The latest installment of The Grateful Dead’s weekly video series All The Years Live features a rousing take on Reverend Gary Davis’s “Samson & Delilah“, from the 12/31/78 show at the Winterland Arena in San Francisco, CA. The Dead introduced this number in 1976 and it quickly became a regular inclusion in their set-lists, often as a second set opener, with over 360 performances through 1995. When discussing the song during a 1977 interview with David Gans, guitarist Bob Weir admitted: “I’m not entirely sure that all those folks out there in those discos and stuff like that who are down into some pretty heavy sinnin’ want to hear a Bible story.” This version, featuring some tight playing from Garcia and strong vocals from Weir and vocalist Donna Godchaux, was a fitting song-choice with it’s “If I had my way, I would tear this ol’ building down” refrain as this show was the final to ever be performed at the infamous venue, which was ultimately razed in 1985.
Watch “Samson & Delilah” below:
