I know it's kind of like choosing your favorite child, but when asked the question, 'What is the greatest Dead show of all-time?', there are a large contingent of Dead Heads that believe it to be the May 8, 1977 show at Cornell University (Barton Hall). The soundboard recording of this show is legendary, and has taken on a life of its own over the years (it is one of 25 sounds that has been inducted into the National Recording Registry).
If you ask Deadheads to name their all-time favorite Grateful Dead show, a resounding answer would likely be 5/8/77 at Cornell University’s Barton Hall in Ithaca, NY. Of course, choosing a favorite. Grateful Dead Barton Hall Conspiracy? Today is the anniversary of one of the greatest Grateful Dead shows ever recorded. The Dead achieved perfection in 1977 (the year Donna Jean sounded the least annoying) and their May shows are among the tightest the band has ever played. Much like Phish's renown Fall 97 tour, the Dead's spring 77 tour is. Grateful Dead, Barton Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 5-08-1977. This one is often considered one of the greatest shows of all time. I'll let you decide for yourself. But the popularity my be because it was widely circulated and the recording quality is amazing. There is no doubt that it is great, but greatest of all? In May 1977, I was finishing my freshman year at Cornell. I was privileged to have access to Barton Hall the entire day of May 8, when the Grateful Dead put on their legendary concert. You've been listening to this show for years, and now we have the extraordinary release of the remastered board tapes.
Grateful Dead Barton Hall Setlist
Offered here is the original poster used to promote the 1977 Cornell show. It's classic Grateful Dead/Steal Your Face imagery (the birdman character lower center was a logo for the Cornell Concert Commission), and is the handiwork of Jay Mabrey. Jay was a senior at Cornell at the time, and had designed promotional material for concerts there over his four year stay. The poster measures 17 1/4' x 23 1/2', and is in excellent condition. It has received LIGHT restoration work to the corner areas outside of the image (light pinhole damage), and to the image area in a couple of spots (touch-up to some of the black ink, which historically has had a tendency to chip). I do not know who did the work on this poster, but it is outstanding...the poster could not be more visually appealing (yes, it looks every bit as nice as the photo).
Grateful Dead Barton Hall Set List
Given the current condition of the poster, had it not been restored it would command $10,000+, IF you could find one (and, remember, the work here is light,touch-up type stuff). According to the artist, the print run was small, and most were given away to local Dead Heads. It's a highly sought after piece, so if you have been trying to track one down please don't let this one get past you. Please call Jim at 1-800-575-1967 with any specific questions.