy to Love You Eyes of the World Estimated Prophet Franklin's Tower drums Lost Sailor Saint of Circumstance Sugar Magnolia Casey Jones Box of Rain

This was a really good show last night. China Cat opener immediately set the tone and had the entire audience hooked and very happy. This continued for the first set, very good playing by the band and a very receptive and vocal audience cheering the band on through the musical peaks. Most of the house on their feet, even though the theater was full of seats. Kind of tough to pick highlights, as the band played very strong renditions of all first set songs, but after a quick build up to the peak during China/Rider, Cassidy kept it moving right along. Friend of the Devil was a nice breather, with El Paso getting everyone moving again. Stagger Lee's groove was fun to dance to, Passenger delivered straight intensity, Peggy O again was a bit of a breather, followed by yet another dizzying, frenzied climax to end the first set with TMNS. Set two eased us back in with a strong and well played Althea. Easy to Love You was the calm before the highlight of the night, Eyes of the World. Eyes contained some very delirious peaks, as good I have ever seen the band play. Estimated came out of Eyes, as juicy and treacherous sounding as ever. Franklin's continued the high, and by this point I was nearly spent. Drums and short space section let everyone catch their breath, another slow build with Lost Sailor/Saint, Sugar Magnolia and Casey Jones allowed us all to cut loose again, followed by Lisa joining the rest of the band and Dino swapping out on drums for a guest drummer on Box of Rain. So, this night was why I go see these guys. Really beautiful music. 5 hours of insane traffic coming from CT, made it just in time, was nicely surprised by a front row aisle ticket waiting for me at will call, plenty of room down in front, drive to Long Island last night, missed my turn, Lincoln Tunnel, center of Manhattan, another tunnel, finally wound up at my brother in law's around 4am, long day, 😴 😴 😴

Agreed! I love the disco style of keys in 79 shows. Such a delight to my ears. So of course, I love some Blondie played on a jukebox at 3 am in a punk rock dive bar in NOLA.😜

Agreed about EOTW. There was a power in there that took you out of yourself. AS an old DH- first show 68, I love DSO's rendition of the Dead experience. They really deliver. Wonderful night of non-stop jive, boogie, and whirl. Very nice crowd and very comfortable venue ( except, didn't men pee when the place was built?). Right about the beer lines, but again, the bartenders were nice and working hard- plus, if you like whiskey- they gave it to you and but good. I brought my friend. He loves rock, but is a Dead neophyte. We went to Citifield for D&Co last year, but I think that, for him, was more the experience than the music- much tailgate action- and his stamina was low by time we got to the front of the "pit." For the DSO show we were 20 rows back dead center and the acoustics were super. I really think DSO taught him what all the Dead love is about last night. I loved Box of Rain encore- it's a song of my life- that and RIpple are part of the golden summer of 1972 in Eugene, Ore.

I was at that GD show! China Rider opener was unprecedented at that time. Crowd went wild... Wish I could have seen this DSO rendition. Can;t wait for Hampton and Maine this summer :)

That's fun. I've always loved Fall 79 shows, and this one is no exception. The original has one of the most exhilarating Eyes of the World in the post-74 era. Garcia just hangs out on the opening chords and intro of eyes for an eternity, setting up a amazing groove. On the auds, you can hear it hypnotize the audience.

The music must move forward. It’s the nature of the beast. Dark Star Orchestra must move forward. Elective set lists are necessary. I was sceptical at first but I now understand. The success the band has achieved as a result of our support has led to this. I now embrace electives and am eternally grateful to the entire band and all of it’s supporting cast for the sacrifices and devotion they have made and given. Anything less than commitment in return is beyond my comprehension. That’s what love is, baby....that’s what love’ll make you do.

I thought it was an Eleven tease.

I love the songbook. You guys are bar none the best executioners of it and have been for some time. I love the electives and the recreations. When I get to attend the show, I’m able to transport to a happy place and dance and be free and there are no distractions because your musicianship and professionalism shine through. Thanks!

A few of us such as me have been listening to the Grateful Dead longer than you have been alive but I can't or just don't bother to remember years and even eras that various songs were played. For me, that it is being played "tonight" and I can dance to that song once again is the most import thing. I try to learn the years just so I can keep a reasonable conversation with you and other loved friends. Peace and Love, Doc

The whole band received this this morning At 80 I was probably the oldest one in the audience so maybe my comments will be dismissed. But I've had many years listening to the Dead and for the past few years listening to you guys. I've always been impressed with your shows but Monday's show hit another level. Had that have been the Dead who performed it, it would have been treasured as one of the classics. I am still on a high. Thanks for an incredible evening and thanks to the crew for an impeccable set list. What way to keep this music alive and to honor the memory of those who first got on the bus. God Bless you all. Lou Ruprecht;-))