Grateful Dead ☮ The Wheel, 1977

[@oregonsailordeadhead3890]

Everytime I saw the Wheel or now when I hear it play, I am struck so deep in my loving soul my eyes tear-up.

[@izebellebluereadsoutloud3715]

XO 🌹 🦇 🔥 🕊

[@marcylucas8968]

I feel the same way, the memories of the time, the music and my youth my eyes always week.

[@nickm6001]

I feel this way about broke down palace

[@forestbirdgirl]

I second that emotion...and then we are transported with drums and space to a place where past, present and future all beome one in ecstacy...

[@augustwest9924]

My 7yr old old is doing chemo tx rn. We play it when things get tough.

[@craigjohnsen1081]

This tune saved me a couple of shows.

[@666sk8erguy]

From having a bad trip?

[@hbme1390]

Gave us hope during our sons chemo tx. 💀 🌹

[@mr.charlieteeshirt5808]

You mean, like...dosed, coming out of a heavy space?

[@KevinSloan-u2h]

Im glad I have finally relinquished the Wheel, I drink still to this Day Sunshiny day dream only one song on my Mind Encore A Box of Lovely RAIN

[@59Rosco]

Hard to believe, this version of The Wheel from Boston, MA, was recorded about two weeks before I graduated from Coronado High School in Scottsdale, AZ. I am now a 61 year old man.

[@Porchfault]

The wheel is turning...

[@59Rosco]

@@Porchfault A mere three weeks before I graduated H.S. The Wheel is definitely turning.

[@pattersonlyles6026]

Good on you for remembering the date. I graduated in '77 sometime in May.

[@Rave0851]

Saw them in Boston '77. I graduated in 1969. I'm currently 72. Been a Deadhead for 56 m.f. years

[@weekendgolfer6207]

The wheel is one of my favorite songs of many! It makes me thankful 4 all things in my life! I thank God above for allowing me to live along the timeline of the Grateful dead... HAPPY 4 EVER!

[@lonnphillips9746]

THE BEST VERSION OF "THE WHEEL"....without doubt

[@ChefTareck]

The light found in strange places,by strangers stopping strangers, is light of The Wheel. I Imagine Jerry is smiling down on all of us.

[@truesdel]

Such a lovely song and such a beautiful rendition of it. This and Ripple mean so much to me -- I hear the idealism and beauty of a band and indeed an entire generation in these two songs.

[@bennettpylkas1555]

one of my favorite Donna songs!!!!! Her and Jerry sound fantastic!!!

[@benlichtman8033]

Was thinking the same thing she complimented very well here

[@alicelovell3905]

I woke up with Won't you try a little bit harder. In my head. I had to come for a listen.

[@goodkawz]

11-14-2015 Oh Donna, where can you be? Last I heard she was doing fine! God bless Donna!

[@wilfordbrimley1506]

There are like 2 comments hating on Donna and 120 hating on people who hate on her

[@ClueSign]

Wilford Brimley RIP

[@izebellebluereadsoutloud3715]

The Donna years what super got me into the Dead, listening to a scratchy old tape of a tape of a bootleg in a barn in western NC- a beautiful stir it up into catfish John and then maybe even the wheel too. Maybe Berkeley 76-78 but I forget, can’t quite find it the same. I did fall in love with Jerry before that with the Reflections album/tape working at a cafe in Black Mountain 🌹

[@izebellebluereadsoutloud3715]

I even know a millennial guy who was in love with Donna.

[@Wedge-r9o]

I hate haters 😅

[@johnboyles4101]

Hate can multiply, so too can love... which would you choose?💓

[@ivanmay7890]

The Wheel is one of my favorite Jerry Garcia solo songs.

[@jimrebr]

The Wheel is one of my favorite Dead songs, and yes, I know it’s from Jerry’s 1st eponymous solo album. I’ve had that album since 1974. I wish I had had it since 1970, I bought my 1st Dead tickets in 1968, but the the concert was a fake out, the posters for that mythical concert still exist on Google, but GD never played at the long gone Swing Auditorium. I bought tickets for Memorial Day weekend in n 1973, that time the Dead canceled the show. I was super frustrated, but in June of 1974, I flew to San Francisco and stayed with my cousins and 4 of us went for Day On The Green the next morning, NRPS opened, such a great experience, that I have repeated so many times over the years. In 1975 I moved to the Bay Area, saw Jerry with JGB at the Keystone in Berkeley several times. Have seen Rat Dawg and Dead and Company at the Gorge many times.

[@stephanlarsen8169]

The. Wheel. Life.. never heard before this Long.. Jah Herb Jah love Jah Jerry Jah rastafari praises blessings respectfully Tucson Arizona Sonoran desert 🏜️ Jah sisters Jah Trey Jah Duane Africa Ethiopia Addis Ababa Selassie I Jah Creation

[@matapalo58]

my 1st show....

[@seaweedhero1707]

The wheel is turning and you can't slow down, You can't let go and you can't hold on, You can't go back and you can't stand still, If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will. Won't you try just a little bit harder, Couldn't you try just a little bit more? Won't you try just a little bit harder, Couldn't you try just a little bit more? Round, round robin run round, got to get back to where you belong, Little bit harder, just a little bit more, A little bit further than you gone before. The wheel is turning and you can't slow down, You can't let go and you can't hold on, You can't go back and you can't stand still, If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will. Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, Big wheel turn by the grace of God, Every time that wheel turn 'round, Bound to cover just a little more ground. The wheel is turning and you can't slow down, You can't let go and you can't hold on, You can't go back and you can't stand still, If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will. Won't you try just a little bit harder, Couldn't you try just a little bit more? Won't you try just a little bit harder, Couldn't you try just a little bit more?

[@jonnyonthe0713]

Ppl ap

[@TheOferwexenfeld]

tnxalot

[@portlandpaul656]

I play it when riding up hills on bicycle, it motivates me.

[@cbogucki1]

Errybody likes to hate on Donna. She tried.

[@bensilverstein5883]

As a drummer when I look at this picture I see so much patience coming from Jerry, which is rare from a guitar player they usually are a******* I love Jerry.

[@nothanksdonnadamage]

i LOVE the DONNA years!!

[@martindubreil2315]

Absolutely

[@lyndamarie7379]

the best

[@captainblewhard]

This is a great picture of them, kinda quaint. Donna looks a bit perplexed, and Phil looks like he is asking Jerry to "please pass the ketchup". Jerry was a mustard guy, though, so I don't know why Phil is asking Jerry. He really should be asking Keith for the ketchup.

[@swedemcf]

Just put on a new set of Grado headphones and cranked this on Bobby's birthday, tell me about just floating away. Never gets dull listening to these guys.

[@firstnamelastname5369]

Your choice of live performances and graphics are incredible. Well done :)

[@whomroy]

1st show , I thought everyone was going to be like this , great time to get on , The Stanley , Uptown theater, Cleveland , Buffalo, The Aladdin, the Boston Garden was the biggest Venue i ever saw them in,faded away when things got crazy for awhile , this show was great ,get the whole thing , wonderful night!

[@GarlTsagan]

How do I keep finding new favorite songs by this band?

[@nelsonphilip4520]

Don't worry, they will find you!

[@TheCrappyZipper]

​@@nelsonphilip4520That's what he meant.

[@misfitmollie]

Yeah, facts, you hand pick some of the BEST versions consistently THANK YOU

[@s.tepper4030]

Thank you for posting this! It's May 7, 2021. That show 44 years ago was my first Dad show, and I had never heard this song. It was revelatory. My dear friend Larry Kletter, alav ha-shalom, was my Dead mentor and was so excited to see them that night.

[@justintyrrell7413]

This is hands down one of the best versions ever.Thank you for sharing this you are a great person..#freejerry...#LoveNLight..

[@bluecollar825]

The Wheel is such an amazing song. And they always picked the perfect time in the set to play it. I think my all time favorite is '82 alpine valley right out of space, I hope that is right. It just comes together so perfectly that it really is a prime example of how The Dead really tailored their sets not quite as random as people thought.💯✌

[@portlandpaul656]

That was full of energy and had a big sound . I agree to, that is one of the best shows.

[@bluecollar825]

@@portlandpaul656 sweet, Im pretty sure its a Dicks pick. Been forever since Ive listened to it but I always think of that Wheel everytime the song gets brought up. Good description on the "big sound" that show has. Jerry's playing is so crisp on that version and Billy and Mickey really groove as well.🎶✌

[@Adair9800]

Quite a beautiful sound. Thanks for uploading.

[@knucklehednation]

I went to a Grateful Dead concert in 1973 and Donna was there too!

[@spinningreelsofrhyme]

Probably the best version of The Wheel I have heard...

[@JusticeAlways]

This sounds so fresh even today. I just love hearing this song....😊

[@tobygrey22]

Spinning so fast, that arcs of flame were just throwing of of it. the most MAGNIFICENT thing that I've ever seen.

[@mstar88]

Dude you fucking rock and I'm almost 60, lived in San Fran and saw a few of their shows. Thanks bro; love your posts.

[@jgfunk]

Jam kicks off with "what makes a good business decision...click link below" damn I love that as a jam launching pad....

[@MorusAlba1975]

Not true. There's no interruption for those who know how to use the internet.

[@jgfunk]

@@MorusAlba1975 just stop...you have gone into everyone's comments about this. It's almost as though you're pushing a product...

[@MorusAlba1975]

@@jgfunk It's almost as if the comments were full of people whining about ads.

[@Oceanmachine27]

St. Stephen> what is up guys, click the link in the description box to subscribe to Hello Fresh> The Eleven

[@stefanijoanneangelinagerma3862]

I'm just rocking back and forth to this, this is pleasure music.

[@eric108]

They were in the groove this tour...like reallly in the groove

[@sistersuetube]

Donna sang backup on Elvis' "Suspicious Mind".

[@scotthester736]

Susan Fischer did not know that.

[@ricksignore4440]

Are you sure?

[@knucklehednation]

If you say so.

[@Billybill51]

I know she sang backup on Percy Sledge's "When a man loves a woman" for sure.

[@maiv1232]

Hey thank you-- i was actually at this show-- can't believe you had it. Magic time.

[@JeffreySykes]

That drift off at the 5 minute mark is phenomenal. I got lost in space twice listening to it.

[@largeshayne]

6:51 just got me

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

I would never want to "go back". Thank you Lord

[@joyvance936]

Just for a day or two I would!

[@sirreality3847]

Happy 77th Jerrmeister they really did polish the gem and let it 🌟🌟🌟

[@09jackstraw]

Whenever I can't decide which Dead show to listen to I'm always drawn back to this early May run. These three shows are special to me, they have an energy thats just incredible!!

[@PaulGEsq09]

Me Too!!!

[@nateherman8804]

Phil's counterpoint lines are just SO perfect.

[@donaldspaeth4575]

Some information for the "Donna" Debate: Donna was one of the original back-up singers on staff at Muscle Shoals Studios, AL. She's got a pretty impressive CV, folks. I know she gets pretty rocky at times, but Jerry and Bob and the Good Old Boys sure didn't mind. I think she's the only Girl to gain admission to the Boys' Club. Having said that, I think the Pig Pen Line-Up was the 2nd Best of all Dead Rosters. The Brent Mydland Line-Up was tops for me.

[@GuitarfiendIII]

Donald Spaeth For ANY of you IDIOTS that say Donna can't sing.....Gee,I'm sorry.....have you ever REALLY listened to Jerry ?????????? FUCK YOU !!!!! Donna IS .....THE Grateful Dead !!!!! JUST like Keith,Brent,Vince AND,HORNSBY !!!!!!! Just that Hornsby didn't want to be called an "official"l"member because of the curse on the keyboard players !! (He,he)?>FUCKI IT !! I'LL take that roll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Personally,I would be HAPPY to die for them ! So long as their music lives on.............GRATEFULLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GuitarfiendIII]

Bobby Dudley No problem !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jaek4489]

she's not the grateful dead. you're nuts man.

[@jahnsahn7695]

Sorry Farrell, Jerry was the Dead. Without him they are a Grateful Dead Cover Band. pretty tough to get excited about. I'm sorry for those fans that never had a chance to experience the magic of those shows with him but, without...what I said.

[@jahnsahn7695]

Keith's drug use got out of hand similar to when Jerry's drug use was getting to be too much. The difference was when they told Jerry to cool it he said fuck you, go on without me. Of course, they couldn't, because, as I just pointed out to Farrell, Jerry was The Dead. Donna was fine. Every one of the ten shows I saw with her was fucking awesome.

[@paulakapablo1749]

Donna is on the Mussel Shoals Documentary. It is worth checking out.

[@SD_Marc]

Just to throw my 2¢ in on the Donna thing. I am on the fence with her, but the Keith era is by far my favorite. His piano work was rock solid, and warm. I love his Scarlet/Fires and Wharf Rats. The whole band was still playing warm analog gear. I just sometimes can't abide Brent's plinketty electric piano stuff. Plus, by that time everything was solid-state and super processed sounding. Not saying I don't like, it has its moments - I just watched 12-31-87, and Brent was ferocious. I just prefer the Keith, and I guess by extension, Donna era. That's all. Great tune. Thanks for posting.

[@cherylisbister637]

+Marc Arndt Pigpen!!!!!!

[@ryansutter5614]

+Marc Arndt Pigpen and Mydland were both way better than Keith. Mydland and Pigpen were heard more in their eras, and it could be because Keith isn't a leader like Pigpen or Mydland. I love the 70s Dead, don't get me wrong, but Keith probably on the bottom end of the keyboard list of the Grateful Dead.

[@SD_Marc]

+Ryan Sutter I really wasn't ranking them, just saying who I preferred. Pigpen was a charismatic singer and personality but couldn't hang with the band when they really took off. Brent was a flashy player, but what I didn't like, as much, I really liked Brent too, was his plinky electric piano sound and some the effects he played. I liked the warmth of Keith's piano and he could swing with the band. Not an objective rating, just me preference.

[@miguelgonzal]

I was too young to see Pigpen. But I did get to see Keith and Donna at my first show. Then I saw the first Brent tour. Plus more shows as the years passed. So, I concur with your point of view. It's a personal choice. You like what you like. And while I preferred Brent's energy and voracious musical appetite, the sound of the Brent era was harsh and processed. The early days of digital sound reproduction. My favorite period is Europe 1972 when *both* Keith and Pigpen were in the band. To respond to Ryan's comments. To rank the keyboardists is a fool's errand. You've got Pigpen circa Zebriskie Point farfisa madness, Pig and Tom Constanten -- arguably the most capable of all GD keyboardists, then Pig and Keith, then just Keith on both electric and acoustic keys, then Keith on piano almost exclusively, then Brent, then Vince Welnick ("White Punks on Dope") and Bruce Hornsby -- both fantastic players whose technique was/is formidable, then just Vince. Holy moly ... Why try? Just let the music play!

[@ryansutter5614]

+Miguel Gonzalez nothing foolish about it. preference.

[@Wedge-r9o]

This is just a wonderful song played by a wonderful band in a most wonderful way 😊

[@truthrecon4404]

Seem to recall seeing Donna with her band @ the Catalyst Santa Cruz a while back she was performing just fine. Nice Wheel thanx 4 posting~

[@windjammer226]

the catalyst,is still around,have not heard that for awhile/I was held hostage in san jose,used to go santa cruz every weekend,sleep and party on the beach.good days long gone

[@joyvance936]

I went to the Springfield show that year; it was my second Grateful Dead show. It was good but we didn't get to hear "The Wheel."

[@idahoolson]

I have many !but this one of favs!

[@Angel-cd5qq]

This is def one of my 🌻 favourites,I was only 9 when this played or I would of gone ,Im from Boston 😉

[@popsemeraldcity1714]

1971-74 Dead was best of times

[@cycloptical26]

+popsemeraldcity Agreed, and everything post-winterland 10/74 pales in comparison.

[@ELKWILDLOVE]

popsemeraldcity Have to agree, but I would go through late 70's....Barton Hall and Englishtown...Two of the best!!

[@MrRihmo]

I TOOK A LOT OF SUNSHINE 😊😊😂🎉😢😮😮

[@louriver6822]

Who puts a ad in the middle of a song?!!!!!

[@MorusAlba1975]

In a sense you did. You allowed it to be there. I never see ads.

[@alborrelli1604]

Excellent question.I would love a rational answer.

[@murphmanin]

Big time stand out song for Vibes 2010... how can one band be so GD good?!

[@CasperInkyMagoo]

How did 2010 turn out for you?

[@georgehill6607]

mighty fine and great

[@tennisbumojai]

If you had to choose the essential Dead song......essence.

[@russbuford8392]

Smiling at the irony of mindful hope

[@petestory]

Thanks!

[@ToldAlthea]

Goosebumps.......

[@deniseg812]

not a fan.

[@ToldAlthea]

deniseg812 I won't pull the whole GD bullshit on you. But I spent ages 13 to 19 making fun of them, their fans and even their music. Then I went to a show. It wasn't the drugs or the "atmosphere" or the "whole experience". It was the music. These boys could KICK IT like no other when they were on. Check out KZbin Hard To Handle from August 6, 1971. If you don't relate to that form of Rock N Roll / Blues - then I understand you don't like them. But check it out just to make sure. Or am I just missing the whole point ? You like The Dead...but just don't like "THE WHEEL" ??

[@ToldAlthea]

deniseg812 And when you watch it - tell me from 4:00 to 7:00 isn't ELECTRIC entertainment.???? Thx.

[@smartalek180]

+deniseg812 "not a fan."Nobody's perfect.

[@lenny3804]

Beautiful

[@MGKBOSTON]

I love this

[@Charlesoctava]

My amazing boyfriend Max sent me here💜

[@dstetzer1]

grace of god

[@aloysiusAAJ]

forgot all about it...thanks.

[@tobygrey22]

the wheel was about 8 feet tall, and made of fire, with the color of "flame electricity" bright orange. It would have burnt anything close to it. Writing this, it makes my hair stand on end just speaking about it.

[@popbottle2645]

Dancing..........dancing................

[@tobygrey22]

" by the grace of GOD"

[@jonlieberman7819]

77 was a hot year

[@dstetzer1]

thunder and lightning

[@philcarmichael6090]

STOP bagging on Donna Jean!

[@davidpd6802]

NO SHIT! Haters gonna hate. If learned nothing other than 'EXPECTATIONS KILL', go back to square one, do not pass go, nor collect parking lot schwag.

[@leonarddobrzyn725]

why not all the rest of the boys in the band did! lmao!!!

[@TheProDdigy]

@@leonarddobrzyn725 Jerry literally asked her to be in the band. Keith was her husband, and Jerry had heard her singing.

[@doubleconsonants1059]

Jerry used Keith and Donna A LOT in the Garcia Band shows in this era.. if he hated them that would not have been the case.

[@MC-zu4gl]

Perfect amount of slow “wading” jam before diving in

[@georgieporgiecomic]

The Wheel is turning ...

[@troutvoice]

If the Thunder don't Getcha then the Lightning Wheel....

[@brian1861]

..cool

[@KevinSloan-u2h]

I was just in my fish tank and she heard my buffalo song😂❤😢🎉😊

[@alessioulleri5878]

Meravigliosa🌈🌈🌈🐢🐶

[@elizabethbudd9389]

Donna is great the versions of Cold, Rain and Snow where she does nt sing are not nearly as good as when she does. That song is a bout resolution and she and jerry finish great.. I always felt that her role and Bob Weirs role were at odds in that they were fighting over the second vocal opportunity and ultimately Bob Weir developed and she did nt. I liken her to a Lamborghini, incredible luxury item but how do you use it? where does it fit in.

[@KevinSloan-u2h]

❤😂😢😮😅😊🎉

[@peterserbian6556]

Really hits it right on the head don't it? I just broke out my GD tie-dies for the summer!

[@MissScarlett27]

See I love Donna in 1977. She was only good this year to me, in fact only the early part of this year. She started slipping, then she fell hard. But here - I think she's perfection at these shows.

[@seansklenar3509]

i agree that on some of these 77 tapes she really adds a nice element. but at other times, good lord.... lol

[@Hypno_Llama]

Rip Phil

[@GuitarfiendIII]

Yep.....1977 :) :)

[@Thresholdmoment]

This is the one of a kind sound and note configurations that are limited to Jerry. No one else matches it, not Trey, not kadlezcik, not Haynes, just to name a few. If only we could mute Donna's vocals.

[@cindyevans3502]

If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will!!!!

[@carlosdevarona7775]

Trey brought me here.... HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@chasefukuoka61]

@troutvoice - yep! so true.

[@casparcoaster1936]

Oh shit... just read someone's comment mentioning "Wharf Rat"... and I realize how Jerry's vocals were the key to it, how it could cut ya in two, guess I was wrong in that last comment, my mistake...

[@captainblewhard]

@09jackstraw - Wowsers! I thought you said "...They have energy hats...", instead of, "...They have an energy that's...". I was born cross-eyed, however, and I came out of my mom's New Potato Caboose! Yikes! ;)

[@vulvoxify]

It's a trip.

[@vulvoxify]

You're vulvoxify? Thats my old company name.

[@chasefukuoka61]

@WEIR4EVER - yeah, i really think so too :-)

[@unki3259]

if the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will...

[@edhalfen7380]

I'm an appreciator but not really Deadhead, so please bear with me. Why all the controversy about Donna Jean?

[@tjw3999]

listen to playing in the band lmao

[@HoursonEarth1]

Some folks think her voice made the music worse instead of better..her kinda silly yeahahhh scream in playing in the band for example..sometimes singing out of tune. Other fans liked what she added...and so it goes.

[@tjw3999]

Hours on Earth everyones favorite era is usually the era they were going to shows

[@thewheel73]

She had the unfortunate tendency to play up her voice to the detriment of the overall song. This isn't in all songs, just enough to really annoy a lot of fans. She's a fine vocalist, whom in my opinion, was trying to be a bigger part in what was essential a jam band. I think all problems would have been solved if she had an instrument. Even a tambourine. So she could be part of the jams. Just my 2 cents. Still love her and Bobby's Looks Like Rains, He's Gones, and Lazy Lightning>Supplications.

[@davidpd6802]

Haters gonna hate. High brow aristocrats, feeling important pooping on their own. If you learn nothing other than 'EXPECTATIONS KILL', go back to square one, do not pass go, nor collect parking lot schwag.

[@paulc5333]

can't believe I only just found this great version of this tune. Who is the girl singing with the band at this show?

[@JoelFinkel]

Paul C Donna Jean Godchaux. She sang with the Dead for many years while her husband, Keith, played keyboard.

[@tobygrey22]

I saw the Great Wheel.

[@Sculptorshaw]

Did Jerry's first solo album become a Dead album, seems like the songs from that album became more of the Dead's repertoire than the JGB

[@chuckhowe123]

Sculptorshaw That album was pretty much just Jerry, with some help from Billy K. More of the songs just fit the Dead style than JGB, though a few were played by both...

[@robertmusacchio3088]

this period is when I first heard Jerry live, when the group was on hiatus; Jerry was backed by Merle Saunders on organ, it was a great show at Brooklyn College and I was upfront

[@hoot6theyre]

HOW

[@billylebraillard]

☮

[@tham5102]

a little haunting in the beginning