Welcome to this week's Deadpod! We're diving into the second set from the Grateful Dead's homecoming performance at the Oakland Coliseum on February 26, 1990 — the middle night of their Mardi Gras run.

The boys were clearly thrilled to be back in the Bay Area, and that energy radiates through this exceptional set. The pre-drums sequence is absolutely stellar: nearly 30 minutes of Scarlet > Fire flows seamlessly into a spirited Playing, which then blooms into the full Terrapin suite. It's the kind of sustained improvisation that reminds you why these songs belong together.

Coming out of Space, the emotional arc deepens — I Need a Miracle's urgency gives way to one of Jerry's most tender Stella Blues of the era, before Bobby unleashes a joyful, rollicking Lovelight that brings everyone home. The Baby Blue encore provides the perfect denouement to a magical night.

This Mardi Gras run always promised good times, and the band delivered in spades.

Grateful Dead
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
Oakland, CA | February 26, 1990 (Monday)

Set 2
Scarlet Begonias [13:02 ] >
Fire On The Mountain [15:42 ]
Playing In The Band [9:58 ] >
Terrapin Station [12:54 ] >
Drums > Space >
I Need A Miracle [4:59 ] >
Stella Blue [8:53 ] >
Turn On Your Love Light [5:58 ]

Encore
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [7:13 ]

Listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod021326.mp3

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!