Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there. This week, our hosts FiG and Knob break format to eulogize Phil Lesh. The pair discuss Phil’s countless contributions to the Grateful Dead, the ways in which Phil helped build up the modern jam band scene, and ours hosts’ chances to see Phil and Friends live.…

This week on the Help on the Way pod we cover… another band??? Well, not really. This week, our host Knob takes us on a little dive into a show from Mickey and the Hartbeats. It’s October 10th, 1968 at The Matrix in San Francisco. Knob dives into the history of Mickey and the Hartbeats and the jams they played, as well as the return of archive.org.…

Start spreading the news! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are melting these little town blues away. It’s September 16th, 1988, and the Grateful Dead are playing Madison Square Garden. Along the way, discussions abound about our favorite music movies, Jerry’s subtle swagger, and King Kong. Hey Pocky Way New Minglewood Blues Mississippi Half-Step U…

The mothership is taking off! This week, our hosts Game and FiG are heading to Hampton, Virginia for the Grateful Dead’s March 22nd, 1987 show at Hampton Coliseum. Discussions abound about the archive.org hack, the new Dave’s Picks, and whether the real Scarlet > Fire jam was in Estimated Prophet all along. Hell in a Bucket Sugaree It's All Over No…

It’s a wild kingdom! Cause this week, our hosts Game and FiG are going to Omaha. It’s July 5th, 1978 and the Grateful Dead are playing the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Discussions abound about Billy Strings’ baby, Knob slander, and the death of Kris Kristofferson. Sugaree Beat It On Down The Line They Love Each Other Looks Like Rain Dire Wolf It's All O…

*Repost due to tech issue!* Go to Nassau! This week, our hosts FiG and Game are heading to Uniondale, NY for the Grateful Dead’s April 4th, 1993 show. Discussions abound about Vince’s role in the band, GD60 rumors, and well wishes to The Professor from DeadPod. In the Midnight Hour Sugaree Walkin' Blues Dire Wolf When I Paint My Masterpiece So Many…

We’ve gone about as far as we can go! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Kansas City. They’ll be listening to the Grateful Dead’s October 28th, 1977 show at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. Along the way, discussions abound about MLB’s Jerry Garcia nights, Dave’s picks, and Knob’s adventures in Asbury Park. Promised Land They Love Ea…

Put on your Caps jerseys! This week, our hosts Game and FiG are heading to Landover, Maryland. On the way, they discuss the Grateful Dead’s September 12th, 1987 show at the Capital Centre. Along the way, discussions abound about the dust settling on D&C’s Sphere run, Brent’s lack of a middle name, and the belt makes its return. Hell In A Bucket Los…

Take a trip down memory lane, and by lane we mean I-89. This week our hosts FiG and Knob are joined by Knob’s Dad on their trip to Vermont. It’s June 15th, 1995, and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Franklin County State Airport in Highgate, Vermont. Discussions abound about what makes harmonies work, a hibachi grill on tour, and the short live…

Beat it on down the… club. This week, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading to West Germany for the Grateful Dead’s April 21, 1972 show at the Beat Club in Bremen. On the way, discussions abound about the Veneta anniversary, television production in the 70s, and explain Game’s unexplained absence. Bertha Playin in the Band Mr. Charlie Sugaree On…

Grab your Jaguars jersey! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Jacksonville for the Grateful Dead’s April 8, 1978 show at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. Discussions abound about the tenth anniversary of the HotW threads, IGN reviews, and we make some very intelligent comparisons to Phish. Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo Me And My Un…

Everybody’s in LA! This week, our host FiG embarks on a trek to the golden state to hear the Grateful Dead’s November 20th, 1971 show at the Pauley Pavilion. Discussions abound about the end of the Sphere, Keith Godchaux, Donna's Wooing(?) and The Other One Bertha Me & My Uncle Sugaree Beat It On Down The Line Tennessee Jed Mexicali Blues Brown Eye…

Happy New… August. This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Oakland for the Grateful Dead’s December 31st, 1979 show at the Oakland Auditorium Arena. Discussions abound about the Sphere, pitch wheels, and a Samson that just won’t quit. Jack Straw > Franklin's Tower Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues Tennessee Jed Looks Like Rain > Alabama Getaway …

Keep it weird! This week, our host Knob takes a solo trek to Portland, Oregon to hear the Grateful Dead’s August 15th, 1981 show at the Portland Memorial Coliseum. Along the way, there’s much to say about the New Box Set, what makes a good ballad, and Blue’s Clues. CANDACE BRIGHTMAN GOFUNDME : https://www.gofundme.com/f/grateful-dead-lighting-desig…

Go to Nassau! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading out to Long Island for the Grateful Dead’s September 8th, 1973 show at Nassau Coliseum. This show was released as Dick’s Picks 38. Discussions abound about Kennedy Center Honors, the debut of Weather Report Suite, and the newest Dave Pick. Bertha Me & My Uncle Sugaree Beat It On Down The L…

We can’t stay much longer, Melinda. This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to the Cumberland County Civic Center, for the Grateful Dead’s May 13th, 1979 show. Discussions abound about Brent’s early years, Peach at the Beach, and what makes a good El Paso. Sugaree Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues Jack-a-Roe It’s All Over Now Candyman El Paso Row J…

Going on down to Town Park, gonna have ourselves a time. This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are headed to Telluride, Colorado for the Grateful Dead’s August 15th, 1987 show at Town Park. Discussions abound about midi fiddle, Bob Dylan lyrics, and a bite-sized Scarlet > Fire. Feel Like A Stranger > Franklin's Tower New Minglewood Blues Candyma…

We’re wearing flowers in our hair. This week, our hosts FiG, Game and Knob are heading to San Francisco for the Grateful Dead’s December 12th, 1972 show at the Winterland Ballroom. Discussions abound about Janis Joplin, the history of Turlock, California, and the gang wins big on the dead.net slot machines. Beat It On Down the LineBrown-Eyed WomenM…

We’re ready to catch some rays! This week our host FiG heads to Tampa, Florida for the Grateful Dead’s October 26th, 1985 show at the Sun Dome. Discussions abound about the continuing Sphere run, Mickey talking about perineums in GQ, and whether King Brent keeps The Belt. Gimme Some Lovin' > Greatest Story Ever Told Dupree's Diamond Blues C.C. Ride…

It’s all Greek to us! This week, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are joined by friend of the show Gowanus Red, who provides his experience about seeing D&C at the Sphere. Our hosts then head out to California to see the Grateful Dead’s August 17th, 1989 show at the Greek Theatre at University of California in Berkley. Discussions abound about what cro…

You can keep the Spectrum, we're heading to the Civic Center! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Philadelphia, PA. While they're there, they're listening to The Grateful Dead's April 20th, 1984 show at the Philadelphia Civic Center. This show was released as Dave's Picks 35. Discussions abound about My Brother Esau, Jerry's voc…

This week, our host Knob goes solo and visits Las Vegas. No, not for the Sphere, but for the Grateful Dead's March 29th, 1969 show at the Ice Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Monologues abound about keeping up with the Sphere, Jerry/Pigpen interplay, and how Mickey Hart was ahead of his time. Morning Dew Good Morning Little School Girl Doin' That Rag D…

You stay classy, San Diego! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are traveling out west to listen to the Grateful Dead's December 28th, 1978 show at Golden Hall in San Diego, California. Discussions abound over The Closing of Winterland, Keith v. Brent, and the passing of Bill Walton. Sugaree Finiculi Finicula Beat It On Down The Line Dire Wolf…

These little town blues are melting away, as our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to New York, New York. This week, we're listening to the Grateful Dead’s December 7th, 1971 show at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden. Discussions abound about JRAD at the Stony Pony Summer Stage, Run Rudolph Run, and how harmonies were split by 70s Dead.…

Get your throwing batteries ready, we're going to Philly. This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are joined by a special guest- Knob's Dad. Knob's Dad relives his memories as we revisit the Grateful Dead's March 23rd, 1986 show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA. Discussions abound about Willie and the Hand Jive, what song will open Dead and Co's Spher…

Holy July ‘89, Batman! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are joined by legendary concert photographer Jay Blakesberg. They’re heading to Alpine Valley for the Grateful Dead’s July 18th, 1989 show. Along the way, they discuss Jay’s upcoming An American Beauty exhibit, the next generation of Deadheads, and Englishtown 77, which you should list…

We’re California dreamin’, as our host FiG finds himself in LA. This week, he’s heading to the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California to talk about the Grateful Dead’s December 16th, 1994 show. Monologues abound about Childhood’s End, Branford Marsalis, and what the initials MNS stand for (editor’s note: he has since learned they stand for Music N…

Upstate New York’s got the ways and means! This week, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading to Binghamton for the Grateful Dead’s May 9th, 1979 show. This was only the seventh show played by our friend Smiling Brent. Discussions abound about Brent’s early days, the new Taylor Swift album, and taking yet another step back. Sugaree Me & My Uncle L…

We’re getting a mile high! This week our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob heading west to Colorado to hear the Grateful Dead’s December 14th, 1990 show at the McNichols Sports Arena. Discussions abound about Victim or the Crime, viewer mail, and Knob’s killer impression of Bob’s slide solo. Shakedown Street Picasso Moon Peggy-O Little Red Rooster Stagger …

And in the end, the dead you take is equal to the dead you make. This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Chicago for the Grateful Dead's July 9th, 1995 show at Soldier Field. This would be the last show Jerry Garcia ever played. Discussions abound about Robert Hunter's found manuscript, Childhood's End, an…

Are you ready to rock?? Red rocks!! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Morrison, Colorado for the Grateful Dead's July 27th, 1982 show at Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Discussions abound about what makes "On the Road Again" work, what shows we would time travel to, and what Jerry's favorite reality show would've been. Jack Straw > Sugaree On…

Grab your soup cans, we're heading to the Cafe Au Go Go! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to a helluva town for the Grateful Dead's September 29th, 1969 show at the Cafe Au Go Go. Discussions abound about Lenny Bruce, Knob's interview with Betty Cantor-Jackson, and The Grateful Dead's history in 7/8 ti…

In a very special bonus episode of Help on the Way, Knob is joined by legendary audio engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson. The two discuss Betty's storied history working for the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band. Along the way, they talk about Grateful Dead Cover Bands, the making of Europe '72, and a little bit about 5/26/73 at Kezar Stadium.…

Happy Boxing Day! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading to Oakland for the Grateful Dead's December 26th, 1981 at the Oakland Auditorium Arena. Discussions abound about Phil Lesh's 84th birthday clusterf*ck, A Day at the Dentist, and which New Jersey icons could rock The Other One. Alabama Getaway > Promised…

This week on the Help on the Way podcast, we're having a two for one deal! Our hosts FiG and Knob are discussing two short Grateful Dead shows: 11/12/70 and 12/7/68. Discussions abound about the Phil Lesh Quintet, whether or not FiG will like Aoxomoxoa, and Knob’s overuse of the phrase “not an all-timer.” 11/12/70 Till the Morning Comes China Cat S…

Get on the LIRR, we're heading to Long Island! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game and FiG are Going to Nassau to listen to the Grateful Dead's March 28th, 1990 show at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Discussions abound about Knob seeing Phil, gushing over Brent, and how it's important not to overlook the night before a big show.…

Meet us in St. Louis! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading out west to hear the Grateful Dead's December 10th, 1971 show at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. This show was released as part of the Listen to the River box set. Discussions abound about Peach on the Beach, the evolution of songs in 1971, …

Say hi to Kesey, we're going to Eugene! This week on the Help on the Way podcast, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading out west. They're going to listen to the Grateful Dead's January 22nd, 1978 show at McArthur Court at the University of Oregon. This show was released as Dave's Picks 23. Discussions abound about Vince Welnick's birthday, Close Encou…

California! This week on the Help on the Way Podcast, our hosts Game and Knob are heading to Watsonville, California to listen to the Grateful Dead's September 24th, 1983 show at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Discussions abound about the Phil Lesh Quintet, a fast Bird Song, and some rumors that Dead and Company might be playing The Sphere... A…

SPAC(e). The final Frontier. This week on Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game and Knob are going where no podcasts have gone before- SPAC. They'll be listening to the Grateful Dead's show on June 27th, 1985 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Discussions abound about The Sphere, how to pronounce the word "arguably", and some exciting new merch …

Happy New Year! This week on the Season 2 Finale of Help on the Way, our hosts Game and Knob are heading to Oakland for the Grateful Dead's February 27th, 1994 show at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Discussions abound about the Cosmic Charlie tease, The Beatles' "Rain," and, you guessed it, The Sphere. Hell In A Bucket Row Jimmy New Minglewoo…

We're ga ga for Onondaga! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Syracuse for the Grateful Dead's May 17th, 1981 show at the Onondaga Auditorium. Discussions abound about Phil's new podcast, Bobby's slide solos, and Knob's Dad's take on the Philly Spectrum. Alabama Getaway > The Promised Land Peggy-O Mama…

Cheerio, lads. This week on Help on the Way, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are crossing the pond for a little Europe 72 action. It's April 8th, 1972, and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Wembley Empire Pool in London, England. Discussions abound about Dead Ahead, why this Dark Star works, and who would play Pigpen in a movie. Bertha Me & My Unc…

Wave that flag! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts FiG and Knob are celebrating the fourth of July six months early! They're heading to Bonner, Kansas, for the Grateful Dead's July 4th, 1990 show at the Sandstone Ampitheatre. Discussions abound about Just a Little Light, the triumphant return of Scarlet > Fire, and Knob reads some comm…

Back to that same old place, sweet home... Rosemont. This week on Help on the Way, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob celebrate their hundredth episode with special guest Mike, host of the Guess the Year podcast. They're heading to Rosemont to listen to the Grateful Dead's March 10th, 1993 show at the Rosemont Horizon. Discussions abound about Dick Clar…

Happy Holidays! This week, to get in the holiday season, our host FiG is heading to the Big Apple for the Grateful Dead's September 18th, 1991 show at Madison Square Garden. Discussions (well, monologues) abound about a thoughtful essay from Kabonius. In the Midnight Hour Ramble On Rose Wang Dang Doodle Candyman Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memp…

Get your lot tees ready, we're heading to Alpine Valley! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Wisconsin, for the Grateful Dead's June 28th, 1986 show at Alpine Valley. Discussions abound about what constitutes an "early" Touch of Grey, whether or not a self-respecting person listens to Drums/Space, and an update on Gawanus Red's …

Keeping it weird! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading out to Portland, and are joined by new friend of the show Gowanus Red! Together, they discuss the Grateful Dead's February 3rd, 1968 show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. Discussions abound about New Potato Caboose, Dead cover bands at the Jersey …

Happy birthday, Vince! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Oakland for a special birthday celebration - the Grateful Dead's February 21st, 1993 show at the Oakland Coliseum Arena. Discussions abound about FiG's brother meeting a fan of the show, Knob's beef with Row Jimmy, and which of the three new so…

Be sure to wear a flower in your hair. This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading back to San Francisco for the Grateful Dead's October 9th, 1980 show at the Warfield Theater. Discussions abound about Knob seeing JRAD, how to critique the acoustic sets, and what we want out of Tennessee Jed. Dire Wolf Dark Hollow I've Been All Around This…