The Grateful Dead’s Europe ’72 Deluxe Edition has earned its place as the 19th All-Time Greatest Live Album according to Rolling Stone Magazine. As part of Live from The Vault, the magazine is airing its Top 50 Greatest Live Albums Countdown every Saturday night, showcasing the best in live music history.
In the description by Richard Gehr at Rolling Stone, the magazine highlights the enduring power and magic of live performances, drawing comparisons to legendary shows like Jimi Hendrix at Monterey and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison. Europe ’72 is celebrated not just for its music, but for the atmosphere it encapsulates, representing a pivotal moment in the Grateful Dead’s storied career.
Originally titled Steppin’ Out, this triple-vinyl set distills the essence of the Dead’s first extended European tour. The album features drummer Bill Kreutzmann in a masterful performance, stepping up after Mickey Hart’s resignation, and is further enriched by the elegant piano work of Keith Godchaux. The band leans into the refined sound they had developed on their previous studio masterpieces, Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty.
Europe ’72 is notable for including several new songs that have since become classics: “He’s Gone,” “Jack Straw,” “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Ramble on Rose,” and “Tennessee Jed.” The album’s production choice to minimize crowd noise and include post-tour overdubs gives it a unique live-studio hybrid feel, allowing the music to shine. The show-stopping closer, Jerry Garcia’s “Morning Dew,” leaves listeners with a sense of joy and introspection.
Moreover, this album marked a significant moment in the band’s history as it was the last recording featuring singer-keyboardist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, who would pass away the following year. Europe ’72 remains the Dead’s best-selling live album, a testament to their lasting impact and the rich legacy of their live performances. With its blend of innovative sound and heartfelt emotion, this deluxe edition continues to resonate with fans old and new, affirming the Grateful Dead’s position as one of the greatest live acts in music history.