Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-08-25
The Grateful Dead’s 1985 run at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland is the latest stop in Tuesday Dead Drops, with the band’s February 18 and 19 performances now available to stream in Hi-Res on Play Dead.
The two-night run came as the Grateful Dead entered their 20th year and coincided with Chinese New Year, giving the second night in particular an atmosphere that went well beyond a typical mid-’80s Dead show. Chinese orchestra music, fortune cookies and a traditional Dragon Dance were all part of the February 19 celebration, while the music across both nights found the band leaning into the kind of unpredictable setlists and high-energy playing that made 1985 such a distinctive year.
“February 18 starts with Jerry leaning into Iko Iko > C.C. Rider. A smoking China > Rider closes the first before He’s Gone > Spoonful > Eyes > GDTRFB drives a huge second set. Out of Space, a gentle China Doll gives way to Brent leading the rare Jimmy Reed cover, Baby What You Want Me to Do, before Sugar Magnolia turns the Kaiser into a dance party,” Martin Knott writes.
The following night took the celebration even further.
“February 19 is a full celebration - Chinese orchestra, fortune cookies and the traditional Dragon Dance. Jack Straw, Dupree’s, and a soaring Bird Song highlight the first before Bucket > Might As Well. Then comes Truckin’ > Terrapin, followed by Women Are Smarter and the Dragon Dance during Drums. Out of Space with everyone In the Dark, Throwing Stones > Touch of Grey brings the celebration home before Johnny B. Goode closes down the night.
“Unpredictable setlists, tremendous energy and anything possible at any time. Welcome to 1985. Enjoy!”
Curated by David Lemieux and newly mastered by David Glasser from the original Grateful Dead F1 Digital Tape, both shows are now streaming in Hi-Res on Play Dead.
Grateful Dead – February 18, 1985 Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center – Oakland, CA
SET I: Iko Iko > C.C. Rider, Dire Wolf, Cassidy, Ramble On Rose, Me & My Uncle > Mexicali Blues, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider
SET II: Samson & Delilah, He’s Gone > Spoonful > Eyes Of The World > Goin’ Down The Road > Drums > Space > China Doll > Baby What You Want Me To Do > Sugar Magnolia
ENCORE: Day Job
Grateful Dead – February 19, 1985 Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center – Oakland, CA
SET I: Jack Straw, Dupree’s Diamond Blues, Minglewood Blues, Brown-Eyed Women, My Brother Esau, Bird Song, Hell In A Bucket > Might As Well
SET II: Truckin’ > Terrapin Station > Women Are Smarter > Drums > Space > Throwing Stones > Touch Of Grey
ENCORE: Johnny B. Goode
