u/AdbmalBoyo

Some venues seem to get the most out of the Dead, and the Avalon was one of them.

I love these shows, and even the weakest ones seem to get something really unique and interesting out of the gang. The 90-minute sets could have been restricting, but it seems like it forced the Dead to focus in on shorter, hotter jams. Best case of this (in my opinion) is the brilliant 10/12/68 show, which I think is the best of that year barring the absence of Pigpen. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more chugging version of "St. Stephen > The Eleven > Death Don't Have No Mercy."

I'd love to hear some of your favorite Avalon shows or moments. More love for a home venue can't be a bad thing, eh?