Act #16 Grateful Dead Saturday, August 16, 1969... 10:30 P.M.

Grateful Dead Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

Getting set using their own Sound Equipment that was heavy as Shite, the Platform wheels collapsed and caused a delay... they tried to use their own Soundman to wire it, and it caused some Electrical shocks when turned up creating havoc that was not recoverable.

The Intro to their Set got the first Roar from the Crowd... but the performance is remembered as one of their less successful Shows due to a variety of challenges. The Band's set was plagued by Technical difficulties, primarily related to the Weather and the Sound Equipment. Heavy rain had turned the Festival Grounds into pure mud, causing the Stage to Sink a little which caused Electrical Hazards. This resulted in Band members experiencing electric shocks while playing, with Guitarist Bob Weir being thrown across the stage due to an Electric Shock.

The Band's setlist included "St. Stephen," "Mama Tried," "Dark Star," "High Time," and "Turn On Your Love Light," but the performance was marred by delays and sound issues. These problems were compounded by the Band's decision to use their own PA system, which did not integrate smoothly with the Festival's Setup. Despite these challenges, they managed to complete their Performance, though it was not well-received at the time and is often described as one of their worst Sets.

In retrospect, the Performance is seen, almost as a learning experience for the Band, and it has become a part of the lore surrounding Woodstock. The Grateful Dead's set at Woodstock remains a topic of interest, illustrating the unpredictable Nature of Live outdoor Performances and the unique Challenges... they tried to explain for a while but to no avail... Bummer

The Crowd Noise Factor was not fair to Rate due to the Rain and Technical Issues... Double Bummer!

The Grateful Dead Musical Bio

The Grateful Dead was an American Rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for their Eclectic Style, the Band fuses Elements of Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, Reggae, Country, Jazz, Psychedelic Rock, and Gospel. They were particularly famous for their Live performances, which often featured long Musical Improvisations. The Band attracted a devoted fan base known as "Deadheads," who were known for following the Band from concert to concert.

The Grateful Dead originated from a Palo Alto Jug Band called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. The founding Members included Jerry Garcia (Lead Guitar and Vocals), Bob Weir (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals), Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (Keyboards, Harmonica, and Vocals), Phil Lesh (Bass Guitar and Vocals), and Bill Kreutzmann (Drums). The Band was initially called The Warlocks before changing their name to Grateful Dead in late 1965.

The Band's Music was characterized by its Improvisational Style and a blend of various Musical Genres. They were Pioneers of the Jam Mand Music Style and created a vast repertoire of original Songs over their 30-year history. The Grateful Dead became a Cultural Icon, embodying the spirit of the 1960s Counterculture Movement.

The Grateful Dead was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Their influence extends beyond Music, impacting various aspects of American Culture and inspiring countless other Artists