Summary of "Friend Of the Devils: Florida, 4/78" - GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST

Release Date: August 29, 2024
Podcast Title: GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST
Hosts: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno
Episode Focus: An in-depth exploration of the Grateful Dead's spring 1978 tour in Florida, featured in the limited edition box set Friend of the Devils.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off Season 10 of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast by delving into the Grateful Dead's spring 1978 performances in Florida. Hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno introduce the newly released Friend of the Devils box set, highlighting its extensive 19-CD collection of eight unreleased concerts that underscore the band's innovative live performances during this period.

Rich Mahan (00:05):
“We are excited to be back with a new season of the Good Old Grateful Dead cast for you and we're kicking this one off by taking a close look at the shows from the spring 78 tour that make up the new Grateful Dead box set Friend of the Devils.”

2. Overview of the Spring 1978 Tour

The spring 1978 tour marked a significant era for the Grateful Dead, characterized by the emergence of the iconic "Drums and Space" segments. This tour not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also their ability to navigate internal challenges.

Jesse Jarno (04:23):
“The April shows included songs from Terrapin Station recorded the spring before, as well as Shakedown Street recorded a few months later. They also included the birth of a significant new part of Grateful Dead shows now called Drums and Space.”

3. Friend of the Devils Box Set

The Friend of the Devils box set captures complete shows from various venues, including Curtis Hickson Convention Hall in Tampa, Pembroke Pines Sportatorium, Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville, and two shows at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. A standout is the Duke 1978 concert, which is released separately due to its exceptional quality.

Rich Mahan (00:05):
“This new limited edition Friend of the Devils box set is selling quick and with good reason. The band was playing great in spring 78 … complete shows from Curtis Hickson Convention Hall, Tampa, Florida for 678 Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, Florida 4778 Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida 4878…”

4. Musical Shifts and Innovations

1978 was a year of musical evolution for the Grateful Dead. The band incorporated elements from their solo projects, leading to a more refined and experimental sound. Jerry Garcia's evolving vocal style and the integration of innovative instruments like steel drums played a pivotal role in shaping their performances.

Steve Silberman (05:35):
“The Dead change their sound quite a bit within pretty much every year, but 78 I think more than any other year.”

Bob Wagner (08:07):
“Drums in Space is my religion. It was… it really was.”

5. Band Dynamics and Challenges

The period was marked by personal and professional challenges within the band. Key issues included Keith Godchaux's drug use, Phil Lesh's struggles, and Jerry Garcia's vocal health. These internal conflicts coincided with financial strains, notably due to the Grateful Dead movie project, which led to austerity measures under manager Richard Loren.

Bob Wagner (10:07):
“I feel like the tour that was captured on this box set, it's not interesting because it's all pristine and perfect. It's interesting because it shows the band at a point of major transition and struggling with some internal issues…”

6. Black Peter, Drums and Space, and Setlist Structures

The tour featured complex setlists that integrated extended jams, referred to as "Drums and Space." These segments allowed the band to explore deeper musical territories, providing a platform for improvisation and experimentation.

Steve Silberman (55:08):
“This is when that kind of format really started falling into place where you get your slotted songs. And this is really where those really started where there's going to be a cowboy medley.”

Bob Wagner (73:26):
“Once they locked into this sequence of tribal sounding drums followed by really out there electronics in space. It was so right that it seemed like it had been there forever.”

7. Personal Stories from Band Members and Guests

The episode features insightful anecdotes from band archivist David Lemieux, sound engineer Steve Silberman, and tapper Bob Wagner. These personal stories shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics, the technical aspects of recording, and the passion of the Deadhead community.

Bob Wagner (40:39):
“My first shows were Academy of music and 72. I went to three of those. Of course, that was quite an experience.”

Steve Silberman (61:38):
“Have you seen this place? It's a dump. It looks like a great place to see the Dead.”

8. Conclusion and Anticipation for Future Episodes

The episode concludes by setting the stage for upcoming discussions on the Friend of the Devils box set, including detailed analyses of individual performances, the evolution of the band's sound, and the lasting impact of their 1978 tour.

Jesse Jarno (84:49):
“If you ever wondered how Heads knew the names of new songs, that's the answer they asked Dan Healy.…”

Rich Mahan (94:43):
“Thanks very much for tuning in to the good old Grateful Dead cast friends. We’d like to thank our guests… Special thanks to David Lemieux, Brian Dodd and Doron Tyson.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Steve Silberman (05:35):
  “The Dead change their sound quite a bit within pretty much every year, but 78 I think more than any other year.”

• Bob Wagner (08:07):
  “… Drums in Space is my religion. It was… you know, it really was.”

• Steve Silberman (57:14):
  “Used to just think that things would morph and things would just change. But I do think a lot of these things were by design…”

• Bob Wagner (73:26):
  “… Once they locked into this sequence of tribal sounding drums followed by really out there electronics in space. It was so right that it seemed like it had been there forever.”

• Jesse Jarno (84:49):
  “If you ever wondered how Heads knew the names of new songs, that's the answer they asked Dan Healy.”

Key Takeaways

• Friend of the Devils captures a transformative period for the Grateful Dead, highlighting their musical innovations and the introduction of "Drums and Space."
• The spring 1978 tour was a time of both artistic growth and internal challenges, shaping the band's legacy.
• Personal insights from band members and collaborators provide a deeper understanding of the era's dynamics.
• The Friend of the Devils box set serves as an essential collection for both new fans and lifelong Deadheads, offering a comprehensive look at this pivotal tour.

For those interested in exploring more episodes, past seasons are available on dead.net/deadcast, where you can subscribe, share, and engage with the vibrant Grateful Dead community.