Ideal Spring 1990 Setlist

Welcome! If you missed the first installment of this series, I’ve started to compile an “ideal setlist” for a few important tours/eras for the Grateful Dead.  I’ll be taking on Spring ‘90 in this post.

This one goes out to all of the Brent haters.  In all seriousness, there’s something to be said for the post-Brent stylings of Bruce Hornsby and Vince Welnick - I’m really enjoying late 1990 and 1991 as I explore more (Dick’s Picks 9 anyone? Holy smokes!).  However, Brent simply brought a consistency and energy each night that couldn’t be matched.  Spring 1990 was a short tour, but my goodness if it didn’t pack a punch!

You’ll notice that the 2nd set is dominated by 3/29/90 (Nassau Coliseum), and I’m not going to apologize for that.  The saxophone work from Branford Marsalis is simply sublime, and this show has quickly climbed the charts for me.  I know the end of my 2nd set is a bit unrealistic, but let me have a little fun :)

With each song, I’ve laid out a version that I particularly enjoyed from the era.  There is definitely an emphasis on shows that are available on Spotify, so please leave heaters in the comment section!

Set 1

Never Trust a Woman (Good Time Blues) (3/14/90)
Hell in a Bucket (3/26/90)
Jack-A-Roe (3/25/90)
Row Jimmy (4/3/90)
It's All Over Now (3/19/90)
Tennessee Jed (3/24/90)
Bird Song (3/29/90)

Set 2

Foolish Heart (7/12/90)
Eyes of the World (3/29/90)
Drums >
Space >
The Wheel >
All Along the Watchtower (3/24/90)
Stella Blue (3/24/90)
I Need a Miracle (3/14/90)
Throwing Stones >
Turn on Your Lovelight (3/29/90)
Not Fade Away (3/24/90)

Encore

Knockin' On Heaven's Door (3/29/90)
And We Bid You Goodnight (3/24/90)

Honorable Mention

West LA Fadeaway (3/22/90)
Ramble on Rose (3/29/90)
Iko Iko (3/30/90)
Estimated Prophet (3/29/90)
He's Gone (3/21/90)
Scarlet Begonias >
Fire on the Mountain (3/22/90) [1]

[1] DJ Jerrbrother Special 🚨🚨🚨

I also made a Spotify playlist, including the honorable mention songs.  I had to make substitutions as necessary for the versions that I chose that aren't available on Spotify.  Enjoy!

Thanks for everything, Brent!