Thanks for doing what you do! You made 2020 better than it should have been

Great memory of that time. I worked at the Hilton Inn, Lake Geneva, 1987 when the Dead stayed on the top floor of the Hotel during their time at Alpine Valley. I was a room service/bus boy and one of only a handful of staff permitted to serve them. Served Jerry a plain burger and Diet Coke on their first night there, CNN playing on the TV, nothing else in there, but Jerry sitting on the end of his king-sized bed. I was 19 years old at the time and a guitar performance major, so I really wanted to chat it up with him but just asked for his autograph - on a napkin - and wished him a “good show.” He was gracious to me. Next day, called up to bring breakfast to a different room, knocked on the door and Bob Weir answers the door. On the floor was a guitar case open with all I can remember is a brown-hued neck-through solid bodied guitar. I happened to point it out, commenting that I had an Ibanez acoustic guitar and he said, “do you want to play it?” I sat down on the bed with Bob Weir’s guitar playing classic guitar music mixed-in with some jazz riff/comping while he watched and ate his breakfast. I never got to see them in concert because I was working that whole time. But it was like I was at the concert since the rest of the hotel was occupied by the crew and Dead fans (who drove Mercedes, BMW’s and Porsche’s mostly from Chicago). Thanks for triggering the memory and for the analysis of their guitar playing. Much appreciated!

the best thing about Jerry is that no one can ever really figure out that special sauce - the melodic phrasing, the loping lazy time signatures back to the root, the use of the spaces and non-notes. What exactly is it? Its elusive no matter whos trying to find it or what paradigm they come at it with. And it all just ends with a goofy ass grin like Michael has every time!

I've always thought and felt that 'China Cat Sunflower' when played live is like a carnival of sounds in the best possible way. So festive, colorful, and fun!

Was 18 when I was at this show. I told my friends if I heard Jerry tune up China cat I would run to the front row, well I got to the 4th row and had the time of my life. Great show, great show...you can see me freaking out during the transition jam as they pan across the fans

come on man, give Brent some props for the amazing color he adds! SMILE

That part near the end of rider where Jerry mistimes his reentry @20:05 and has to rush to stick the landing. He sheepishly looks over at Brent who is smiling at him. Busted. Jerry then makes up for it with that last solo. Holy heck. Music of the spheres.

Speaking as a snowboarder, I'm finding that late eighties, early nineties Eyes of the World works very well for riding. Pulling for you to get a storm or two!

If you're not noodling over Dead, you're not enjoying it fully! I played along with a great Playing In The Band last night where they got pretty out there, and man, it was like I was on stage with them! I was able to add my own voice to all the weirdness, and it was awesome. Not playing Jerry's parts, not playing Bob's parts, playing my parts as another band member. So! Much! Fun!

I love when they opened the show with these tunes...and 45 minutes later, Jerry would declare "Ok, we're in tune now. Let's play!" and for another 4-5 hours one would be transported to another plane.

Jerry plays lead lines like fractal images

Many old timer heads like to to say nothing ever good happened after ‘77 - I call BS - ‘89-‘90 had some of Jerry’s best work, same with his JGB work.

one of my fav china>riders. If you watch the full vid of just the alpine version (though it's shown briefly in here too) there's this moment right before the big, second 'Wish I was a headlight' line where Jerry steps back from the mic, pushes up his glasses and smiles this massive smile. It's one of my favorite GD little moments i've ever seen

Having skied to the Dead literally a thousand times, you will never go back, it's perfect for turn timing and holy shit the trees!!!!

I’m lucky enough to have seen them live 9 times in the eighties! Every show was different, and all were uniquely amazing! We will never have anything like The Dead again!

"You didn't know you needed it until he gave it to you." Brilliant analysis! 🙌🙌

Love the 10 seconds or so between China Cat and I Know You Rider that sounds like Suite/ Judy Blue Eyes.

As time goes on and the more I learn about the GD I fall deeper and deeper in love with their performances.

It took me a minute to realize it was from the Downhill from Here show at alpine valley. It’s impossible not to smile when you see Jerry smile

I am 52, I was at this show. It is one of the most magical nights of my life...seriously...it was as close to heaven on Earth I have ever seen. This video does not do it justice. Watch, " Down Hill From Here". The real concert footage...

I'm so glad folks who were babes when I saw my first dead show are finally recognizing what an awesome band this was.

Jerry's excitement in Rider is amazing. When he yells the lyrics and nods with that smile, he knew they were cooking big time

Out of the 90 or so concerts I attended from 1984-1995, these 3 Alpine Valley shows really stand out. Great energy from day 1 right through to the end.

Love your enthusiasm , I’m 57 and seen them 250 times in the 80’s and 90’s. You have to delve deep into shows from ‘77. They will blow your mind!!!

I sort of wish it was just footage from the show and not a montage. Every version is different and you have to see the energy for this show to really believe it.

I was there at Alpine, who else ? Rained like heck...Splashing in the puddles ; )

As a guitarist Jerry Garcia is an endless source of melodic ideas. It's like you could wind him up and he could play forever and never play the same thing twice. Saw them at the Hollywood Bowl in 1973 with the wall of sound when they were in their prime. Garcia is also one of those rare guitarists who can play rhythm and lead simultaneously. A master of triads that is very jazz like. Then throw in all his genius stylistic touches and it's magic. Great musicians can take you on a musical journey but the Dead can take you to Mars and back.

For an interesting variation, compare '72 to '73 China/Riders where they stretched the transition jams much further. Veneta OR is just one example.

Of all the three night runs of Grateful Dead I witnessed, this was the most memorable. They were in the middle of the last great peak in their history. Truly amazing, I'm grateful that I was able to see a bunch of great show during 1989-1990.

It's two years later and it's still incredible. I agree with your excitment. It's meant to be on the neck! Absolutely! Nice Michael.

So the “bounce” that you have described as this Grateful Dead rhythmic phenomenon that no other band has... it’s not a boogie, not a shuffle, but the bounce. When Jerry is really into it you see him rock back and forth ya? but really it’s a bounce;) This is a result of Jerry’s bluegrass/country style where he emphasizes the 1-3 beats, while the rest of the band is on the rock n roll /all other music 2-4 beat emphasis. It won’t always mix well but when it does it does. An easy one to follow this on is Tennessee Jed💀🥀⚡️

Yes, I was there. Had no clue it was being filmed. The stadium is in a valley and on the other side is where stevie ray vaughan died in the terrible helicopter crash a year later. I saw the Dead 37 times and they played China/Rider maybe 3 times. Maybe 4 at the most so it was a treat when they did. This was the best one I had seen live. One in Deer Creek Indiana was superb too. During this show they did Standing On The Moon and in the background was a bright full moon. It was a superb show from start to end.

Was a great night, lost my cookies that show....best of times!!!!

Thanks to lolo for putting that together. Thank you for your exhaustive analysis of it. Alpine Valley 89 was my first show. I was a little freaked out by it. Thank god there was video to ensure me I wasn't crazy. When Jerry sang goddam well I declare and I saw somebody digging under the seats from behind, I became a little disenchanted. This is fabulous..

At last! Thank you I still swear by Europe 72 version ! I’ve never quite worked it out so I’ve been looking forward to you doing this.

Michael, I couldn't play a guitar out of a paper bag, but I've loved, loved, loved you coming around as a deadhead! Muchos Garcias! Weir everywhere!

I don't listen to music when I'm skiing, but when cruising a good sunny ridge run I will break out singing 'wish I were a headlight on a nortbound train....'. Thanks for your stuff!

I love how the video fades Jerry’s image into different times he played this on stage! Very clever!

Michael: Thank you for sharing your joy and wonder at this performance. It's the same feeling I had when I first heard China/Rider on Europe 72. " ... AND LEAVE IT ON!!!" 🎸

This show would be great for the slopes! (Downhill from here) Great choice! (~);-}}

89' is my fav year, always has been. Probably cuz my first show was 89'. Brent's keys were sick, the booming reverbed drums from Mickey....the sound was just killer and the boys were in top form.

I always listen to radiohead while riding. Dead jams work too though:) love the posts, this was the first bootleg show I ever got when I was a kid! 89 Alpine! Sweet memories

Jerry was sober. Smiling, interacting, having fun.

I was there! The first night the weather was perfect. Warm ,full moon , absolutely beautiful! Days and nights 2 & 3 it rained buckets! We called it a wet deadhead contest. GOOD TIMES!!! ✌💀👍🎸🎼🎵🎶🧠🌌♾❤❤

Any late 1973 China Rider... Insane. Winterland 73.. perfection. If you haven't listened to those China's, YOU NEED TO.

Really, really enjoy your insights into the Dead. Been listening to them since 1971 when I saw them at the Fox theater (old, cool movie palace) in St. Louis. I believe they did a three night stand, and I met my wife at one of those concerts. They returned every year I was down the street at St. Louis University. I didn't know it at the time, but the Alpine Valley concert 7-19-89 was the last time I saw them. The ticket was a surprise birthday gift from my dear wife, who stayed home to watch our two young boys. I can't say precisely how I came to be a Dead fan but I suspect it was a combination of the super musicianship, constant rethinking/retooling of their songs over the years, the wonderfully crazy, long improvisations, lyrics by Robert Hunter, and the loose, party like feel of the shows. Kinda like seeing a spectacular band at a house party. Anyway, so glad you like them and bring another layer of appreciation to the mix.

I do not play or even own a guitar but I am noodling right along.

Magical things always happen at Apline.

I'm so happy for you, finding The Dead! It's easy to see how much it means to you! Man, you nailed it on the two intertwined parts! Lolo did a great job with this montage! He does good work! I just love Bobby weaving a nice warm cocoon around the melody, and Jerry bobbing and weaving, as he did! Bobby is so damn underrated! I'm sure you've discovered the many great "Soundboards" of complete shows, many Betty Boards, that are available on YT. What a wonderful resource and the fact that the Band makes them available to us makes me love them that much more! I encourage you to dig in there! That high energy 1972-74 period is well represented! Tailor made for your time at the Ski Lodge! Start the board and forget about it for the next 3+ hours!

I was at the 89 Alpine Valley shows. All three nights were amazing.

Wow thank you so much for this! That modulation to E has always been my favorite part of the solo. It’s as if Jerry is saying, Let me put it to you THIS way, in no uncertain terms, what I’ve got to say. Stellar song writing from a band who weren’t the best at what they did-they were the only ones who did what they did. Hope you had a GRATE time on the slopes 🤙🏼

I was in attendance for these shows at Alpine and they were epic.

I was at this show, physically. We were in a different rose colored world at the time. Me, and my little band of hoodlums. We were toward the top of the hill, left hand side from stage view. Some dude was next to us barking and eating an orange, laughing his tripping ass off. Soooooooo much fun. Those days are long gone. Cool to see on here. The flashback video is kinda trippy.

Love listening to the boys with you, man. Thanks.

You gotta check out a '74 China > Rider too man. Those feelin' groovy jams get me everytime!

The full version is on "It's All Down Hill from Here" which I have had a copy of for several years. Thanks for getting around to Alpine '89. My first show!

I would just like to say that I was in the audience at this show - all 3 nights at Alpine Valley in 1989. Standing there next to my life-long best buddy, flying high in many ways, what a memory. I'm glad that here, over 30 years later, you're able to share in some of the energy and excitement of those 3 nights. I'll never forget it.

I was there. I was working the inside bar. Was my fifth dead show. I finished up. Since they played well beyond closing time. Unfortunately for me I was stuck in the parking lot for hours after the show. Love the Dead saw them for the first time in 1977.

I was extremely blessed to have a really cool sisters who intern dated really cool guys. They turn my brothers my twin brother and I on to the GD in third grade. We first went skiing in Breckenridge around 91. I remember my mother asking if we listen to any different bands than the Dead😎. I can’t think of any other band I’d rather listen to while skiing in Colorado. Enjoy your trip brother!!! Peace from the dirty south, Mississippi 🤘😎

I've said it before, but if you are looking for a show to listen to on the slopes next week check out 7/4/89 and 7/7/89. The whole summer of 89 stands up to any of the other great eras, but those two stand above the rest for me. You've already gotten a little taste when you reacted to the "smokin" Deal.

Thanks Mike, this made my day! This was my first Dead show. Had no idea what I was getting into that day. Changed my life. Keep it up!

I was there all 3 nights---heaven on earth for 3 days-and i knew how special at the time...

Nice to see so much enthusiasm for The Dead. Noodle on!

I have been waiting for this for so long! My favorite dead recording.

It is the same chord progression as morning dew .. this whole show is just awesome and the dew from the same the same night is epic also .. so is the uncle johns .. just ripping away all nite

This was my very first of many shows. 18 years old with a head full of acid, it was overwhelming. The ‘89 and ‘90 shows were by far the best I ever saw.

Bill Walton was 2 rows in front of me lol. 89 was a great year. Much love Michael. PEACE brothers and sisters.

Interesting ! I was @ those show's & it was Hot as Heck ! Great Time & Great Tour ! Brent was still w/ us Rockin that Hammond B3... Amazing !

Love these dead reactions! And i'm learning new stuff on guitar at the same time.

Love these! Keep up the good work!

Watching this right after I woke up And it got me up

mic quality is A1 ! Keep improving man we love the vids! Keeping 2020 - 2021 interesting, much love !

I was at this Show... Whole Summer of 89 I did the East and Midwest

I studied Bobby's part in Chinacat years ago, and noticed after the initial riff it continues into the mini bridge in a different way after those high notes. It gets more subtle but consistently ends with these two amazing jazz chords I never mastered.

Michael, the segue between the tunes is the epitome of Dead tunes - it is the vibe that creates ecstasy that leads to Jerry's crescendo "northbound train."

that was awesome, it made me excited to pick my guitar up too

Yet another great Guitar Teacher Reacts! I’d not heard this China/Rider version and it was a blast to find it on this Wednesday night. Michael, thank you so much for the heart and knowledge and skill and quality you put into your GD Reacts videos (I think I’ve seen all of them). While I’ve been a Dead fan since the late 60s, you’ve opened up deeper insights and appreciation into tunes I’ve heard literally hundreds of times. Thank you. Have a wonderful time skiing with your family.

Get the DVD "Downhill From Here"...it's almost this complete show minus a "Desolation Row" and "Deal" from the night before. Alpine Valley was a venue the band really loved.

Since finding your page I've found an even deeper appreciation for these guys. But what I like most about this particular video is watching you lose yourself soooo deeply in the music that you just stopped breaking it down. Welcome to the family, now you know..... there's NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert!

Last show I saw with Brent and one of my favorite of all time. Summer tour 89 was a good run.

Thank You so much!! We Love what You're doing and the way You are doing it!! We want You to fully enjoy all this music has to offer. It's a pleasure for us to have watched You step on the bus!! And this live one is one of those many gems out there us "heads" have wanted You to hear. I would love for You to hear '73 Nassau Coliseum Eyes of the World, oh, I forgot the date. - China Doll from live acoustic album Reckoning, '80

Hard to pinpoint what we all love about Jerry's playing, but its endless fun trying to articulate what we dig, and replicate the sound and feel

Have you asked Paul Smith to facilitate a video chat for you with Mayer? Those of us that love your videos would love to see you talk to John about playing.

So sweet. Chills up and down my spine...So much fun..

I was at this run. Had tix to the first two shows. The last night I put on my earth-tone tye-dye and climbed high into a tree outside the fence, stage right. Several people around me got nabbed but I watched the whole show from that tree. Apparently my shirt worked as camo. :)

I don’t think you’ve done an Eyes yet and the one from 3/29/90 with Branford Marsalis is absolutely all time and incredible when sliding down a mountain.

You are seriously the man!

Good stuff, thanks for this one!

When I ski solo, always listen to the Dead. Spent several hours at Winter Park last week listening and skiing. Have 15 days worth of Dead and Jerry Band on my phone to jam too. Good timing on a trip to Colorado. Finally getting some decent snow after a dry January. Enjoy your trip.

It’s fun watching you comment on GD. This run of shows was phenomenal. Paramount performances of Althea,CR,Not fade away,West LA fadeaway and I used to love her but....

12-29-1977! Do yourself a favorite and listen to that China>Rider, Hell while you're at it the whole Show!

I’m in Snowmass with my kids this week - tons of snow expected. Have a great time! I saw the Dead a bunch that tour. Probably the best one I attended. Of course I listened to a lot of Dead on the drive out from Denver...

Was there and it was real good!

I was there, saw that whole summer tour ! Best days of my life !

Skiing to the Dead is perfect! Holler if you're skiing Winter Park, happy show you around the slopes. Your reactions have helped my bass playing, welcome the chance to say thanks and talk the Dead! Have a blast either way

Hey Michael I was at that show ... the 2nd set is far and away the best set of music I've ever seen live

Love this!!!

the going down the road>>>not fade away from this show is equally awesome

I Love playing guitar. Been watching since you started. Your channel is AWESOME! Also I love watching folks fall in love with the dead. And you my friend are in! LOL! Thanks again!

When I took my Florida kids skiing in Colorado I was pleasantly surprised at the tunes played at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin). They were totally cranking Dead tunes on the ski lifts and had Dead stuff throughout their gift shop. Gotta check it out Michael!