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back in the day when I was taking dead novices and dso virgins to shows, I really wanted them to play this era. Now I’d rather hear dso do originals, mid to late 80’s or old school. Most of my my friends now listen to dead at least in a rotation. They did that 69 at Louisville several years ago and it was a buddys 1sr show. I was worried but he thought it was the greatest thing ever. He was using big boy Pete lyrics that week and I’m like what’s that from. He’s like we heard it in Louisville. Note he likes to go big on getting a buzz on so that era was kind to him that night lol. I got a forty-five to keep me alive Seven bullets on my side

Im at a place where I’m less enthused by 1976-1978 setlists, so when I arrived & saw the set up and the Travis bean, I was a little bit let down (while also absolutely loving that Travis Bean tone, FYI). I decided to make the most of it, trying to place the show. When I head the Bertha>good lovin, I knew it wasn’t 76. When the three slow songs happened in the first set, I realized it had to be 1978. Why they ever needed three slow songs back to back, I don’t know, but DSO played them like consummate professionals. Eaton won me over with his slide guitar all night, and Barraco was playing really well. At set break I figured out it was 9/16/78, and wondered how the second set would actually go. it went fantastic! The energy grew and bounced between a great crowd and the band and it is in those moments I felt some lift off. it’s a reminder to me: no matter my headspace or what the set list looks like: when the band is playing well, it doesn’t matter what the set list looks like. I had a blast in Asheville! Thanks DSO!

Typical Grateful Dead fashion, just because they hauled all their equipment, etc. to the feet of the Sphinx, played under a full moon, lunar eclipse, doesn’t mean it will be a good show. Hey, they stunk up Woodstock. What turns out to be the best shows can be found in the strangest of places, if you look at it right.