I saw them many times starting as opener for the dead in 1970. I think my favorite show was at the felt forum in NYC in march of 1973. The whole show was broadcast live on the radio and included ramblin jack elliot and most of the dead sitting in. I had first row center and we spent the whole show leaning against the stage. They even did a mini acoustic set. It was around the time that old and in the way was getting started and Garcia played banjo. I believe the whole show is available on the music archive.
yes they were close friends...it is cool how far they go back...John Dawson told me how he used to hang out with the Dead before they were the Dead and some of the Jefferson Airplane members as well...early 60's...they were all friends.
The NRPS set from 8/27/72 Veneta, Oregon is worth seeing out. This show was officially released as “Further Magic,” and captures a primal show when they were opening for the Dead. In fact it makes a great companion piece to the Dead’s famous performance. The Creamery Benefit.
Also the 9/3/77 Englishtown show is a fun listen. Another opener for the Grateful Dead. And a new band...Marshall Tucker Band.
I was staying late one day in the office and was singing Glendale Train to a colleague (as she had never heard the New Riders before). My boss poked his head in my office, listened to the ending and said, “You’re something else.”
I’m pretty sure I had a cassette copy of a boot of this show - long worn out and left behind in a move last century. LOL. Was decent quality, but not one mistaken for anything close to an official release. Now I’m on the hunt for a good one in C D form. Any tips? Only found this on Amazon - yikes! That price! Live Veneta Oregon 08-27-1972 The New Riders of the Purple Sage Format: Audio CD 5 customer reviews 5 Used from $72.933 New from $77.50
Love the New Riders. My favorite lp is Gypsy Cowboy and favorite track "Death and Destruction". The 1972/08/27 show opening for the Dead in Veneta, OR (annivarsary tomorrow) was released officially a few years back. Does make a nice companion release to the Dead's show later that day.
In my opinion this is one of the best music videos on youtube. IIRC its a German Beat Club show. Check out I Don't Need No Docter -- at 16:40.
Heard this band covering the New Riders' "Lonesome LA Cowboy" the other day. Absolutely amazing close harmonies on this one.
I saw them at The Lonestar Cafe in NYC in the 80's and John was backed by Rick Nelsons band...no original members except John...John was great as usual...I guess it was really a John Dawson solo show...but, I had a blast ...a nice performance...
We were listening to them only yesterday, great band, when they were on they were really on, some fabulous country rock type stuff on those first few albums.