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Grateful Dead

Live Performances by Grateful Dead in 1970

  • In January 1970, the Grateful Dead were in a dynamic phase of their career, having recently released their self-titled debut album, "Grateful Dead," i... Read Full Description >

    In January 1970, the Grateful Dead were in a dynamic phase of their career, having recently released their self-titled debut album, "Grateful Dead," in 1967, and their second album, "Anthem of the Sun," in 1968. By this time, they had begun to establish a reputation for their unique blend of rock, folk, and blues, characterized by improvisational performances that garnered a devoted following. The live performance of "New Speedway Boogie" captured during the Festival Express reflects the band's ethos of experimentation and communal experience. The song itself, which was written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, addresses themes of social change and political unrest, resonating with the countercultural movements of the time. Notably, the Festival Express showcases the band’s connections with other prominent artists of the era, further solidifying their role in the vibrant music scene of the 1970s.

Grateful Dead - Hard To Handle Live Performance at Festival Express

Festival Express

January 1, 1970 | Video Length: 5:50
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Full Concert: Grateful Dead Performance at Springer's Inn, Portland

Springer's Inn
Portland, OR, United States

January 16, 1970 | Video Length: 2:20:11
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  • On January 16, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at Springer's Inn in Portland, a key moment in their career as they were in the midst of a prolific p... Read Full Description >

    On January 16, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at Springer's Inn in Portland, a key moment in their career as they were in the midst of a prolific period. Just before this concert, the band had released their album "Workingman's Dead" in June 1970, a pivotal record that showcased their evolving sound, blending folk and rock elements. The live recording exemplifies their improvisational style and willingness to explore musical boundaries, with a setlist that includes fan favorites like "China Cat Sunflower" and "I Know You Rider." Notably, this period marked the beginning of their transition towards a more mature sound, which would later be fully realized in the critically acclaimed "American Beauty" released later that year. The energy and creativity captured in this performance reflect the band's commitment to live experiences, setting the stage for their legendary status in the live music scene.

Grateful Dead - The Warehouse Full Concert

The Warehouse
New Orleans, LA, United States

January 31, 1970 | Video Length: 1:31:57
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  • On January 31, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at The Warehouse in New Orleans, showcasing the band's evolving sound during a pivotal time in their ... Read Full Description >

    On January 31, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at The Warehouse in New Orleans, showcasing the band's evolving sound during a pivotal time in their career. Prior to this live recording, the group had released their self-titled album "Grateful Dead" in 1967 and "Aoxomoxoa" in 1969, both instrumental in establishing their fusion of rock, folk, and psychedelic music. Notably, the 1970 performance included an unexpected acoustic set due to Phil Lesh's amplifier failure, emphasizing the band's adaptability and commitment to spontaneity in their live shows. This moment further showcased Jerry Garcia's versatility, as he played electric guitar during part of the acoustic set. The New Orleans show is emblematic of the Grateful Dead's live performance ethos, highlighting their improvisational skills and willingness to embrace the unexpected, which would define their legendary concerts in the years to come.

Grateful Dead Performance of 'Hard To Handle' at Family Dog, San Francisco

Family Dog at The Great Highway
San Francisco, CA, United States

February 4, 1970 | Video Length: 6:32
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  • On February 4, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at The Great Highway in San Francisco, showcasing their live energy with a renditio... Read Full Description >

    On February 4, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at The Great Highway in San Francisco, showcasing their live energy with a rendition of "Hard to Handle." At this point in their career, the Grateful Dead had already released their self-titled debut album in 1967 and "Anthem of the Sun" in 1968, with the release of "Aoxomoxoa" occurring shortly after in 1969. By early 1970, the band's live performances were becoming increasingly integral to their identity, as they cultivated a dedicated following through extensive touring and improvisational concerts. Interestingly, during this period, the band was known for blending genres and experimenting with their sound, which would later develop into their unique jam band style. The song "Hard to Handle," originally by Otis Redding, became a staple in their live setlist, showcasing their ability to reinterpret classic songs within a transformative live context.

Grateful Dead Concert at Family Dog Performing China Cat Sunflower and I Know You Rider

Family Dog
San Francisco, CA, United States

February 4, 1970 | Video Length: 9:46
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  • On February 4, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog in San Francisco, a pivotal moment in their career, reflecting their evolving sound... Read Full Description >

    On February 4, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog in San Francisco, a pivotal moment in their career, reflecting their evolving sound during this era. This performance occurred shortly after the release of their third studio album, "American Beauty," which came out in November 1970. The album showcased a more polished and accessible sound while still retaining the band's signature improvisational style. Notably, “China Cat Sunflower” and “I Know You Rider,” both featured in this live recording, were staples in the Grateful Dead's repertoire, celebrated for their intertwining melodies and lyrical depth. The live performance also emphasizes the band's commitment to creation and exploration, as the energetic interplay between band members allowed for unique interpretations that differed from studio recordings. This era marked the Grateful Dead's growing prominence in the live music scene, setting the stage for their legacy as one of the quintessential jam bands.

Grateful Dead Live with Duane Allman - Dark Star & Full Concert at Fillmore East

Fillmore East
New York, NY, United States

February 11, 1970 | Video Length: 26:07
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  • In early 1970, the Grateful Dead were riding a wave of creative momentum, reflecting a prolific phase in their career. Prior to the live recording of ... Read Full Description >

    In early 1970, the Grateful Dead were riding a wave of creative momentum, reflecting a prolific phase in their career. Prior to the live recording of "Dark Star - Spanish Jam" performed on February 11, 1970, at the Fillmore East, they had released their fourth studio album, "Workman’s Dead," which came out in 1970 and showcased a shift towards a more folk and acoustic sound. They were also known for their improvisational performances, which defined their live shows. The notable collaboration with Duane Allman, who was also a prominent member of the Allman Brothers Band, adds a significant layer to this performance, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two influential bands. This particular era marked a blending of musical styles, and the Grateful Dead's exploration of extended improvisation in pieces like "Dark Star" became a hallmark of their legacy, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of the live music scene at that time.

Grateful Dead - Full Concert at Family Dog, San Francisco featuring Black Peter, Casey Jones, and Cumberland Blues

Family Dog at the Great Highway
San Francisco, CA, United States

February 27, 1970 | Video Length: 2:18:23
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  • On February 27, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco, a venue emblematic of their early loyal fol... Read Full Description >

    On February 27, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco, a venue emblematic of their early loyal following. This concert occurred just months after the release of their album "Workingman's Dead," which had come out on June 14, 1970. This album marked a significant transition for the band, as they began to incorporate more folk and country influences into their music, resonating with themes of everyday life and communal experience. The live recording from this concert showcases their improvisational strengths and ability to weave their evolving sound into captivating performances. Notably, "Casey Jones," a fan-favorite from "Workingman's Dead," is highlighted in the setlist, reflecting their growing repertoire. This period in the band's career is significant as they started gaining more mainstream recognition while retaining their unique improvisational style.

The Grateful Dead Full Concert: 04/18/1970 at Family Dog in San Francisco

Family Dog at The Great Highway
San Francisco, CA, United States

April 18, 1970 | Video Length: 1:12:39
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  • On April 18, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at The Great Highway in San Francisco, showcasing their improvisational style and ble... Read Full Description >

    On April 18, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Family Dog at The Great Highway in San Francisco, showcasing their improvisational style and blending genres like rock, blues, and folk. At this stage in their career, the band had recently released the studio album *Workingman's Dead* in June 1970, which included classic tracks such as "Uncle John's Band" and "Casey Jones." However, this live recording predates that release, emphasizing the band's transition towards a more polished sound without sacrificing their live spontaneity. Notably, the setlist from this performance features early fan favorites like "Friend of the Devil" and "Cumberland Blues," indicating the band's growing repertoire and their ability to weave narrative and improvisation into their live shows. The confluence of their evolving sound and energetic performances during this era solidified their status as a seminal live act in rock music.

Grateful Dead Full Concert - Hollywood Bowl 4K Remaster with Upgraded Audio

Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood, CA, United States

May 24, 1970 | Video Length: 22:52
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  • On May 24, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Hollywood Bowl, a noteworthy moment in their career that followed the release of their album "Work... Read Full Description >

    On May 24, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at the Hollywood Bowl, a noteworthy moment in their career that followed the release of their album "Workingman's Dead," which came out just a month prior, in June 1970. This album marked a significant shift in the band's style, embracing a more folk and country-inspired sound, reflecting the broader cultural movements of the time. The live recording from the Hollywood Bowl showcases their evolving sound during this period, blending intricate harmonies with improvisational elements. Notably, the band was gaining popularity and honing their live performance skills, which would culminate in their reputation as one of the most iconic live jam bands. The Hollywood Bowl show is a testament to their ability to engage and captivate audiences, a hallmark of their enduring legacy in the music world.

Grateful Dead Full Concert at KQED Studios, San Francisco, CA

KQED Studios
San Francisco, CA, United States

August 30, 1970 | Video Length: 28:33
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  • The Grateful Dead's live performance recorded on August 30, 1970, at KQED Studios in San Francisco falls in a period of significant evolution for the ... Read Full Description >

    The Grateful Dead's live performance recorded on August 30, 1970, at KQED Studios in San Francisco falls in a period of significant evolution for the band. Prior to this recording, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1967, and their third studio album, "American Beauty," came out in November 1970 shortly after this performance, marking a key moment in their career as they began to draw broader appeal with more refined songwriting and studio production. This live performance showcases their improvisational prowess, with a blend of rock, folk, blues, and jazz influences that would later define their sound. Notably, 1970 was a pivotal year for the band; they were solidifying their reputation for live performances while experimenting with their musical style, setting the stage for their legendary concert experiences and long-lasting influence on the jam band scene.

Grateful Dead: Full Concert at KQED Studios, San Francisco - Songs Include Easy Wind, Candyman, Casey Jones

KQED Studios
San Francisco, CA, United States

August 30, 1970 | Video Length: 28:34
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  • On August 30, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at KQED Studios in San Francisco, a significant period in the band's evolution as they were transition... Read Full Description >

    On August 30, 1970, the Grateful Dead performed at KQED Studios in San Francisco, a significant period in the band's evolution as they were transitioning into a major force in the music scene. Prior to this recording, they released their album "Workingman's Dead" earlier that year, which marked a shift towards a more structured sound, drawing heavily on Americana and folk influences. The performance captured in the broadcast features songs that were integral to their repertoire, particularly “Uncle John's Band" and "Brokedown Palace," reflecting their growth as songwriters during this era. The KQED appearance was particularly notable as it showcased their live improvisational skills in a more intimate setting, resonating with their efforts to connect with the audience through poignant storytelling and musicianship. Additionally, it represented the beginning of the Dead's engagement with televised performances, helping to broaden their reach during this pivotal time in their career.

Grateful Dead: Fillmore East Full Concert featuring Uncle John's Band and more

Fillmore East
New York, NY, United States

September 20, 1970 | Video Length: 2:47:14
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  • On September 20, 1970, during the performance at Fillmore East, the Grateful Dead showcased a unique blend of acoustic and electric set, reflecting th... Read Full Description >

    On September 20, 1970, during the performance at Fillmore East, the Grateful Dead showcased a unique blend of acoustic and electric set, reflecting their evolving sound during this period. Just prior to this performance, they released their album "American Beauty" in November 1970, which would further solidify their place in the rock genre, especially known for songs like “Truckin’” and “Ripple” featured in the Fillmore show. This concert is particularly noteworthy as it captures the band at a pivotal moment when they were transitioning from their earlier psychedelic sound towards more folk and country influences, evident in the acoustic selections. Moreover, this performance included a blend of both classic and emerging songs, illustrating the band's commitment to spontaneous musical exploration and their growing repertoire.

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