Dead '09

LA Forum... First time at the former home of the Lakers and Kings, deep in Inglewood. Cosmic Charlie to close out the first set was sweet, and Shakedown to open the second! Speedway and Scarlet>Fire, and a Dark Star out of Space were the other highlights for me. One More Saturday Night however, was not. Little weird to hear Warren singing Jerry's songs; not that he's not a good musician in his own right, but he's a little too all-around bluesy for my tastes. And why the hell isn't Bruce with them?!?

Really felt the lack of Garcia this time out; maybe I'm getting old & sentimental, but it was very palpable to me. I was probably too high during the Further & Other Ones tours to notice really, but without Jerry the music isn't really the same obviously. He wasn't the greatest of guitarists or singers, but he was ours. He truly gave the music a unique flavor and was such an integral part of what composed the Grateful Dead. Don't get me wrong; the boys sounded great and I had fun and it was good to see some old faces. But for me personally, I really missed Jerry I guess was the bottom line.

Shoreline, Night Two... An odd split, four nights after the previous engagement at the Dump. Jack Straw opener, Mason's Children, SOTM>Terrapin>SOTM in the first, Estimated opening the second, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Space>Morning Dew>China Cat>Rider, with a triple encore of Scarlet>Fire>Deal. Fire dancers during Drums was pretty cool for sure. And seeing my buddy with his 11-year-old daughter at the show (I first saw her as an infant at a show at the World in Chicago in her mama's arms!). And the guy spinning around in the parking lot after the show, wearing nothing but his Tevas and a big fat smile, God bless. At least some things never change.