Grateful Dead Debut ‘Reuben And Cerise’ In 1991

Over 25 years into their storied career, the Grateful Dead continued to incorporate new original songs into their massive live performance canon. One of the last entries in a recently shared playlist of every original song debut played by the Dead was “Reuben And Cerise,” which started its brief life with the legendary band 25 years ago today. For Throwback Thursday here’s a look back at the night the mandolin player and his long-haired love made it to the Grateful Dead’s stage.

A staple of Jerry Garcia’s solo projects dating back to 1977, a recording of the Robert Hunter co-penned narrative about a pair of lovers was made for the guitarist’s 1978 Cats Under The Stars solo record (spelled “Rubin And Cherise,” and later correctly spelled in Hunter’s lyrics book). “Reuben And Cerise” wouldn’t enter the Grateful Dead lexicon until their Spring Tour of 1991, remaining in the repertoire for just a brief number of appearances.

Played just four times by the Grateful Dead, lucky attendees saw “Reuben And Cerise” make its debut on St. Patrick’s Day in 1991 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. After two additional renditions that spring, Garcia lead the group through the fourth and final performance on June 9, 1991 at Buckeye Lake Music Center in Thornville, Ohio. The breakout debut came 25 years ago today after a take on Bob Dylan’s “Queen Jane Approximately” and ahead of the first set closing “Let It Grow.” A full recording of the Capitol Centre concert from this date in 1991 is embedded below: