GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST: Episode Summary Episode: Friend Of the Devils: Duke University, 4/78
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Hosts: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno delve into one of the most electrifying performances in Grateful Dead history—the April 12, 1978 concert at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. This concert is a standout feature in the limited edition Friend of the Devils box set, which showcases eight previously unreleased Grateful Dead shows from their spring 1978 tour.

Background: The Grateful Dead and Duke University

The Grateful Dead maintained a special relationship with Duke University, performing there five times during the 1970s. This connection is explored through the experiences of key figures like Eric Milne, now a Duke University professor, and Fred Goldring, a concert committee chair. The podcast highlights the emergence of a dedicated Deadhead community in the Raleigh-Durham area, influenced by local enthusiasts such as Jim Enright and Bob Wagner.

Notable Quote:

Bob Wagner [04:06]: "Oh my. For the sixth show of their spring 1978 tour, the Grateful Dead arrived at Duke University in North Carolina and turned in one of those performances that became an underground classic."

The 1978 Duke Concert: Preparation and Arrival

The episode recounts the anticipation leading up to the Duke 1978 show. Jesse Jarno shares his experience of securing front-row seats and orchestrating a gathering of Deadheads from across the country. The hosts describe the vibrant atmosphere outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, with fans camping out 48 hours before ticket sales and creating a festive, communal vibe reminiscent of the early Dead shows.

Notable Quote:

Jesse Jarno [31:24]: "I brought a folding chair in front of the kiosk 48 hours before the applicable time... After two days we had about 350 people lined up overnight and we had the funnest times."

The Concert Experience: Performances and Highlights

Inside the stadium, the Grateful Dead delivered a high-energy performance that left a lasting impression on attendees. Key moments include Jerry Garcia’s animated guitar work during "Friend of the Devil," the extended drum sessions with Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, and the encore rendition of "Good Lovin'," where Garcia famously performed windmill guitar moves.

Notable Quotes:

Eric Milne [49:06]: "Jerry is so happy... By Duke, my God, he's like the happiest he was ever on stage."
Steve Silberman [57:09]: "This is one of the best shows they ever did... the energy they brought."

Production and Recording

Unlike typical concert recordings, the Duke 1978 show featured a special mix by Betty Cantor-Jackson, capturing the essence of the live performance. Additionally, students from Duke’s Cable 13 documented the event, providing rare video footage that has since been included in the standalone Duke 78 release. The podcast touches on the challenges and significance of preserving such performances through tape trading and archival efforts.

Notable Quote:

David Lemieux [51:29]: "One thing you might notice on the recordings is that Jerry Garcia's voice seems to be very quiet during the first few songs..."

Aftermath and Legacy

The Duke 1978 concert had significant ramifications for future Grateful Dead performances at the university. Issues with crowd management and merchandise selling led to tensions with campus authorities, resulting in a temporary ban on future Dead performances. However, the legacy of the Duke shows endured, fostering academic interest and community gatherings that celebrate the Grateful Dead’s enduring influence.

Notable Quote:

Fred Goldring [79:07]: "Fred Goldring... For the 45th anniversary of this show, we had a gathering on campus. We had like, I think we had 150. It was the room was full and it was the community."

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with reflections from attendees and hosts on the profound impact of the Duke 1978 concert. Jesse Jarno reminisces about the magical atmosphere and the sense of camaraderie among Deadheads, while Eric Milne discusses the concert’s role in shaping his career and the ongoing dedication to preserving the Grateful Dead’s legacy. The hosts emphasize the significance of the Duke show as a pivotal moment in the band’s history and its lasting influence on the Dead community.

Notable Quote:

Jesse Jarno [73:16]: "I just remember walking out into the night on the quad and it looked like one of the greatest nights of my life... It was really, it was really special."

Key Takeaways

• Historic Significance: The Duke University 1978 concert is celebrated as one of the Grateful Dead’s most dynamic and memorable performances.
• Community Impact: The event solidified a strong Deadhead presence in the Raleigh-Durham area, contributing to the growth of the band’s enduring legacy.
• Archival Preservation: Efforts by individuals like Jim Enright and David Lemieux have ensured the preservation and accessibility of the Duke 1978 concert through the Friend of the Devils box set and related releases.
• Cultural Legacy: The concert’s influence extends beyond music, impacting academic studies and community gatherings that continue to honor the Grateful Dead’s contributions to music and culture.

Notable Contributors:

• Guest Speakers: Eric Milne, Fred Goldring, Jim Enright, Bob Wagner, Joe Demona, Steve Silberman, and more.
• Special Thanks: David Ganz for audio contributions, Mark Pincus for executive production, and all involved in producing the episode.

For more insights and detailed accounts, listeners are encouraged to explore additional episodes and resources available at dead.net/deadcast.