Return to tape listRichfield Coliseum, Richfield OH, 9/7/90 Needless to say, little did we know when we decided to mail order for an Ohio road trip what the significance of this show would be. But shortly thereafter, the shocking news of Brent's passing came, followed by the auditions and selection of a new keyboardist and the cancellation of the West Coast shows. As a result, I would be attending Vince Welnick's first show as a member of the Grateful Dead.
The atmosphere outside the arena was mixed. Some people there hadn't even heard about Brent. A few had opinions from Vince's previous work with the Tubes. Inside the crowd was very receptive to the new keyboardist. He received a loud ovation when he came out on stage. Then another when he was given his first short lick during Cold Rain. And yet another late in the first set when Jerry formally introduced him to the crowd.
There were two overwhelming truths about the music that night. The first was that the band had clearly been rehearsing a lot. The music was incredibly tight all evening. The other was that they were playing things very safe at the start with an extremely pat setlist. No melodramatics, no new directions, although some of the songs displayed the touch of a new interpreter.
Bird Song in particular was haunted by some high-pitched keyboard flowing that hadn't been heard before and would soon drop out of Vince's repertoire. That gives this particular rendition a unique sound that is a must for Bird Song collectors.
In general, the first set was outstanding, with another highlight being Walkin' Blues. The second set wasn't up to the same level -- again the band appeared to be playing it safe on this night -- but Bobby sang the closing Lovelight with a vengeance.
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