Grateful Dead

By December 31, 1985, the Grateful Dead were well-established as a seminal force in the American rock music scene, following a prolific career characterized by innovative live performances. Prior to this live recording at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the band released "In the Dark" in 1987, marking a significant comeback with a more polished sound after a series of less commercially successful albums in the early '80s. Notably, "In the Dark" included the hit single "Touch of Grey," which helped introduce the band's music to a broader audience. "Midnight Hour," performed during this New Year’s Eve show, was a classic song that had deep roots in the band’s early performances but saw a revival in the mid-'80s. The spirited rendition captured here exemplifies the band’s commitment to improvisation and ensemble synergy, illustrating their unique ability to blend rock, psychedelic, and blues influences in dynamic live settings.

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