Grateful Dead - U.S. Blues (Empire State Building Light Show)

[@charleacc1]

... God bless America and God bless the Grateful Dead. The greatest rock and roll band EVER!

[@Mr.MT3]

Worth noting, Truckin' is recognized as a national treasure. Jeffersons house, Rushmore, and a Dead tune. Barton Hall is in the library of congress too! The government may not have always been super supportive, but if you ask me, they recognized the boys wrote songs about the quintessential American experience. Imo, they're the greatest American band of all time!

[@777Yoni]

How could this not put a smile on somebody's face?

[@heathernichols2731]

Heck yesh

[@TadekTedWilson74777]

Somebody Stole my Face You have to be American

[@TadekTedWilson74777]

On my Command... You have 69 hours

[@TheGravygun]

They should have played New York City at the garden instead of Chicago Give me a break

[@TheGravygun]

when they put up this cheesy tribute to New York City when the Grateful Dead should have closed at the garden

[@johnflaherty4232]

Greatest American Rock and Roll Band EVER assembled

[@glenngrasso9290]

"the greatest rock and roll band that ever was..." Bill Graham 1/1/1979

[@TheThrowZone]

This was the song my wife and I danced to for our “first dance” played live on acoustic guitar by my friend that taught me to keep a beat. Years later I’m finally learning to play it myself on guitar. Always been such a touching song.

[@Erikr-ex9dj]

Can't get more American then This God Bless The Greatful Dead and USA !

[@josephzirngibl633]

R.I.P. Phil Lesh😔🇺🇸🦅🎼✌️

[@richardnaronis7839]

What a better weekend to share independence day🎉than with the Jerry and the boys

[@keithsr.]

Absolutely amazing! There is nothing like a dead show! I was fortunate enough to see jerry live and will always cherish those days !

[@howardklein9834]

Saw them back when Pig Pen was still rocking' with them.

[@kbroby]

Today’s a good day to rewatch this one. Right in the feels.

[@wito6998]

Bet you Jerry would've loved this!

[@chrischandler5653]

I never knew this. I was dancing in Chicago during this !!

[@spacealienjesus709]

Love you, Greatful Dead.. Thank you for all the wonderful years of entertainment through the ups and downs..

[@nancycarlson3126]

ON MY BIRTHDAY! The Greatest Band ever! My favorite video!

[@johnmcdonald9304]

The Dead will always live because The Dead will never die.

[@advanceromance2656]

Truly dazzling. My oh my.

[@LivingDeadinthepast]

Happy Birthday America 🇺🇸

[@THELostSailor]

Well that should just about clear up any misunderstanding about what the line "BAND BEYOND DESCRIPTION" means. I only wish this video utilized the actual audio from the actual show as it really happened to play out. This is why I will ALWAYS love The Grateful Dead.

[@briansunderman2091]

Tom Denman for sure

[@Louloe]

Hope all the Heads had a wonderful 4th!

[@susangibbons6531]

the photography is great too, Best American Band EVER thank you for being the soundtrack for my life

[@MarkAndrews12]

Yeah they are the greatest American band of all time

[@theotherone58]

Grateful Dead Coast to Coast!!!

[@teletubetodd]

When I first heard this, I was taken by it, and when I heard them sing "blue suede shoes," I thought this was Carl Perkins' original song of that name, until I heard the real one performed by John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band on their "Live Peace in Toronto 1969" album. But I never knew until now that this one was by the Grateful Dead! And the Empire State Building LIght Show goes with it beautifully! Thanks for posting!

[@francismcneice32]

I use to get the two songs mixed up as well. Jerry rocks them both 👍

[@bobschenkel7921]

Even though I have acrophobia, this should be required viewing EVERY Fourth Of July. Thanks guys!

[@michaelhunter1093]

trey is absolutely KILLING IT!!

[@mainecannabiscenter7457]

mike hunt NOT Trey In This Video----LoL....THATS JERRY !!!!

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

mike hunt Jerry RIP

[@mawilbur42]

Maine Cannabis Center Not anyone in this video, thats a building

[@smokeyrainbows]

MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN! Super sweet America - keep rocking!

[@ricardmike5867]

You’re so adorable

[@mojojeinxs9960]

I was here!!! Was such a great vibe that night.

[@WilliamGerringer-vc2ld]

Nice.

[@alleycatufc]

I'm So Grateful For This Footage!

[@franklaliberte2448]

Happy 4th of July everyone!

[@ThatSchmoGuy]

I spent all day listening to this song and wondering if they would perform this. I'll bet it was a spectacular performance! Can't wait for the concert DVD/KZbin videos of the entire tour :)

[@isjerryzkid]

best 4th lightshow anywheres, EVER!!!

[@jillstraw6779]

An expected but fantastic rendition of the traditional July 4 closer; bringing New York City and Chicago together for this monumental July 4 was absolutely brilliant. The Empire State Building never look so good!!! Many grateful thanks to Phil, Bob, Bill, Mickey, Jeff, Bruce, & Trey (who blew my trepidatious mind) for bringing back the old days the old way - getting it done and getting it down. I'm grateful to have been in Chicago but I kinda wonder what it would have been like at home, to see the Empire State Building lit up like that! I bet non-heads in NY were freaked out, no doubt lol! Thanks also to Pete Shapiro and everyone who made the FTW shows truly memorable - every detail was noticed and appreciated. God bless the Grateful Dead! Love always for Jerry, Pigpen, Keith, Brent, Vince and Donna, too! I was hoping maybe to see her on stage at some point but I could hear her anyway in my head. Feeling so lucky right now.

[@GDTRFBBB]

Perfect end to a perfect 4th!

[@peterfatkid2631]

New York got the way and means ...just won't let you be

[@bluesriot2]

boom

[@rubygeronimo]

Why yes, I've watched this 10 times since it was posted on Sunday. RIP Jerry. You are missed.

[@roesbud53]

Woe! Thanks!

[@daviddenaples]

NYC paid tribute to The Grateful Dead. NYC itself! So cool.... #faretheewell #gratefuldead #WhatAWeekend!!!!!

[@mlynney]

Glad you & Kate had fun!

[@richardm4857]

+David DeNaples It's more like the Dead payed to have it happen. NYC, not the people living there, the bureaucratic government NYC don't give a shit about the Grateful Dead. Never did. They always wanted to do a show in Central Park and they were always pretty much told, "No fucking way!" NYC was a cool place once. Before Rudy Giuliani, then Bloomberg fucked it all up. The shit that's happened here, and people just go along with it. A person can't smoke a cigarette in a park. Outside in a park? A cigarette. I could go on and on but this ain't the place for bitch'n about this stuff. The light show was pretty cool though! MSG makes an appearance at around 0:31.

[@JoshDone]

Man Richard, you and I must be kindred spirits. I'm a native New Yorker (b. 1970 in Manhattan), and am sickened by what the city has become. The Dead did play in Tompkins Square Park and in Central Park at least once, but those were pre-1970 shows. I was always a little surprised that they didn't play the June 1982 concert for nuclear disarmament in Central Park. Seemed right up their alley.

[@bobthebear1246]

One of The Dead's all-time best. 👍🏻

[@subslack]

SWEET!!!! Happy 239th B-Day, U.S.A.

[@BS2u2u]

Dope

[@WilliamGerringer-vc2ld]

Happy & Safe July 4th wishes to all Deadheads!!

[@JerzyBorowski-ot3ie]

GRATEFUL DEAD GENIUSZ GENIUSZ GENIUSZ nad GENIUSZAMI KOSMOS KOCHANI na zawsze dziękuję BARDZO i MIŁOŚĆ ☮️ POKÓJ MUZYKA tak

[@ncfish751]

The boys finally hit the big time!!

[@marcidvorak8796]

They are the big time nothing has compared to the grateful Dead followers and the music and the band. It's one of the most moving experiences I've ever had in my life each and every time I hear them

[@ncfish751]

agreed...after all these years they still move me like no other band

[@stardustchris1050]

AWESOME NEW YORK DEAD! !!!!!

[@charleacc1]

If there was any confusion as to what rock and roll band is the greatest band ever, this should finally settle it. The Beatles may have made more "firsts", the Stones may exemplify sex, drugs and rock and roll better than any other band. Zeppelin may have been the most talented cohesive unit while they lasted. But look at The Dead... They only started a few years after the Beatles, and at the same time as the Stones, but the Beatles didn't even last 10 years like Zeppelin. And Zeppelin only quit because their drummer and backbone, John Bonham died. The Stones may still be going, but their recordings never got better or even matched that of their 60's and 70's work. It only got worse. Kudos for continuing to tour. But the Dead... 50 years even influential 20 years after Jerry, their frontman, died. So influential that they have inspired countless bands in the "jam band" genre. Many of which have intricate ties to the Dead in some way or another. All the living members still play live and record successfully. Including the sold out 3 day Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago. Attended by common Deadheads and famous fans alike. The most deadicated fans in all of rock and roll. Not to mention, so influential, they are proudly celebrated as AMERICA'S band on the 4th with the honor of a light show atop the Empire State Building. God Bless America. God Bless the Grateful Dead. The greatest rock and roll band... EVER!

[@anandaroopghosh433]

charleacc1 They are a treasure of the whole world. My friends and I have been live streaming the FTW shows here in India. I am 42. Have heard the Dead since I was 19. They are the soundtrack of our lives.

[@venniey]

Yes. A band beyond description. Beyond any hopes and expectations. Bobbie's Stella Blue almost brought me to my knees. This has been heaven on earth.

[@marcustaylor664]

venniey I am jealous

[@marcidvorak8796]

I agree. I may not know all the words but the music moves me no matter what I'm doing

[@mickey8355]

charleacc1 I agree. And also, all those other bands later in their career toured once every 4 years. whereas the Dead toured 4 times a year. They played much more than all those big name bands. They were never noticed nearly as much as any of those other bands. They were never given the credit they deserved but the key is they didn`t care about that kind of fame. If anything, they discouraged it. They never played for the money, they played because they enjoyed it. And still do.

[@kerryknauf8196]

Beautiful love it classic long live. The grateful dead

[@judyboyle9232]

Sooooo awesome New York. 2015!!!

[@mshedg]

Love the original but Blake always brings something special to whatever he contributes.

[@89volvowithlazers]

Still get goose bumps during the chorus my oh my❤❤❤❤

[@sandradevi3079]

YES!!

[@MuhdHaekal]

Beautiful city

[@tyedyetomct4200]

summertime come & go !!!

[@bluesriot2]

gave me some serious goosebumps

[@carycrediford7036]

Back to back chicken shack (that line cracks me up ) favorite encore song

[@TacomaPaul]

I smiled and giggled all the way through this. It's a good day for me today. ;-)

[@bradcroteau5077]

Happy 4th!!

[@jamesbennett3541]

Awesome Dead and NYC what a winner

[@robertmccarthy3731]

Going to a Dead show was always my therapy for whatever ailed me. Aural incense

[@oysterman12johnnybuckets3]

They are he reason I needed therapy, lol!

[@MrBobbystyles]

So awesome :) ⚡️🤠⚡️

[@brianjackson6472]

You better believe it dance people🤩🤩

[@jakekoehler1]

awesome!

[@acdebiase]

Makes me love NY

[@Stewart2240]

Don't know which was the more brilliant - the Empire State or the Grateful Dead - call it evens.

[@michaelosy462]

2020!

[@thomasjabs1]

You can say the Stones are the greatest rock and roll band or the Beatles were the greatest pop band. I can't argue with that. The Grateful Dead were the greatest live touring band there ever was. The Grateful Dead were so much more than a rock and roll band.

[@dylangatenby9928]

This song actually had a great amount of satirical humor in it. Just from listening to the lyrics.

[@wurly164]

Beyond, cool.

[@Swim2TheMoon]

So awesome!

[@ryansanders419]

Red and white

[@GraceNichols-n6w]

Red and white, blue suede shoes I'm Uncle Sam, how do you do? Give me five, I'm still alive Ain't no luck, I learned to duck Check my pulse, it don't change Stays seventy-two come shine or rain Wave the flag, pop the bag Rock the boat, skin the goat Wave that flag, wave it wide and high Summertime done come and gone, my, oh, my I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am Been hidin' out in a rock and roll band Shake the hand then shock the hand Of P. T. Barnum and Charlie Chann Shine your shoes, light the fuse Can you use them old U.S. Blues? I'll drink ya health, share ya wealth Run ya life, steal ya wife Wave that flag, wave it wide and high Summertime done come and gone, my, oh, my Back to back chicken shack Son of a gun, better change your act We're all confused, what's to lose You can call this all the United States Blues Wave that flag, wave it wide and high Summertime done come and gone, my, oh, my Summertime done come and gone, my, oh, my

[@v1ncepupp1o7]

Epic! Thanks for sharing my friend! ⚡️

[@vincentdelisa1658]

Tell it !!!!

[@CJeebodhun]

I miss you New York!!

[@croll11]

Beautiful well done for the light show XO

[@robertk2007]

Only in NYC!!

[@jamesfarmer3759]

Not now sad

[@jaffasoursgames1032]

I wish to be so well know that one of my songs can be synced to the building this is so cool.

[@charleacc1]

Red and white, blue suede shoes, I'm Uncle Sam, how do you do? Gimme five, I'm still alive, ain't no luck, I learned to duck. Check my pulse, it don't change. Stay seventy-two come shine or rain. Wave the flag, pop the bag, rock the boat, skin the goat. Wave that flag, wave it wide and high. Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my. I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am; Been hidin' out in a rock and roll band. Shake the hand that shook the hand of P.T. Barnum and Charlie Chan. Shine your shoes, light your fuse. Can you use them ol' U.S. Blues? I'll drink your health, share your wealth, run your life, steal your wife. Wave that flag, wave it wide and high. Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my. Back to back chicken shack. Son of a gun, better change your act. We're all confused, what's to lose? You can call this song the United States blues. Wave that flag, wave it wide and high. Summertime done, come and gone, my, oh, my.

[@briankasgorgis2918]

We're everywhere in all shapes and colors :)

[@thewaymouth]

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby.

[@billsmith4356]

❤ high energy dead!

[@garbomarce]

Nice! I love ESB

[@davidfaber3490]

The dead ! Leave it to NYC. Nicely done

[@TheLauraschwalm]

love it!!!!!

[@swollennoodles]

Great Video

[@zenfitnutrition8908]

I LOVE NEW YORK ❤🗽🍎🇺🇸💀🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@vd7692]

awesome

[@floridabird66]

Make America Grateful Again!!!

[@janetplanet8746]

WOO HOOOOOO!!!!!

[@tonyc3711]

Was always curious as to the reason for the lyric and title change to this song

[@sertsj1]

The irony in this is that this song, in my opinion, is not necessarily praising the U.S. The Mars hotel album is bookended by U.S. Blues and Ship of Fools. Considering the era, it's very much a political statement.

[@joearnold5727]

Yes, but criticized by someone who loved America. There's a difference.

[@sertsj1]

@@joearnold5727 What difference?

[@lorishu48103]

Agreed !!!

[@gladimmeandnotyou]

And?

[@GordonFalt]

Grateful Dead is Americas Band. RIP Phil Lesh, bassgod

[@bobhuber8480]

I like how they used, "the real" version of that song!

[@eroldcroft3045]

Love this to hellanback. My fave take of loose lucy coupled with lucille ball. Know that she is the one who put star trek on the map. Her vision is not recognized

[@BigHornCanyon]

that's a RIOT

[@GraceNichols-n6w]

Did they think this was a patriotic song? It is not. I love it.

[@RickKinneyEvenKeel]

Just another example of forward thinking and innovation by counter culture pioneers The Grateful Dead. #mindexpanded #thinkoutsideofthebox #breakthestatusquo

[@Karmalize]

could you imagine if the empire state building was in front of you at a show?

[@V8trickshot]

My my my my...

[@bobbylowther8589]

Skin the Goat

[@SUPD100]

For fucks sake, Chicago. The Grateful Dead's last show is in the city, couldn't you have programmed the Sears Tower to do something similar to what the Empire State is doing?

[@Mr.MT3]

I don't know much about Chicago, but some of the buildings that were visible behind the stage were lit up. Sears tower might have been too far away to see perhaps, I don't know. It was beautiful though man, i'll tell you that

[@eyeofhorusc]

I've been hiding out in a Rock n Roll band.

[@Matthew-sw4ie]

Love it. Saw the dead 3 times before jerry passed. Great 👍 shows and memories 👌

[@kevinwingler3370]

is this happening while they were playing in chicago