Dead Show/podcast for 8/21/26

This week on the Deadpod we have one of the fine shows the band played in late August 1972 at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley, CA. In this small, hometown venue, the band plays together and listens to each other at a high level — something that would bloom beautifully a few days later at the Old Renaissance Fairgrounds in Veneta, Oregon.

They're relaxed and loose here. In this first set especially, they take their time between numbers, and I've taken the liberty of editing some of that dead air out of this presentation. I hope it makes for a more enjoyable listen. There are a couple of small cuts, but I don't think they'll affect your enjoyment.

There are some notable excursions here — a first-set "Playin' in the Band" and "He's Gone," as well as a beautiful "Bird Song." I trust you'll find the entire set worth your time.

Grateful Dead

Berkeley Community Theatre

Berkeley, CA 8/22/1972 - Tuesday

One

Bertha [#5:11]

Greatest Story Ever Told [4:51]

Loser [6:40]

Black Throated Wind [%6:27]

Bird Song [9:57]