So there i am in philly, first year of college at lasalle u - i catch a u2 concert i think before this gig, and boom stumble into old school philly pre hate shakedown - ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Lost my virginity - had a mesc lined j - sat right behind the board - still feel it.yes!!!!

1st Set: Friendly untense vibes continue from the day before with "Touch," though Jerry's got a frog in his throat. Tame casualness pervades through "Minglewood" as well. "High Time" is always a sweet surprise though Jerry requires a strong voice to carry it off. "Uncle" provides an easy mean lick. "Mexicali" is full of good cheer even if the music's only standard...Wait! was that planned? After 39 seconds we're singing "River;" oh well, there's not much of an auditory change because the music's craters are shallower than the ones on my face. (J/K) Hmmm...another venture into "Big Boss Man" territory. Instead of trying to sing the lyrics, Jerry gives us a three-quarters hearted snarl. Brent adds some deep tones, and the result is a better excursion than last. OhUhhh..I thought we had the last of "Esau," although one of the last ones I heard was actually palatable. Now, don;t get me wrong-a hungrier band would bring out the best in Bobby's awkwardly timed chord changes. This version's ok...rather mild but not irritating. Mmmmm..should I for "Bird?" Jerry's delicate tones are blending in well with Brent's coloring. The climax in the late 7's if earned if not overpowering. "Promised" needs a burst of vitrolic/engine fluid. Rev those motors, gentleman. (besides Brent, who's had a notcieably good run.) Nice plucky finish, Bobby and Phil.

2nd Set: "Box" is nicely nostalgic, but it dpes sounds weary. Alright, a bouncy Q-Bert "Iko." "Don't forget to watch plenty of TV, you might see this one on it." "Hell" is an over-the-top delight, but not one of my all-time faves-by any means. Yea, at least '87 had somewhat interesting set lists-"Fire" is a smoky choice which flows nicely. "Drums" is distant enough in spirit and "Space" increases the stakes and thereby the toll. The twisting road up to the spaceship's entranceway hyptnotized; I 'came around' and turned into "TOO." "Black is professionally handled. "Throwing" is certainly passable. "Lovelight" only becomes urgent during its final stages, but is a solid, uproarious way to end the show without falling into a forced "NFA" routine.

3 1/4 stars... Each show will bring you about the same level of enjoyment

This version of Bucket is by far their greatest of all-time, their can be no argument made about, the energy and Bobby losing his mind at the end of the song was never matched or surpassed. Download this one just for the Hell in a Bucket

Great sound quality. This version of Hell in a Bucket is their best...

When the band went from Me & My Uncle into Mexicali Blues, my voice let out quite a loud, "BIG RIVER!".
Don't you know the band stopped in their tracks and, honest, played me a song. : )
Thanks guys, you're the best!

I just turned 16 and got tickets for me and one of my best friends, who drove us up...damn near killing us. He scoured the parking lot for 'something' for so long that we walked in late, during High Time. I was lucky enough that my mother knew someone who got me a backstage pass, so I spent half of the show back there. I'll never forget the end of the show, at the bottom of the loading ramp behind stage...six brown grocery bags lined up in a row, with a band member's name in marker on each one...to this day I'll always wonder what goodies it held!! I thought the show was a B- at best, Jerry's voice was shot and too much Bobby country stuff, though he did rip it up. To cap the night, my friend's car died halfway home on I-95! Nevertheless, it was the start of a now 17 year deadication I just can't seem to shake and hope I never do!! Fare thee well, Jerry. Peace everybody!

We went up and found 2nd row seats!!!!! The security guard on the rail in front of the girl in front of us was suppling the party favors. We swear to this day Garcia was staring right at us during Big Boss Man. High Time was epic. It was sweeeeeeet. Obviously I am biased. And like the other review states, Weir was a trip. Like they say, "the thin man spits!!!"

GET THIS SHOW FOR THE HELL IN A BUCKET.BOBBY IS SCREAMIN AND HEALYS ECHOING AND THEN MORE BOBBY SCREAMIN.PLUS A HOT FIRE TO FOLLOW.A GREAT NIGHT AT THE SPECTRUM.