Grateful Dead - Franklin's Tower @ Radio City 10-31-80

Grateful Dead perform Franklin's Tower live at Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the famed Halloween show

[@jeffmargulies3833]

great memory - around '77, I was cranking Franklins super duper loud in my room - my mother started dancing in the doorway -

[@KirkSH52]

The greatest musical era in the history of the human race. God bless you Jerry.

[@markturner6310]

If you should falter, think only this: that there's some corner of a forgotten field that is forever summer.

[@barnacleboymtk]

12 years old searching for tix outside this show with my 18 year old sister and her boyfriend only to be denied. I was a little intimidated by the fact she told me everyone danced and a 12 year old boy didnt particularly want to dance. less than a year later at the ripe old age of 13 i finally got in at the garden and danced my ass off....

[@joeitoldyouso8925]

I was in the audience for this performance... one hell of a great evening for 13 year old me.

[@FanOfJanis]

Joe, that is SOOO cool! From 1975-1979, I saw The Grateful Dead in concert about 2-dozen times. What can I say? What other band was THE San Francisco Haight-Ashbury counterculture band that were THE house band for Ken Kesey's outrageous Acid Tests? That scene sparked a revolution that eventually radiated out and affect much of the entire world. Then, The Beatles caught a whiff of The Scene, "got on the bus" and took the counterculture vibe worldwide. The combination of the two changed the world. The Grateful Dead were an experience. The Grateful Dead were a philosophy. The Grateful Dead were magical. They rand hot and cold, but no other band toured nearly as much, not nearly. When they were on, it was like you were in another dimension of Bliss, Joy and Love. I've seen Paul McCartney live and in concert, and even he did not surpass the magic The Grateful Dead could, and DID, create when they were on. They had the greatest sound system of any band, much of it driven by McIntosh amplifiers and the like, truly among, if not, THE very best. I believe these guys will reverberate down the halls of time as a wonderful legacy for decades, if not centuries, to come. How excellent is that? Very! This old-time responsible hippie says, peace, joy and joy to you.

[@joeitoldyouso8925]

:)

[@arturotorres6938]

Awesome

[@harveywind2930]

so very many of the happiest moments in my life were in front of these guys. And they still make me cry in so many ways. My God, what Love.

[@1forlooker]

In a rare interview, Jerry said: "I hope to learn the guitar before I die." This is some of the finest guitar playing that I witnessed live. Straight from God!

[@SpenserAteTheWorld]

I love how us kids that like this music are scattered all over the USA and arnt all in one town together to appreciate this kind of music instead of living with these other people who hate it. i say all us dead fans should unite and make a town! hell yes!

[@kariaudar]

The Grateful Dead are far and away the greatest band in the history of popular music. The Dead were the soul of America encapsulated in sound, due to their incorporation of just about every American musical style imaginable (jazz, bluegrass, country, folk, rock and roll, blues . . . the list just goes on and on), and yet they had and continue to have an universal, pananthropic appeal. And yet, for all their greatness, they have never received the recognition they deserve from the general public.

[@michaelblake5888]

never ever ever gets old. RIP Jerry.

[@user-zf6fv2sg1e]

Thx for keeping the music alive. Please don’t let it be forgotten ever

[@tabber87]

My mom and dad saw them several hundred times. The Dead weren't always on as some claim, but they always had a great time at Dead concerts while they followed them around the country. I was too young to remember anything significant at the Dead concerts I was at but have become a die-hard Dead fan growing up listening to their albums, listening to stories about the culture and watching performance videos on KZbin. Greatest band ever. Anyone who says differently is a philistine.

[@gmcg923]

I'm 43. I grew up in the punk era on the east coast of the US. However, I like all kinds of music. I'm glad the technology exists to allow over a million people to view this piece of history, 34 years after it happened.

[@mattsully404]

Old Head here....Still brings a tear to the eye....Never gets old and always inspires!

[@chefbo297]

Watch Jerry play...Truly amazing!!

[@harveywind2930]

I was at the Portland Scarlet Bags into Fire in '80, never been so scared and so ecstatic at the same time. These were some of my first years 'On the Bus'. This was Aural Alchemy. I'd dance for hours without ever touching down. And now they got me cryin' again, I can hardly stand this majestic and terrible beauty.

[@Phishboy26]

The Joy of Music comes through my soul whenever i listen to The Grateful Dead. Their music is so inspiring and the lyrics are so powerful. Long live The Dead!!!

[@JohnSpignesiBand]

Look how much Jerry is in a groove when the song starts. True genius at work

[@gdog8790]

i'm only 20 but i've been listening to the dead literally since the second i was born. listening to these songs always brings up such happy memories

[@lg4president728]

I doubt you'll see this but I'm 21 now and have the same story. My dad was a huge Deadhead and I've known their music my whole life. Crazy to think you were 7 and my dad was blasting them when you posted this

[@lazulitooth]

1:47, jerry's smile almost makes me cry

[@iscream22]

RIP Jerry, Pigpen, Brent and Keith. You guys still live on in spirit and in the music. What a long strange trip it's been indeed

[@TheBiscoDiscuits]

1:45 he starts to smile before he sings. I wonder what's going through his head. What an amazing person.

[@michaelgrodin6346]

tripping hard during breaktime,layed out on the carpet,,, sitting on the enormous deco staircase at radio city with colors and deadheads dressed as costumed psychedelic warriors ,swirling everywhere ,while the Bartenders who were dressed in tuxedos served US drinks ,ha ,, one of my fondest memories ..... mahalo jerry and the band

[@deadheadmark1]

You plant ice,,, your'e gonna harvest wind!

[@smartalek180]

Somebody shoulda told GWB that... Not that he would have listened.

[@derekgulker]

oh man I was born too late- totally missed these guys. My god is that some great music. unreal- simply jealous of those who got to experience this whole big thing called The Grateful Dead

[@cocoalump]

Who remembers all the great bootleg casettes back in the late 70's & 80,s.? I lost mine somewhere along that long strange trip that life has been..PEACE

[@EvilMan301]

The dead will never die, they are just so good and people will listen to their music for the next five generations

[@ccryder64]

I'll never forget this show. My dad came home from work one day with these tickets. Thanks dad, say hi to Jerry for me. Miss you both...

[@xhellabentx]

Being a deadhead isn't just liking the music it's living the life of the dead and their music speaks to you.

[@bambudude]

Originals in so many ways... The first "Unplugged" shows in early 80's, first real Jam Band and had jam sessions with jazz musicians on their tours. Most of all it was just a real great time. As the old t-shirt said. "The Grateful Dead- It's not just a job, it's an adventure." Glad to see there are young, up and coming Dead Heads. Welcome to the tribe! May the blessings of the Buddhas and the Gods rest always upon the Grateful Dead!

[@2008spotty]

Fans of the Grateful Dead are VERY LUCKY to be able to listen to every note these guys played...and will play in concert. I only wish that many newcomers had the same chance I did see Jerry and the boys together, but we do have the recordings! Yes I miss Jerry every day.

[@demonsrreal]

I have seen all these Grateful Dead videos on youtube about 300,000 times but I can never stop watching them because there's nothing like seeing the Dead play.

[@jds832002]

love that smile at 1:47 - such good energy, such a great tune...thanks for it!

[@barrywhite828]

one o those shows that just makes the point. 'even when they suck, they are still enjoyable" this is a really good one.....

[@OilcanJonez]

This might be the greatest thing I've ever seen written in my entire life.

[@lobstertherobster]

smokin everyday jamming all day playing sweet concerts of beautiful music and getting paid for it. Thats the life.

[@jelHax]

right on man... i haven't touched a drug or drink in almost 5 years and i love the dead more now than ever... the music has taken place of all the crap i used to pump into my body when i lived on the road... RIP JERRY

[@poseidonam]

I love Jerry's quick smiles. He looks like he is really enjoying himself here.

[@fgtvdude]

Dead Head for 4 years now and its steadily truckin'!!

[@charlotte240]

most people would say the 1977 spring shows were their favorite Franklin's Tower, but I know how it is when you got the tape!!! no one can ever agree, especially when people were in attendance, then it realllly is their favorite ever. Rock on!

[@FanOfJanis]

Thankfully, I saw the Grateful Dead about 25 times between 1975-1979. Few people believe me when I tell them they were THE BEST live band of all time. Bliss! Nirvana! Heaven! There was NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert! Young Dead Heads: Peace, Love & Joy to you ... FoJ

[@barrywhite828]

"when they are good, they are legends. when they suck, they are still interesting"

[@knightramshorn]

I love Jerry's smiles during the first and second verses. He knows the band is sounding tight, and he's about to tear it up.

[@Poisonsoldier67]

see this is the type of music that you listen to when your having a bad day and this music will just brighten your day up. the grateful dead is a very awesome band

[@dizubz]

YEAH!!!!!!!!! HOW GRATEFUL I AM!!!!!!! we got to see Jerry!!!! A whole bunch of younger kids are getting into this music, and they only dream of what we saw countless times!!!!! let's tell these kids, THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!

[@flatpicker75]

I'm one of the biggest Zeppelin fans around, but this is what pure American rock and roll is/would have/will always sound like.

[@deepredmassacre]

Born in 87 and also a Zeppelin, Beatles, Sabbath, Dead, Queen and many more fan.

[@paulcalevro6799]

mydland n jerry best combo ever. miss the little experience i had, but grateful go to see

[@Phishboy26]

The Ripple from this same show makes me melt. Let the music play and may we all be forever Grateful.

[@JonathanRauonceinawhile]

"A complete consort of dancing..." This is what the Dead are all about. Jerry is so inspired here--not too fucked up and leading this group into the beautiful oblivion. Such a great groove.

[@jgray110]

hard day at school or work turn to Grateful Dead most relaxing music ever

[@smartalek180]

SUCH a joy to see Jerry smiling that smile of his. Hope he's still grinning away somewhere now; he brought so very much joy into the world. Pretty sure he knew that.

[@YoScooby]

It never ceases to amaze me the musical notes Jerry pulls out of that guitar. God save the child that rings that bell It may have one good ring, baby, you can't tell One watch by night, one watch by day If you get confused listen to the music play.

[@BATOUTOFHELL111]

never will there be as tight a band as the dead. rip jerry. a true revolutionary, wish i cooda seen him.

[@optionaxis]

The dead doesn't sing anything bad. And most of the songs inspire peace. Great music for all generations

[@boomac62]

This is amazing. Thank God we had them for as long as we did! I remember 10-31-80 very well too. i gradutated boot camp up in Great Lakes IL and got toasted that night. .... Peace ya'll

[@JohnSpignesiBand]

Fuckin' A, Jerry. He's RIPPING here.

[@TowerTimeTales]

my 68 year old sister, my 19 year old daughter and I are big fans

[@jburde]

Man, when I was 11 I didn't get The Dead at all. I'm 16 now and am totally in love, just saw Furthur on Thursday. I got an idea of what I missed and man... it's amazing. Deadheads are an incredible group of people... Gotta thank daddeh-o for bein' a huge deadhead :) I miss Jerry... RIP. Wish I could've been at this show, AMAZING energy!!!

[@DictionRedaction]

An understatement would be that I'm glad I decided to play this one. Vintage Dead in my mind.

[@likooMaui]

Thank god for all the great Dead concerts I got to be at! RIP Jerry!

[@RobertTroyKeeley]

I second that emotion there bro, Zappa is to be recognized by any slight sound he makes on his guitar. That kind of gift is beyond measure or compute.

[@luckydog12472]

History may disagree, but a Dead show wasn't about the drugs it was about the music. And the music never stops !! :)

[@phatkat2469]

I always come to this song when things in life are not that great, and quite Franklin' they aren't...I look to the future for brighter days...with Jerry and the boys help, they always manage to pull a smile outta me...I guess what I am trying to say is, they help me to "roll away the dew" I was born Dead and will die Dead. Peace and Love to all!

[@doorslammer3]

If you never never had the chance to see this band live you really missed out. Go Gerry

[@frederickmminis]

If you've never seen the Dead,live, front row, then you'll never know. This is about as close as you'll get. It was fun to witness them, because sometimes it would take twenty concerts until they got it right. This one they got right

[@greenthumbguy1]

After thirty years I still get goosebumps! No, this love will Not Fade Away...

[@sugarhollowdaddy]

If each of us was to be reincarated as a star, we'd be hearing this band across the galaxy as the sound of light.

[@sgtwack1]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the greatest band in the land...The Grateful Dead!

[@dixielandman713]

How cool was it to grow up with these guys !! 30 + years !! Rock on forever !!

[@fbustoz]

I felt it too.....Jerry could hit us in so many ways with enlightening energy...LOVE THAT DUDE.....

[@WhOStoLeGitsum]

Never even got to see the Dead but even seein Dark Star can absolutely blow your mind, specially at a festival, might as well be a Dead show (for those of us not lucky enough to have seen the real deal), everyone so happy and dancin n singin n what not, The Dead are truly amazing.

[@crazyb3fan]

Man Jerry could play! I haven't listened to this in forever. What a joy.

[@puntiagudos]

They can play it as fast as they want, this song ROCKS!!!

[@MsDancingbears]

ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE A SHOW, AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS

[@jonno63]

those were the days, was at that whole week of dead shows , lost my voice ,bring me back

[@kariaudar]

My focus up till now has been mainly on late 60s and early 70s Dead, but I´ve recently started to delve into other eras, and have grown to be quite enamoured with late 70s and early 80s Dead. Jerry´s soloing on this particular piece is absolutely insane!

[@thoth622]

Jerry and the band having fun....especially Jerry! Always a pleasure to see!

[@PhilWorley]

1992,That was the last year I had seen the Dead,RIP Jerry.

[@tjhillgardner]

Just as I remembered it from my fourth row seat. I am just blessed to have been given the opportunity to see those shows and a bunch more from 77 on, though I never had better seats for a Dead show than this night. I kinda liked Keith and Donna when they were with the band, at least when Donna was singing well. Playin' was never the same after she left the band. Brent was good; he looked whacked that night.

[@deyoungparker]

This is the baseball card I never got. Franklin's Tower was my favorite Dead song and after 20+ shows I still never got to hear it live. Oh well. Roll away, roll away, the dew...

[@525Teach]

Every couple of weeks; right here, good sound, happy feelings. Saw them a bunch of times in the 70s. Dead had soul; peace.

[@MoonGrrrl]

i never had tickets. i'm from indiana....one of their last shows i could have seen....at the time...tho i loved the dead, i used to deny myself pleasures. not anymore...as i've aged.....i realize that some opportunities only come once. i miss Jerry. at 45 i saw my phirsh phish shows this year....amazing. i'm sure it's not like with the dead...but the crowd was sweet....and mellow....and i had a GREAT time. love music. live music. long live lovely music.

[@jantait]

just so far out man, nothing like the dead to please!! even to new converts, converts! ivebeen a deadhead for 40 years and im proud. its Andy here on my boyfriends laptop. got him into Jerry as well.!

[@writer125]

29 years myself, longtime deadhead, deadhead forever. Been seeing them ever since I was 20. Whole lot of touring, many sleepless nights on the road, lot of great shows and a lot of great memories. Thanks Jerry.

[@gwynthehunter]

Roll away, roll away the dew ROLL AWAY! never ceases to get a smile outta me :D

[@tenacken]

Always brings a smile and a tear. Man, the Dead rip at the heartstrings.

[@TheShiftyShitShow]

every friend i've had in the last ten years i've been like do you like the dead? They always have said i really haven't heard much of them or nothing. I turned them all into fans with in minutes. There are many imitators but only one grateful dead!

[@garybuckable]

I climbed that tower a few times when listening to this, Come back Gerry!!

[@user-zf6fv2sg1e]

Always a fan from the start. Patti Cornell

[@writer125]

While its definitely much better to be there in person seeing them live, the fact that the Dead let everyone record their shows means many years later, you can still hear the shows now on CD. And now with KZbin, you can even see the actual performances. Thank you from a longtime Deadhead, Deadhead forever.

[@deedrh]

exceptional!!! i remember being at radio city for this tour, as a much younger women, i knew that this was the best band in the world at the time of this show, i wa lucky enough to see them at radio city many times in my early 20"s. there is nothing comparable to this. i have tickets for the further show at radio city this month, and although i will have a good time, it's never going to be like this was. all i can say is that the music will live on, deb

[@DerGlaetze]

After watching this video, no wonder there were so many dedicated Dead Heads. Incredible show.

[@deyoungparker]

BTW, speaking of baseball, I love the way the crowd reacts when they realize it's Franklin's Tower. They're jumping up and down like Jerry just ripped a triple down the left field line. I miss that so much about Dead shows...how excited people would get when the boys busted into a song they loved. You never knew what was going to happen. And that was half the fun.

[@jesuswasntafascist]

Nothing in the world like a Dead concert!

[@karencoleman9533]

I miss Jerry. Listening to the Dead reminds me of the days that have come and danced away into the dew. Roll away the dew.

[@bigleagues]

Oh man . . . this is a treasure! So much great music. So much great riffing. Such a revolution in the way a band and audience related to one another. So glad I got the chance to experience just a small portion of it before Jerry went his way.

[@luckydog12472]

Listening to a lil Dead before work to get me in the right state of mind. :)

[@TrevorKeat]

Jerry's solos are hypnotic man...

[@ryanmansfield72]

This will always be my favorite dead song. No matter what's going on, you can't help but boogey. It's been there for me.

[@cesarcay]

what they accomplished as musicians is truly amazing nobody will even come close to the dead.. they are amazing in every aspect of what a band is phish are amazing musicians also but in a diff level........