Billy DeLyon

Another Flawless Victory for DSO at the Peak! The joint was jumpin from the first note of Mississippi Half Step and the band kept up the energy all night. The near sellout crowd (place was packed) was especially engaged. Highlights for me was a Franklin's Tower sans Help>Slip, don't get that very often. The Shakedown (2nd set opener) was a tasty precursor to a groovy charging second set. I thought the drums>space was really good. Straight to the point, I usually take a bathroom break during space but no need this show, was full of energy. Black Peter out of Drums was a surprise then rippers of I need a Miracle>Bertha>Good Lovin' had everyone dancing. Then they rocked us back down to earth with a smooth Ripple to send the crowd home satisfied. Was fun to meet some new people and glad to see there were no shenanigans like that last show there. Grate job by the band, crew, & crowd. Can't wait until the next installment.

Definitely a few weird vibes from the show. All in all it was a good night, not sure if it was the near full moon, new mgmnt at the Peak or what but from jump street we encountered the never ending lines outside the venue a 1/2 hr before showtime. This isn’t something new but we got up there a little late & wanted a little tailgate time. So we got in line. Heard some say better run away, others say you better stand still. Needless to say I didn’t stand in line and got into the show in about 10mins. They were still scanning tickets & bringing people in at the end of the 1st set! That puts a lot of people in a bad mood before they get into the room. I understand it was sold out but that can’t happen. Venue’s gotta do a better job Things went down we don’t understand, but I guess in time we will. Although I can’t say I saw a fight, maybe someone could have gotten kicked out (which I’ve seen at many shows). I did witness a mass exedous of what looked to be high school kids leaving at the beginning of the 2nd set. I remember thinking to myself “who goes home at the start of the second set?” I feel kinda angry everyone (including the band) got screwed out of the last few songs because of a couple idiots. Was very bizarre when they basically pulled the plug. I don’t even remember them announcing the setlist. Who knows, maybe they bust out a Lovelight or something to end the night & leave everyone w/ an awesome feeling to go back to their families with. I’m all for self policing the scene (its got very few rules to guide) but it’s a fine line since many people (myself included) aren’t big fans of the police telling you what to do in general. That’s the beauty of a Dead show, pretty much anything goes. You start putting more rules in place & it could be counterproductive. But if you’re acting like a dumbass & it starts to encroach on a bunch of other peoples good vibes you need to be dealt with. Either by your own crew/friends, security, or the elder statesmen heads on the scene. Hopefully this isn’t gonna be a new trend. Or maybe it was just a one time thing that’s a blip on the radar. Either way this darkness’ got to give. That’s my rant Hope everyone has a blessed & safe holiday with your families & friends. praise DSO

WOW, where to start. Usually every time I leave a DSO show I swear "that was the best Dark Star show I've even seen". This time blew me away. Highlights for me were the 1st 2nd and 3rd sets. They really nailed them in my opinion. The vibe was very cool. I liked the ladies on stilts, and the crazy ballerina/hula hoop/trapeze artist was a nice touch. I've seen many bands in my day, but nobody can harness the energy like DSO. They take it to another level every time I see them. Props to the awesome couple I met from DC. David and his lovely wife who I already forgot her name. Very cool people to ring in the new year with. I really hope some video and audio pop up from this show. I want to see how that vibe translates to tape. Hopefully everyone got home safe and I can't wait to see what DSO has planned for 2018!

Around the venue can be a little sketchy. Whatever you do don't follow the black guy who tries to waive you down to a "parking lot" to the left right before the venue entrance. They send you down about 5 blocks then some shady dude will try to charge you $40 (then probably rob your car when you're not there). If you're driving, try to get to the venue a little early and get in the main lot. If not, try going down a block or two there's some street parking. As for food, the other poster was spot on about Reading Terminal Market (think farmers market on steroids with a bunch of little walk up food counters) and Dinic's Roast Pork is the best. Also if you're in town before the show you can always check out South Street. Lots of places to eat/shop there. Jim's on the corner of South 4th street is top notch for Cheesesteaks. If you're going to Jim's the line will probably be out the door & wrapped around the corner, but the wait is worth it. They let you BYOB there and if you get your steak walk to the back of the restaurant near the bathrooms and there's a stairway that takes you up to a 2nd floor eating area with great views of the crazies on South Street! You can also leave out the door at the bottom of the stairway so you won't have to fight your way through the crowd in the restaurant on the way out. Pat's and Geno's are nice because they're 24hours & usually have a pretty eclectic crowd. I prefer Pat's but there are definitely better steaks around if you're eating during regular business hours. Don't get me wrong I've eaten many a Pat's cheesesteak and they are good (just make sure you know how to order what you want before you get to the window). Cheesesteaks at the 1st window, drinks and fries at the 2nd window. The correct way to order: Wiz witout = Steak with Cheesewiz no onions. Wiz wit = Steak with Cheesewiz and onions. Then you can substitute different cheeses like American wit = Steak with American Cheese and onions. If you want marinara sauce on the steak it's called a pizza steak. There are peppers on the counter behind the window along with napkins & utensils. If you've never been there I highly recommend checking them out just for the spectacle. But for my money I'd rather eat at Phillip's Steaks, maybe Nick's Original Roast Beef, a Primo Hogie (Italian sandwiches), John's Roast Pork (which is hardly ever open), or *Dalessandro's in Manyunk (a little outside of the city but my favorite). As for bringing in party favors at the Electric Factory. In the past they have shaken people down pretty hard. I recall a while back having to take my shoes off at the door for the bouncers to search them. Haven't been there in a couple years but you may want to get creative if you need to bring something in under the radar. One thing the Electric Factory doesn't lack is energy. The place will be rockin. The sound is good and loud but don't plan on too much dance space. Should be a great time.

Workin on 4 hours sleep, didn't get home til 2am but Wow, DSO comes out swinging with this unique setlist. Any time you get to see 3 sets it's a bonus. A few tunes I don't recall ever hearing before threw me for a loop. The Frozen Logger?? The band played it a couple times and stopped half way through the song trying to iron out some kinks. Rob E. said they'd never played that in front of an audience before. I've heard them play wake up little susie before but only in an elective set. The Good Lovin > New Orleans > Good Lovin was a nice twist. Never heard that rendition. 1st time at the World Cafe Live. Place was intimate but definitely rockin. The weathered look they used for the sides of the stage was pretty cool. It felt like you were seeing a show in a 100 year old mansion that was ready to fall down. Highlights for me were *New Speedway Boogie ~ I can listen to this song all day long. Haven't heard DSO play it that many times. With the current political climate & violence that's been going on lately this song really hit home. "One way or another, this darkness got to give." Always reminds me of that video where the Dead are on a college campus & all the students are out watching the show. Morning Dew & Dancin were on point. 3rd set was groovy. Never heard them go into Drums so quickly. Then back into drums during Alligator. Love light>NFA>Love Light was oozing with evergy. Rob B. impressed all night on vocals. Thanks DSO for brining the thunder. Made my 2 hour drive home bearable!