The late 1980s into the early ’90s was a difficult time for Deadheads. The waning health of Jerry Garcia and the recent passing of pianist Brent Mydland meant fans never really knew what to expect out of a Grateful Dead concert. Fortunately, when the band came to Denver’s McNichols Arena from December 12th–14th, 1990, they were absolutely locked in and sounding tighter than ever.
Perhaps it was the addition of Bruce Hornsby that enabled these three shows to remain some of the best from the later Grateful Dead era of music, as the pianist filled in on keys during this period. Opening with “Touch of Grey”, the Dead found their groove on “Candyman” in the first show and the music never stopped rocking. The classic “China > Rider” combination from night one speaks volumes, as does the “Help > Slip > Franklin’s” from night two and the stirring “Dark Star” in series’ finale.
Take a trip back in time and watch/listen to all three shows from that Denver 1990 run:
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/12/90
[Audio: Dean Grabski]
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/12/90 – Set Two
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/13/90 – Full Audio
[Audio: Dean Grabski]
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/13/90 – Full Video
[Video: Kevin Tobin]
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/14/90:
[Audio: Dean Grabski]
Grateful Dead – McNichols Arena – 12/14/90 – Full Video
[Video: voodoonola]
[Originally published 12/13/16]