Stella Blue - Grateful Dead
2.23.74 - Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA

1974 is probably my favorite year of The Grateful Dead.  It’s unique in that there is only one drummer (Billy K), and finds the band at the peak of their original musical aesthetic defined from 1965-1974.  The band’s future also had a great deal of uncertainty surrounding it due to mismanagement of their assets by a corrupt manager, huge expenses due to their experiment with The Wall Of Sound, and general frustration that after ten years and having established a loyal following the band could not make a comfortable living doing what they loved.

In the midst of all the chaos, the band played a number of spectacular shows in their familiar Bay Area stomping grounds at The Winterland.  The band would close the 1974 tour with a 5 night run from October 16-20 there as well.  These shows feature the band playing at their emotive peak, and are well documented as part of the Grateful Dead Movie.  This Stella Blue comes from a great two night stand in Februrary.  For me, Stella is the ultimate Jerry ballad.  It’s beautiful, full of soul, and Hunter’s lyrics really speak to you.