The Grateful Dead Live: Don’s Pick is Dave’es Pick # 23 from McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon — January 22, 1978

Every Song Played, Exactly as It Happened

The Grateful Dead Live exists for one simple but sacred reason: every song played is the live version. No studio edits. No recreations. No shortcuts. Just the raw electricity of the Grateful Dead exactly as they sounded in the moment, captured on tape and preserved for listeners who understand that this band was never meant to be confined to the studio.

Tonight’s spotlight takes us back to January 22, 1978, inside McArthur Court in Eugene, Oregon — a winter show that stands as a vivid snapshot of the Grateful Dead at a fascinating crossroads. This performance blends the folk storytelling of the early years, the rhythmic looseness of the mid-’70s, and the exploratory ambition that defined the late-’70s era.

This is the Grateful Dead in full motion — playful, reflective, fearless, and deeply connected to their audience.

First Set: Roots, Stories, and Road-Tested Confidence

The opening stretch of the show leans into Americana, traditional balladry, and road-worn rock, setting a tone that feels both relaxed and intentional.

“New Minglewood Blues” kicks things off with swagger, grounding the room immediately. From there, “Dire Wolf” and “Cassidy” provide contrasting moods — one darkly narrative, the other fluid and spiritually open.

“Peggy-O” and “El Paso” showcase the Dead’s enduring connection to folk and Western storytelling, while “Tennessee Jed” brings warmth and humor, the band settling comfortably into the groove.

The middle of the set is particularly strong. “Jack Straw” carries its familiar tension and release, followed by a smooth, unhurried “Row Jimmy”, where the band lets the song breathe. The first set closes with “The Music Never Stopped,” a fitting statement piece — rhythmic, layered, and optimistic — reminding everyone why live Grateful Dead music was always about forward motion.

Second Set: Exploration, Risk, and Cosmic Conversation

The second set is where McArthur Court truly opens up.

“Bertha” launches the set with joy and momentum, immediately followed by a fiery “Good Lovin’.” The energy then pivots inward with “Ship of Fools,” a reflective performance filled with emotional weight and lyrical clarity.

“Samson and Delilah” restores power and intensity before the band steps into one of the defining moments of the night: “Terrapin Station.” This version unfolds patiently, cinematic in scope, and serves as a gateway into deeper improvisational waters.

From there, the show dissolves into the abstract with “Drums,” leading directly into “The Other One,” where themes emerge, collapse, and reassemble. A brief but fascinating “Close Encounters” passage appears — a reminder of the era’s cultural moment — before the band lands triumphantly in “St. Stephen.”

The transition into “Not Fade Away” is pure Grateful Dead — communal, rhythmic, and expansive — eventually giving way to a rocking “Around and Around,” sending the crowd into full celebration mode.

Encore: A Patriotic Exhale

The night concludes with “U.S. Blues,” an encore that feels both playful and purposeful. It’s loose, confident, and unmistakably American — a fitting farewell from a band that always found new ways to reinterpret tradition.

Tonight on Don’s Pick Radio Show

Adding even more excitement to this performance, McArthur Court — January 22, 1978 is featured on tonight’s Don’s Pick Radio Show.

Don’s Pick is a highly anticipated weekly radio experience, airing every Saturday night, and has become a trusted destination for listeners who crave thoughtful curation and deep musical knowledge. Hosted by the passionate and highly informed Don, each episode is a carefully assembled journey through music’s vast and eclectic landscape.

Rather than relying on algorithms or predictable playlists, Don’s Pick is driven by instinct, experience, and a genuine love for the art form. Every selection is chosen with intention — designed to surprise, connect, and inspire. Featuring this legendary Grateful Dead performance only reinforces the show’s commitment to honoring music in its most authentic form.

Why This Show Matters

The Grateful Dead were never about perfection — they were about presence. McArthur Court, January 22, 1978 captures that ethos beautifully. It’s a performance that balances songcraft with spontaneity, structure with exploration, and intimacy with scale.

At The Grateful Dead Live, that balance is everything. Every track you hear is the real thing — exactly as it was played — because that’s where the magic has always lived.

Whether you’re rediscovering this show or hearing it for the first time, this is Grateful Dead music as it was meant to be experienced: live, unfiltered, and alive.