Watch Grateful Dead: Downhill from Here

Grateful Dead: Downhill from Here is a lively concert film that captures an unforgettable performance of the legendary jam band during their 1989 summer tour. Directed by Len Dell'Amico and produced by Gary Hertz and Rob Johnson, it features tracks from their 12th studio album "Built to Last". The film opens with shots of the Deadheads, the devoted fans of the Grateful Dead, as they set up camp in a field before the concert begins. The atmosphere is electric, and the mood is set for an epic night of music and dancing. We then see the band on stage, opening the show with the upbeat and joyful "Touch of Grey". The Dead are in top form, with Jerry Garcia's guitar playing soaring above the band's trademark blend of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelic improvisation.

The setlist is a mix of old classics and newer tracks, including "Little Red Rooster", "Althea", "Cumberland Blues", "Uncle John's Band", and "Stella Blue". The band members take turns singing lead vocals, showcasing their individual talents and distinct styles. The bassist Phil Lesh, the drummer Bill Kreutzmann, and the percussionist Mickey Hart provide a steady and funky groove, while the keyboardist Brent Mydland infuses the music with jazzy and soulful textures.

One of the highlights of the film is the extended drum solo by Hart and Kreutzmann, which evolves into a tribal and hypnotic jam that showcases their rhythmic mastery and creative synergy. Another standout moment is the final encore, "Brokedown Palace", a tender and poignant ballad that captures the bittersweet beauty of the Grateful Dead's music and community.

The concert is also visually stunning, with Dell'Amico's innovative use of multiple cameras, split-screens, and psychedelic imagery. He captures both the intimacy of the band's onstage interactions and the expansive crowd scenes, showcasing the diverse and colorful crowd that has come to celebrate the Grateful Dead's music and culture.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of the Grateful Dead's ethos of improvisation, experimentation, and collaboration. The band members are not just playing music, they are exploring possibilities, taking risks, responding to each other and the audience, and creating something new and unique in each moment. This spirit of musical adventure is also reflected in the concertgoers, who are not passive spectators but active participants, dancing, singing, and communing with each other and the band.

Grateful Dead: Downhill from Here is not just a concert film, but a celebration of a community, a culture, and a musical legacy. It captures the magic and the madness of the Grateful Dead experience, and reminds us why so many people have been touched and inspired by this band throughout the years. Whether you are a die-hard Deadhead or a newcomer to their music, this film is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the joy and the beauty of live music.