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E72 Wake Up to Find Out: U2, Grateful Dead, and The Law
March 30, 2025 · 30 min

Ever had a concert experience so powerful it stays with you for decades? Those magical nights when the music and memories fuse together to create something truly unforgettable? That's what we're exploring in this deeply nostalgic journey through legendary concert moments.We kick things off with spontaneous concert adventures from the pre-internet era. Remember when buying tickets meant physically going to a record store and getting whatever seats they handed you? Jim recounts how an impulse decision led to witnessing U2's iconic ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ tour at Madison Square Garden in 1985, while Jimmy shares his technique for sneaking into better seats at Atlanta's Omni arena.The narrative shifts to one of rock's most celebrated collaborations - the night jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis joined the Grateful Dead at Nassau Coliseum in 1990. What began as one song invitation turned into an entire set of improvisation that produced some of the Dead's most transcendent music.We then travel to spring 1995 for a poignant look at Jerry Garcia's final tour. Despite his weakened voice, these Atlanta and Tampa shows represent the last opportunity I had to see the legendary guitarist before his untimely death. The episode isn't just concert tales - it's filled with fascinating musical connections across generations. From The Who's power chords on "I Can't Explain" to Billy Bragg borrowing Simon & Garfunkel's lyrics, we trace the lineage of influence that keeps music in constant conversation with itself.Have you experienced a concert moment that changed everything? Share your stories with us - we'd love to hear how music has shaped your most cherished memories too!

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