Bob Weir Band In New York City In 1978

Yesterday, Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bob Weir detailed an upcoming new solo album and tour. Weir’s first album of completely new music in over 30 years, Blue Mountain is also his first solo album in more than a decade. For Full Show Friday, here’s a look back a Bobby as band leader and a Bob Weir Band concert in New York City in 1978.

In January 1978 Weir issued Heaven Help the Fool, his second solo LP and follow-up to the 1972 Ace album. Bobby assembled the Bob Weir Band to tour behind the album featuring, future Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland, as well as Bobby Cochran on guitar, John Maucer on drums and Rich Carlos on bass.

The short-lived band made a tour stop on March 8, 1978 at The Palladium in New York City. The concert featured all eight of the Heaven Help The Fool cuts, including the title track, “Salt Lake City,” “Bombs Away,” “This Time Forever,” “Shade of Grey,” and Little Feat’s “Easy To Slip.” The show ended in the same fashion as the LP, with the Mavin Gaye hit “I’ll Be Doggone” and “Wrong Way Feelin.'” The two set show also featured takes on the blues standards “C.C Rider” and “It’s All Over Now” during the opening half, and Dead staples “Lazy Lightning” > “Supplication” and “Around and Around” in the closing set.

An excellent audience recording by taper Barry Glassberg can be streamed below: