u/PlayDeadApp

The Philly faithful, much like New York, always brought energy, and the band knew exactly what to do with it. Our first listen to the Grateful Dead at the Spectrum - one of the great East Coast Grateful Dead rooms, is now available in Hi-Res on Play Dead ⚡️ 

Listen Here: live.gd/1987-09-22

The Philly faithful, much like New York, always brought energy, and the band knew exactly what to do with it. Our first listen to the Grateful Dead at the Spectrum - one of the great East Coast Grateful Dead rooms, is now available in Hi-Res on Play Dead ⚡️ Listen Here: live.gd/1987-09-22

Curated By: David Lemieux

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/192 kHz

Source Media: TDK MA-R90 Cassettes

Hey Pocky Way opens with Brent leading the party before Jerry delivers a beautiful Althea. Little Red Rooster, When Push Comes to Shove follows and a great Masterpiece opens the door for Ramble On Rose . The band has a little Adams Family fun before Cassidy > Deal closes the set and has The Spectrum rocking!

The second set launches with Spencer Davis sitting-in on his own Gimme Some Lovin' before China Cat > I Know You Rider sends the Philly crowd into overdrive. Samson & Delilah keeps the energy high before a powerful Terrapin takes us into Drums > Space and out comes a Two Soldiers Jam with a Playin tease > The Wheel > Truckin’, followed by a gorgeous Stella Blue. Sugar Magnolia brings the fans to their feet before Jerry gives Philadelphia the perfect goodbye with It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.

Fall ’87 is coming down the stretch, and this band is flying like an Eagle. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 20 hours ago

Streaming in Hi-Res for the first time, the Grateful Dead's 3/17/1968 show at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco ⚡️ Originally released as Download Series Volume 6, listen to seven tracks from this historic night now in the Play Dead app live.gd/1968-03-17

u/PlayDeadApp — 6 days ago

Spring Tour '86 West and we're diving in to the opening night of the run at Irvine Meadows, a venue the u/GratefulDead made home for 15 shows throughout their career. Newly mastered from the original cassettes, enjoy the first Dead Drops Tuesday release in the app. Listen Here: live.gd/1986-04-12

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/192 kHz

Source Media: TDK MA-R90 Cassettes

"Hell in a Bucket > Bertha is a solid way to get things rolling, before Bobby digs deep into an extended Little Red Rooster. Jerry follows with a strong Loser, and after Beat It On Down the Line and Althea comes—Willie and the Hand Jive, played only six times by the band. An extended Row Jimmy follows before a smoking Jack Straw closes the first set.

The second set comes roaring back with Cold Rain & Snow > Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World, and the band is locked in. The Rhythm Devils take over before Space gives way to Truckin' > with Phil rumbling underneath for the entire transition until the bombs bring us The Other One, and it’s coming around in Irvine! Jerry brings everyone back with a passionate Wharf Rat, and One More Saturday Night ends a smoking second set. The Mighty Quinn shows up to send everyone home smiling! Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 9 days ago

By Night Four, once again Madison Square Garden feels like home, and finds the band complete settled in. The exchange between the band and the New York faithful is just exactly perfect. Listen Here: live.gd/1987-09-19

 

Recorded By: Dan Healy
Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft
Mastered By: David Glasser
Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/192 kHz
Source Media: TDK MA-R90 Cassettes

"Mississippi Half-Step opens with confidence before It's All Over Now and a heartfelt High Time from Jerry slows things down. Bobby takes everyone west with Mexicali Blues > Big River, while When Push Comes to Shove continues its early rotation. Phil steps to the microphone for Box of Rain, and Don't Ease Me In closes a terrific first set and the crowd is locked in.

The second set is packed with highlights. Crazy Fingers to open > Uncle John's Band > Playing in the Band unfolds beautifully, each transition flowing into the next before the Rhythm Devils launch into Drums > Out of Space, the band is looking for a spark and too much of everything is just enough with I Need a Miracle > Maggie's Farm, a rare spot for Maggie’s Farm but no one’s complaining. Jerry follows with a soulful Black Peter, and Around & Around > Lovelight has the whole Garden on its feet dancing the night away.

The encore, Black Muddy River, brings everyone back together and closes another remarkable night in New York." - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 15 days ago

We're back at Madison Square Garden, and it's 1987. The first Dead Drop of the week comes from night one of the storied five-night run, and from the opening notes it's obvious they're ready to make another Garden run memorable. Listen Here: live.gd/1987-09-15

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/192 kHz

Source Media: TDK MA-R90 Cassettes

"Hey Pocky Way gets the call, and Brent's husky voice immediately fills the room. Minglewood Blues keeps the energy high before the relatively new When Push Comes to Shove makes an appearance. Then comes one of those classic Garden moments—a surprise Beer Barrel Polka that has the entire arena laughing and singing along. Me & My Uncle > Mexicali Blues brings the cowboy tunes before Jerry settles into a beautiful Row Jimmy. Queen Jane, Tennessee Jed, and a powerful The Music Never Stopped sends the first set out in style.

The second set is vintage '87. China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider gets the Garden dancing before Estimated Prophet > Eyes of the World carries the band into one of those effortless, flowing jams. The Rhythm Devils take over, and out of Space comes The Wheel > Gimme Some Lovin' > Black Peter. Jerry's voice is full of emotion before Sugar Magnolia lifts the room one last time.

Baby Blue closes another outstanding night at the Garden." - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 15 days ago

Looking back at the final performance of the ‘92 three-night run in Atlanta, the second Dead Drops release this week. ⚡ Listen Here: live.gd/1992-03-03

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Ampex 467 R-120 DATs

“Night three at The Omni, and the band came out of the gate hot.

Hell in a Bucket > Sugaree opens with plenty of energy. Jerry settles into Sugaree and stretches things out before Walkin' Blues and a sweet Candyman. Queen Jane and Tennessee Jed have the vibe on the rise, moving before the relatively new Corrina closes things out.

The second set starts exactly where you want an Atlanta party to start: Iko Iko. From there, Playin in the Band > Uncle John's Band opens everything up. Phil's Wave to the Wind brings some new material into the mix before the Rhythm Devils take over. Out of Drums > Space, the band quietly finds its way into China Doll, with Jerry bringing the room back down to earth. Then Throwing Stones > Turn On Your Lovelight takes The Omni from reflection right back into celebration.

And after three nights in Atlanta, Brokedown Palace couldn't be a better goodbye.

Three shows down, and Spring Tour '92 is officially rolling! Enjoy!” - Martin Knott 

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u/PlayDeadApp — 20 days ago

Spring Tour 1992 is underway, and The Omni is fully alive. Taking a deeper dive into night two of the three night run, now streaming exclusively on Play Dead 🔥 Listen Here: live.gd/1992-03-02

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Ampex 467 R-120 DATs

“Cold Rain & Snow opens and Jerry immediately has everyone’s attention. Little Red Rooster follows before Brown-Eyed Women settles into that familiar groove. An spirited first-set It’s All Over Now is a beautiful surprise, with Bruce leading the way, a soulful Loser follows before . Bobby delivers Masterpiece, and a smoking Deal closes the set.

The second set is loaded. China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider gets everyone dancing up a storm before Women Are Smarter takes the energy to another level. Then comes Terrapin Station, and the band spoils us with a great version which leads us into Drums and a surprise of its own—Billy and the infamous jackhammer. If you were drifting, you wouldn’t be anymore. What a sound inside The Omni.

Out of Space, Phil brings The Other One roaring to life before Jerry delivers a gorgeous Stella Blue. Around & Around closes the set, and Knockin' on Heaven's Door sends us back into the Atlanta night. The tour is just beginning, and this band is already on fire. Enjoy!” - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 23 days ago

First up for today's Dead Drops, night two of the 1988 stand at The Centrum in Worcester, MA 💀 ⚡️ Listen Here: live.gd/1988-04-08 Recorded By: Dan Healy Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft Mastered By: David Glasser Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz Source Media: Sony DT-90 DATs

"Jack Straw gets things started before Jerry slides into a silky West L.A. Fadeaway. Little Red Rooster gives Bobby some room, while Stagger Lee and Queen Jane keep the characters coming. Jerry delivers a soulful Loser before the band stretches out on Let It Grow to close a strong first set.

The second set is where this one really takes off. Playing in the Band > Crazy Fingers > Uncle John's Band is a beautiful sequence, with the band moving effortlessly from one song to the next before heading deep into Drums > Space. Out of the jam, Phil starts rumbling and The Other One explodes into the room. Jerry follows with a powerful Black Peter, bringing everyone back down before Lovelight turns The Centrum into a full-blown party.

Then Jerry returns for a beautiful Black Muddy River, the perfect encore after a second set that covers it all. The band came out of Hartford hot, and they haven't cooled down one bit! Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 30 days ago

Night two at the Hartford Civic Center is another burner 🔥 Spring '88 continues to roll in on Play Dead 💀 Listen Here: live.gd/1988-04-04

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Sony DT-90 DATs

"Night two at the Hartford Civic Center, and the band has settled into the building, the Northeast faithful are bringing the energy, and Spring '88 continues to roll.

Alabama Getaway > Johnny B. Goode comes tearing out of the gate before Good Times turns the party towards better times, Jerry settles into a sweet They Love Each Other, Bobby brings us Queen Jane, and a rare When Push Comes to Shove gives way to a beautiful Cassidy. Don't Ease Me In closes a high-energy first set for the second night in a row…they can’t help themselves.

Touch of Grey opens the second set and everybody's singing—we will get by. Bobby pours everything into Looks Like Rain before Truckin' > He's Gone takes the band deep into Drums > Space. Then Phil begins to rumble and The Other One explodes into Hartford. Jerry delivers a passionate Stella Blue before Good Lovin' gets everyone back on their feet. Brent takes over with Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude, and the whole building is singing along.

U.S. Blues closes another hot night in Hartford. Two down. One to go. This band is rolling. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 1 month ago

Never had such a good time! Looking back at the opening night of the '88 three-night run at Hartford Civic Center, now streaming exclusively in Hi-Res on Play Dead💀 Listen Here: live.gd/1988-04-03

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Sony DT-90 DATs

"Spring Tour '88 is rolling north, and after blowing the doors off Brendan Byrne Arena in Jersey, the band comes high-stepping into Hartford for the first of three nights. The Northeast faithful are ready, and so is the band.

Promised Land > Greatest Story Ever Told > Althea opens the show and everyone is locked in, Jerry just shining on Althea. Little Red Rooster gives Bobby room to crow before rare mid set Cold Rain & Snow pushes the energy. Memphis Blues is hot, Phil steps forward with Box of Rain, and Don't Ease Me In sends the first set out rocking.

The second set gets deep immediately with Playing in the Band > Crazy Fingers > Franklin's Tower. That's a beautiful stretch of Grateful Dead music and the band is on fire. Women Are Smarter keeps everyone moving before the Rhythm Devils take over. Out of Drums > Space, Gimme Some Lovin' > Black Peter > Turn On Your Lovelight takes Hartford from Good Lovin to Dying and back to turning on the Lovelight, let it shine let it shine.

Jerry closes the night with It's All Over Now, Baby Blue. Strike another match go start a new…

One down. Two to go. Hartford is officially fully alive. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 1 month ago

Welcome to our first 1974 Dead Drops release from Roanoke, one of only two shows that Keith Godchaux plays a Fender Rhodes electric piano run through a Leslie speaker for the entire show. Listen Here: live.gd/1974-07-27

"Listen closely to this crisp recording because Keith's playing completely changes the feel of the music. The Rhodes delivered through the Leslie Speaker swirls, giving the entire show a liquid feel.

Bertha, Row Jimmy, and a beautifully played It Must Have Been the Roses all benefit from Keith's work, while Me and Bobby McGee swings effortlessly into a monster 26-minute Playing in the Band. Midway through the night, Phil and Ned step forward before the band eases into a flowing China Cat > Rider. Everyone is Feelin Groovy and the second set keeps delivering with U.S. Blues > Promised Land > Brokedown Palace. Everyone is kicking on the vocals on a killer Not Fade Away > Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad > Johnny B. Goode to end this totally unique show.

A truly special show and only Play Dead’s one-of-a-kind sound. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 1 month ago

Looking back at June's Dead Drops, streaming exclusively on Play Dead 💀

Nine shows across the Midwest in the spring of '89, and the final night of the '91 summer six-show West Coast run are available to listen to in Hi-Res for the first time.

Were you at any of the ten shows released this month?

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

For the first time, Dave's Picks 58 is now streaming! 🎧 Listen now at live.gd/Daves-1973-12-18, exclusively on Play Dead.

From DICK'S PICKS VOLUME 1 to DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 58, Curtis Hixon Hall is front and center once again as we shed a little lovelight on the complete, unreleased show from 12/18/73.

On this one, you'll find the band coastin' off that EUROPE '72 sound ("Tennessee Jed," "Brown-Eyed Women," a not-to-be-missed mix of "China>Rider"), testing the tempo of the newly debuted (12/12/73) pretty little "Peggy-O," and morphing WAKE OF THE FLOOD tracks ("Weather Report Suite," "Row Jimmy," and "Eyes of The World" - best of the year, at its peak!) into live form.

"Dark Star," increasingly rare, drifts into the second set, clocking in at nearly 22 minutes, and dare we say this just might be Dave's favorite "Wharf Rat"? Play it back-to-back with Dick's Picks Volume 1: 12/19/73. You'll be hard pressed to pick the better show.

Unlock the Vault to stream Dave's Picks Vol. 58, and all 58 exclusive releases⚡

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

First up for this week's Dead Drops is night one at The Mecca in Milwaukee, WI. Unlock the Vault and listen to the complete performance in Hi-Res exclusively on playdead.app

Listen Here: live.gd/1989-04-15

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Maxell R90DM & Sony DT-90 DATs

u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

The 50th Anniversary Remaster of the Grateful Dead's STEAL YOUR FACE live album is out today, and streaming in Hi-Res on Play Dead ⚡️ live.gd/SYF50

Following the 1974 Winterland run, Jerry Garcia spent the next three years immersed in editing The Grateful Dead Movie (1977), while Phil Lesh and Owsley “Bear” Stanley began mining the 16-track tapes for a live album. The songs they chose balanced road-tested rockers (“U.S. Blues” and “Promised Land”), with standout songs from band member solo albums (“Stella Blue” and “Black-Throated Wind”) and choice covers (“Big River” and “El Paso”). In perfect Dead synchrony, their “farewell” live album arrived in June 1976, the same month the band officially returned to the road, ending the 20-month touring hiatus.

STEAL YOUR FACE marked the end of an ambitious period in the band’s history, which at the time featured Garcia, Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Keith Godchaux, and Donna Jean Godchaux. The live album became the last album released on the band’s independent label, Grateful Dead Records, and captured the fabled Wall of Sound’s final shows.

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

The final night at Rosemont finds the band firing on all cylinders. The energy is high and the crowd is prepared to continue the party as Spring '89 just keeps delivering. Listen Here: live.gd/1989-04-13

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Maxell R90DM & Sony DT-90 DATs

"A rare Iko Iko opener gets the party started before Greatest Story Ever Told and El Paso take the crowd on a ride. It's All Over Now gives way to the first To Lay Me Down of the tour, a beautiful moment that settles the room before the catch colt draws the Coffin Cart into Don't Ease Me In to close a strong first set.

The second set opens with Foolish Heart, a song that seems to get stronger every time they play it. Looks Like Rain is passionate and powerful before a soaring Eyes of the World lifts the room even higher. Drums > Space takes the audience deep before The Wheel gently emerges from the chaos.

The closing stretch is pure Spring '89: I Need a Miracle > Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude Reprise > Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad > and a dance up a storm version of Good Lovin'. The encore, It's All Over Now, Baby Blue, provides the perfect farewell to a remarkable three-night run.

Chicago is in the books. The tour rolls on. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

"The storyteller makes no choice" 🕊️ Remembering Robert Hunter on what would have been his 85th trip around the sun, this new "Hunter" playlist gathers a few of our favorite Dead Drop versions from Hunter-penned classics. Listen now ➡️ live.gd/Hunter #PlayDead #GratefulDead #GDVault

u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

Another stop on the legendary Spring 1989 Tour is now streaming exclusively on Play Dead. This time it's Chicago, and the show from Rosemont Horizon on April 11th is available to listen to in Hi-Res in the app.

Listen Here: live.gd/1989-04-11

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Maxell R90DM & Sony DT-90 DATs

"A Shakedown Street opener has the Rosemont crowd dancing from the first note. Shakedown openers are usually a good sign, and this night follows the script. Little Red Rooster and Friend of the Devil keep things moving before the band turns its attention to newer material. Victim or the Crime, Built to Last, and Brent's heartfelt We Can Run But We Can't Hide showcase where the band was headed in 1989, and you can practically hear Chicago's heart beating along with Brent's message. A beautiful Memphis Blues follows before Deal puts the exclamation point a on a strong first set.

It's a Tuesday, so naturally Samson & Delilah kicks off set two. Crazy Fingers has Jerry shining throughout, before Bobby takes the wheel with Playin' in the Band, which beautifully rolls into a powerful Terrapin Station. The Rhythm Devils take over during Drums. Out of Space, the band emerges with a spirited Gimme Some Lovin' before Jerry delivers the relatively new Standing on the Moon, already sounding like a future classic.

Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away brings the house down, and a patriotic U.S. Blues sends everyone into the Chicago night smiling. Night one at Rosemont is in the books, and Spring '89 just keeps getting hotter. Enjoy!" - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

For our second Dead Drop, we head west for the final night of a six-show California run split between Cal Expo and Shoreline— Hornsby is on fire!

Listen to the Grateful Dead’s August 18th, 1991 performance in newly remastered Hi-Res audio, exclusively on Play Dead.

Listen Here: live.gd/1991-08-18

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Ampex 467 R-120 DATs

“A hot Bucket tears out of the gate with Bobby leading the charge. Garcia answers with a strong Jack-A-Roe, then C.C. Rider > It Takes a Lot to Laugh gives Jerry a chance to settle into an old Dylan classic. An 18-beat Beat It on Down the Line, a silky West L.A. Fadeaway, and a beautiful Masterpiece welcome Stagger Lee and Johnny B. Goode to close the set.

The second set begins with a set closer in Deal into three set openers, Samson & Delilah > Mississippi Half-Step > Feel Like a Stranger, the boys with a surprise up their sleeve for the hometown crowd. Out of a magical Drums > Space, the band tiptoes into a gorgeous China Doll, then rolls through Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away.

Brokedown Palace sends everyone home. In a week or so, a hot band heads off to Ohio to open the Fall Tour in which I was pleased to meet them. Enjoy” - Martin Knott

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago

Spring Tour 1989 rolls on into Cincinnati for a one-night stop at Riverfront Arena. We've left Ann Arbor, where the celebration is still going and the band arrives with momentum that doesn't let up.

Listen to the Grateful Dead’s April 8th, 1989 performance in newly remastered Hi-Res audio exclusively on Play Dead.

Listen Here: live.gd/1989-04-08

Recorded By: Dan Healy

Tape Transfer By: Sonicraft

Mastered By: David Glasser

Master Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz

Source Media: Maxell R90DM DATs

“Let the Good Times Roll > Wang Dang Doodle gets everyone on board immediately, with Bobby leading the charge and Jerry filling in with strong vocals. West L.A. Fadeaway is smooth and straight at you, while Brent delivers one of the great versions of Blow Away. Queen Jane Approximately, a soulful Loser, and Cassidy > Don't Ease Me In close a terrific first set.

The second set keeps the energy flowing with China > Rider before Bobby pours everything he has into Looks Like Rain. Jerry follows that with a soaring Eyes of the World that feels like the centerpiece of the night. The Rhythm Devils are on during Drums and Space will take you to the moon. The band then rolls out The Wheel > Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude Reprise > I Need a Miracle > Black Peter before closing the set with One More Saturday Night.

Phil delivers a rare Box of Rain encore, and another great night of Spring Tour 1989 is in the books. Enjoy!” - Martin Knott.

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u/PlayDeadApp — 2 months ago