Grateful dead 05/1966 Avalon Ballroom San francisco CA

[@jimmymurphy7789]

High School dances in the Girl's Gym sounded just like this: real echoey & drum-heavy, but with all that & the mini-skirts to boot - oh how exciting & electrifying those nights were back then.

[@Blue4UMusic]

I stayed at my friend Dennis DeMartini's upper flat on Haight Street in the summers of 66-67 and he took me around the Haight and introduced me to the Dead at their house, Janis on the street, the psychedelic Shop. The whole scene, I am blessed!

[@eminem13001]

Jim Kristensen wow that’s awesome!

[@d_walsh]

Very cool...

[@Imabeatyouman]

CHERISH your time

[@daishabittick8872]

and you should be blessed I'd give anything for the experience

[@daishabittick8872]

I get to turn on a fm radio plagued with no talent sickening lyrics pure absolute garbage in this sad year of 2020 all of you were so blessed and lucky all I have is the music DVDs and records and stories... I used to be so upset at my parents for when I was born as a teen like there was a choice lol

[@TroyOuellette-zs7ue]

I fucking love this primal Dead man!!!!

[@simonsbuddy1806]

This is a real treat...1966!! Well before the record was released (around March 1967), probably recorded around this time. I don't recall ever hearing such punctuated drumming from Kreutzman, as in Cream Puff War and Cold Rain and Snow. This is the REAL DEAL.

[@markturner6942]

Ron's blues harp is so fine, had himself a fine blues band.

[@ricjan58]

If I had a time capsule,I'd go back to San Fransisco circa 1965-66 and absorb every note of the music played.Oh well,maybe in heaven.

[@heyjoe1813]

me too

[@ryanmoore2779]

Yep I would attempt to pass the acid test 65’ Muir Woods

[@daishabittick8872]

you lucky ass I'd shaved off half mine to be able to live a couple years in that time

[@nankypooh655]

I LOVE THIS ERA OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD! Thanks for posting and sharing!😁👍🤘🤟✌❤

[@lukemaggioli]

14:22 Love hearing the beginning stages of Jerry's chromatic approach to soloing using the lyrical melody as a base for his phrasing. Then branching out to more improvisation afterwards.. layin' out the groundwork for what was to come "Some got six months.. some got one SOLID!"

[@jimjarnagin5344]

Luke Maggioli Thanks for pointing that out, you can definitely hear the beginnings of where he would soon end up. Cool to hear Jerry learning on the job! 😊

[@andrewmasset8751]

1 year before i arrived in SF....Watched it all happen in 2 years..What a fuckin Rock n' Roll journey that was....Mind blowin...

[@stefanschleps8758]

Thanks for bringing me back to the endless possibilities when life was weird, beautiful, interesting and was never ever boring. Still alive and well. Jerry RIP. NFA.

[@davidholiday4494]

You know..this is absolutely amazing...I have no idea whatsoever what was wrong with my brain/heart in those days (though I was only 11 in 1966) however, being the youngest of four growing up in the Bay Area (Oakland) I was pretty well educated in these type of things. Cut school to go to the Haight and Berkeley etc. BUT I never got into the Dead until fairly recently. Honest!!! Now I listen to this and really wonder what the fuck was going on...I became obsessed with Janis and BB, the Airplane, Quicksilver, Steve Miller, Mother Earth, Elvin Bishop etc. (and all the English bands) I guess my brother and sisters were not into them although we had the first album. But they are very different live and I find these recordings absolutely wonderful!!! Now, in my early 60's I am getting to know early, live dead and I am absolutely gob smacked!!! It must have been that Panama Red that my brother in law had growing in his garden...first taste at 13 on the way to Catholic School...changed my life forever..but I fucking missed out on the dead!!!! Oh well, back to the drawing board!!! THANK YOU for posting and educating this somewhat dumb and aging former Californian. I live in London now.

[@fallspeed]

There's so much great music out there, but only so many hours to listen to it.

[@reeceschrock396]

Just take what impact it had on you at 13 and run with it. It could have gone all sorts of ways. By the time it was in the air, every single run away in America was rockin the haight. One atmosphere can only hold so many people. It probably must have not been to be. You could have gotten busted at a dead show in the 1970s. You could have discovered LSD, got slipped PCP. Could fall into bad crowd. Who knows.

[@davidholiday4494]

@@reeceschrock396 You are absolutely right - and I have been through some difficult scrapes in my life - I am sure I have some guardian angel of some kind....Janis????

[@roygoad2870]

Man I saw the Dead in 1970 at the Bickershaw/Hollywood music festival near Newcastle in England, I was 16 years old, it was the one that’s famous for In the Summertime Mungo Jerry. We had so much music to see back then, though I think I’d rather listen to the Dead now though lol

[@danielmoore7332]

The original 5 man electrical groove. raw & gooood!

[@Uranverein]

I disagree. This is one of the best mixes for Pigpen that I've ever heard. They usually have his parts just barely audible, but this one comes through real clear on every chord. His tone seems brighter than it usually sounds. More of a high-end ballpark organ sound. Great concert. Thanks for posting.

[@GreenCloudArtOrg420]

Well said, Chief 😎💚✌💎🍄👑🇺🇸💙

[@ladyhonor822]

❤😢1965

[@ingoperkele915]

A huge appreciation for sharing this wonderful time peace. Great music never die. Greetings from Germany❤

[@Awesomehippie16]

The drums are so fucking heavy, I love it. One of my favorite early shows. Especially good while stoned

[@alexgomez-ul2mr]

timbrosnan.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/gd7-war.png

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

Yes!! So bluesy too w/Pig there!

[@TheBerndude]

Billy is a monster drummer. So tight. I love the "one drummer" Dead years for that reason.

[@scottd3080]

During this era 66-72. Pig was known as the front man for the band. The Dead were more Blues and Acid, and Bobby and Jerry backed up Pig. During that time, Jerry was starting to learn to flex his muscles when the dead jammed....

[@dennisbremner3088]

my favorite era of the dead

[@hollywoodjoe8750]

Love and live like pigpen

[@ray2022]

Not really. I was around them a lot just after Warlocks..It's true Ron was very good as a front man, harp, excellent, he did command the stage. But up through Cold Rain and Snow, Viola Lee those came a few months after Jerry and Bobby had done much of the singing, and Jerry and especially Phil musically, were the adventurous ones from the very beginning, they would take flight. The others held the rhythm together.

[@reeceschrock396]

I do believe they all had lead singing and guitar slots on certain songs, but I do believe that it is hard to be a front man behind organ keys. But what sticks out to me is how the band started stearing away from the rnb blues influence Pigpen favored and it was his suggestion aparently to start an electric band. I can not tell whose favor it worked in.

[@MarvinMonroe]

72? No 66-72 isn't one era. It's more like it contains three eras. 65-67 would be the Pig leader era 68-70 is the Live Dead Dark Star era Then 70-72

[@RDRoger]

I was exploring early Dead music and stumbled on this musical gem! I was totally entertained for a full hour! "Cream Puff War" sung by Jerry Garcia was fantastic and the band jammed! The sound of mid-60's style music was great.

[@digginlyf57]

i'm sitting here listening to this and it so AMAZING!!! ...i don't know how you tapers do what you do but i sure LOVE YOU FOR DOING IT!!! my life's kind of been on the shitter as of late until this morning when a huge wave of GD washed over me like a hurricane,rocked me to the core......and i know things will be alright...thank-you 3X and more...6.3.12...sff.

[@SusannahPerri]

Thank you for sharing this recording!!! I started going to Avalon right around this time and saw the Dead, Quicksilver, Big Brother, and so many others every weekend! I still dream about it sometimes. I am so so lucky to have experienced that special, magical, time, and place in music and history. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@reeceschrock396]

Man, Billys drums sound phenomenal here.

[@MrWallybones]

the dead could play the blues like nobody's business. god bless the lads.

[@backbayl]

I was listening to 13th floor elevators at Avalon sept 1966 and wanted to hear the dead s sound at that time and same venue. It's interesting to contrast the difference in sound in regional influences. I'm curious to hear first hand accounts of folks who might have been at both shows.

[@johncollins2442]

This is a very interesting recording of the Dead as its members were fairly new at using electric instruments. Although Jerry, Bobbie and Pigpen had toured for several years, they only used acoustical instruments. Not until mid 1965 did they form an electric band with Phil on bass and Bill on drums. So, this recording took place only about a year after their first performance. Although it does not have the quality of the recordings of those from 2 years later or so, it is entertaining as it demonstrates the skills that many in the band had. It is a showcase with the promise of things to come. On a more personal note, for me, this reminds me of live music that I heard in the bars of NY as a recent high school graduate. Most of the bar owners were only concerned with how many of us the bands could draw in and how much money they made. Most bands were not very good. Yet, as long as you could hear the drums and bass, you could dance to it and that made most happy. The SF sound hadn't reach us us on Long Island in 1966 and so the bands played standards. 'Good Lovin' was released that year and so many bands did that one as did the Dead on this recording. Most of the other songs that I hears were either older standards from the 50's or early 60's. Of course some of the current songs of the time such as 'Respect' were also song. I don't remember hearing many of the songs that the Dead did.

[@ray2022]

In the very beginning down in Palo Alto/San Bruno, they played r and b and some hits off radio but by the time I first saw them, 1965, they had started on Dylan and then a little Motown, Dancin in the Streets..whatever suited their appetite that day. Blues too that was a good set filler. Most exciting for me was Cold Rain and Snow as it sounded so fresh and tight live, in 1966.

[@KentokkilHome]

Thank silvr90210 mine & The Dead for sharing this! - In 1966 I turned 9 and was educated by my mom that long hair and beat music is sin - without success...

[@silvr90210]

+Kentokkil Home :) No prob.

[@TheRunar1000]

Great just, great sound on this recording . Thanks , i think all here agree..

[@silvr90210]

I was a twinkle inside the twinkle in my grandfather's eye.

[@timothyallensmith-in-orbit8453]

Wow, never heard "New Minglewood Blues" like that b4!!!

[@georgebethos7890]

This is a absolutely classic 1966 grateful dead thank you so much for posting you have done a true public service🕉☯️🙀💊💊💊💊💊💀💀💀🙏💉

[@russcohen3779]

Love this fabulous gig Thankyou wish you would post more early dead

[@MrPeanutDojo]

I am currently wearing the T-shirt from this concert. Cheers bro, I really appreciate this.

[@DennisCampbell777]

I did not know the Dead were covering Baby Blue this far back. Fantastic! The best sounding 66 show I've ever heard. Jerry was still trying to get comfortable. Love it thanks.

[@luckybum13]

Pigpen's organ really lights the joint up. What a great recording

[@sangielissa]

This is so freakin' awesome!!!! I can't believe you did such a GREAT job of putting this together and putting it out here. AMAZING! THANK YOU,SILVR. The tunes are outasite!!!

[@donbuck8110]

Great stuff, great sound, I wish this was around 45yrs ago whenI I liked the Dead, however I like this a lot.

[@rimshot9421]

Love this vintage stuff ! Keep up the good work !

[@scottbaer7698]

saw my first show soldier Field, Chicago very last show 95. if ever a time machine is working, I'm going back to 65, 66 and the Dead. to be a part of this as it happens is something I'll never be able to comprehend until I'm there. life is cruel.

[@donaldgehre5964]

FYI: comprehension was an over rated part of consciousness in those days.

[@seanbennett494]

Heck that Good Lovin starts hot and never quits! this is like 2x the speed from Fiilmore West 69 versions!

[@johnstallings4049]

THANX 4 posting THIS! Really enjoyed it. Can't understand the thumbs down. ......at ALL! 😶

[@artwarrior5124]

There were time travelers at this show! 🎉

[@stephendenney7349]

This seems like the Bill and Jerry show. :-) But I like how the drums and lead guitar move the music forward.

[@mikesaunders4775]

This is the essential core of the Dead before they had established their jamming stagecraft,pre- Robert Hunter,and with Pigpen playing a far bigger part.You can't put a price on this,its on a par with hearing the Beatles at the Cavern or the Star club.The start of a long strange trip.

[@downhillphilm.6682]

these were the years before tuning apps, a little hard to listen to but worth it for the following reasons: Pig is the heart of the band, Jerry is the soul and the others are the body. together they make art.

[@Trav-ij]

This is amazing !!!! Thank you !

[@floepiejane]

Fuggin dig that hyperspeed electric Silver Threads - WoW!

[@floydj2018]

very nice, sounds great thk for sharing

[@NoRosesForMe]

Pigpen ♥

[@bwanna23]

May,1966. More than a year before their first album release. What an amazing time!

[@silvr90210]

When i get a better computer i will be uploading and converting vids non stop. All of the concerts 69-95, except a few, are on the pirate bay. I do recommend downloading the year of your choice xD

[@jeffreyfay1849]

silvr90210 thx

[@johnstallings4049]

So digging this! Happy Halloween! 🔥🌍💕🔥

[@MrDoubtfulguest]

Thank you! I love these posts, but I do wish these guys had more info. (Jeez, that "Viola Lee Blues" was something, the best I've heard)

[@flannigan79]

Oh, damn. More awesome than anything. One of the greatest things that could possibly be recorded in this universe/timeline. ("muddy water/hollow log" verse in "Rider" that they didn't put in studio YES!) Make mine Avalon '66! Like if you happen to be around at the time and your girlfriend is like, "I wanna go see this Warlocks or Emergency Crew group, or I heard they were maybe gonna be called Mythical Ethical Icicle Tricycle", and you don't wanna go 'cause you're tired or something

[@marcofanari9820]

Great sounding recording. DeadBase X indicates that the date is May 19th, 1966. In the drop down menu the song Watcha gunna do is, Sick and Tired. 🐊🥀✌️

[@AntAtoll]

I was at this gig.

[@supergroovepimp]

FREAKING AWESOME QUALITY my fellow dead- headed friend. : ) Awesome job - Two serious thumbs up !!!! Thanx a bunch and much love to you and yours. : )

[@garyloewenthal]

This seems like the right time in the comments to give a shout-out to Pigpen’s soulful harmonica playing.

[@pistolpeetable]

Pre- 1970 Dead is the best.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

Minglewood Blues. I've been chasing my tail for 16 years to find this rendition. 2nd set hider, heard it on NPR WAY back then, lol

[@rscottmurray]

a great early snapshot of the band. that's Phil singing the high part on songs like Rider and Silver Threads. thanks for uploading

[@carlodelysid]

Yeah they did like each other. They hit it off right off the bat. Micky helped turn them on to the weird time signatures and help dial the rhythm section. Phil and Bobby were not a strong unit back then, Phil never being a mister funky lay down the groove bassist, and Bobby still figuring out how to play electric. Maybe it could be said MIckey bought Bobby needed time to get it together and not be tossed. I can't imagine the Grateful Dead without Bob Weir. Can you? It almost happened.

[@dtchinacat3973]

Although, there may be some truth to what you say, Mickey wasn't in the band during this time; it would be about another year and 1/2 before he shows up!

[@carlodelysid]

@@dtchinacat3973 Huh? I know that. My post was a reply to someone and now appears out of context.

[@RATTLEY67]

Love the Dead.Thanx!!!!

[@donaldgehre5964]

1966 WAS the actual summer of love as Paul Kantner once said. I agree. After the fall of 1966 it wasn't tribal anymore.

[@silvr90210]

it would make my day that's for sure

[@marcofanari9820]

Mindbender and Cream puff War are the only 2 songs attributed to the Dead. The rest are covers and traditional, crazy stuff! 🐊🥀✌️

[@floepiejane]

Bass drum go boom boom

[@raelco1234]

5/19/66!!!!

[@Steve-vy6kg]

Reflecting on a Friday night realizing that Owsley's Magic was still legal when this show was played. Oh how far we've fallen....Yes, Jer, it's a sin, it's a sin....

[@jackstraw2008]

Smokin' Thank You!

[@groovngruey382]

Awesome

[@guitarman2797]

this is stellar

[@LSommer]

ty

[@LSommer]

"We all need Each Other, oh you know it's true" in NMB twice. Then they rewrote the lyrics and stopped using one of my favorite lyrics ever. Anyone know the story?

[@chriswilson2989]

This is so freaking good!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@Bluebirdpowderday]

the way outs from the flinstones

[@KurtKnutsen]

good show!

[@eminem13001]

If I had a time capsule I’d travel back to the beginning of the Grateful shoot attend every performance of the jug band and through the warlocks and then the acid test and after

[@KurtKnutsen]

hey seen the dead,but like this in years.

[@Alligator6002]

Acid Test Era Dead. Fanfuckintastic ! Good loving is just on fire 🔥 Billy's drums man!

[@roguenation]

The classic sound of Ron “Pigpen” McKernan on Farfisa electric organ!

[@sangielissa]

You Betcha!!!

[@luwop3723]

This is the best baby blue

[@zuletadic]

...garage Dead ... best period

[@infosword]

The Gospel according to Pig pen

[@2000joec]

groovy upload man. thanks for the upload.

[@jackstraw]

really, REALLY,good ! Thank you

[@mullerk2]

Thank you kindly for posting this. The only era I like - after 69 I can barely listen to them. Same with the Stones. They really are a very commercial band masquerading as hippies. I occasionally get dragged to a show and I don't think the current fans would have been into them in the 60s.

[@oscartapiamunoz7163]

wHY are thwse things just UNFORGETTABLE'?

[@genefowler2326]

was there (I think ;~) )

[@penisus33]

beutiful

[@wolfkarel]

PRIMAL DEAD

[@d_walsh]

Not yet.. 😊

[@harpua22]

You know it is Jerry singing Its all over now baby blue, not Bobby, right?

[@barrycohen311]

Their vocal styles were different back then. Trippy. Bobby sounds just like Pigpen on Minglewood Blues.

[@MrBugz94]

@silvr90210 you could put the time listings as annotation so people can click the song and skip to the start of the song? unless they remove that feature

[@silvr90210]

lol ill keep it as it is, thanks for posting though

[@billlarstead8019]

Thanks rachmarya for the reply regarding Jerry's singing. He sounded great, and here I thought he just played a little guitar now & then (ha ha).

[@silvr90210]

@MrBugz94 sure

[@giftbearer]

can't like enough to say ;)

[@TheMedixen]

still dancing :-)

[@photoslum]

Always wished they kept golden road and cream puff war in rotation

[@jkerman5113]

I actually kinda like how they seen to mess up and put one instrument too high in many 1966 tapes. Each one focuses on a different instrument.

[@Its_Too_Late]

Mindbender!

[@russcohen3779]

Wish there was a three hour show from 66

[@guyivester7185]

White lightning in a gallon jug!