Guitar Teacher REACTS: Grateful Dead "Death Don't Have No Mercy" Live Hampton Coliseum 10/9/89

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[@ericgerber9751]

RE: Dead and Company playing slow. One of the best lines that describes The Grateful Dead is from The Music Never Stopped: “the music plays the band”. Most bands play the music. The Eagles are outstandingly talented, and they play the music of The Eagles true to form. And that’s great. But, it’s not what the Dead have always been about. With the Dead, the music plays the band. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes it’s magic, sometimes it’s tragic. It’s exploratory and open to the moment. It’s what some people hate about them, it’s what some people love about them.

[@tommathews3964]

Spot on! That's a great analogy! If I'd ever gone to a Dead show and it sounded exactly like "American Beauty" or "Workingman's Dead" I'd have been SO disappointed! Reminds me of the old Jerry Jeff Walker classic "Hairy Ass Hillbillies" "Most people go out to clubs Just to see an electric dildo A human jukebox who loves to play Every single song they know But they don't care if you blow your soul They usually stand up and tell you so"

[@mikemorris3028]

Well said.

[@benjigault9043]

Never heard that phrase, but spot on. The music indeed plays this band and it is something to behold. Well said sir.

[@hymedude7378]

In other words if you want to judge the dead you gotta go to a show....lol

[@ericgerber9751]

For sure, you can't know what the Dead is like unless you experience them live!

[@BillTheButcher79]

Man, I f***ing love Brent Mydland!! Dude is an animal!!

[@bearsgonefishing9897]

Brent was so great in this band. The 89-90 shows are really enjoyable to me. This is a great tune.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

These were the Formerly The Warlocks shows. They were relatively unannounced until the last minute. Death Don’t Have No Mercy was a throwback to their early days.

[@davidjacques8042]

You know your in for a treat when Jerry reaches for Wolf. Sure do love that guitar

[@Mtlakehydro]

I was there for this show and when they went from death has no mercy into good loving the emotional range of those two songs together was one of the most intense feelings and show environments I've ever experienced not even to mention dark star

[@rachelkopel5678]

At 11:30 I shouted THE THIRD! You have trained me well Michael-san. 💕🙋🎶

[@dylanschehr4889]

You should definitely give the Live/Dead performance of this song from '69, it's my favorite version of this song, truly haunting.

[@boscoserranovelasco3302]

Yess. Michael you need to react more to 60s and 70s Dead!!

[@colehelman9138]

100%, what I came here to say! Check it out Michael!!

[@southforest2996]

10/12/68 I believe

[@draz0909]

@@southforest2996not 10/12/68, although 10/12/68 is an awesome show.

[@florentcartalade6578]

So agree!!

[@paulwarren8936]

You need to listen to Jerry's solo on the Death Don't Have No Mercy from the original Live Dead album. Jerry's solo on that version will give you chills because of the emotion pouring from his guitar.

[@xianshep]

Yes, in my opinion his best-ever solo.

[@paulwarren8936]

@@xianshep Agreed, it always moves me and I have listened to it so many times over the last 40 years.

[@timmcallister]

Though I have been watching guitar vids for years, the never understandable KZbin search algorithms have failed to show me a single of your videos until today. instant subscribe.

[@lancedinatale7134]

It’s unbelievable how someone could play guitar with such freedom and emotion like Jerry Garcia did. This guitar solo is something serious.⚡️

[@martinharris2113]

Man i saw it in person and i had my face stole right off my head! Raleighwood was a great show

[@LKNDIY]

Love the nod to Piggy and Keith. In my opinion Keith was everything. The dead changed immensely when he joined, and again when he left this world. ‘72 will always be my favorite year of the Dead. Special times.

[@floorticket]

I don't think Keith's death changed the band.

[@LKNDIY]

@@floorticket 80’s Dead was much different than 70’s Dead in my opinion. Popular opinion would say ‘72 or ‘77 were pinnacle years of the Dead, Keith years. Even the years Keith played with JGB are special. He had a complex, laid back style that was unique, not bombastic like Brent. Keith had a humble style. Just my opinion. Keep on dancin’!

[@joefelice5062]

I agree, 72-73 is my favorite era. I love all the eras but the time right after Keith joined was beyond compare.

[@thembones1895]

Hey man. Been watching for a long time, probably when you were < 1k subs. Man, seeing you over 1/4 million subs is way cool. Makes me happy. You are a genuine positive dude. Keep rocking baby, I'll be strumming along with you.

[@seanbell4258]

Was at both Warlock shows, incredible energy

[@Cigarsam]

Indeed! so many goosebump moments in those 2 short nights.

[@stephenschimoler1637]

Thank you! I was there in Raleigh for this Dead and Co debut! the lighting (red) and everything about it was a MOOD! It was one of those special moments you only hope to be there for.

[@superweak]

This is wonderful tune. Blind Reverend Gary Davis version is haunting.

[@seanmcd72]

Gary Davis wrote it

[@unclesnakebite7811]

I was there. Greats shows! Jerry broke out the Wolf.

[@TK-fk4po]

I just realised I was at this show in college. That tour I saw all the shows at Hampton, in Philly, and at the Meadowlands. That tour was fantastic as I recall well. And he busted out Wolf…

[@chadgorman2314]

Thank you for everything you do. Much love.

[@dwgoutdoors831]

Mike ! I didn’t get to run into you at bristow but man, what a show! That Cumberland blues was tight!

[@xianshep]

Although there's no video, you should react to the version on Live/Dead, which arguably features Jerry's best solo EVER.

[@skylers_a_bum]

Agreed

[@joebaby555]

“Searing through the sky here” oh yeah.. “Stella Blue”.”Black Peter “ also concert Warhorses in this genre,, goosebumps hearing this again..was on this tour. Every night was a masterclass in Jamming…man could he make a guitar cry so beautifully.🎸🔥

[@brpo1]

I was in attendance at this show. Love and miss my Jerry...

[@GuitarChannelYT]

Ah you must have some stories...

[@hooper4581]

Old and slow is 100 x better than none at all. Enjoy it all while it lasts ! Peace and love

[@floorticket]

I saw the breakout at Shoreline in '89. The second set had a fifteen-minute technical-issues break between "Blow Away" and "Playin'." When they went into DDHNM it took a few seconds for the old heads to inform the seasoned heads (me), what song this was. Then the seasoned heads told the newbs and the first timers what the heck was going on.

[@davidmugglebee523]

Love your sentiments about live music and so glad this haunting, timely tune struck you the way it did ⚡️ Have a great time tonight!

[@skylers_a_bum]

Please do a video on the Death Don’t Have No Mercy from the Live/Dead albums, that’s my favorite version if not one of my favorite live songs.

[@hmw3]

Whoah, I was at this show! Them pulling out Death Don’t (among other gems) at this performance was absolutely thrilling. Thanks for helping me see it from your perspective and understand the music better.

[@LBriders35]

Was really hoping to catch you in Bristow just to thank you for all of the helpful videos you have put out into the world. Was a great set!

[@samuellord8576]

TOTAL RESPECT for your reaction. Wow, you have really done justice to the craft, hard work, and soul that made this song so powerful. Thank you!

[@scottk8244]

Thanks for doing Dead songs, the people need to know the gift Jerry was and is.

[@EngineerCatPyro]

I greatly enjoy the younger generation learning and listening to GD and all it's versions after Jerry died. There's nothing to complain about. We are lucky to still have bob, micky and bill around to play us songs that fill deadheads air. I'm glad there's shows on video that let the new heads experience what they didn't get experience after Jerry dies.

[@MacSvensson]

what you said about music and it's seasons and life and such: very, very true. Recordings are like audio pictures: a momentary snapshot. Nothing more, nothing less. Thanks.

[@kdavis63]

Love this stuff....Mahalo Michael!

[@Mjollnir50]

Don't get me wrong, I've been a deadhead since '64 and I loved them in the Brent era too, Jerry was always magic, but I can't talk about this song without taking my hat off to Gary Davis. It's wonderful to play and jam on, it plays itself.

[@Aquariuz60]

Couldn't agree more. One of my favourites by Gary Davis alongside "I heard the angels singin". And one can find them both here on YT. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIicgaiCmNSNg68 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX3Wg6mYaa6ma9E

[@ryanmoore2779]

64’?

[@chinarider2778]

This two night run was legendary! Was there, will never forget it!

[@BizzleTube]

Man. Dead all day. Always taking their time - and I’m along for the ride.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

That’s a great lesson and a heavy song.

[@jrc7660]

Most definitely. I’ve always had the same school of thought when it comes to Dead & Co. This video and The Band’s The night they drove Dixie down are my most watched I’d say in the last ten years. Man oh man. I’ve even been locked up in the penitentiary when I was up and down with my heroin addiction and have had friends and family lay the phone down next to their phone and play this for me atw through. Gave me strength to push onward. Music has so much power and the soul can travel on notes of music. P.S. the morning dew from this legendary run sure is dem bees knees too⚡️❤️🔥🎵🎶🎵❤️🔥⚡️🎶

[@calebsmith3034]

Man this is funny I literally sent you an instagram message on the same day you posted this video asking you to cover Dead and Companies rendition of this from Raleigh this year. John Mayers solo on this song was the highlight of the night.

[@RobertWeir]

Oh man this is sweet .. such a killer tune 🤟 Brent is the best on these versions .. that run at 22:06 ... mmmm mmm mmm.. and thank you Michael for your insights into whats's going on .. these are worth more than gold... I remember JerBer a DJ in Marthas Vineyard i believe now who used to have a show called the Dead Zone once said Jerry was the best at "playing slow songs fast" .. so true ... and how bout that WOLF baby!!

[@Dan-dg9pi]

Michael, wonderful wonderful analysis. The Live Dead version is also awesome.

[@christophersontraskys2743]

As much as I do have my favorite dead years and lineups your absolutely right the nysuc lives in the band changes and evolves

[@pappypgh]

This is, in my opinion, the best piece of music this band ever played. The band is so into it and on fire. Jerry is crushing it w emotion and plays so nasty. Bobby (not even mentioned on this video) plays amazing stuff. Brent is cooking with gas. Also the only 4/4 version they ever played of this song. It works beautifully.

[@superweak]

I saw the GD in 94 in Seattle and Shoreline. At that time i was noob and some of the older folks looked at us like we don’t know what the old days were like.

[@tompoynton]

The small things *are* everything

[@deadphish73]

I’m coming down from New York for the Jiffy Lube Live show tonight! I’ll be in the lawn as well, hope to run into you bro!

[@mossfree]

Live Dead DDHNM is the quintessential version imo

[@jimsebastian2846]

Two from the vault has a great version!

[@bartsturdy8134]

Obsessed with this song for long time. Heard lots of versions of this song and I think the one off Two From the Vault is the best. Jerry absolutely soars on the solo. Awesome Michael did this review. Love it!

[@HyzersGR]

Have you seen Long Strange Trip on Amazon Prime? Opening scene is Death Don't Have No Mercy from the mid-late 60's. Avalon Ballroom I believe.

[@grantbob]

I hadn't heard this one before either. I think this inspired Tom Petty's "Good Enough".

[@GuitarChannelYT]

It’s a cover of an older tune by Reverend Gary Davis.

[@boscoserranovelasco3302]

You should react to the version in Live/Dead. IMO it's one of the best versions if not the best. Just thinking now about the Long Strange Trip documentary intro with that song gives me chills

[@patrikstreng6834]

Would be nice to see a teacher's take on the Alchemy live version of Telegraph Road

[@wolfsvision940]

The height of there later day powers!!

[@ScooBdont]

You should check out Jerry’s early career playing bluegrass and folk. He was a excellent banjo player even though missing a finger on his picking hand. His gigs with “Old and in the way” are probably the most well known and has albums very recently released with “Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers” and the “Black Mountain Boys”

[@Guitargate]

Believe it or not, old and in the way changed my musical trajectory. I loved bluegrass Jerry for a decade before I got into the dead!

[@ScooBdont]

@@Guitargate Ah, I see that you are indeed a man of culture. Well done sir 🙂👍

[@Guitargate]

Vassar is my favorite improviser of all time.

[@ScooBdont]

@@Guitargate he’s a legit legend for sure. I got to see him play in Montana about 15 years ago by complete coincidence. We were going thru a small town and saw a billboard on an old theater that Vassar was going to be playing there within the next hour. Being that we all were big fans of “old and in the way” and knew who Vassar was we instantly postponed our previous plans and saw the show. There was probably 200 seats at the most in that old theater and probably 30 people watching in total and our group got front row dead center seats. It was amazing, he talked with us in between nearly every song and told stories about Bill Monroe, Peter Rowan, Jerry, and was extremely kind to everyone. It was more incredible than anything I could have imagined. My introduction to “old and in the way” was opposite of yours. I had been a Dead fan for a long while before I heard any of Jerry’s early bluegrass stuff. Cut to now and my “Hart family drifters” CD hasn’t left my cars player for months and plays on a loop. I especially like the version of “Run Mountain” on that one.

[@ththejackjumper]

Perfect timing! I've been working on this song, some great stuff here. Also, make sure to check out the Hot Tuna version.

[@matthewcrooks510]

This is one of my favorite versions of any songs the Dead did live, and in many ways DDHNM is one the the Dead's essential songs. Michael for another version of the song live in '89, check out the break out version on 9/29/89, first time they played it in nearly 20 years live. The whole show is on youtube and it's at the 2:17:45 mark in the show...very raw and rough compared to this one, simply amazing. Quite a breakout song after 20 years, since 1970. Crowd goes silent for a moment as they start, and then almost an audible gasp. Pro shot video and audio too.

[@mattnaughton8105]

I was at that one. Whole show was great. Love that they put it on KZbin

[@andrewflorio1371]

dude iv been commenting this date on a lot of your videos 😂great song u should do an deep dive please man. i got a little of the solo down but i need more 😂🙏🙏

[@rdw5150]

They were never the same after Brent left us.........

[@ltsmash1200]

This is a great song, I had no idea the Dead ever covered it.

[@JohnBoyle]

More church. Love their versions of this blues classic.

[@tommathews3964]

Thunder and Lightning coming out of Wolf and Brent's house too! Love this version, and always thought the song didn't see enough set lists. Enjoy the show tonight! I just ignore all of the detractors about Dead and Company, and treat them with the respect they deserve! Like most shows, especially jam band shows, there will always be magical moments! If you want to hear it like it's in your head, just listen to those particular recorded versions, but if you're mining for that hidden gold, go to the shows!

[@DukeRaul]

Most folks don't seem to grasp that these are Bobbys arrangements of Grateful Dead songs... ⚡💀

[@kevinmcnturff6473]

Was at this show. Warlocks. They broke out alot of tunes during these 2 days. Yes dead and Slow is too slow for me but I'm not everybody. My opinion. Saw a ton af gd shows and it's hard for me to get into the slowness of dead and Slow. Good job breaking down the revs. DDHNMERCY!!!

[@mikeb8843]

The best versions of this are from 1968-1969 when it was in GD regular repertoire

[@streetvan1997]

Known as the Warlocks shows the Oct 89 at Hampton shows are super famous dead shows. Highly recommend listening to both shows at length. Good to hear Dead being recognized and enjoyed by new fans. Their music is incredible. It’s always been about the music.

[@jayshulman5336]

During the halftime show of the Bristol stream (available on KZbin), they interviewed Don Was, musician, producer, record label executive and currently Wolf Bros. bassist. He discussed at length the virtues of playing slow in terms of communicating the emotional impact of the song and making choices in what to play and not play. This also has been discussed by Oteil and Bob in various podcast interviews. Ken Kesey once famously commented that one aspect of Jerry’s greatness was what he chose not to play. Some may find it interesting to check out Death Don’t Have No Mercy from Live Dead (recorded in 1969), similar arrangement, but reflecting the so-called Primal Dead era.

[@mikemorris3028]

They broke this song out a little over a week earlier than this version at Shoreline on 09/29/89. Last played before that was 04/26/70. Amazing how it sounds for a tune recently dusted off after 19 years.

[@joeguppy]

Just want to make sure the writer/creator of the song gets props: Reverend Gary Davis. Rev Davis' innovative guitar playing/ chording--i.e.--adding that B7...are HUGE in "Death Don't Have No Mercy". And musicians like Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir would be the first to give massive credit to Rev Davis.

[@superweak]

As great as D&C is every time you go back and watch Garcia do the same numbers you get chills. Then consider watching on KZbin aint got nothing on the incredible sound they traveled with.

[@CoreReactorMusic]

Would love to watch you react to and breakdown the Disco Biscuits - I-man. There's a million live versions on KZbin

[@TheSchuyler75]

my Dads favorite Dead song. mine is Box of Rain but I’m partial to Hunters lyrics and don’t play guitar.

[@johngarrett6472]

That wasn’t the Grateful Dead, those were the Warlocks!

[@TheScruffynerferger]

charles wesley godwin- seneca creek live version. Dude is mad talented and has a small following..

[@dougtaphouse1031]

I had an extra miracle GA pit ticket for Bristow... wish I'd known you needed one.

[@Guitargate]

Damn!! It was awesome !

[@joefelice5062]

The stuff Weir is doing during Jerry’s solo and Brent’s verse is stuff nobody else would ever think to do - it’s what made the Dead so much different than any other band.

[@MyBottleRocket]

Can’t talk about this without mentioning Live/Dead

[@StarDarkAshes]

I also love Jerry’s bluesy guitar work on Ship of Fools and the Jerry Garcia Band song Gomorrah. Would be a couple of awesome songs to react to. I know this is an older video but I just came back to watch again. There are a few other minor blues songs in Jerry’s solo work or with Merl Saunders. I particularly like

[@DonBroyles73]

I would love to see you react to Gustav Guerra. He is absolutely incredible.

[@theme542]

This is awesome but check out the 2/27/69 too. It’s so good

[@theyoungamptech320]

Watching a genius watch a genius.

[@chrisfenet]

Another version worth checking is Hot Tuna's one :-)

[@drwu9627]

What'd you think of the Cumberland, Scarlet and Black peter from Bristow? I thought they were all pretty impressive performances for this version of the band. Good times.

[@EndangeredSouls]

Check out the Jorma/Hot Tuna version of this!

[@tomkab4669]

My family was at show in Raleigh - and when they were playing this my 20yr old son said to me - “reminds me of St James Infirmary”, which his HS jazz combo played a few years back. Totally agree with the love for that haunting sound - was one of my wife and my favorites when they did that, and to me this was one of the highlights of the D&C set.

[@superweak]

Check Arlo Guthrie St. James infirmary.

[@hbittlenyc]

Michael: I know you get millions of react requests in this comments and will probably never see this, but three words: Emily Scott Robinson. She is up and coming in the independent country scene, gaining a lot of attention recently--and rightfully--for her voice and storytelling. Please listen to "Delta Line"!

[@genebrohan2401]

A record is that song trapped in time

[@hymedude7378]

There was only a few of these with Brent....you can spend the whole video on what Jerry and Bobby are doin...lol even just Jerry,however a video of what Phil and Brent are doing would be amazing from a musicians perspective,and the triphecta would be a video on what Billy and Micky are doing, gratest liveband ever here and I'm extremely biased..lol

[@grateful1185]

Bobby parachutes into Jerry's solo with that wicked, surfer, Dick Dale riff. Brent playing as if he were possessed. Mickey, Billy and Philly keeping the backbone strong!

[@kylegriffin7872]

I always found the slow blues dead stuff to really outshine their other material. They take these old blues standards and turn them into the dirtiest, grungiest, filthiest and emotional tunes you could ever listen to. They take the saying "making it your own" to a whole different space, to the point where most of their covers I could, and have, mistaken as their originals. It's hard for music to bring me to tears, but the only two artists that have are Johnny cash and the dead. I think it would have been especially cool to see pigpen when he was playing, to be able to smell the whiskey on his breath and feel the whiskey in his soul as he saying. So cool man, just cool

[@andrewhobbs5626]

I mean this with everything in me and any other true head will agree..you must endeavor the 8-6-71 Hard to Handle….absolute face melter…fun fact Jerry dropped to his knees during the final pass

[@colinbarden954]

I second this request. Found this show on Archive about 15-16 years ago and still have not heard another version of Hard to Handle quite like this. Bobby playing some great rhythm stuff too.

[@andrewhobbs5626]

@@colinbarden954 You damn right this goes to show you dont ever underestimate the Grateful Dead…these guys were cooking every night..especially in 1971 PRIME DEAD

[@hmw3]

I third that request for 8/6/71 Hard to Handle!!!

[@superweak]

Have a great time tonight. I’m sure you’ll get a miracle

[@christianthearborist844]

You have to do China doll if you like haunting dead tunes👻

[@gmcmd]

Great version of the great tune by the Rev. Gary Davis, but I'm partial to versions from 69-70.

[@StarDarkAshes]

It’s so much better than the Shoreline one. Jerry’s playing is so spot on. Naturally unforced beautiful playing.

[@OwenBon]

Please do a reaction to Roy Buchanan “ The Messiah”. Greatest guitar player of all time

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Hi Michael Palmisano! Been watching your vids for some time now especially your Improvisation vids. You are so talented. Are you a graduate in music? How many times do you practice everyday? Reading notes? Tabs? Thanks!

[@willalfano8]

you should check out the long strange trip documentary if you havent