Grateful Dead Performs ‘Samson & Delilah’ In 1978: Pro-Shot Video
By Scott Bernstein Feb 27, 2020 • 8:16 am PST
The Grateful Dead unveiled pro-shot video featuring their performance of “Samson & Delilah” from December 31, 1978 as this week’s All The Years Live installment. “Samson” was filmed as part of the final show held at San Francisco’s Winterland. In 2003, the band issued an official recording and video of the entire concert as The Closing Of The Winterland.
“Tear that old building down they did! From the Closing Of Winterland, the Dead certainly gave their home venue a wonderful, appropriate goodbye, with an all-night show featuring some of their greatest, most-loved songs,” noted GD archivist David Lemieux. “The building stood for another seven years before it was finally demolished in 1985.” Sung by Bob Weir, “Samson & Delilah” was first performed by the band in 1976 and remained in regular rotation through Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995.
Watch the Grateful Dead’s performance of “Samson & Delilah” from New Year’s Eve 1978 below:
