Don’s Pick: Grateful Dead Shine at London’s Rainbow Theatre – October 6, 1981

The Grateful Dead’s 1981 European run remains one of the most exciting and adventurous chapters of the band’s touring history, and the October 6 stop at London’s famed Rainbow Theatre is a gem that continues to sparkle in the archives. This performance captures the Dead at a moment of transformation—Garcia sharp and soulful, Weir leaning into his rock edge, Phil driving the low end with precision, and Brent Mydland, just two years into his tenure, adding vibrant color to every track.

Here at Dead Set Live, every song is celebrated as it happened: in the moment, on stage, and alive with the energy of the crowd.

Set One: London Takes the Ride

The night kicked off with “Jack Straw” (live), a fitting opener that immediately set the tone with its tale of western outlaws and adventure. Garcia and Weir traded verses effortlessly, their harmonies echoing through the Rainbow’s historic halls.

From there, the Dead slid into “Sugaree” (live), stretching out the jam into swirling, exploratory territory. Garcia’s solos danced over Brent’s keys, creating a rich dialogue that had the London crowd swaying in unison.

A spirited “Mexicali Blues” (live) followed, paired perfectly with “El Paso” (live), a cowboy-song double shot that played like a nod to the Dead’s American roots—songs that always carried extra charm when delivered to an overseas audience.

The energy soared again with “Tennessee Jed” (live), Garcia leaning into the playful lyrics while weaving joyful leads. The band then offered a groovy “Looks Like Rain” (live), with Weir’s vocals full of heartache and Brent’s harmonies cutting through with emotional clarity.

Closing the first set came a fierce trio: “Big Railroad Blues” (live) charging with raw rock and roll energy, “C.C. Rider” (live) grounding the set with bluesy swagger, and a jubilant “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider” (live) pairing that left no doubt—the Dead were in top form.

Set Two: Deep Explorations and Emotional Fire

The second set opened with “Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain” (live), a pairing that always carried the promise of transcendence. This version did not disappoint, Garcia’s leads floating effortlessly while the rhythm section kept the groove locked tight.

That heat gave way to “Estimated Prophet” (live), Weir’s vocals delivering his prophetic vision as Brent painted the edges with swirling textures. Without missing a beat, the band dove into “Terrapin Station” (live), its epic narrative filling the Rainbow with both grandeur and intimacy.

The night’s experimental heart lay in “Drums > Space (live)”, with Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann unleashing a percussive storm before the entire band steered into cosmic improvisation. Out of that otherworldly soundscape emerged “Truckin’” (live), the anthem reminding everyone of the long, strange trip that had carried the Dead across the Atlantic.

The energy spiked again with “The Other One” (live), Phil’s thunderous bass drops signaling the band’s dive into primal, psychedelic territory. The tension released beautifully into “Stella Blue” (live), Garcia pouring every ounce of soul into one of his most beloved ballads.

The second set closed with “Good Lovin’” (live), Weir leading the charge with boundless energy, leaving the Rainbow crowd on its feet and roaring.

Encore: A Classic Sendoff

The encore brought it all home with “U.S. Blues” (live), a tongue-in-cheek nod to the band’s roots, delivered with just the right mix of humor and firepower. For a London crowd, it was the perfect parting gift from America’s greatest live band.

Why the Rainbow ’81 Show Still Resonates

What makes the October 6, 1981 performance so enduring is the balance between precision and exploration. The Dead were tight, focused, and adventurous, with Garcia’s guitar work particularly sharp throughout the night. Brent’s presence can’t be overstated either—his keyboard flourishes and vocal harmonies elevated classics like Sugaree and Looks Like Rain into something both familiar and new.

It’s the kind of show that reminds us why every note of a Grateful Dead concert was its own unique story—never to be repeated, but always worth revisiting.

Don’s Pick Radio Show – Tonight’s Journey

And don’t forget—Saturday night belongs to Don’s Pick Radio Show, the weekly broadcast where Don curates an unforgettable listening experience that goes far beyond a playlist. Each episode celebrates the diverse, eclectic spirit of live music, weaving together hand-selected tracks that surprise, inspire, and connect listeners in the same way a great live performance does. Tonight’s Don’s Pick promises to capture that same magic the Dead brought to the Rainbow stage in 1981: passionate, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Dead Set Live keeps that flame alive—every song, every note, every moment—always the live version.