Both of these shows were absolutely incredible , and for me the only that might rank April fools day above the 31st is the Dark Star . I went to the rest of the tour in Atlanta and Orlando and fun as it was it never reached the magical place they reached in Greensboro . These two shows transcended the Constraint's of any era and went into a Timeless place where the venue melted away and it was just us them . Samson and Delilah was up there with my favorite renditions from the '70's , and Eyes of the World was fantastic for me even after attending 3/29/90 with Branford , I read someone complaining " Almost Stopped during Eyes " . I remember that and to me it seemed that it was intended and I don't remember any major train wrecks .A lot of care went into the Jam on Playing In The Band which was as good as any I heard. . On night two as night one a solid !st set with Bruce adding some great Piano and Vince bringing some great Harmonies . The China Cat Sunflower > I know you Rider was possibly the best I'd see period, A really good version of Looks Like Rain , and one of my Favorite late era Dark Stars after some of hype of the '89 Breakout faded where they could relax and deliver a transcendent Version to me it was like Dark Star >Drums. > Dark Star . It was obvious they were playing good enough to warrant a Dark Star of which I'm glad they didn't use on off nights trying to salvage a show , and if they played it all the time it might lose it's magic and just be some pointless noodling, By playing it sparingly we get quality over quantity .. By this point I'd seen over 30 shows including 10/16/89 ,Albany and Nassau '90 it was getting harder to go to any shows that were as good , These Two were the last Shows I saw that were sensational from start to Finish .. I give it a 5 because they didn't get any better in '91 ,IMO ...Peace

Alot of banter about the best show of the 90's decade. Perhaps, it is good, BUT, check out another stellar Hornsby show at the garden on 9.19.90.

https://archive.org/details/gd1990-09-19.bk4011.tdarian.french.88969.sbeok.flac16

I think the Garden wins, if only for the extended 25 minute second set let it grow.

There have to be countless bands that formed with the idea of laying down one jam in their career that equals this Bird Song! What would you give to hear that voice and guitar lay it down one more time?

As I recall, Duke was playing the NCAA finals that night. Someone has told me in a previous year that Bobby was a Duke b-ball fan, and they had encored It's All Over Now, Baby Blue once when they had lost a big game. So, after a lovely show, they hit the notes and I said "Damn, Duke lost." Then I realized it was April Fool's. :)

I'll never know if it was just coincidence. But it helps me remember that night. Tried to help a young fellow in the lot find his friends and keep his act together. Hope he made it home okay.

Great show, thanks for the great recording.

@ Slarti and others who seek better balance (less volume on Hornsby's keys: try the Charlie Miller. It's perfect. Great show.

keyboards stomping all over China Cat, I know you rider gonna miss me when I'm... gaaaaawwwn :eek:

it is a very good one indeed but lest you forget the 7/12/90 Dark Star at R.F.K. imo i think its a bit better but not overwhelmingly overall this was a killer show was very grateful to have been there

This was it! I started late and what can I say, that's fine. That night I called the opener, but missed it. Experienced my first "Used to Love Her". Heard the most incredible "Bird Song" I've ever heard, and if you can find an audience tape, I'm there egging Jerry and Bruce on in their interplay with an enthusiastic "Yeah", while everyone else is quiet. Something inspired me. Later, my first "Dark Star" and the loudest crowd I've ever heard, drowning out the music, but knowing the right place to go silent again and let the boys play.
This was the night I got it!
Thanks guys.

These shows would make a great vault release.Things looked promising in '91 ,but "when life looks like easy street there is danger at your door".Never much got into post Brent shows execpt for fall '90 and '91.Bruce knew the music and it's just too bad he didn't stick around.The interplay between Bruce and Jerry seemed to inspire Jerry.We need a good audience of this.

This show stands head and shoulders above most others from its era.

Bird Song and Dark Star - we get an honest effort from the boys to try and melt 'em down like they used to.

Funny - Black Peter's a tune that doesn't pop up in many "Best [Dark Star, Shakedown, etc.] EVER!!!" discussions ... but this Black Peter might be one of the best ever ... uncharacteristic effort on this one

i'll have to admit that 17 years after my appearance at this particular gathering it stands out in my mind more than any other show i saw!

1st set (on way too much fluid) ran laps around the concourse while the music played and the cops stared. 2nd set settled somewhere in the upper section knowing dark star was coming by the space notes played by jerry the previous night during space. it was my first ds and it was well worth the wait. i need to finish this remark by thanking the fella behind me who was in full scuba gear covered in lime green glow stick juice...that was the coolest thing ive ever seen during a show and what a personal coincidence!.......enjoy this awesome show ya'll!

This was one of those lightning in a bottle shows. Does anyone remember the various piles of folding chairs towards the front of the floor. As soon as the lights went out it was chair folding time esentially making an area of GA. I danced on a layer of chairs three or four thick all night.

After just missing no less than 3 previous Dark Stars by one show, I knew that this night would be my first, as they had teased it the night before. I even told the person I gave my extra to as much, that afternoon. I was there with several friends, and most of our tickets were upper-deck, but I had one friend who had a sixth row seat. At the intermission, two of us decided to hit the floor, in search of our lonely buddy. There was the usual milling of Deadheads there, trying to avoid the ushers and praying for the lights to go out, to conceal our seatlessness. Suddenly a hand came down on my shoulder.
"You!" said the usher. "I'm must have told you ten times to find your seat. Where's your ticket?"
Now, I know all Deadheads look alike, but this was definitely my first warning (from this particular usher);-)
"I lost it." I lied to my frazzled captor.
"Then you're out of here." was his unexpected reply as he dragged me to a security guard.
As the guard led me off the floor, the lights went out, and the band hit the stage. I was pleading my case to the guard as we approached the policemen lining the emergency exit.
"I'll talk to the cops, and we'll let them decide." he said as he released me, and crossed the concourse to the policemen. Taking this as my cue, I made my exit stage right, walking at a brisk pace. Suddenly six cops were running after me, and soon I found myself surrounded by Greensboro's finest.
"That guard said we were supposed to throw you out." the lead cop said.
Now, I don't know what it is about tripping, but it makes me really cool under pressure.
"Oh no, that's only because I told him I lost my ticket."
"You didn't lose your ticket?"
"Of course not." I laughed, while producing my stub. "I just told him that because I have an upper deck seat, and I was trying to get onto the floor."
"Why did you do that?"
"To be closer to the band, of course. This is a very important set; they're going to play Dark Star! Now, if you'll just allow me to go back upstairs, I promise to be good, and not come down again."
They gave me an escort to the escalator, and as DS began, I found the friend who had crashed the floor with me (he made a hasty retreat when I got nabbed), and we celebrated (his first DS, too). After the show, I found the cop, shook his hand, and thanked him for his wise decision not to eject me.
"You said you weren't going to come back downstairs." was his reply.
Great show!

I have to agree with most of the other reviews: this is a wonderful recording of a one-of-a-kind GD marvel, like pulling rabids out of a hat. You don't know your own strength.

This is rare bit of a glimpse of well-played and well-captured evening's frivolities.

The music is executed with reverence and abandon. It is all very excellent from the start of the first set to second set and its encores. All happily played joyous romping from one song to the next.

a huge crush of people getting in slowed us down and I just popped in the first aisle I saw . . . BOOM it takes me right down to about the 5th row right in front of Hornsby during a smoking hot Jack Straw.

The rest of the night was equally shroomtastic - right up to and including that magical Dark Star.

I thought this run, in the Spring of 91, was one of the pinacles Dead tours. They were over the morning of Brent's loss and relishing in the glory of two ivory players (one of whom, Bruce Hornsby, far outshines all the competition).

I still treasure the fact I was able to take in so much that tour, but this April Fools night was the peak.

This show is great all around. A nice run in greensbro for sure.

This was a way hot show!
Second Set was over the top lots of hugging and crying during Dark Star! The Dance scene was amazing!
Greensboro Coliseum seemed like a really old building .I enjoyed these shows even without being able to do any vending, perhaps in retrospect that made it even more enjoyable!

The Bird Song is very tasty, almost melts down in the jam!

I placed myself far from anyone I knew, directly behind the band for this one and they just completely melted away all reality at that point in time...in formless reflections of matter. I picked the right night to "indulge" my senses-walked in late from the long lines of dirty hippies (yep) during the sweet Peggy-O, then the Bird song comes out-I was out of breath. Later, I went back to the muddy campsite and told everyone how amazing the Grateful Dead are...they already knew...this was my second show...I'm just some "Touch-Head"...how lucky was I?

When Jerry sang the headlight verse, all the lights shined on the audience and I saw this-I was like...uhhhh...What's the name of this band/song??? Bird Song? Dark Star? Looks Like...China>Rider!!!!

This was one of the best shows I saw the boys play live. I remember walking straight onto the floor and taking a seat on the second row. The night before they teased Dark Star so all knew it would be a special night. There was a real excitement surrounding this show.

This night had a sound like some of the older tapes I used to listen to, which was lost in the big arenas I saw them play. I got a copy of it on tape right after the show but havn't heard it in a long time.

Really nice sound, good song selection. I'm not a Hornsby fan - I like it best when he just blends in; when he does his trademark glissandoes, it sounds less like the Dead than the Range. Still, this is a great show and well worth grabbing it from the server.

wow, I went to the States to see this tour from Europe and I wasn't disappointed. This is the first time I've heard one of the shows since and it was this night, 1 April, that I have always wanted to hear again. Thank you, it brings back happy memories.

These Greensboro shows were a nice treat after the big city flavor of the first ten shows of this tour. The Birdsong from this night is the best I've witnesed in person. With intesnse interplay between Jerry and Bruce this version soars. This is the only Dark Star from this tour, coming on April Fools Day and, I believe, under a full moon.(?) These shows and the night with the Help>Slip>Frank in Atlanta stand out as the high point of this tour. The boys played their hearts out. These recordings are solid. I enjoy.

its a great show to listen to. really mellow. top to bottom its a good setlist. youcant hear jerry's guitar during the pinnacle of jack straw. its a great show.

I knew during the superb Bird Song that we were going to be treated to a DS, Wala! The second Set was awesome, I had had a clean Analogue SBD for years for thiis night. From the gate till the closer the band was on, I have always wanted to experience a Star and as things occurred I did not have the opportunity till this wonderful evening.Bird Song is one one the best versions in a long long time.

i was at both of these shows and they were outstanding. Regardless of the sound quality here (i have a hissy tape of the second set) the set list is excellent. One is hard pressed to find a better 90's show than this mini-greensboro run except, perhaps, the spring 1990 shows in Hamilton,ON or Nassaue

One of the best of Spring 91, in my opinion, if not the best in terms of the band's performance (and song choice). However, the sound, although not all that bad, is not as crispy as some of the beautiful 91 SBD's we are spoiled with here on the archive. Still, this show is a must have for any fan of 1991. Take a look at the text file for this show, as the sound on the first couple tracks is not the predominant source for the majority of the show, so don't get fooled into thinking that the show doesn't sound that great when you listen to the first song or two.

highlights: Bird Song and the whole second set.

there is oversaturation in a few frequencies ( mostly noticeable in the vocals ) and the stereo imaging seems squashed. my guess would be the original master was put to digital and then transferred to analog to pump some juice into it after low signal was detected. a decent amount of tape hiss is noticeable in quieter moments. overall a strong performance from the band and the sound issues won't diminish the quality of the band's energy for some, but audiophiles you will likely shake your head each time the vocals get distorted or the EQ'ing of the high hats poke you in the ear.

5 star sound 5 star performance. nice dstar and reprise. great bird song closer. great china > rider >ll rain (echo machine for ll rain is always a good time). i too wish teh dstar rep>playin was drawn out a bit more, but that would be getting too picky. if there is a complaint about this show, it would be that jer's geetar was turned off for the first 2/3's of the jstraw opener. otherwise, this show is near flawless.

after you have downloaded the night before go right for this one. Another great show from the boys, the only gripe I have is that the boys really rush through the dark star>playing. That's nitpicking I guess.

LOOK AT THE SECOND SET LIST.All i need to say is......This must be 1972!!!!!

All hail the all time best 90's "DARKSTAR",
well in my opinion:)
Really, this is a masterpeice fir the later days. I cant tell you how many times I have said to myself, "Self, why didnt Hornsby stay w/ the boys"? Iam sure he had his reasons, but he sure did breath life into a tired band. Especially Garcia. This is a MUST HAVE.

Darkstr56
show: 5
quality: 4.5

One of my favorite China > Riders. Jerry and Bruce go off on the Rider. I get chills every time, which happens often when the Dead smoke. I can't say enough how much Bruce pumped up the band. 9/15/90 to 3/24/92, I wish Hornsby stayed a little longer!!

I received a FRONT ROW ticket from the Grateful Dead Office for this show. And if I haven't thanked them yet publicly for that, allow me to do so now. Thank you!!!!!!!!!

I was 10 feet or so from Phil for the Tom Thumbs. I teamed up with another person who was down front solo like I was and we stubbed down several friends for the second set, which turned out to be The BOMB.

Oh, those were the days....

35 minutes from my abode. Gave someone a miracle. I got rewarded. Dark Star and every other note. Beaming at my friend at the opening notes. Everyone turning into characters from The Hobbit. A Lifetime Highlight. Sound on this is pristine. Thanks to the stars above.

Beautiful copy. All of the echoes and effects are there that I remember from being on the floor in the second row at this show. Awesome Looks Like->Dark Star and later Black Peter. Definitely one of the better shows from '90-'95

One of the tightest of the nineties, featuring a soaring Bird Song, one of the overall best China>Riders, and a Dark Star for the ages. Hornsby goes nuts during Rider, giving that extra juice to push this one over the edge. Highly recommended, especially for the Dark Star.