Grateful Dead – “Dark Star” Live
Shall We Go?
“Dark Star” was an early classic hit of the band. It was Jerry who composed the preliminary chords and Robert who wrote the lyrics. There were several live versions which often lasted anywhere from twenty up to thirty minutes BUT the actual studio recording was only a little less than 3 minutes. It was a mixture of jam, with a touch of jazz and psychedelia.
- Included in “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”
- Number 57 in the “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time” by the Rolling Stone Magazine
The lyric, as with other early Hunter lyrics, clearly marks out the psychedelic territory of the band as a whole, lest there be any doubt whatsoever.
This was so popular and well-loved that many considered this as the Dead’s signature track. It’s easily one of those songs you can never forget once you listen to them. It’s probably how the Grateful Dead’s legend begun!