Grateful Dead: 3/30/1989

The two shows in Greensboro are somewhat blurry, but there are snippets I remember. I definitely recall hanging with my friend Nancy, and I’m pretty sure I was with my friends Jon, Julie, and Miriam, although not totally sure about that. What does stand out distinctly is the sheer chaos in the parking lot scene before each show. Way too many people, many of whom had no tickets and were looking for a miracle or just there for the party. This led to problems in a town that did not seem like it was ready to host a psychedelic circus of freaks. There was a news story where an irate resident near the coliseum expressed his dismay at the fact that someone actually squatted and took a crap on his front lawn. It really seemed like the people who were getting on the Dead caravan were losing touch with reality.

I wish I had more to share about this first night, but I don’t. I am including the setlist though, which looks like it was a good show, but again, no way for me to tell. Maybe I should give the show a listen via ETREE.

Set 1:

• Bertha
• Jack Straw
• Row Jimmy
• Blow Away
• When I Paint My Masterpiece
• Bird Song
• The Promised Land

Set 2:

• China Cat Sunflower >
• I Know You Rider
• Looks Like Rain
• He’s Gone
• Drums > Space
• The Other One
• Stella Blue
• Sugar Magnolia

Encore:

• Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door