Today in Grateful Dead History: Watkins Glen

Grand Prix Racecourse
Watkins Glen, NY

Words By J-man

Today we feature one of the largest gatherings in the history of this great nation!

Grateful Dead Live at Grand Prix Racecourse on July 28, 1973.



Set One: Bertha, Beat It On Down The Line, Brown Eyed Women, Mexicali Blues, Box Of Rain, Here Comes Sunshine, Looks Like Rain, Row Jimmy, Jack Straw, Deal, Playin' In The Band

Set Two: Around & Around, Loose Lucy, Big River, He's Gone-> Truckin'-> Nobody's Fault But Mine-> El Paso, China Cat Sunflower-> I Know You Rider, Stella Blue, Eyes Of The World, Sugar Magnolia Sing Me Back Home

Encore: Not Fade Away*, Mountain Jam*, Johnny B. Goode*

*Robert Santelli notes that some 600,000 people attended:

"Many historians claimed that the Watkins Glen event was the largest gathering of people in the history of the United States. In essence, that meant that on July 28, one out of every 350 people living in America at the time was listening to the sounds of rock at the New York state racetrack. Considering that most of those who attended the event hailed from the Northeast, and that the average age of those present was approximately seventeen to twenty-four, close to one out of every three young people from Boston to New York was at the festival."

This fantastic show began with an intro by the man himself, Bill Graham. What follows is a crisp soundboard recording full of incredible moments! Highlights of the first set include "Bertha," "Mexicali Blues," "Jack Straw" and "Deal!" Though the first set was enjoyable, the second set unfolds like a dream, with highlights including "He's Gone," "Truckin" into "Nobody's Fault But Mine," "El Paso," "China Cat" into " I know You Rider," "Eyes of The World," "Sugar Magnolia" Now, I'm sure that you're saying to yourself "WOW, what a show!" But wait, here's the kicker... The Allman Brothers Band joined the Dead for their encores which included "Not Fade Away," "Mountain Jam" and "Johnny B. Goode!"

The historical importance of this show is staggering, but even more mind-blowing was the performance that the boys put on that day! We hope that you enjoy this pick from "Today in Grateful Dead History!"

www.dead.net