Grateful Dead, Eastown Theatre, Detroit, MI10/24/71
Master Soundboard Reel > Cassette > DAT > CDR
EAC’ed / SHN’ed by Scott Clugston
(“made possible thru the usual group of suspects/mental patients”)
Neither this date nor 1972 are listed in the “Taper’s Compendium”, but it is a wonderful, early recording.
Keith had only been playing with the Dead less than a week when this evening took place. From Keith’s
Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Godchaux
“Although the band had employed several other keyboardists (including Howard Wales, Merl Saunders
and Ned Lagin) as session musicians to augment (Pigpen)McKernan’s limited instrumental contributions
following the departure of Tom Constanten in January 1970, Godchaux was invited to join the group as
a permanent member in September 1971. He first performed publicly with the Dead on October 19, 1971
at the University of Minnesota’s Northrup Auditorium.”
This was only Keith’s fifth gig with the boys…and he was just as hot!
And the Theatre looks like a wonderful small venue to see a band, but I can’t find any photos of any of
the restorations and/or re-openings to see what the hall looked like in better days. You can find a history
of the Theatre here:
https://localwiki.org/detroit/Eastown_Theatre
Sadly, it went the way of many older venues…
Disc 1 – Set 1:
1. Sugar Magnolia
2. Deal
3. El Paso
4. Tennesse Jed
5. Jack Straw
6. China Cat Sunflower >
7. I Know You Rider
8. Playin’ in the Band
9. Black Peter
10. //Candyman
11. One More Saturday Night
12. Casey Jones
Disc 2 – Set 2:
1. Truckin’
2. Ramble On Rose
3. Mexicali Blues
4. Dark Star >
5. Me And Bobby McGee
6. Cumberland Blues
7. St. Stephen >
8. Johnny B. Goode
REVIEW: sick show
nobody knows abou this one? nice sounding band…major hiss on recording…check the early jack
straw….sweet dark star too….
REVIEW: Don’t Miss This!
A little 2 disc smoker! Again, a strong song list gets your attention – Deal, Jack Straw, Black Peter and
Candyman – even if the beginning is cut a little. This version features a rare appearance of Keith on
organ! And listen to Jerry’s jamming on Playin – a harbinger of versions to come. The Second set is
where they really pour on the cosmic dazzle, with a Dark Star spanning 20 minutes and every bit as good
as 2/18 or 4/28. A gentle, spacy intro, then they left turn into a fast & furious MLB type jam. Beautiful
and joyous. A “second phase” Dark Star” – not as eyeball-peeling as 1969, nor as jazzy as 1973, but an
entity unto itself. With a Ramble On, Cumberland and St. Stephen added in, this is a JERRY show folks!
Previously overlooked, this one needs to be on your 1971 shelf. Recommended for Dark Star fans
especially.
enjoy,
REVIEW: Was pounding on my desk listening to this…
Have heard alot of shows and this is one of my favorites so far – Bobby with his daffy jokes, funk tenn
jed, china>rider, great dark star. Hiss is a little bit of an issue but not really. High 4 / low 5. You should
enjoy this one!
REVIEW: Phil’s handy work
You’ve got to check out Phil in China>Rider. He’s right out front and thumpin’ away. Phenomenal!
REVIEW: This one gets five from me
This is the kind of show where each number is just really damned good. The team is really in sync. By
the time it was over a certain peaceful easy feeling had passed thru my body. Honest folks, this is just
one of those shows that makes you smile. Too many hi lights to start naming … ok my fave’s: A beautiful
Black Peter,A “Pre-Jazzy” but more “jammy” than before Playing,the obviously beautiful Dark Star
(honest…in my opinion thats a good adjective for this one.) I really dig this show.
REVIEW: what he said…
the guy below me says it all, all tunes are played great, there was definitely a good connection that night,
solid playing. I also really think this early keith piano sound is sweet. Came for the Dark Star, stayed for
the show…
REVIEW: Sweet
Pig Pen was not with the band on these shows as he was battling with his liver disease that would
eventually claim his life. That is why the band sought out a new keyboard player — Piggie was absent a
lot in 71 due to ill health.This whole period is a delight from Keith’s arrival through the rest of 71 when
Piggie would come back to the fold. You hear the sound as it would blossom in Europe the next spring.
But on their own, this tour tour stands on its own as a peak point. Everything is being played
“deliberatly.” By that I mean, connected, flowing, unified, the whole band is gelling together as
symbiotic unit, playing off each other, and knowing where they are going with every tune. Thanks to all
who make these recordings available.
REVIEW: Good ’71 show.
Nice Candyman. Dark Star is jazzy, beginning of later period.
REVIEW: Late 1971
Like the posts below mention, Things are beginning to happen! Great show!
REVIEW: Fall 1971!
If you’re a fan of Keith’s first tour with the Boyz, then you’ll dig this show as it is great from start to
finish. He really injected a fresh energy into the band, and Garcia in particular. That combined with the
fact that Billy had become used to being the only drummer by this point (and a kick-ass one at that), and
Bobby had essentially become a 2nd lead guitarist (check out his contributions to China > Rider) make
this tour the start of what would become the band’s peak years of ’72-74. While everything is top-notch
and worth a listen, check out the China > Rider, Black Peter, and Dark Star for some examples of how
good things were during this tour.
REVIEW: blistering….
hold on whoa, at 13:11 of Dark Star….is Lesh playing an Eyes of the World bassline?!?!
REVIEW: Exceptional Dark Star
Though perhaps not as cohesive as the performances to come during Europe 72, this is still easily one of
the finest versions of Dark Star of the year. Awesome interplay during the Feelin Groovy segment and
prior buildup, the jamming taken at an incredible pace. Jerry just crushes the whole way through. And
Phil is otherworldly, hitting some astonishing notes very high in his register that I don’t think I’ve heard
the likes of anywhere else. Nice China>Rider, too.
“Today’s Dead Tomorrow”, Upcoming Gig Events
As always, verify with the venue…
Kettle Of Fish:
Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Wed., Oct. 26th, 7:00 p.m.
5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, 346-5443
Marina Jack’s Patio Bar, Thurs., Oct. 27th, 6:00 p.m.
2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 365-4232
Cortez Kitchen, Fri. Oct. 28th, 6:00 p.m.
Cortez Fishing Village, 198th Street, Cortez, 798-9404
D.Coy Ducks Bar & Music, Sat., Oct. 29th, 10:00 p.m.
5410 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, 778-5888
kid red & friends:
Munchies 420 Cafe, Sat., Oct. 29th, 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
6639 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 929-9893
Michael Miller’s open mic:
Painter’s Palate, Sun., Oct. 30th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 355-4620
The Myakka Band:
Greenbriar Health and Rehab, Tues., Oct. 25th, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
210 21st Ave., W., Bradenton, 747-3786
Ober Rivers and His DUIs:
The Ugly Grouper. Sat., Oct. 29th, 7:00 p.m.
5704 Marina Dr. Bradenton Beach, 778-4402
Passerine:
“Tunes In The Park”
Laurel Park, Sat., Oct. 29th, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 954-8688
Schmitz Brothers Band:
Casey Key Fish House, Sat., Oct. 29th, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
801 Blackburn Point Rd., Osprey, 966-1901
Ship Of Fools:
5 O’Clock Club, Fri. Oct. 28th, 9:00 p.m.
1930 Hillview St., Sarasota, 366-5555
The Blue Rooster:
Tues., Oct. 25th, Hot Club of SRQ, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 26th, Synia Carrol with Billy Marcus, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 27th, Ari and The Alibis, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 28th, Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 29th, Lionel Young Band, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 30th, Truality Gospel Brunch, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
1525 Fourth St., Sarasota, 388-7539
Sarasota Folk Club:
This month’s Sailing Squadron concert is Monday, Oct. 31st, Friction Farm.
Open mic at 7:15, concert at 8:30
1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy. 388-2355
For all information regarding the Sarasota Folk Club, go to their website:
http://www.sarasotafolk.org/