The latest installment in the Grateful Dead‘s All The Years Live video series is available now on the band’s YouTube page. This entry highlights the Dead’s performance of “Touch Of Grey” and “Greatest Story Ever Told” at World Music Theater in Tinley Park, IL on July 21st, 1990, “the opening night of the final run of shows featuring Brent Mydland,” according Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux‘s description.
Having first played alongside Bob Weir in Bobby and the Midnites, Brent Mydland joined the Grateful Dead in 1979 following Keith Godcaux‘s departure from the band. He bolstered the band’s sound with different keyboards, synthesizers, and Hammond organ, as well as his signature gritty vocals. He wrote several songs featured on Grateful Dead studio albums and had the longest tenure of any keyboardist in the band, touring with the group until he passed away of an accidental drug overdose just days after the band’s run at World Music Theater.
Lemieux adds that the combination of “Touch Of Grey” and “Greatest Story Ever Told” “became more common as an opener after 1987. Prior to this, Greatest Story was often preceded by Bertha or Alabama Getaway. Touch Of Grey, which debuted in September 1982, had become the Dead’s first Top 10 hit single in 1987, and was still thrilling to hear live in concert in 1990.”
Watch the Grateful Dead play “Touch Of Grey” and “Greatest Story Ever Told” at Brent Mydland’s final run on July 21st, 1990 and click below to view a list of previous installments of the All The Years Live video series.
Grateful Dead – “Touch Of Grey”, “Greatest Story Ever Told” – 7/21/90