The Grateful Dead – Oakland Auditorium Arena – December 31, 1981

Oakland Auditorium Arena - December 31, 1981: A Legendary New Year's Eve Show

The Grateful Dead's New Year's Eve concert at the Oakland Auditorium Arena on December 31, 1981, stands as one of the most memorable shows in the band's storied history. Packed with historic moments, special guests, and a setlist that spans the breadth of their eclectic catalog, this performance was not only a celebration of the New Year but also a powerful statement about the band's ongoing evolution and connection with their fans. It marked a number of “finals”—songs that would never be played again in the band's live repertoire—making it an emotional and nostalgic event for longtime Deadheads.

This show was unique in several ways: it featured a star-studded guest lineup that included Joan Baez, the legendary folk singer; Matt Kelly, an occasional band collaborator; and John Cipollina, the celebrated guitarist from Quicksilver Messenger Service. The presence of these musical icons added an extra layer of magic to an already electric night. In addition, the night included some significant "finals"—songs that would not appear in the band's setlists for years to come.

A Night of Musical Milestones

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this show was its final performances of several fan-favorite songs. Among them were "Me and Bobby McGee," "Bye Bye Love," "Lucifer's Eyes," "Children of the Eighties," and "Banks of Ohio." These were some of the last songs to be played live by the Grateful Dead during their career. The band was moving into a new era, and these renditions served as poignant farewell moments for these beloved tunes.

• "Me and Bobby McGee" was one of the final times the Dead would cover Janis Joplin's iconic track, a song that had become a staple in their live shows during the early '70s.
• "Bye Bye Love", a cover of the Everly Brothers classic, had been a fan favorite for years, but this New Year's Eve show would be its last live performance.
• "Lucifer's Eyes" was a relatively new addition to the Dead's catalog, and this performance marked its final appearance in the setlist.
• "Children of the Eighties", a song that reflected the band’s commentary on the modern world, would also be retired after this performance.
• "Banks of Ohio", a song by the New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS), was another rarity that made its final appearance on this night.

While the night was filled with farewells to songs that had defined their era, it also contained the energy of the band's familiar jams and ever-evolving setlist. The Dead's ability to seamlessly weave through genres—from folk and blues to rock and psychedelia—was on full display.

The Setlist: A Musical Journey

The setlist for the evening was a mix of classic Dead material, covers, and beloved deep cuts, with special moments sprinkled throughout:

1. "Shakedown Street" – The night kicked off with this funky, danceable classic from the Shakedown Street album (1978), setting the tone for an electrifying evening.
2. "Me and My Uncle" – A classic from the Live/Dead album, "Me and My Uncle" has always been a fan favorite for its upbeat, fast-paced rhythm and playful lyrics.
3. "Mexicali Blues" – Bob Weir’s signature cowboy tune with a lively, honky-tonk energy.
4. "Cold Rain and Snow" – This traditional folk song became a staple in the Dead's early years, and its haunting melody was always a crowd-pleaser.
5. "C.C. Rider" – With John Cipollina sitting in on guitar, this was one of the night's standout moments. Cipollina brought his signature slide guitar style to this blues classic, adding a unique flavor to the performance.
6. "It Must Have Been the Roses" – A bittersweet and emotional ballad from the Grateful Dead album (1971), this tender tune was perfect for a reflective moment during the show.
7. "Beat it on Down the Line" – A high-energy, rockabilly-inspired tune that kept the crowd moving.
8. "Big Boss Man" – Another bluesy, high-energy number that always brought a sense of fun to the show.
9. "New Minglewood Blues" – A classic blues tune from the Dead's early days, always a favorite for its catchy melody and upbeat vibe.
10. "Don't Ease Me In" – A lively and catchy tune that would make its way into many Dead shows, it offered a chance for the band to groove together.

The first set was already brimming with highlights, but the second set really took things to another level.

Second Set Highlights: Jam Heaven

1. "Iko Iko" – The band's rendition of this New Orleans R&B classic, featuring Joan Baez on vocals, was a real treat for fans, bringing a festive and celebratory feel to the night.
2. "Playin' in the Band" – The band transitioned into a sprawling jam that is often a set highlight. This version of "Playin' in the Band" was extended, building into a full-blown improvisational exploration.
3. "Terrapin Station" – The centerpiece of the night, "Terrapin Station" has long been one of the Dead's most ambitious songs. This performance, in particular, felt triumphant, with the band navigating its intricate structure before slipping into another improvised jam.
4. "Playin' in the Band (Reprise)" – The band returned to "Playin' in the Band" for a second time, bringing the energy full circle with more exploratory jamming.
5. Drums – As always, the drum solo was a moment for Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart to shine. The percussive duo brought a unique rhythm and pulse to the performance, adding texture to the night.
6. "The Other One" – One of the band's signature psychedelic pieces, "The Other One" is a deep dive into improvisation and chaos. The crowd was taken on a journey through its different movements, with John Cipollina adding his touch.
7. "Not Fade Away" – The energy of the night reached a peak with this rollicking Buddy Holly cover, bringing the crowd to their feet with its infectious rhythm and shout-along lyrics.
8. "Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad" – The Dead’s classic take on this traditional folk song carried the emotional weight of the night, with the crowd feeling the poignancy of the lyrics.
9. "Morning Dew" – A haunting and emotional performance of this classic song was the perfect way to reflect on the past year and look toward the future.

The Final "Dark Star"

The night’s ultimate milestone came with the last-ever performance of "Dark Star" on this date. "Dark Star," one of the most iconic and elusive songs in the Grateful Dead’s catalog, had been a staple of their live shows since the late '60s. It was a song that defined their experimental, psychedelic phase, and to hear it played for the final time was a bittersweet moment for Deadheads in attendance.

After a long and winding journey through improvisation and mysticism, "Bertha" followed, a classic from American Beauty (1970) that brought the crowd back into familiar, upbeat territory.

The final moments of the night were marked by "Good Lovin'" and "Baby Blue", leaving the audience on a high note and sending them into the new year with joy and excitement.

The Legacy of the 1981 Oakland Show

The December 31, 1981, performance at Oakland Auditorium Arena is more than just a New Year's Eve celebration—it's a piece of Grateful Dead history. It encapsulates the essence of the band: their ability to evolve, to explore, and to make every show feel like a communal experience. The guest appearances, the "final" performances of iconic songs, and the band’s undeniable chemistry all came together to make this one of the most memorable shows in the Dead’s legendary run.

This show marked the closing of a chapter in the Grateful Dead’s storied career, yet it also set the stage for the future of the band, reminding fans of the band's continued ability to innovate and push the boundaries of live performance. For Deadheads, this concert remains one of the most celebrated and revered New Year’s Eve shows in the band’s history.