Furthur / The Dead / The Other Ones | OtherOnes.Net

Well, it was more "Standing Outside in the Rain" than "Sitting On Top of the World" for a lot of us who waited in line for nearly 90 minutes to get in, but I managed to be in the room for the smoking Cumberland. Incidentally, Best Buy has personally apologized (on their FB page), and promised to open earlier tonight and add more people at the door. They even offered me a complimentary show of my choice - so naturally I asked for Saturday night...

Cosmic Charlie (my first) was great after Cumberland, and then of course the expected Octopus, which was flawless, complete with Phil doing the Ringo part. Sailor was a pleasant follower, very tight, and though none of the Saints I've heard from Furthur compare with some of the raucous GD versions from the 80s, how often did we get to hear Sailor/Saint and Casey Jones to close a first set?

Playin' was very strong, and Colors of the Rain (my favorite of the new Furthur songs) was appropriate, though not as inspired as the version at last year's Nokia's run. The energy picked up with Let it Grow and the out-of-the-blue Slipknot, which led seamlessly into the second "We Love You", a song I had hoped they might do. Sadly, they play Unbroken too often these days, so it's hard to get excited about it anymore, especially when you can just about guarantee it's going to happen everytime they play Let It Grow. But they got back on their feet again with a very solid Wharf Rat, and a sinuous, twisting Other One that briefly sounded like it was headed for Darkstar before lurching back into verse 2. And then another song I had felt coming, but didn't expect to hear them start at 11:30 - yet another full Terrapin. There was a bit of a false start to the At a Siding part, and frankly the energy to this section is not as exciting as the first few versions from last year, but who can complain, especially when the encore is Gloria?

So all in all, a very excellent start to the NYC run, and if Best Buy delivers on its promise, we can probably look forward to an even better time tonight!

For those who are counting, the progression through Abby Road will end the NYC run with the medley of Polythene Pam / Mr Mustard / Came in thru the bathroom window / End jam. (sorry beatles fans for not getting that perfect). now THAT would be something to see.

I go to most of these shows in New York- Love seeing this band. Been seeing the Dead and it's spin offs since 1977. The last couple of years at this Venue, Phil and friends, etc, have been great. This night was not good. The music was flat. There where sound problems during the first few songs, and a poor set list. Lost sailor- not a good sign. There where good moments, as usual.. Phil, Bobby are living legends. JK is great; I don’t think he tries to be Jerry, but so heavily influenced- he is a gift. Just being in the same room with these guys, seeing and listening what they do-is indescribable. The event staff where unnecessarily mean, and made this event unpleasant. They announced at the beginning “No smoking”- “If you are going to smoke weed, go outside”. Smoking weed in Times Square will get you arrested immediately. So what happens? People that would normally smoke a little, get happy, mellow out, do not light up- Instead, they got drunk. Then it got ugly, at least from where I was sitting. Then some people do smoke, try to keep it low key- Event staff comes over in packs, flashlights, and physically toss them out- First some guy that looked about 55, overweight, clearly not looking for trouble. Then some scrawny kid in a tie-dyed t shirt- They completely overpower him- ridiculous. The staff outside was horrible too. Maybe the city and world is just changing, as Times Square now looks like Orlando with changing seasons.

As much money and attraction as the GD & related bands pulled/pull into NYC, and as much good energy as they bring - this is a slap in the face. Over what? some small change (to them) charges going in their pockets? Anyone that got "tossed" most likely had occifers waiting right outside for them. Sounds like a very weird vibe caused by "authorities." What's next? an Altamont re-run? I've always said I'll never go to the "Big Apple," and I stand by it.

It's a PLANT

Jose, how did you get offered a free ticket? I waited in the rain too like so many others and missed like first set-- and I want my fair share! Who can I contact

Imust agree with Martin. This show was very flat and had a real lack of energy. The Playing in the band went nowhere (as did most of the songs). The "beast" in the PA during the first set really was a bummer. Can't they fix the sound before the show?

This is the 3rd (and last) time I will see them here. The other two nights last year were worse, but this still was not very good. Looking forward to the RCMH shows.

Dave, believe it or not, it came from posting a comment on the post Best Buy made on Furthur's FB page about coming out to enjoy Thursday's show in spite of the rain. I basically said, politely, that it seemed like they hadn't held up their end of the bargain, and the woman inboxed me, apologized, and made me the offer. And she kept her word, since I went to last night's show for free!

Anyone ready to give up on the venue based on Thu/Fri should re-evaluate in light of last night. The band was firing on more cylinders than I knew were possible, and the venue was surprisingly chill for a Saturday night in Times Square, at least where I was standing...