Grateful Dead

On December 7, 1971, the Grateful Dead performed at the Felt Forum in New York City, during a period of significant artistic development for the band. Prior to this live recording, the band had released their studio album "American Beauty" in late 1970, which featured now-classic tracks like "Ripple" and "Box of Rain." This album marked a shift towards more melodic, folk-influenced songwriting and showcased their lyrical depth. By the time of the Felt Forum concert, the band was embracing their evolving sound, blending rock with elements of blues and folk. An interesting aspect of this live performance is that it was one of the early showcases of their improvisational skills, which would be a hallmark of their live shows. The setlist included originals and covers, allowing the band to display their versatility. This concert is a testament to their growing reputation as a live act, especially with New York audiences during that era.

Watch on YouTube