The '72-73 Glow
The bright era: songs, swing, and the ease after Europe.
Two shows from the famous European tour, Veneta's American outdoor warmth, and two early 1973 stops that show the glow carrying forward before the music darkens. This is the Dead in one of its most approachable modes: strong songs, patient instrument conversation, and China > Rider handoffs that feel composed.
Path Threads
europe 72 · europe · 1972 · golden · china rider · truckin · swing
Stops On This Path
1. April 8, 1972 · Empire Pool
April 8, 1972 at Empire Pool · London, England · Europe/Golden era · 3 recordings listed · Archive listeners rate it around 5
London catches the tour language while it is still crisp and newly charged.
Setlist includes Bertha · Me And My Uncle · Mr. Charlie · Deal · Black Throated Wind · Next Time You See Me · Cumberland Blues · Brown Eyed Women · Beat It On Down The Line · Tennessee Jed.
2. May 26, 1972 · Lyceum
May 26, 1972 at Lyceum · London, England · Europe/Golden era · 1 recording listed · Archive listeners rate it around 4.82
By the Lyceum, the tour has settled into ease. The recording is not the deepest pool, but the era is clear.
Setlist includes Promised Land · Sugaree · Mr. Charlie · Black Throated Wind · Loser · Next Time You See Me · El Paso · Dire Wolf · Two Souls In Communion · Playing In The Band.
3. August 27, 1972 · Old Renaissance Faire Grounds
August 27, 1972 at Old Renaissance Faire Grounds · Veneta, OR, US · Europe/Golden era · 3 recordings listed · Archive listeners rate it around 5
Veneta shows the same glow after Europe, opened up under Oregon sky.
Setlist includes Promised Land · Sugaree · Me And My Uncle · Deal · Black Throated Wind · China Cat Sunflower · I Know You Rider · Mexicali Blues · Bertha · Playing In The Band.
4. February 15, 1973 · Dane County Coliseum
February 15, 1973 at Dane County Coliseum · Madison, WI, US · Europe/Golden era · 4 recordings listed · Archive listeners rate it around 5
Madison keeps the 72 brightness but points toward deeper 1973 structures, especially with Dark Star and Eyes in the frame.
Setlist includes Jack Straw · Box Of Rain · Loose Lucy · Beat It On Down The Line · Brown Eyed Women · Mexicali Blues · Tennessee Jed · Looks Like Rain · Box Of Rain · Row Jimmy.
5. June 10, 1973 · Robert F. Kennedy Stadium
June 10, 1973 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium · Washington, DC, US · Europe/Golden era · 7 recordings listed · Archive listeners rate it around 4.84
RFK scales the glow up with guests, a big outdoor room, and the sense that 1973 is becoming its own animal.
Setlist includes Morning Dew · Beat It On Down The Line · Ramble On Rose · Jack Straw · Wave That Flag · Looks Like Rain · Box Of Rain · They Love Each Other · The Race Is On · Row Jimmy.