Keith stands out on this crystalline version. A stunning performance as the band is completely in synch with each other. Watch out for that solo too.

Lovely version with a really great Keith solo, Jerry’s solo right after is equally as moving. Don’t miss this one.

Played with a real sense of urgency. Bobby growls away as Jerry explores a new approach to his soloing. This is a scorcher.

Jerry plays away his sorrows on top of the rhythm devil’s swinging beats. Sweet as can be with some real magical energy here.

First ever in a China>Rider pairing. Makes for some wonderful music to start off this stellar show.

A lot of what I love about Europe 72 The Other Ones and Dark Stars is how many thematic jams there are within each version. For example this can go to wild, dark matter space that melts you down to the very atom, and then spring immediately back into a Caution jam, or a hyperspace acid country jazz fusion jam that shows the bands burning curiosity towards exploring new realms. There’s this familiarity and nostalgia of an era that I never experienced that I get from Europe 72 jams specifically that resonates with me and feels familiar to my subconscious. I always thought that in my past life, I was a Deadhead touring the country with these guys. I’m too young to have experienced the dead, but it’s moments like these that make me feel truly complete with the music. Spectacular El Paso sandwich, another moment where they summon a spellbound twister that takes the listener into a geometric cantina where you live out a cowboy’s surrealist daydream. I’ve made that comparison with 12/4/71 The Other One and 4/24/72 Dark Star. I love this music so much.

In this version they show their European audience why this rose to the top of the charts in Turlock California. Gets real spacey before the drums as they show hints of what spaces they will explore next in The Other One. This is a fiery, powerhouse of a Truckin’.

Like taking a ride on Halley’s Comet. Regal, and powerful in ways beyond explanation. The peak of this jam has Keith and Phil exploring some strange new realms as Jerry lays down some fiery colossal lines that decimates anything in its path. What a start to, in my opinion, the Dead’s best tour.

Jerry uses his guitar as a scythe to claim the souls of his audience, acting as the grim reaper with his terrifyingly powerful guitar playing. This you down decrepit corridors and even a walk through the graveyard. Horror dead at its finest. The sound of Frankenstein’s monster raging and destroying everything in its path. As heavy as Sabbath. 7:30 Phil and Jerry get into a serious discussion that’s worth every effort to hear.

71 had the best NFA>GDTRFL>NFA combos of their entire career. This is no exception, and arguably one of the most underrated. This has momentum all the way through, this train ain’t wanting for one. Powerful version that has some incredible guitar playing, and a stunning example of Billy’s freedom after Mickey’s departure. The ending jam is a blissful space that the band hold onto instead of going directly into the NFA reprise. A mellow and emotional Darkness jam ensues and we get to enjoy this stunning piece of art in action. I’m loving Phil’s bass work at the end as well. Don’t miss this one.