On this sweltering Fourth of July weekend, I've decided to travel back to another sweltering Fourth—July 4, 1990 at Sandstone Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs, Kansas. With temperatures well over 100 at showtime and no roof over the seating area, this was probably the hottest showtime I'd ever experienced. For me, it was a deeply memorable night: not only the last time I'd see Brent before his tragic passing, but also a show with some killer versions of classic songs. The first set, which we'll hear this week, is a bit short—the boys were getting scorched with the sun shining directly on them, Jerry in shorts and all—but there are some great highlights, starting with the ironically appropriate opener, "Cold Rain & Snow." Other standouts include a fine "Half‑Step," a rare "Loose Lucy," and a strong "Loser." And for the setlist nerds among us, it's worth noting that all of Bob's tunes in this first set are covers, from Son House to Dylan to Chuck Berry. Even with the band and crowd baking in that relentless Kansas sun, there's an energy and focus in this first set that still comes through on the tape. You can hear the band leaning into the songs rather than stretching out, but that only seems to sharpen the edges on "Cold Rain & Snow" and "Half‑Step," and give "Loose Lucy" and "Loser" a little extra punch. I hope you enjoy revisiting this hot, short, and very sweet first set with me this week—and that you'll be back next time when we pick things up after dark for the second set, where "Victim," "Foolish Heart," and a big "Scarlet → Fire" really show what Summer '90 could do. Grateful Dead Sandstone Amphitheatre Bonner Springs, KS 7/4/1990 - Wednesday One Cold Rain & Snow > Walkin' Blues Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo Queen Jane Approximately Loose Lucy It's All Over Now Loser The Promised Land You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod070326.mp3 I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July! stay hydrated!
