Grateful Dead - Hard to Handle - 4/29/71

I'm seeing lots of copies of the excellent 8/6/71 recording, but dare I say this is a better version?

[@stephentmarksberry4484]

So eat your hearts out kiddos,this was my first chance to see the band live. I found out about the Dead in early 1967 as I was living on a repurposed Air Force base just outside Salina Kansas. I meta dude who had just moved from the army base that was in the city of San Francisco back in the day. He and his older bro had begun collecting all the handbills and posters that were posted all over town and they hit up record stores and headshops for anything they give them. The scene around the band was so laidback then that I walked to the stage which was not very tall. Jerry was seated on the edge with legs hanging over with a guitar is his lap.warming his fingers up. So I walked up and said hey man. I stuck my hand out he shook it,then I asked him if I could sit behind the amps and he had Ramrod move some gear cases they had blocking that part of the stage. Jerry gave me a nod and got up to start the show. I ended up behind Pig,where I stayed for the whole show ! As things started up I saw their sound man with a murine bottle dropping a liquid on the back of people’s hands and stuck my hand out and he says “oh you want some to” then put three drops on my hand which I licked off ! The band was so amazing live plus the acid kicking in I was almost overwhelmed but went with the flow and rocked out. I hooked up with Bears acid operation met the whole band smoked a joint Jerry broke out at the first set intermission when he walked over and handed me with a big smile on his face at the end of the second set before the encore all the guys formed a circle with me included and let the people’s love wash over them I had Pig on my right and Weir on my left and Jerry directly across from me with Billy and Phil on either side of him. We stayed there for what seemed a timeless moment then the spell broke and back to their instruments they went. After the encore Phil acutely stopped me as I wandered past the amps stuck his hand out and shook my hand saying “welcome aboard “ I have met just about everyone who was around the band from those days and a lot of the folks who arrived as time passed. I met my wife in 1987 at a show at the Providence Civic Center we are still a effective couple thirty some years later. I missed Jerry every fucking day since he ascended. I go to every show D&C plays when they come around and any people from the Bay Area still touring. I have never been to a Grateful Dead show through all the years that I didn’t take acid just saying so if you get the opportunity to hear any of the Dead live do yourself a big favor and get a mainline to the heart of gold band⚡️🎸⚡️🖖🏽

[@plntguy]

Quite possibly the best Hard to Handle ever played.

[@BlewJ]

Oh yeah! At least!

[@robertgrosek1124]

I absolutely concur. Phil is an animal

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

I think there is one better version. 1971-08-06 Hollywood Palladium. Check it out.

[@willowravenmusic]

@@nataliezementbeisser1492 ye, naw, this is far superior

[@justindaigler588]

Definitely my fav of all time 😮

[@robertgrosek1124]

The jam crescendo when Phil comes over the top is a great moment in live music history

[@landonmccalmon7121]

4/29/1971 Fillmore East and 8/6/71 Hollywood Bowl are the 2 high water mark versions of this tune in all the shows I have ever listened to. There are some other incredible versions, but these 2 always come out on top after decades of listening. Jerry's solo on 8/6/71 is like no other. So much juice....

[@donaldpasewark]

Agreed. However, I've never heard a 8/6 version with fidelity as good as this, but 8/6 is my 2nd favorite. Just when you think Garica is done with the jam, he goes higher! Fantastic.

[@Icecreamconekid2000]

Pigpen always said thank you!

[@brandonlara5375]

What I love so much about the Dead is when they start to jam and you can just tell that they get into the groove and hit their stride. They're all just feeding off each other and can just take you somewhere magical. Miss this so bad, cause in one entire show they could have you smiling from ear to ear then might make you shed a tear. Always will be "GRATEFUL" that I was blessed to see them as many times as I did. Feel like some young people will never truly appreciate the greatness. I can remember leaving some shows just looking at my friends and being like "WOW" how incredible was that!!!!

[@davidjen5244]

This is THE definitive GD Hard To Handle. The Phil Bombs coming back into the verse after the jam do it for me every time.

[@BrandonPetrucci]

I first heard this version on the early 90's video compilation 'Backstage Pass' (highly recommend) I've listened to every Pig Hard to Handle caught on tape and THIS IS MY FAVORITE!

[@meandmyshadows8639]

Well, as an 18 year old, walking up to the box office at the Fillmore East that evening and plunking down what, $5 for a standing room only ticket? My best show ever.

[@charlesryan427]

Lucky man. (~);)

[@JackCerro]

Ha Ha.... You're old! Yep... that's all I got, Right Place at the Right Time Guy. Besides, I don't buy your story. Clearly, 8/10th of the audience burst into flame somewhere near the 8: 00-minute mark of this performance, and your claim to have survived and flourished long enough to post of your exploits here on this comments section seems dubious at best.

[@stevenmetzendorf7063]

STR8888UPP, ain't no better THTH E-V-E-R... end of conversation❗

[@DooDahMan1979]

If that doesn't do it for you nothing will.

[@victoriacovington4334]

In full agreement with you. This version will never get old to me. Everyone from Phil Jerry to Bobby and Co are on FIRE

[@jamesmccarraher8210]

Damn straight mama ❤⚡🌹

[@gregberry2339]

exelent version. there need be no "best". the "best" is that we have as many as we do. Long live the GD!

[@martinrheaume5393]

That's the spirit!

[@thomasbedell4770]

Hey, Martin, those are the spirits we like here.

[@frederickryerson4994]

Well said

[@rsc1623]

That version just did it again! Nice to be alive.

[@2112CO]

I had this on a tape and wore it out. So glad to hear it again. I too think it is the best version of this tune and one of the best ever played in all rock history. NFA 65-95

[@frederickryerson4994]

What a version and man oh man The band is top notch here ! Phil is dropping bombs

[@_Smash_]

Man they delivered! what a great performance, I'm so jealous of all you old timers that went and saw them in person.

[@meandmyshadows8639]

I was there this night and I still get chills listening to it. Best GD show I ever attended, followed by 2/18/71.

[@elwoodblues9215]

bob vienckowski , my dad was at these early Fillmore shows and likes to rub it in.

[@BlewJ]

I saw them in 95 lol

[@kennethmoffat7409]

Jerry is on fire! With great rhythm playing from Bob. In whole the BAND is cooking.

[@richarddutcher9721]

I think that is Pigpen singing

[@mikevavrek76]

This is why I learned how to play guitar. This version of this song. I'll never forget, jamming along(trying to, still can't read music) and hearing this jam. Rewound the tape 4-5 times- blown away! That JUST happened! I remember thinking.. Someday..someday...it would be impossible to ever outdo this! But it's fun as hell to try! (::)PEACE(::)

[@StJoseph777]

This is the best version of this I've ever heard by the Dead. I've thought so for almost 20 years. Fucking awesome.

[@LscnrRaz0r]

Still the best 👌

[@jefftateii9403]

I remember tripping on LSD and watching this on Backstage Pass. IMO, the best improvisation I've ever heard from the Dead. Pigpen rippin' it up, Bill dancing on the drums. Love the way the band backs out at 4:54. The build up at 6:00 is beautiful and the chord progression Lesh starts to play at 6:38 is one of coolest things I've heard a bass player do.

[@donaldpasewark]

The entire 4/29 show is my all time favorite. And it needs to be played fucking LOUD!

[@Bodys101]

Neither recording is better. Each are awesome in their own way. Both show off the raw talent of the Grateful Dead

[@frederickryerson4994]

Agreed and well said

[@dschwart0]

This is a very good recording, which probably makes it seem much better than other HtH. But the jamming on this is very very good. Listening to this performance is one of the great pleasures of my life.

[@stevenmetzendorf7063]

Yes sir, it's THAT good. I am in total agreement with you 4SURE❗

[@Bodys101]

Phil's part is very distinguishable in this recording and it is fuckin awesome. Solid recording

[@thomasbedell4770]

Kyle Bukoskie At this junction, prompted by your comment on Phil’s contribution to this version in particular, one reflects on how Pig Pen influenced their sound with his emphasis on raw blues and how different they became after he passed. By the way, if this sound doesn’t get your body moving nothing will.

[@ryandunbar1314]

Best 16 minutes of my day ✌🏼👍🏼

[@rustyprice3719]

this band simply amaze's me thanks for sharing this it is truly awesome

[@2112CO]

God Bless Jerry and the Good Old GRATEFUL DEAD!

[@unclejake1285]

I'm throwing my vote with 4/29 - I'll admit bias for knowing it first, but that minipeak at 7:30 - then they reload and blow it out over the top - gets me every time!

[@meandmyshadows8639]

The best show I ever attended which includes one of the best HtH's ever; #2, at least. ;)

[@monkeydan]

THANKS SO MUCH!!! THIS IS THE BEST VERSION AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH I HAD TO WRITE EVERYTHING IN CAPS!!!! :-)

[@55pogue]

great version,hell of a jam!!

[@mimsy42]

This is a great version. I am partial to the one two nights earlier, on 4/27. But this one rocks.

[@theemployee1561]

Never heard this and great stuff for sure but Aug 06 is the ticket: need the whoop whoop dude!

[@chefbo297]

I first heard this version as a bootleg tape in a friends bedroom 30 years ago..

[@thetruth34o9]

amazing jam !!! seriously

[@scirvi]

Fantastic version of this tune. Pigpen is on at the beginning and gets it cranked up. The jam is a great example of what we all love this era Dead for - out of chaos comes beauty. But for my money, 8/6/71 is still the better. It's so perfectly together from beginning to end that when I hear it I still get goose bumps and a feeling like I've just been knocked back three paces.

[@roberthill1166]

Lesh is amazing.

[@steerpike213]

Best Version Ever

[@johnwilkerson2195]

Awesome guitar riffs!!

[@davedude1969]

I must say The Best!

[@TJB1510]

~~~ACES~~~ VERY ~ VERY NICE! FILMORE EAST ~ THANKS BILL GRAHAM RIP...

[@funkysauce603]

When Jerry gives you goosebumps the versions a winner

[@TonyRamos2024]

I like this version of Hard To Handle

[@saund102]

To me the pace and tempo make this the best ever Hard to Handle. Not too fast ... just right.

[@dedhippi]

i agree iwth you.....this is a much more thorough and thoughtful version of this song. both of them rock...but this has someting else...........................

[@BlewJ]

I mean, this show is pretty good from the start, but this is buried in a show like so many others, though it gleams the cube in a new way at this turning point. Damn. Raucous!

[@timhorpo]

Second best hard to handle ever. 8/6/71 is sublime

[@EggCrabPaper]

The vocals here definitely beat out the 8/6/71 version. Crystal clear!

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

Yeah but there is a epic fulminante solo by Jerry at the end that is just marvelous

[@crusher153]

I love the vocals on this particular version. as a whole I still think the Hollywoood Palladium 8/6/71 is the best version of this song. Noone played it better than Jerry and Pigpen!

[@jameshowell4904]

My god what a song. What a groove the main riff is, then they just go off too a place very few bands manage to reach. I mean Phil Lesh's is off the hook here as is Jerry. Hell they're all on it. RIP Pigpen.

[@Heliogabby]

I don't know, the climax to the jam (roughly between 7 & 8 minute mark) is pretty undistinguished. 8/6/71 has that great entrance by the lead guitar & the St. Stephen quote, very melodic, just before the climax. It's definitely the more refined, more musical version. Thanks for letting me share.

[@djaldd420]

Funny story, browsing my local craigslist found a house flipper selling a storage bin of grateful dead tapes. Asking $5. Ended up getting a ton of multi cassette shows, mostly 60s and 70s, this show included, dick's picks, and even some old pink floyd and what I'm guessing was early 90s psychedelic techno. All in all over 100 tapes. Crazy find. Sorry to the head who lost these but just know that my ex girlfriend is cherishing them for us!

[@thekidbehindthecomputer8761]

Shit goes hard I know that much. Oliver if you ever come across this in the future I hope you got some jammin speakers my son.. I dance and roll round in this Nasty pig shit I hope the same for you and your kick ass friends down the road. I love you. You'll always be my first! :)) ❤

[@ryandrake7818]

I believe this is on one of the Dicks Picks Cds I had that got ripped off by someone when I was in Lafayette La , in college at USL!!!my mistake its not

[@willalfano8]

Nice bass on this one

[@jameshowell1512]

Major Phil bombs goin down here..lovely sound fidelity on this recording too.

[@_Smash_]

Its surprising that so many people don't know that this is the original version of this song. you never hear this version, or really any grateful dead songs on the radio...

[@FilthyVarmint]

Duncan Schott Honestly I only found this because I heard the black crowes version on the radio

[@waltermarkham8437]

Originally created and sung by Otis Redding....but the GD perfected it

[@roberthill1166]

Listen to the Dead version for the jammin’, listen to Otis for his incomparable soul.

[@wilband]

Um this is not the original, it’s originally by Otis Redding

[@plntguy]

Best version ever

[@chuschus]

I agree.

[@charlesryan427]

That whole Fillmore run~4/25-4/29~had a great version of HTH every night.

[@artiefasbender9655]

I must admit that I had access to the magic bottle at this show and actually remember it...

[@TheBolillo310]

magic

[@daviddaniels8671]

What about 6/21/71 that one is also really good

[@2112CO]

42 years ago today N.F.A 65-95!!!

[@jackyjackson139]

ooooooWEEEEE

[@avail1.]

Lesh..........

[@JFrankBadasz]

this tape sounded good no matter how many time you copied it lol...a classic!

[@Mardocius]

Don't reckon the date is right. This is from a different show to 4/29/71...not that it matters, still sweet as....

[@louapicella4149]

berry berry goo

[@wonderspunion1148]

There are some aspects of this version that are better than 8/6/71, like Pigpen's freestyle, but some aspects that are lacking, as well. I'm going with 8/6/71 just because of the energy. Can't beat energy.

[@michaellink5563]

This is quite good, but, 8/6 was incredible. I saw it live and I still can't forget it. First GD concert of many, many, more.

[@artbeitchman9399]

Pig Pen at his lip splitting best!...

[@froghare7516]

Everyone post this everywhere 4/29/2021......

[@susiefairfield7218]

Postin in 2022🤘🏾🤤🎶🔥🕺👣🔥💃👣🎶😁👌🏾

[@theemployee1561]

Just give me mo' of dis stuff....

[@ConstanceCox]

Never saw the appeal of these guys

[@peterabbey1539]

Huge fan. I wouldn't put this in the same league as 8/6/71. Listen to Jerry's solo on 8/6 at 4 min. 16 secs. The ideas in this solo are fully realized on 8/6. There's no comparison. I will say it's a lovely version AND Pigpen sounds a lot more sober on this version.

[@kennethmoffat7409]

Be Happy we have TWO Great takes on this song. It doesn't matter which one is best. It's a matter of taste anyway,right?:-)

[@charlesryan427]

There's more than 2 great takes. Check out every night of this run.

[@frankloduca9650]

Leah is more

[@Mardocius]

Sorry, but 4/28/71 version bests this one (and 8/6/71) in my book.

[@charlesryan427]

4/27 may be even better.

[@philipsewell8611]

Has anyone seen my face?!?!?! It seems to have been stolen!!

[@kevinborchers3522]

This is great but doesnt come close to 8/6/71

[@Zach-uf1ff]

This version fuckin rips

[@mkw3980]

I wish I could get into Grateful Dead. Never cared for their music, sounds too damn much like an acid trip to me

[@thomasbedell4770]

sl1893sa 😂😂😂😂👻😎⚡️