In the long, winding history of the Grateful Dead, a few shows stand apart—not just as great performances, but as moments where the legend deepened and the unexpected unfolded in real time. October 8, 1989, at the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia, is one of those shows. Billed cryptically as “Formerly the Warlocks,” the band’s return to their original name signaled something big, and they delivered a performance that has become essential listening for Deadheads and live music lovers alike.
On The Grateful Dead Live, where every track we celebrate is a live version, this concert is a defining example of why the Dead’s magic was always best experienced in the moment.
Set One: Rare Returns and Fierce Energy
The night opened with “Foolish Heart” (live), then still a new addition to the band’s repertoire. It set the tone—a bold, confident start, tight in execution and full of energy. Bob Weir’s “Walkin’ Blues” (live) followed, grounding the crowd in the band’s deep blues roots, before Jerry Garcia took the spotlight again with a soul-stirring “Candyman” (live).
But the real jaw-dropper came next: “To Lay Me Down” (live), a Garcia-Hunter ballad that hadn’t been performed since 1983. The crowd fell silent as the first notes drifted in. Garcia’s delicate delivery, backed by Brent Mydland’s textured keyboard work, created one of the evening’s most emotionally powerful moments.
That was only the beginning. “Jack-A-Roe” (live) brought a bounce of traditional folk flair, and then “Let It Grow” (live) launched into full jam territory—soaring, spiraling, and showcasing the Dead’s unmatched chemistry in 1989. Closing out the first set, “Deal” (live) was all fire, with Garcia lighting up his solos like a man possessed.
Set Two: Into the Psychedelic Deep
If the first set was a love letter to longtime fans, the second set was an invitation to the cosmos.
Without warning, the band slipped into “Dark Star” (live)—its first appearance in five years. For many in the audience, it was a transcendent moment. The jam stretched and swayed, its exploratory spirit reminding fans why “Dark Star” was more than a song; it was a portal.
From there, the Dead flowed into “Playing in the Band” (live) and then into a jubilant “Uncle John’s Band” (live), only to let it all dissolve into a massive “Drums > Space” (live) segment that turned the Hampton Coliseum into an abstract, immersive soundscape.
Emerging from the haze, the band ignited with “I Need a Miracle” (live) before delivering another shocker: “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” (live). Rare and raw, its return drove home just how much this show wasn’t about the hits—it was about depth, history, and resurrection.
“Sugar Magnolia” (live) turned the place into a party again, and then, as the encore, came “Attics of My Life” (live)—a song that hadn’t been played since 1972. Its harmonies were haunting, pure, and unforgettable, bringing the night to a close with grace and reverence.
Why October 8, 1989 Still Echoes
The “Formerly the Warlocks” show at Hampton wasn’t just about nostalgia or deep cuts. It was about possibility. By stepping outside their own name, the Grateful Dead stepped outside expectations—and created something transcendent. The setlist alone would make it historic, but the performances sealed its legendary status. Live music doesn’t get much more magical than this.
Tonight on Don’s Pick Radio Show: A Curated Journey
Saturday night belongs to Don’s Pick Radio Show, and if you’ve listened before, you already know: Don doesn’t just play music—he crafts a story.
Just like the Grateful Dead on that October night in Hampton, Don leans into the unexpected. He curates from across genres, decades, and vibes, bringing listeners a handpicked journey that often reveals forgotten gems and fresh perspectives.
Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or a regular traveler on Don’s sonic adventures, tonight’s show promises the kind of surprises and soul only a true music lover can deliver. If Hampton ’89 was a masterclass in live unpredictability, Don’s Pick brings that same spirit to the airwaves—week after week.
So whether you’re listening in your car, at home, or outside under the stars, turn it up. This isn’t just radio. This is a celebration of music’s power to move, transform, and surprise.
Stream the show, relive Hampton ’89, and explore more live Dead at ExploreNewJersey.org.
