I mean if they did it with just the three like the post suggests that’s literally just Dead & Co pre 2023 which is fine but…I think it’s time to close the book Bobby should continue to play the songs with whoever the hell he wants until he dies on stage but if it’s ever been “Grateful Dead” or anything close to that since Jerry died (I’d say no anyway) it indisputably is not that now. And I say that as guy who’s really big on D&C
Solid list. Think I’ve heard most of those; only one I’m positive I haven’t is #30. #1 is always so predictable but it’s not like you can say it’s wrong. My personal favorite is probably #9 here but I’d obviously put #1 in my top three if not two. A little heavy on 60s material for my taste but I understand many many others see it differently. I also would definitely put more than two shows from 72 in there—for me the peak golden era for the band is from the Cap run in Feb 71 until the hiatus in 74. (Nothing personal Mickey…) I especially love the first half of that era though, before Pigpen leaves in the summer of 72. The Europe 72 show they picked is a safe choice, but probably correct. I can’t comprehend not having more than one show from that tour on your list of best Dead shows though haha The end of the Brent era in 89/90 could’ve used a little more love too
There will parts like this in most of the Europe '72 shows, of which about 30 have release on streaming
Dick's Picks 11 has a solid Dark Star-> Cumberland Blues. It's not my fav Dark Star by any means (the jam around 9:30 is dope though) but it should help scratch that itch
for the Deep Jam>Country banger feeling, one of my fav shows fits perfectly: S2: Truckin>Other One>Big River>TOO>Eyes>TOO>Wharf Rat
RIP Donna Jean you never did anything wrong and were a perfect Angel and I'm so glad I got to see you live