Grateful Dead's Historic Fillmore Auditorium Performance: A Vinyl Release Review
Rhino recently released a three-LP set of the Grateful Dead's historic performance at Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco on July 3, 1966. This vinyl release marks the first time the complete show has been available in this format. The recording was captured by Owsley "Bear" Stanley and produced by Dave Lemieux, the band's legacy manager and archivist, with mastering by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering and tape restoration by Plangent Processes.
Originally part of the 30 Trips Around the Sun box set in 2015, this recording showcases the band's performance seven months after changing their name from The Warlocks. The lineup included Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and Bob Weir. This release is significant as full recordings from the band's early years are rare, capturing their transition from an R&B dance band to exploring new musical territories.
The setlist includes early live versions of several songs, including a cover of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Gangster of Love." Notably, the rendition of "Cold Rain and Snow" in this performance differs from later versions, offering a unique perspective on the band's evolving sound. The limited edition vinyl set is available for purchase through the band's official store, featuring high-quality packaging and an etching on the sixth side.
With most tracks running under seven minutes, the collection provides a glimpse into the Grateful Dead's formative years, culminating in a 15-minute rendition of "In the Midnight Hour" to close the show. This release offers fans a fresh perspective on the band's early repertoire and musical development, making it a valuable addition to any Grateful Dead enthusiast's collection.