Episode Summary: "Friend Of the Devils: Virginia, 4/78"

Podcast Title: GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST
Host/Author: Grateful Dead
Episode: Friend Of the Devils: Virginia, 4/78
Release Date: October 10, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno delve into the newly released Friend of the Devils box set, spotlighting two pivotal performances from Virginia during the Grateful Dead's legendary Spring 1978 tour. This episode is a treasure trove for both new listeners and lifelong Deadheads, offering an in-depth exploration of the band's musical evolution and the vibrant community surrounding their performances.

The Friend of the Devils Box Set

Rich Mahan opens the discussion by introducing the Friend of the Devils box set—an extensive 19-CD collection featuring eight unreleased concerts from the Spring 1978 tour. This limited edition set captures a transformative period for the band, highlighting the emergence of drums and space as integral components of their second sets.

Rich Mahan [00:05]: "This new limited edition Friend of the Devils box set is selling quick, getting down to the last of it folks. It's selling with good reason."

The box set includes performances from various venues:

• Curtis Hickson Convention Hall, Tampa, Florida (5/178)
• Sportatorium in Pembroke Pines, Florida (7/78)
• Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville (4/878)
• Two shows at the Fox in Atlanta (4/10 & 4/11)
• Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University (4/1278)
• Castle Coliseum at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg (4/14/78)
• Huntington Civic Center, Huntington, West Virginia (4/16/78)

Notably, the Duke 1978 show has been released separately and is available in multiple formats.

Spotlight on Virginia: Duke 1978 and Castle Coliseum

David Lemieux, the band's archivist and legacy manager, provides historical context for the Virginia shows, particularly emphasizing their significance in the band's development.

David Lemieux [03:48]: "After the Grateful Dead levitated Duke University's Cameron indoor Stadium on April 12, 1978, their spring tour lingered in the Mid Atlantic region."

Jesse Jarno adds that these shows were instrumental in attracting new fans, many of whom became lifelong followers after witnessing the band's exceptional performances.

Jesse Jarno [04:57]: "The Dead would come to your town, Blacksburg, Virginia. They'd play your college, and they would knock your socks off."

Rich Mahan and David Lemieux discuss the unique aspects of these Virginia performances, particularly the introduction of drum space segments that became a staple in subsequent shows.

Musical Influences of Spring 1978

The episode delves into the diverse musical influences that shaped the Grateful Dead's sound during this era. The hosts explore how contemporaneous genres like disco and artists such as Warren Zevon and Elvis Costello impacted Jerry Garcia and the band.

Kathy Sublette [09:23]: "I really like Warren Zevon's band. I like Warren Zevon. I think he's great. Great writer."

Rich Mahan highlights Garcia's experimentation with disco-infused tracks, referencing their cover of "Werewolves of London" and the influence of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

Rich Mahan [11:56]: "We just played a gig with him down in Santa Barbara. We like him a lot."

The discussion also touches on the backlash against disco, culminating in events like Disco Demolition Night, and how the Dead navigated these cultural shifts.

The Rise of Drum Space and Second Set Traditions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the evolution of the band's live performances, particularly the incorporation of extended drum solos and improvisational "space" segments in their second sets. This innovation not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also enhanced the concert experience, making each performance a unique event.

Bob Minkin [55:40]: "They were hitting stuff, like, anything that was around... The drums were nothing like I'd ever seen before or since."

The hosts analyze how these elements became a hallmark of the Dead's live shows, fostering a deeper connection with the audience and encouraging a more immersive experience.

Stories from the Road: Attendees and Tapers

The episode features firsthand accounts from various Deadheads who attended the Virginia shows, offering personal insights into the band's performances and the vibrant community surrounding them.

Kathy Sublette

Kathy Sublette, one of the few female tapers of the era, shares her experiences recording shows and her passion for music education.

Kathy Sublette [25:03]: "I got tired of waiting for my buddies to give me a tape. So I thought to myself, well, I'm just gonna buy my own equipment."

Her dedication to capturing the band's live performances provides invaluable recordings that are now part of the box set's legacy.

Bob Minkin

Bob Minkin recounts the challenges and excitement of taping Dead shows, including the infamous drum space sequences.

Bob Minkin [56:44]: "They were hitting stuff, like, anything that was around... It was just so wild."

His stories highlight the unpredictable and electrifying nature of the Dead's live performances during this period.

Del Ward and Rob Minkin

Del Ward and Rob Minkin offer additional perspectives on the camaraderie among Deadheads and the communal experiences that defined the tour.

Del Ward [37:03]: "We were on a road and I wanted. I took him to the movie..."

Their narratives emphasize the sense of community and shared passion that fueled the Dead's enduring legacy.

The Significance of the Virginia Shows

The Virginia performances are portrayed as pivotal moments in the Grateful Dead's history. The integration of new musical influences, the experimentation with extended improvisations, and the fervent dedication of the fans all contributed to the band's evolution into one of the most influential groups in rock history.

Jesse Jarno [35:11]: "I had to look it up on a map... But I didn't know where Blacksburg, Virginia, was."

These shows not only showcased the band's musical innovation but also deepened the connection between the Grateful Dead and their fanbase, setting the stage for future developments.

Conclusion: Legacy and Impact

As the episode wraps up, Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno reflect on the enduring impact of the Spring 1978 Virginia shows. They underscore how the Friend of the Devils box set serves as a vital archive, preserving these historic performances for future generations.

Rich Mahan [96:28]: "Thank you very much for tuning in to the good old Grateful Dead cast."

The hosts encourage listeners to explore the box set and share their own stories, ensuring that the Grateful Dead's rich legacy continues to thrive.

Notable Quotes

• Rich Mahan [00:05]: "This new limited edition Friend of the Devils box set is selling quick, getting down to the last of it folks. It's selling with good reason."

• Jesse Jarno [04:57]: "The Dead would come to your town, Blacksburg, Virginia. They'd play your college, and they would knock your socks off."

• Kathy Sublette [09:23]: "I really like Warren Zevon's band. I like Warren Zevon. I think he's great. Great writer."

• Bob Minkin [56:44]: "They were hitting stuff, like, anything that was around... It was just so wild."

This episode of The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast offers a comprehensive and engaging look into a significant era of the Grateful Dead's storied career. Through detailed analysis and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the band's musical innovations and the fervent community that surrounded them during the Spring 1978 Virginia tour.