The Grateful Dead Live: October 26, 1989 – Miami Arena, Miami, FL

Every Song Played Is the Live Version

By the fall of 1989, The Grateful Dead were in a renaissance. With Jerry Garcia revitalized and the band locked in tighter than ever, the group’s chemistry reached a new creative peak — a period where technical mastery met spiritual improvisation. On October 26, 1989, at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida, the Dead delivered one of those perfectly balanced nights: playful, exploratory, and beautifully cohesive from start to finish.

This show captures exactly what The Grateful Dead Live stands for — every song played as the live version, each note carrying the unmistakable spark of real-time creation. Recorded at the height of their late-era resurgence, this Miami concert showcases a band both seasoned and fearless, blending classic Americana with otherworldly psychedelia in a way only the Dead could.

Set I: A Confident Groove and Easy Flow

The night opens with a reflective but steady “Foolish Heart.” It’s an ideal opener for this era — melodic, heartfelt, and guided by Garcia’s warm, introspective vocals. The tone is conversational, almost tender, as he weaves through each verse with effortless phrasing.

From there, the energy kicks up with “Little Red Rooster,” led by Bob Weir’s bluesy swagger and bristling slide guitar. It’s raw, funky, and a reminder that even in their late years, the Dead could still summon the spirit of the roadhouse.

“Stagger Lee” follows, bringing the classic American folk tale to life with Garcia’s narrative precision and a full, rounded sound from Brent Mydland’s keys. Then, the band settles into one of their best-loved pairings — “Me and My Uncle” → “Big River.” The transition is seamless, the band’s rhythm section (Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann) locking into a rolling, country-rock groove that’s both playful and precise.

“Brown Eyed Women” delivers that familiar bittersweet warmth — a nostalgic journey through time, stories, and melody. “Victim or the Crime” follows, a darker, more abstract turn featuring Weir’s sharp-edged vocals and dense rhythmic layering. The set closes with “Don’t Ease Me In,” pure fun and rootsy energy, sending the crowd into intermission smiling and swaying.

Set II: The Seamless Journey

The second set on this night is famously seamless — a continuous, flowing suite of songs that feels more like a living, breathing composition than a traditional setlist. The band tunes briefly, then slips right into “Estimated Prophet.” Weir’s vocals stretch and bend like waves, the song unfolding with slow, hypnotic intensity.

Without pause, the groove morphs into “Blow Away,” one of Brent Mydland’s standout performances of the late ’80s. His impassioned delivery and soulful improvisation take the song to incredible heights, a perfect snapshot of how integral he’d become to the band’s evolving sound.

Then the crowd gets what they’d been waiting for: the unmistakable opening riff of “Dark Star.” It’s a moment of pure transcendence. This late-era version doesn’t wander aimlessly — instead, it’s deliberate and exploratory, filled with shimmering guitar tones, deep bass runs, and a collective sense of musical conversation.

As always, “Drums” → “Space” follows — a cosmic voyage where Hart and Kreutzmann lead the audience through thunder and texture, letting the rhythm dissolve into atmosphere. The transition into “The Wheel” feels organic and inevitable, as Garcia’s hopeful refrain brings everyone gently back to earth.

From there, the energy spikes again with a fiery “All Along the Watchtower.” Weir takes command, his vocals gritty and commanding, while Garcia’s leads slice through with clarity and edge. Then, the storm settles into “Stella Blue,” the emotional centerpiece of the night — Garcia’s voice fragile, human, and deeply affecting.

To close the main set, “Not Fade Away” rises up from the ether, driven by the crowd’s handclaps and chants. It’s a communal anthem, a perfect reminder of the Dead’s power to blur the line between performer and audience.

Encore: And We Bid You Good Night

After nearly three hours of continuous music, the band returns with a simple, beautiful farewell: “And We Bid You Good Night.” Sung in gentle harmony, it feels like both a blessing and a promise — the perfect way to close a night of unity, exploration, and grace.

The Band – October 26, 1989 Lineup

• Jerry Garcia – Guitar, Vocals

• Bob Weir – Guitar, Vocals

• Phil Lesh – Bass, Vocals

• Brent Mydland – Keyboards, Vocals

• Mickey Hart – Drums

• Bill Kreutzmann – Drums

The Late ’80s Dead: A Band Reborn

By 1989, the Grateful Dead were enjoying a creative rebirth. The addition of new technology, revitalized performances, and a renewed focus on precision made this period one of the most musically consistent of their entire career. The Miami Arena show stands as a prime example of this balance — blending the spacey exploration of their early years with the sonic polish of a modern rock powerhouse.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this show is pure The Grateful Dead Live — a document of a band in motion, fearless in experimentation, and united in sound.

Don’s Pick Radio Show – Tonight’s Feature

Every Saturday night, listeners tune in for Don’s Pick, the beloved radio show that celebrates music in all its diversity and depth. Hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Don, each episode is a carefully curated journey — handpicked tracks, deep cuts, and live recordings that highlight music’s endless variety and emotion.

Tonight’s broadcast features The Grateful Dead’s October 26, 1989 show from Miami Arena in its entirety — the full, seamless second set, rare versions, and Don’s personal commentary on the performance’s significance. Expect insights, anecdotes, and the kind of deep musical appreciation that only comes from someone who truly understands the art of live performance.

So turn up your radio, settle in, and let the night unfold. Don’s Pick and The Grateful Dead Live are here to remind you what real, living music sounds like — spontaneous, soulful, and timeless.

The Grateful Dead Live – October 26, 1989 – Miami Arena, Miami, FL
Every Song Played Is the Live Version. Every Moment Is Real.