The Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead records the Dead's 1981 concert at Radio City Music Hall, providing a good sampler of their music. For someone who wasn't old enough to attend their shows when Jerry Garcia died, it offers a good introduction to their artistry and their appeal.
The highlights of the concert are in the second half, with some excellent drum improvisation on "Rhythm Devils" by Mickey Hart and Billy Kreutzmann. Their performance takes on an almost jazz-like quality as two drummers riff off each other. There is also a great rendition of "Fire on the Mountain." The film also features a few comic bits by Al Franken, pre-SNL and Senate. All in all, well worth a watch.
The highlights of the concert are in the second half, with some excellent drum improvisation on "Rhythm Devils" by Mickey Hart and Billy Kreutzmann. Their performance takes on an almost jazz-like quality as two drummers riff off each other. There is also a great rendition of "Fire on the Mountain." The film also features a few comic bits by Al Franken, pre-SNL and Senate. All in all, well worth a watch.