The Grateful Dead proceed to doc essential intervals of their lengthy profession with lavish field units. Ultimate Classic Rock Nights is giving freely a copy of the latest entry, Friend of the Devils: April 1978, courtesy of Rhino Entertainment.

As the late Steve Silberman wrote in the liner notes, a constant factor about the Dead was change. “One of the secret delights of being a Dead Head was discovering your favorite band had morphed into a different band since the last time you saw them, but one that sounded just as fresh, as surprisingly vital and as relevant to the present moment.”

The now-standard “Drums” and “Space” had been on their method to turning into a everlasting half of the second set throughout the 1978 performances, a custom which might proceed for the relaxation of the band’s profession. They previewed “Fire on the Mountain” prematurely of its look that November on Shakedown Street and in addition carried out lots of established fan favorites like “Bertha” and “Truckin’.”

“You can approach the Grateful Dead in eras and that’s a really fun thing to do,” drummer Mickey Hart informed UCR in 2023. “You can see how we evolved from a jug band to a blues band to an experimental music band to a country band to a rock and roll band.”

“These eight shows tell the story of a band that was engaged, inspired and focused on bringing their A-game every single night,” Dead archivist David Lemieux mentioned, concerning the new field set. “If there was ever a tour on which the Dead deliver every single moment, it’s this one.”

Watch David Lemieux Unbox ‘Friend of the Devils: April 1978’

Friend of the Devils: April 1978 consists of 19 discs, packaged in an progressive field that options a detachable wave drum, plus a 48-page e-book with liner notes and images. .

For your likelihood to win the grand prize copy of Friend of the Devils: April 1978, merely enter your title, e mail and cellphone quantity into the entry type at the prime of this web page. You can be added to UCR’s every day e-newsletter mailing listing. Additional winners may also be chosen to obtain copies of the Duke ’78 live performance launch. The contest ends Oct. 11, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.