A night after the group’s first show of the tour, they went west to UC Santa Barbara.
--
The Dead started this tour hot, as evidenced from their kicker at Swing Auditorium a night before on February 26, 1977. Next up for the boys was the University of California at Santa Barbara’s campus, Robertson Gym.
Here’s the full setlist (and a link to the show):
Loser
El Paso
Ramble on Rose
Estimated Prophet
Peggy-O
Good Lovin’
Mississippi Half-Step
The Music Never Stopped
Scarlet Begonias
Samson and Delilah
Saint Stephen
Not Fade Away
Drums
Terrapin Station
Morning Dew
Sugar Magnolia
Johnny B. Goode
A quick glance at the setlist can tell you that this show is certainly no slouch. There are a handful of noticeable firsts from this night, including St. Stephen, Mississippi Half-Step, Scarlet Begonias, among others. It’s not the best of the earlier ’77 shows, but it still qualifies as a solid show.
Highlights
Peggy-O is a standout. It’s arguably the most poignant performance of the night, and Garcia doesn’t hold back with some lush, moving guitar solos. We find a top-notch The Music Never Stopped, one where Garcia really doesn’t hold back, particularly later in the song. It’s shorter than later ’77 versions, but it is one to remember. We’re treated to a Terrapin Station>Morning Dew, which is quite sublime. Again, it’s not the best of spring ’77 versions, but it is a sign of things to come and an inspired performance. Take note of the jams in Scarlet Begonias, they carry quite a unique vibe in comparison to the ensuing versions of it. Mississippi Half-Step carries something that mimics a shuffle beat which gives it a different feel, too. Do not miss the Good Lovin’. It’s energy is infectious.
Rating
3 of 5 stars. This is a very good show, but not necessarily a great one. It’s not a putdown to this particular night, but when you compare it to Swing or even a few weeks later in March at Winterland, it’s hard to say it’s on the same level. Don’t let this deter you, though. There are some great tracks from this show. Take a listen to this one and see which tracks you like the most!
Previous show: 2-26-77, Swing Auditorium
Next show: 3-18-77, Winterland Ballroom
--
Phil is currently a junior at Quinnipiac University where he studies advertising and integrated communications with a journalism minor. You can find him on twitter here.