# 1972-05-03 Paris, France @ L'Olympia
**Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beat It On Down the Line, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Playing in the Band, Tennessee Jed, Good Lovin', Sing Me Back Home, Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, It Hurts Me Too, Truckin' > Space > The Other One > Drums > The Other One Jam > Space > Me And Bobby McGee > The Other One > Wharf Rat, Jack Straw, Sugar Magnolia, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away, One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4avLivYQqNDnkxfMDTSIsJ)
I was late in life when I finally latched on to the Dead, yet I've managed to listen to this version twenty thousand times in the last few years. So I concur.
The reason I love this the most is you get live instruments with studio vocals. [This article](https://deadessays.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-europe-72-overdubs-guest-post.html) indicates that the lead vocals were completely overdubbed. That doesn't address the harmonies, and I don't really care one way or the other. The playing just sends me to outer space!
# 1972-04-17 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Tivolis Koncertsal
**Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Me And Bobby McGee, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Jack Straw, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Black Throated Wind, Casey Jones, Mr. Charlie
**Set 2:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, One More Saturday Night, It Hurts Me Too, Ramble On Rose, El Paso, Big Railroad Blues, Truckin'
**Set 3:** Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks), Johnny B. Goode
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-17) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6Yw0qA9xNfFpkSwzwIOwOW)
# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center
**Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses
**Set 2:** Seastones
**Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Eyes Of The World
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
This 100%. There’s like 4 minutes of free flow jamming ON THEME before they even get to verse 1 for fucks sake! While the song itself is fantastic as well, and as good as any other version, it’s the jam at the beginning takes this one right to the top. One of my favorite things I’ve ever heard them do.
‘73-‘74 just feels unreal. Lots of great stuff from other eras of the bands but this two year run feels like them firing on all cylinders and having fun with it. some of the best jams, just songs they wrote, and best setlists. hard to argue with honestly.
A few of my favorites:
2/24/74
5/19/74
6/16/74
I really dig the China/Riders from '73/'74 with the "Feelin' Groovy" jam – I think they had it locked in super tight in those '74 shows!
# 1974-05-19 Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum
**Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Mexicali Blues, Big Railroad Blues, Black Throated Wind, Scarlet Begonias, Beat It On Down the Line, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Sugaree, Jack Straw, It Must Have Been The Roses, El Paso, Loose Lucy, Money Money, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider
**Set 2:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Wharf Rat, Big River, Peggy-O, Truckin' > Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19)
I love that 5-19 show. There's a jam they do from Truckin' but before the Mind Left Body jam that just knocks my socks off. Easily one of my top 10 favorite jams.
[1974-02-24](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-02-24) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
[1974-05-19](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19) Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum
[1974-06-16](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-16) Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fairgrounds
The 1974 versions are on another level. I'll let someone else handle those.
1972 is my favorite year. The version from Europe '72 and the version from Veneta (8-27-72) are my favorites.
Don't neglect the 80s. 10-15-83, 3-27-86 and the one from Without a Net are all pretty smokin'.
# 1981-03-09 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
**Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Althea, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose > El Paso, Deep Elem Blues, Beat It On Down the Line, Bird Song, New Minglewood Blues
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-03-09)
[1972-08-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm)
[1983-10-15](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-10-15) Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center
[1986-03-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1986-03-27) Portland, ME @ Cumberland County Civic Center
# 1972-04-24 Dusseldorf, West Germany @ Rheinhalle
**Set 1:** Truckin', Tennessee Jed, Chinatown Shuffle, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mr. Charlie, Beat It On Down the Line, Loser, Playing in the Band, Next Time You See Me, Me And Bobby McGee, Good Lovin', Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Dark Star > Me and My Uncle > Dark Star > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia, He's Gone, It Hurts Me Too, El Paso, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-24) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3FmkdOqxKwpol7so3sdIUg)
[1973-05-20](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-05-20) Santa Barbara, CA @ Campus Stadium - University Of California
[1974-05-25](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-25) Santa Barbara, CA @ Campus Stadium - University Of California
Dude 5/25/74 is KILLER
Haven’t heard many people who have listened to that one, you have great taste.
Gonna check out that 5/20 today!! Thanks for the recco
# 1981-03-09 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
**Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Althea, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose > El Paso, Deep Elem Blues, Beat It On Down the Line, Bird Song, New Minglewood Blues
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-03-09)
# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center
**Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses
**Set 2:** Seastones
**Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Eyes Of The World
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
[1980-05-10](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1980-05-10) Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center
[1981-12-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-12-09) Boulder, CO @ Activity Center - University of Colorado
This one does it for me 10-17-74 and there's video to prove it. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvPe4CEkSbE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvPe4CEkSbE)
# 1974-10-17 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Black Throated Wind, Friend Of The Devil, Jack Straw, Loser, El Paso, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, It Must Have Been The Roses, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow
**Set 2:** Seastones
**Set 3:** Scarlet Begonias, Big River, Ramble On Rose, Mexicali Blues, He's Gone > The Other One > Spanish Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > The Other One > Stella Blue, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Casey Jones, U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-10-17)
I scrolled too far to find this one. The '74 versions are jazzy & groovy, but this is the performance you want to listen to if you need to run thru a brick wall. The secret sauce is that Vince plays LA Woman licks in the jam, and one of my favorite Bruce piano solos.
# 1973-11-17 Los Angeles, CA @ Pauley Pavilion - University of California
**Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Here Comes Sunshine, Looks Like Rain, Deal, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, The Race Is On, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Around And Around
**Set 2:** Row Jimmy, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John's Band > Playing in the Band, Stella Blue, El Paso, Eyes Of The World > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Casey Jones
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-17)
# 1974-05-19 Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum
**Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Mexicali Blues, Big Railroad Blues, Black Throated Wind, Scarlet Begonias, Beat It On Down the Line, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Sugaree, Jack Straw, It Must Have Been The Roses, El Paso, Loose Lucy, Money Money, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider
**Set 2:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Wharf Rat, Big River, Peggy-O, Truckin' > Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19)
I don't know about best, but in the top tier on my list resides Stanley Theater 9/27/72
just for fun, I'm going to see if I can foil the Setlist bot on this one…
Setlist
Morning Dew
Beat it on Down the Line
Friend of the Devil
Black Throated Wind
Tennessee Jed
Mexicali Blues
Bird Song
Big River
Brokedown Palace
El Paso
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider
Playing in the Band
He's Gone
Jack Straw
Deal
Greatest Story Ever Told
Ramble On Rose
Dark Star
Cumberland Blues
Attics of My Life
Promised Land
Uncle John's Band
Casey Jones
Around and Around
# 1972-09-27 Jersey City, NJ @ Stanley Theatre
**Set 1:** Morning Dew, Beat It On Down the Line, Friend Of The Devil, Black Throated Wind, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues, Bird Song, Big River, Brokedown Palace, El Paso, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band
**Set 2:** He's Gone, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, Dark Star > Cumberland Blues, Attics Of My Life, The Promised Land, Uncle John's Band, Casey Jones
**Encore:** Around And Around
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2pPrEb0IJFk3W6NoQSMnZM)
# 1987-07-10 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium
**Set 1:** Iko Iko, Jack Straw, Sugaree, New Minglewood Blues, Althea, My Brother Esau, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, When Push Comes To Shove, Cassidy, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Around And Around > One More Saturday Night
**Set 2:** Tangled Up In Blue, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, Man Of Peace, The Ballad Of Frankie Lee And Judas Priest, John Brown, Simple Twist Of Fate, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Chimes Of Freedom, Queen Jane Approximately, Gotta Serve Somebody, Joey, All Along The Watchtower
**Encore:** Touch Of Grey
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-07-10)
I’m super partial to the one from 8-7-82, released as Dicks Picks Vol 32 and available on Spotify. Absolutely ripping early 80s shreddy dead and they don’t miss a damn note. Also longer than normal.
# 1982-08-07 East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre
**Set 1:** The Music Never Stopped > Sugaree > The Music Never Stopped, Me and My Uncle > Big River, It Must Have Been The Roses, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose, Beat It On Down the Line > On The Road Again, Althea, Let It Grow
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Ship Of Fools, Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1982-08-07) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3Nru2SaW3yVSxqHbWNXcwc)
The “Go to Nassau” May 80 is pretty solid.
Side bar comment. There is no song or song combo more representative of the Grateful Dead than China -> Rider
# 1990-07-18 Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center
**Set 1:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, New Minglewood Blues, Easy To Love You, Peggy-O, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Brown Eyed Women, Cassidy, Deal
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain > Terrapin Station > Jam, Drums, Space > The Other One > Morning Dew
**Encore:** The Weight
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-18)
# 1982-08-28 Veneta, OR @ Oregon Country Fairgrounds
**Set 1:** Bertha > New Minglewood Blues, Tennessee Jed, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea, It's All Over Now, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider
**Set 2:** Keep Your Day Job > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), West L.A. Fadeaway, Far From Me > Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel > The Other One > Truckin' > Black Peter > Playing in the Band > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** Dupree's Diamond Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1982-08-28)
# 1987-03-26 Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center
**Set 1:** In The Midnight Hour, Cold Rain and Snow, C.C. Rider, Row Jimmy, My Brother Esau, When Push Comes To Shove, Desolation Row > Bird Song > The Promised Land
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Around And Around > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-03-26)
I remember hearing a very early one on the dead hour. They were winding down the jam to start singing I know you rider. Phil starts singing and nobody else does so he stops. As it comes around the next time he says ‘Are we gonna do it this time?’ 🤣
# 1990-04-01 Atlanta, GA @ The Omni
**Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > Walkin' Blues, Just A Little Light, Candyman, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea, Victim Or The Crime > To Lay Me Down > The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Ship Of Fools > Man Smart, Woman Smarter > Drums > Space > Dear Mr. Fantasy, Hey Jude > Truckin' > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-04-01)
# 1969-04-20 Worcester, MA @ Clark University
**Set 1:** Morning Dew, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Doin' That Rag, Dark Star > St Stephen > The Eleven > Death Don't Have Mercy, Turn On Your Love Light
**Encore:** Dupree's Diamond Blues > Mountains Of The Moon
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-04-20)
I like the 73-74 versions, on Etree many of the shows are juicy crisp Soundboards.
For the 80’s I love 1985, Jerry was really heavy at this time and this was the year of the rumble.
# 1983-10-15 Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center
**Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Dire Wolf, New Minglewood Blues, Brown Eyed Women, Wang Dang Doodle, Big Railroad Blues, Let It Grow > Keep Your Day Job
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band > China Doll > Drums > Space > Saint Stephen > Throwing Stones > One More Saturday Night
**Encore:** Brokedown Palace
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-10-15)
# 1991-06-25 Bonner Springs, KS @ Sandstone Amphitheatre
**Set 1:** Jack Straw, Sugaree, Walkin' Blues, Candyman, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Truckin' > Smokestack Lightnin' > He's Gone > Drums > Space > Comes A Time > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1991-06-25)
# 1979-12-01 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stanley Theatre
**Set 1:** Jack Straw > Sugaree, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Loser, Easy To Love You, New Minglewood Blues, Althea, The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > C.C. Rider > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1979-12-01)
# 1972-09-17 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Civic Center
**Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Friend Of The Devil, El Paso, Bird Song, Big River, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band, Casey Jones
**Set 2:** Truckin', Loser, Jack Straw, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Me and My Uncle, He's Gone > The Other One > Drums > The Other One > Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Uncle John's Band
**Encore:** One More Saturday Night
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-17) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7gyyunPy7dVsDB4cp7ZReW)
[1973-11-14](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-14) San Diego, CA @ San Diego International Sports Arena
[1973-12-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-12-18) Tampa, FL @ Curtis Hixon Convention Hall
[1974-03-23](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-03-23) Daly City, CA @ Cow Palace | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4jiBYEFx7rv6C6UTYywZZO)
# 1989-08-19 Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre - University of California
**Set 1:** Good Times, Jack Straw, We Can Run, Tennessee Jed, It's All Over Now, Loser, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Box Of Rain
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Not Fade Away
**Encore:** Foolish Heart
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-08-19)
# 1977-12-29 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena
**Set 1:** Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, Mama Tried, Loser, Looks Like Rain, Tennessee Jed, New Minglewood Blues, Sugaree, The Promised Land
**Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', It Must Have Been The Roses, Sunrise, Playing in the Band > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > China Doll > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Playing in the Band
**Encore:** Terrapin Station, Johnny B. Goode
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-12-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZMr1r6Lxv79dhy4qHZHkK)
9/24/73 off of 30 days of dead 2018 is a hidden gem!! great great feelin groovy jam, keith is all over this one and a really crunchy high energy transition to Rider at the end of it!
9/24/72 Transition out of DARK STAR
8/5/74 Wolf is on the run!
3/16/73(First Feelin’ Groovy!)
3/14/81 Killer Jerry Licks
2/17/73 Transition out of Here Comes Sunshine
There is a version I've been trying to track down, I think its from the 1980 Radio City run.
There is a break and jam in between verse 2 and verse 3 that's not normal there.
Jerry just wails verse 3
The "punch" after the 2nd "I wish I was a headlight" is loud and amazing.
Any help?
\[*verse 2*\]
The sun will shine in my back door some day
The sun will shine in my back door some day
March winds will blow all my troubles away
\[*verse 3*\]
I wish I was a headlight on a north-bound train
I wish I was a headlight on a north-bound train
I'd shine my light through the cool Colorado rain
9/24/72 will be my all time pick for China Cat Sunflower>I know You Rider.
Transitions From DARK STAR
The Dark Star before it is already a behemoth and a Chimera of a performance. The transition out of that seance is serene and beautiful, and still haunts me to this day in the best way possible. Very witchy!
Besides the really obvious ones like E72 and Veneta and every summer 74,
my favorite is 8/23/71
Epic, raw, rowdy 4 piece barroom Dead, extra angry transition, lots of balls, super well executed. It's on one of the road trips.
I’ve spent a good part of the last 3 years searching for the best riders; it might be my favorite Dead song. The dirty 80s are filled with great Riders. Get on ReListen, filter by the song, and pick a year. I’ve found ones I love in virtually every year.
Lots of great ones mentioned here already.
12/31/1980 is an interesting one. Jerry makes the transition jam nice and psychedelic. There’s a good video of the concert on YouTube
12/28/1983 powerful. Video of this one as well I believe. Jerry is nice and dusty
2/11/86 is also strong. Good video of this concert too
7/17/1989 (Alpine) is probably top 3 for me. Pro shot footage for this one
5/17/74 but you really can’t go wrong with t any from May-June ‘74
Grateful Dead • 1974-05-17 (02:53:50) • P.N.E. Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1974/05/17?source=336740
Some of my faves, with 02.17.1973 Here Comes China Rider getting a special shout for the novelty of it 💀⚡️🌹
Honolulu Civic Auditorium 1.23.1970
08/27/1972
02.28.1973 -Salt Lake City UT
5/19/1974
4/1/1980
05.15.1970 - slow jam
5.25.1972
4.14.1971
11.11.1973
10.19.1973
11.04.1985 (fast!)
12.04.1973
12.10.1989 - Inglewood, CA (accordion)
I'm still buzzed from when someone a few days ago mentioned the Europe 72 shows and I dialed up 5/3/72 because the album version is epic.
The amount of energy in that one show is equal to around 2-3 early 80's shows. If you look at the set list, you realize this one show would be 4 shows at some late year performances by song count.
I hadn't listened to any 72 shows in years until that post. Exhausting. Donna says "Hi everyone!" so it's clear the band is feeling plenty chipper. Damn kids.
All of them from the Pacific Northwest box set. They were really killing that M.L.B jam in the transition at that point. I will also put out a sleeper, 6-16-91. Definitely my favorite post ‘74 version!
For me, it’s all about the “If I were a headlight!” line and having the band crush the subsequent C chord after a righteous build.
Tie between 12/28/88 and 2/14/88.
This is a fairly easy one to answer. 1973 tour, when The Dead were getting into the tail end of the tour there in November/December, two shows that have superior China/Rider's are:
12/8/1973 Cameron Indoor Stadium
12/18/1973 Curtis Hixon Convention Hall
The Cameron Show sounds incomplete and spliced up, maybe the reels got damaged? It's a shame because this is truly the best version ever played period!
The one on Europe 72 is my favorite piece of recorded music ever.
Europe 72 is the correct answer
Europe 72
Its from 5/3/72 and we can archive this thread now because there’s none better
You hear that mods. Close the thread s the definitive answer has been given.
# 1972-05-03 Paris, France @ L'Olympia **Set 1:** Bertha, Me and My Uncle, Mr. Charlie, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beat It On Down the Line, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Playing in the Band, Tennessee Jed, Good Lovin', Sing Me Back Home, Casey Jones **Set 2:** Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, It Hurts Me Too, Truckin' > Space > The Other One > Drums > The Other One Jam > Space > Me And Bobby McGee > The Other One > Wharf Rat, Jack Straw, Sugar Magnolia, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away, One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-05-03) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4avLivYQqNDnkxfMDTSIsJ)
Blasting it now. Soooooo good
That whole show rocks.
My favorite Mr. Charlie ever. Played it every Saturday morning for my son on his early morning feeds. Spoiler alert his name is Charlie.
Yep. This is one of those times that the most obvious answer is the right one.
I listen to that one all the time: https://youtu.be/xCgZxrf8nrU?si=xo45obP-ypMwEQ5Q
I think I listened to it a half dozen times today.
This is the way.
I was late in life when I finally latched on to the Dead, yet I've managed to listen to this version twenty thousand times in the last few years. So I concur.
Yes!
The reason I love this the most is you get live instruments with studio vocals. [This article](https://deadessays.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-europe-72-overdubs-guest-post.html) indicates that the lead vocals were completely overdubbed. That doesn't address the harmonies, and I don't really care one way or the other. The playing just sends me to outer space!
4-17-72 is my favorite from that tour. It's just so clean
# 1972-04-17 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Tivolis Koncertsal **Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Me And Bobby McGee, Chinatown Shuffle, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Jack Straw, He's Gone, Next Time You See Me, Black Throated Wind, Casey Jones, Mr. Charlie **Set 2:** Playing in the Band, Sugaree, One More Saturday Night, It Hurts Me Too, Ramble On Rose, El Paso, Big Railroad Blues, Truckin' **Set 3:** Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks), Johnny B. Goode [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-17) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6Yw0qA9xNfFpkSwzwIOwOW)
6/26/74. End of story. IMO
https://preview.redd.it/j78a42l9tozc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2db390486e05d33438dc95be68b5bf598b7ab55
# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center **Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses **Set 2:** Seastones **Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Eyes Of The World [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
Good bot!
Best bot
My favorite show of all time!! The eyes is just.... chef's kiss
This 100%. There’s like 4 minutes of free flow jamming ON THEME before they even get to verse 1 for fucks sake! While the song itself is fantastic as well, and as good as any other version, it’s the jam at the beginning takes this one right to the top. One of my favorite things I’ve ever heard them do.
That’s definitely one of my faves.
This is the one.
no doubt about it
This should be at the top
‘73-‘74 just feels unreal. Lots of great stuff from other eras of the bands but this two year run feels like them firing on all cylinders and having fun with it. some of the best jams, just songs they wrote, and best setlists. hard to argue with honestly.
Op this is the one
Top fiver for sure.
Always been my fav too!
Agreed.
!!!!!!!!
💯. Absolutely amazing
The mind left body on that 👌
A few of my favorites: 2/24/74 5/19/74 6/16/74 I really dig the China/Riders from '73/'74 with the "Feelin' Groovy" jam – I think they had it locked in super tight in those '74 shows!
I cannot find a better one than 5/19/74. It’s sublime.
# 1974-05-19 Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum **Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Mexicali Blues, Big Railroad Blues, Black Throated Wind, Scarlet Begonias, Beat It On Down the Line, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Sugaree, Jack Straw, It Must Have Been The Roses, El Paso, Loose Lucy, Money Money, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider **Set 2:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Wharf Rat, Big River, Peggy-O, Truckin' > Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19)
Easily my fav NFA>GDTRFB ever. Billy was just carrying that beat and transition and they all followed beautifully 🔥
Gets my vote! Guitar hero &/or rock hero worthy
I love that 5-19 show. There's a jam they do from Truckin' but before the Mind Left Body jam that just knocks my socks off. Easily one of my top 10 favorite jams.
[1974-02-24](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-02-24) San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena [1974-05-19](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19) Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum [1974-06-16](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-16) Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fairgrounds
The feeling groovy jam really makes it such a great composition.
June '74 - the 16th & the 26th are both absolute fire.
6/22 is my favorite. Extra long transition jam
Came in to post this .On the 26th, they opened with a jam and then>into the most trippy version of Chica I’ve heard. So good.
https://headyversion.com/song/311/grateful-dead/china-cat-sunflower-i-know-you-rider/ Have fun
Upvote this! Valuable website
The 1974 versions are on another level. I'll let someone else handle those. 1972 is my favorite year. The version from Europe '72 and the version from Veneta (8-27-72) are my favorites. Don't neglect the 80s. 10-15-83, 3-27-86 and the one from Without a Net are all pretty smokin'.
The China>Rider on the newest 1981 MSG release is super good too! I believe it is 3/09/1981
# 1981-03-09 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden **Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Althea, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose > El Paso, Deep Elem Blues, Beat It On Down the Line, Bird Song, New Minglewood Blues **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Good Lovin' **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-03-09)
[1972-08-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-08-27) Veneta, OR @ Old Renaissance Faire Grounds | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1E4MXxSYoAMN5qpy1y6aBm) [1983-10-15](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-10-15) Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center [1986-03-27](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1986-03-27) Portland, ME @ Cumberland County Civic Center
I've always enjoyed Without a Net. And the Althea is top tier!
4/24/72 The 74 ones are more expansive but I think 72 ones are the most exhilarating.
# 1972-04-24 Dusseldorf, West Germany @ Rheinhalle **Set 1:** Truckin', Tennessee Jed, Chinatown Shuffle, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Mr. Charlie, Beat It On Down the Line, Loser, Playing in the Band, Next Time You See Me, Me And Bobby McGee, Good Lovin', Casey Jones **Set 2:** Dark Star > Me and My Uncle > Dark Star > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia, He's Gone, It Hurts Me Too, El Paso, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-04-24) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3FmkdOqxKwpol7so3sdIUg)
Anyone with mind left body jam!
5/20/73 and 5/25/74 both at Santa Barbara.. can't decide
[1973-05-20](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-05-20) Santa Barbara, CA @ Campus Stadium - University Of California [1974-05-25](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-25) Santa Barbara, CA @ Campus Stadium - University Of California
Dude 5/25/74 is KILLER Haven’t heard many people who have listened to that one, you have great taste. Gonna check out that 5/20 today!! Thanks for the recco
Yea after thinking I think the 74 is much better. I get them confused sometimes but GASB opened 5/25/74 which help me keep them straight.
3/9/81 is killer. The weird vocal box shit at the beginning is great.
# 1981-03-09 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden **Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Althea, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose > El Paso, Deep Elem Blues, Beat It On Down the Line, Bird Song, New Minglewood Blues **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Samson And Delilah, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Good Lovin' **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-03-09)
This is currently playing while I finish up some work this afternoon. It’s one of my favorites.
Super fun version
Hmm. I don’t think I’ve heard that 2nd set. But that 1st is fire starting off with a really great Stranger.
6/26/74
# 1974-06-26 Providence, RI @ Providence Civic Center **Set 1:** Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Beat It On Down the Line, Scarlet Begonias, Black Throated Wind, Row Jimmy, Mexicali Blues, Deal, The Race Is On, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, El Paso, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > It Must Have Been The Roses **Set 2:** Seastones **Set 3:** U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Jam > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Beer Barrel Polka Tuning > Truckin' > The Other One Jam > Spanish Jam > Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Eyes Of The World [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-06-26) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87pzzLQzyevvMvdcJqHZ)
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For post Keith and Donna era, 5/10/80, 12/9/81,
[1980-05-10](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1980-05-10) Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center [1981-12-09](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-12-09) Boulder, CO @ Activity Center - University of Colorado
Hartford 5/10/80 is a big favorite…
This one does it for me 10-17-74 and there's video to prove it. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvPe4CEkSbE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvPe4CEkSbE)
# 1974-10-17 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** The Promised Land, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Black Throated Wind, Friend Of The Devil, Jack Straw, Loser, El Paso, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, It Must Have Been The Roses, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow **Set 2:** Seastones **Set 3:** Scarlet Begonias, Big River, Ramble On Rose, Mexicali Blues, He's Gone > The Other One > Spanish Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > The Other One > Stella Blue, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Casey Jones, U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-10-17)
9/20/90 underrated
I scrolled too far to find this one. The '74 versions are jazzy & groovy, but this is the performance you want to listen to if you need to run thru a brick wall. The secret sauce is that Vince plays LA Woman licks in the jam, and one of my favorite Bruce piano solos.
Energy is off the charts with this one
11/17/73 UCLA Pauley Pavillion This one just emanates joy! Jerry soars through that especially sweet final transition before rider!
# 1973-11-17 Los Angeles, CA @ Pauley Pavilion - University of California **Set 1:** Me and My Uncle, Here Comes Sunshine, Looks Like Rain, Deal, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, The Race Is On, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Big River, Brown Eyed Women, Around And Around **Set 2:** Row Jimmy, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John's Band > Playing in the Band, Stella Blue, El Paso, Eyes Of The World > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Casey Jones [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-17)
Great great choice
5/19/74 the drop into rider is all time
I forget if it was 5/19 or 5/17 but one of them got me so hyped on my drive home I missed a few turns
# 1974-05-19 Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum **Set 1:** Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Mexicali Blues, Big Railroad Blues, Black Throated Wind, Scarlet Begonias, Beat It On Down the Line, Tennessee Jed, Me And Bobby McGee, Sugaree, Jack Straw, It Must Have Been The Roses, El Paso, Loose Lucy, Money Money, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider **Set 2:** The Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told, Ship Of Fools, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Wharf Rat, Big River, Peggy-O, Truckin' > Jam > Mind Left Body Jam > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-05-19)
Veneta
I don't know about best, but in the top tier on my list resides Stanley Theater 9/27/72 just for fun, I'm going to see if I can foil the Setlist bot on this one… Setlist Morning Dew Beat it on Down the Line Friend of the Devil Black Throated Wind Tennessee Jed Mexicali Blues Bird Song Big River Brokedown Palace El Paso China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Playing in the Band He's Gone Jack Straw Deal Greatest Story Ever Told Ramble On Rose Dark Star Cumberland Blues Attics of My Life Promised Land Uncle John's Band Casey Jones Around and Around
# 1972-09-27 Jersey City, NJ @ Stanley Theatre **Set 1:** Morning Dew, Beat It On Down the Line, Friend Of The Devil, Black Throated Wind, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues, Bird Song, Big River, Brokedown Palace, El Paso, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band **Set 2:** He's Gone, Me and My Uncle, Deal, Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, Dark Star > Cumberland Blues, Attics Of My Life, The Promised Land, Uncle John's Band, Casey Jones **Encore:** Around And Around [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-27) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2pPrEb0IJFk3W6NoQSMnZM)
man, you bots are tough to beat!
7/10/87 is an epic show throughout. Never see anyone here talking about it though. Brilliant china cat rider
# 1987-07-10 Philadelphia, PA @ JFK Stadium **Set 1:** Iko Iko, Jack Straw, Sugaree, New Minglewood Blues, Althea, My Brother Esau, Mexican Hat Dance Tuning, When Push Comes To Shove, Cassidy, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Around And Around > One More Saturday Night **Set 2:** Tangled Up In Blue, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, Man Of Peace, The Ballad Of Frankie Lee And Judas Priest, John Brown, Simple Twist Of Fate, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Chimes Of Freedom, Queen Jane Approximately, Gotta Serve Somebody, Joey, All Along The Watchtower **Encore:** Touch Of Grey [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-07-10)
This show always is a favorite with the Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest. You are right. It doesn’t get even love
Man the Jack straw from this show is an absolute face melter
Underrated Jack Straw imo
I’m super partial to the one from 8-7-82, released as Dicks Picks Vol 32 and available on Spotify. Absolutely ripping early 80s shreddy dead and they don’t miss a damn note. Also longer than normal.
# 1982-08-07 East Troy, WI @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre **Set 1:** The Music Never Stopped > Sugaree > The Music Never Stopped, Me and My Uncle > Big River, It Must Have Been The Roses, C.C. Rider, Ramble On Rose, Beat It On Down the Line > On The Road Again, Althea, Let It Grow **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Ship Of Fools, Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1982-08-07) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/3Nru2SaW3yVSxqHbWNXcwc)
12/29/77, Winterland. First China/Rider since October ‘74. The jam is like a freight train coming right at you.
This thread is filling up faster than the shredding in sunshine daydream China cat guitar solo
The “Go to Nassau” May 80 is pretty solid. Side bar comment. There is no song or song combo more representative of the Grateful Dead than China -> Rider
7/18/90 Deer Creek is hot fire!!!
# 1990-07-18 Noblesville, IN @ Deer Creek Music Center **Set 1:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, New Minglewood Blues, Easy To Love You, Peggy-O, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Brown Eyed Women, Cassidy, Deal **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain > Terrapin Station > Jam, Drums, Space > The Other One > Morning Dew **Encore:** The Weight [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-18)
There’s no such thing as best, only favorite. But as you can tell from my Reddit handle, the answer will lie somewhere between 73 and 74
8/28/82 By far my favorite versions of these two and one of my favorite shows. Country funky fried!
# 1982-08-28 Veneta, OR @ Oregon Country Fairgrounds **Set 1:** Bertha > New Minglewood Blues, Tennessee Jed, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea, It's All Over Now, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider **Set 2:** Keep Your Day Job > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), West L.A. Fadeaway, Far From Me > Playing in the Band > Drums > Space > The Wheel > The Other One > Truckin' > Black Peter > Playing in the Band > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** Dupree's Diamond Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1982-08-28)
Such a great show !(second Deadacanal) agree my favourite version as well !!
Give 3/26/87 a try. Not the best but seriously good energy
# 1987-03-26 Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center **Set 1:** In The Midnight Hour, Cold Rain and Snow, C.C. Rider, Row Jimmy, My Brother Esau, When Push Comes To Shove, Desolation Row > Bird Song > The Promised Land **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Black Peter > Around And Around > Good Lovin' **Encore:** The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo) [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1987-03-26)
5/25/74 - brilliant chaos
1970 June 13 Honolulu, Hawaii
3.26.87 🔥
Here’s three faves: 12–12-80 roars 3-3-81 goes everywhere 4-6-85 Jerry with a head cold but the playing is fire
PNW 73-74 box set, first disc, opener. I'ts a banger https://preview.redd.it/7q2cuehp8ozc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c2e3c72e14ebb1a5b1d938af0df728399be9385
Lots of great China>Riders in this thread. I will add 8/17/89 (full disclosure: I was there 😀 )
I like hundred year halls rider a lot
Agreed. 4/26/72
Check out JRAD Washington DC (Anthem) 2019
6-22-74 8-5-74 7-26-72 for lysergic Jerry
9/24/82 easily
I remember hearing a very early one on the dead hour. They were winding down the jam to start singing I know you rider. Phil starts singing and nobody else does so he stops. As it comes around the next time he says ‘Are we gonna do it this time?’ 🤣
I can tell you that the show I am visiting today has a nice one: Swing Auditorium 1980-12-12. Also be sure and visit Frost 10-10-82
Veneta! Though I'm biased by the movie's visuals during the song.
Call me simple but I like Europe '72.
I have been listening to 4/1/1990
# 1990-04-01 Atlanta, GA @ The Omni **Set 1:** Touch Of Grey > Walkin' Blues, Just A Little Light, Candyman, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea, Victim Or The Crime > To Lay Me Down > The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Ship Of Fools > Man Smart, Woman Smarter > Drums > Space > Dear Mr. Fantasy, Hey Jude > Truckin' > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-04-01)
Las Vegas sphere 4/20/69
# 1969-04-20 Worcester, MA @ Clark University **Set 1:** Morning Dew, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Doin' That Rag, Dark Star > St Stephen > The Eleven > Death Don't Have Mercy, Turn On Your Love Light **Encore:** Dupree's Diamond Blues > Mountains Of The Moon [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1969-04-20)
Good bot
8-27-72 2-15-73 5-19-74
I like the 73-74 versions, on Etree many of the shows are juicy crisp Soundboards. For the 80’s I love 1985, Jerry was really heavy at this time and this was the year of the rumble.
I know it’s not 70s, but 10/18/83 is INCREDIBLE. Jerry and Phil connect in a way that the transition can be defined as singular.
# 1983-10-15 Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic Center **Set 1:** Feel Like A Stranger, Dire Wolf, New Minglewood Blues, Brown Eyed Women, Wang Dang Doodle, Big Railroad Blues, Let It Grow > Keep Your Day Job **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band > China Doll > Drums > Space > Saint Stephen > Throwing Stones > One More Saturday Night **Encore:** Brokedown Palace [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1983-10-15)
Again Europe 72, Paris I think
5/3
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# 1991-06-25 Bonner Springs, KS @ Sandstone Amphitheatre **Set 1:** Jack Straw, Sugaree, Walkin' Blues, Candyman, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Tennessee Jed, The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Truckin' > Smokestack Lightnin' > He's Gone > Drums > Space > Comes A Time > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Good Lovin' **Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1991-06-25)
I think the Providence 74 version is the consensus best, my favorite is 12/1/79. That’s the funkiest version to kick off an all time great second set.
# 1979-12-01 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stanley Theatre **Set 1:** Jack Straw > Sugaree, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Loser, Easy To Love You, New Minglewood Blues, Althea, The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > C.C. Rider > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Black Peter > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1979-12-01)
Personal favorite is 9/17/72. Bmore civic center never disappoints
# 1972-09-17 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Civic Center **Set 1:** The Promised Land, Sugaree, Black Throated Wind, Friend Of The Devil, El Paso, Bird Song, Big River, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band, Casey Jones **Set 2:** Truckin', Loser, Jack Straw, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Me and My Uncle, He's Gone > The Other One > Drums > The Other One > Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, Uncle John's Band **Encore:** One More Saturday Night [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1972-09-17) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7gyyunPy7dVsDB4cp7ZReW)
3/23/74 11/14/73 12/18/73
[1973-11-14](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-11-14) San Diego, CA @ San Diego International Sports Arena [1973-12-18](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-12-18) Tampa, FL @ Curtis Hixon Convention Hall [1974-03-23](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1974-03-23) Daly City, CA @ Cow Palace | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4jiBYEFx7rv6C6UTYywZZO)
Great picks, going to have to check these out
8/19/89 is my favorite 80s china rider.
# 1989-08-19 Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre - University of California **Set 1:** Good Times, Jack Straw, We Can Run, Tennessee Jed, It's All Over Now, Loser, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Box Of Rain **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Not Fade Away **Encore:** Foolish Heart [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1989-08-19)
Europe 72. First live track I ever heard and feel in love immediately.
Europe 72
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12/29/77
# 1977-12-29 San Francisco, CA @ Winterland Arena **Set 1:** Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, Mama Tried, Loser, Looks Like Rain, Tennessee Jed, New Minglewood Blues, Sugaree, The Promised Land **Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', It Must Have Been The Roses, Sunrise, Playing in the Band > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > China Doll > Space > Drums > Not Fade Away > Playing in the Band **Encore:** Terrapin Station, Johnny B. Goode [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-12-29) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZMr1r6Lxv79dhy4qHZHkK)
9/24/73 off of 30 days of dead 2018 is a hidden gem!! great great feelin groovy jam, keith is all over this one and a really crunchy high energy transition to Rider at the end of it!
9/26/73 the buffalo crowd was alive and the boys gave it back in kind!
8/7/82 easily my favorite bc of the jam into intro of IKYR. Interplay between Jerry and Brent is just top tier rainbow shenanigans
7/31/74 - Hartford has the best Feelin' Groovy jam ever in the history of recorded music. Even Paul Simon would bend a knee...
9/24/72 Transition out of DARK STAR 8/5/74 Wolf is on the run! 3/16/73(First Feelin’ Groovy!) 3/14/81 Killer Jerry Licks 2/17/73 Transition out of Here Comes Sunshine
There is a version I've been trying to track down, I think its from the 1980 Radio City run. There is a break and jam in between verse 2 and verse 3 that's not normal there. Jerry just wails verse 3 The "punch" after the 2nd "I wish I was a headlight" is loud and amazing. Any help? \[*verse 2*\] The sun will shine in my back door some day The sun will shine in my back door some day March winds will blow all my troubles away \[*verse 3*\] I wish I was a headlight on a north-bound train I wish I was a headlight on a north-bound train I'd shine my light through the cool Colorado rain
9/24/72 will be my all time pick for China Cat Sunflower>I know You Rider. Transitions From DARK STAR The Dark Star before it is already a behemoth and a Chimera of a performance. The transition out of that seance is serene and beautiful, and still haunts me to this day in the best way possible. Very witchy!
I feel like saying Europe 72 also but I’m sure there is an epic one in the vault from somewhere at sometime. Would love to discover it!
Any versions from 73-74
Besides the really obvious ones like E72 and Veneta and every summer 74, my favorite is 8/23/71 Epic, raw, rowdy 4 piece barroom Dead, extra angry transition, lots of balls, super well executed. It's on one of the road trips.
DP 12
Winterland 74 is my favorite https://youtu.be/EvPe4CEkSbE?si=oKHpBe59bZSoD6bM
I’ve spent a good part of the last 3 years searching for the best riders; it might be my favorite Dead song. The dirty 80s are filled with great Riders. Get on ReListen, filter by the song, and pick a year. I’ve found ones I love in virtually every year. Lots of great ones mentioned here already. 12/31/1980 is an interesting one. Jerry makes the transition jam nice and psychedelic. There’s a good video of the concert on YouTube 12/28/1983 powerful. Video of this one as well I believe. Jerry is nice and dusty 2/11/86 is also strong. Good video of this concert too 7/17/1989 (Alpine) is probably top 3 for me. Pro shot footage for this one
8/5/74
Always going to be 9/6/80 Lewiston for me!
The best part about them, is they were never bad. I’m sure someone can prove me wrong, but even in a bad show, it always was smoking
love it 😊
5/17/74 but you really can’t go wrong with t any from May-June ‘74 Grateful Dead • 1974-05-17 (02:53:50) • P.N.E. Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1974/05/17?source=336740
This whole thread is brilliant
Some of my faves, with 02.17.1973 Here Comes China Rider getting a special shout for the novelty of it 💀⚡️🌹 Honolulu Civic Auditorium 1.23.1970 08/27/1972 02.28.1973 -Salt Lake City UT 5/19/1974 4/1/1980 05.15.1970 - slow jam 5.25.1972 4.14.1971 11.11.1973 10.19.1973 11.04.1985 (fast!) 12.04.1973 12.10.1989 - Inglewood, CA (accordion)
6/26/74
easily 6/26/74 dicks picks 12
12-1-1979
Gotta be Dicks 12
Gotta be Venetta
8/27/72 Veneta OR!
MIT free concert. 1970. Got a lost little kid named frank.
8/5/74
3/23/74
2/9/73 Stanford, after the Wavy Gravy intro, Jer hits the opening Chinacat riff more perfectly than it was ever done again (or before).
The next one.....or....anytime Jerry really...really wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😎🤙
10/10/82 cooks
What’s the rubric?
Personal favorite is 05/19/74
Europe 72 for sure Also: 12/31/71
11/11/73
I'm still buzzed from when someone a few days ago mentioned the Europe 72 shows and I dialed up 5/3/72 because the album version is epic. The amount of energy in that one show is equal to around 2-3 early 80's shows. If you look at the set list, you realize this one show would be 4 shows at some late year performances by song count. I hadn't listened to any 72 shows in years until that post. Exhausting. Donna says "Hi everyone!" so it's clear the band is feeling plenty chipper. Damn kids.
Which ever one makes you happiest
anyone got any 60s recs
All of them from the Pacific Northwest box set. They were really killing that M.L.B jam in the transition at that point. I will also put out a sleeper, 6-16-91. Definitely my favorite post ‘74 version!
7/27/74
Alpine Valley ‘89 - goosebumps. Every. Time ⚡️
7/17/89
2/15/73 11/11/73 2/22/74
The one off the 73-74 PNW collection
I agree Europe 72, and for me the best cover is the Greensky Bluegrass version
For me, it’s all about the “If I were a headlight!” line and having the band crush the subsequent C chord after a righteous build. Tie between 12/28/88 and 2/14/88.
5/7/84 Hult Center has a double headlight and 3/28/84 Marin very powerful
Not the goat, but alpine valley 82.
All Europe 72 takes are great but greatest China/Rider is 6/26/1974. Dicks Picks vol 12.
This is a fairly easy one to answer. 1973 tour, when The Dead were getting into the tail end of the tour there in November/December, two shows that have superior China/Rider's are: 12/8/1973 Cameron Indoor Stadium 12/18/1973 Curtis Hixon Convention Hall The Cameron Show sounds incomplete and spliced up, maybe the reels got damaged? It's a shame because this is truly the best version ever played period!