cops ruioned many a show for me an'my frenz

Local politics got in the way of this one. The Dead were to play Milwaukee's Summerfest on 7-2-78,but a hard drizzle kept them from coming on. The festival had to honor the band's guarantee,and were none too happy about it. This was their next Milw. appearance, and the Milwaukee gestapo decided it was payback time. A small police station was set up in the basement of the place, complete with a holding cell. Rows of concert goers were systematicly arrested just for passing a smoke- "you posessed it". Things were just as bad back stage, with undercover cops milling about making the boys uncomfortable. GDTRFB & Alabama may have been a statement. This treatment was typical of longhairs in this town in the 60's & 70's, during the Meier/Briar era (Mayor/Police Chief).This kept the band away from the city until 1989, when John Norquist became Mayor.He & his wife Susan (a head!) sat in the 4th row at those shows, there was virtually no police presence in '89, with a totally cool scene inside and outside the venue.

I guess that is all we can say about it too.

Unfortunately this aud suffers greatly. I'm sure some playing holds up but you'll have to get through some serious azimuth and muffled audio to hear it.

one star for unbearable audio

When I heard the first notes of Jack Straw at this concert, I had to get closer. I rushed from the back of the floor to join my friend who was in the first 15 rows.

Garcia is joyous, rambunctious and ready to party. Note his fills at the end of the last two sung lines of the final chorus; always a good indicator.

Glad we have a recording. Thanks!