Watch Grateful Dead Unveil A Robbie Robertson Solo Gem At Oakland Coliseum In 1993

The Band’s Robbie Robertson sadly died on Wednesday, August 9 at the age of 80. Robbie passed away on the same date as Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, 28 years later. The Robertson and Grateful Dead worlds also coincided on February 23, 1993 when the Grateful Dead debuted Robbie’s “Broken Arrow” at the Oakland Coliseum.

“Broken Arrow” appears on Robbie Robertson’s 1987 self-titled debut solo album. A stunning song in both its melody and lyrics, it wasn’t long before Robbie’s contemporaries began covering “Broken Arrow.” Rod Stewart had a hit with the tune in 1991 and included it on his album that year, Vagabond Heart.

Two years later the Grateful Dead unveiled “Broken Arrow” at Oakland Coliseum. The cover is inextricably linked with bassist Phil Lesh, who sings lead on the song and made it his own while still keeping Robbie’s gorgeous melody intact. Phil led the band through the Bay Area premiere which also saw Jerry playing warbling runs on Wolf over a bed of pretty piano from Vince Welnick.

Following the debut, “Broken Arrow” stayed a staple cover for the Dead and a showcase for Lesh, performed 35 times between February 23, 1993 and July 2, 1995. The song remained a signature cover for Phil in post-Grateful Dead projects The Other Ones, Phil Lesh & Friends and The Dead.

But it all started at Oakland Coliseum. Watch the Grateful Dead’s complete 2/23/93 show including the debut performance of Robbie Robertson’s “Broken Arrow” below: