The question before us: Are the Winterland shows from February 1974 actually from 1973?
1973 The Winterland shows from February 1974 are in fact 1973 shows. FACT: the shows sound 73-ish as shit. FACT: numerous Grateful Deads were still writing “1973” on their checks when these shows occurred. FACT: Dark Star is performed on the third evening, and 1974 was a year virtually barren of Dark Stars, whereas there was a Dark Star every fifteen minutes in 1973.
1974 Technically, they did take place in 1974.
This is the 22nd, the first night. The 24th was released as a Dave’s Pick, but this night’s got soundcheck attached to the recording, so it’s at least a tie. (Neither show is as good as the 23rd, which features Garcia’s introduction of the Slipknot! riff and Billy’s reaction to said riff: “WHAT FUCKIN’ TIME IS THAT IN?” He does it in The Other One and again in Eyes, and no one in the band has any goddamned idea how to respond to the tricky little sucker; it’s delightful.)
Apropos of nothing, I just want to say that George Duke went to Tamailpas High School and was born on this day in 1946.
Just to land in the Andes?
I call BS. Deadheads didn’t have checks.
Love that Stronger than Dirt jam.