This show has long been one of my favorites of the 80s. The band plays like a 110 volt appliance plugged into a 220 volt outlet. At one point in the incendiary Stranger opener, for example, Jerry’s guitar seems to literally be overloading, with the gain turned up so high the distortion overwhelms everything else and produces a clean, compressed sound. The solo is stunning, as is the great Althea that follows and the screaming, tight Bird Song. Yes, Jerry is “on” and the boys are feeling it. The power surge continues in set 2, starting with a funky, pulsating China-Rider-Samson that’s a masterpiece, with a sparkling transition to Rider, flaming solos, and crackling ending notes. So great, as is the rest of the set, highlighted by a searing Estimated-Uncle John’s pairing, and two honey-glazed ballads. But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself, just watch out for possible 3d degree burns.
