Hi, I was at this show, and I was blessed & Grateful I was even there! It was bitter sweet for me, because I had learned that Brent Mydland had died at some point on my nearly 1 year trip to France, Feb. 1 1990-mid
Nov.1990 and it could have been learning this weeks before or at this show, I can't remember? I had a blast though, and so thankful I went because they actually played "DARK STAR"! I first saw the Dead in 1985 - so Brent was a integral member to me...and I had been teased a few times in the USA with Dark Star intro's that seemed to be a flirting few riffs disappearing as quickly as they came to practically hearing the whole spacey intro to it and then vanishing into a different song! So, for me the only time the Dead Played Dark Star live was this show! Maggie's Farm was a first set highlight I have never forgotten. When I arrived to England from Dover Ferry from France, I hitch hiked to Harrow where I stayed at an Irish Bed & Breakfast! After a great breakfast prepared by a wonderful Irish woman, I went out the door and saw all the local school kids dressed in uniforms waiting to catch the busses. Something I wasn't used to seeing! It was a Thursday and the Irish woman gave me the scoop on catching the underground rail line into Wembley. I was traveling alone and having a blast at the age of 21, although not enough money to stay and see the other shows!
Arriving to the Wembley Arena, I'll never forget a Jolly Guy selling "ICE COLD BEER & ANKLE BELLS"! "GET YOUR BEER HERE...AND ANKLE BELLS"! I stood there hypnotized by his remarkable way of saying the same thing at least 50 different ways! He always switched it up to a different order! Maybe some of you who were making your way to the entrance went past this Dead Head!
Anyways...I enjoyed London, my whole Europe trip, where I started meeting my two high school buddies way up in Val Thorens Ski resort to ski the last 3 months of the season, hitch hiking with "5" Francs to Antibes, France - meeting up with a French waiter I had met in Val Thorens. I worked on ships in the port, met all sorts of people, drove up to Berlin with two Brits in a Volkswagen Bus to see Pink Floyd play the Wall Concert in East Berlin. Saw the Stones in Marseille, France, Van Morrison in Bristol England on this Dead trip, and hitched hiked to Stone Henge as well! I love England!
And I love the Grateful Dead! By the way, I will be going to the Gorge Amphitheater on July 7-8 / 2023 to see The Dead & Co. "last tour" and only Bob Weir, Bill & Micky remain actively playing. It's so sad, but hey, life changes! I truly believe that if Brent did not pass away, Jerry would have lived much longer! That is why this show was bitter sweet for me.
Nothin left to do but Smile, Smile, Smile! Peace!