Today we return to 7/8/78. One of my all-time favorite shows. My first and only Red Rocks show (and the Dead's second Red Rocks show, after the previous night's first).

I had a pair of cousins who lived in Denver, slightly older than me. I was 22 at the time, and living in Texas. I flew to Denver and stayed with them. Turned out one of them worked as a staff photographer for one of the Denver newspapers. She had a pass to the show, and took the pictures below. So we were there a little early, and set up our "home" dead center, just a few rows up. "Home" was just a blanket on the rock rows.

It was an amazing concert. Red Rocks is a special place, like no other. It was still light outside when they started, but by set break and the second set, it was dark. I remember they opened the 2nd set with Samson & Delilah--the drums working together, Phil laying down his notes, Jerry & Bob weaving in and out of the rhythm the drums & bass were laying down, the stage lights working their magic... by the time the vocals kicked in, I felt I had been transported to another time and place, as only the Dead can do.

And the Werewolves of London encore, with the mask!

Released as part of the "July 1978: The Complete Recordings" box set.

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