Truckin’ is one of the stalwart classics of the ultimate American band. Yet this version was played in Luxembourg. Go figure.

There are so many great versions of this American Beauty classic that it’s hard to pick one. Honestly, I can’t say what drew me to this particular version, just that the Luxembourg show is one of a small handful that always jump into my mind when I think about E72 shows I really like (others being 4/14, 4/17, 5/2, 5/3, and the entire closing run in London). I think it’s just the uniqueness of the radio broadcast and the somewhat randomness of Luxembourg (certainly a country I’d love to visit some day).

Today I’ll just let the music do the talking.

As a side note, most people probably know yesterday was Easter Sunday for those who celebrate. We’re not into the religious aspect, but with kids candy and the Easter Bunny stands as an inevitability. The concept of “truckin’ on” certainly describes what happened at our house yesterday. This was my 2 year old’s first time with Easter where he comprehended that he got candy. Let’s just say he made the most of the opportunity and housed his candy pretty quickly. If truckin’ leads to bouncing off the walls it could be my kid’s theme song.

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A radio host introduces the band before they launch directly into Truckin’. Weir completely omits the first line of the second verse, picking things up in Chicago. Typical Bobby. Jerry and Phil seem to be in lock-step for much of this, and the combination of both organ and piano mesh so well. Give Pig some credit where it’s due… Jerry starts to throw some fuel to the fire during the Sweet Jane verse, but it just seems like he’s holding back for a big barrage, if only Bobby would finish all those lyrics. Both Pig and Keith exert themselves during the “Get back truckin’ on” section, but once the singing is over Garcia finally gets a chance to unleash. It seems pretty clear that this is what he was waiting for. Keith adds some boogie woogie, but Garcia is front and center. The tone from the Nash Strat almost piercing, yet entirely under the control of Mr. Garcia. He’s like a snake charmer here. Things settle down a bit. Man, Bobby’s got great tone here too. Another run through the chorus is in order so the boys do just that. In the next instrumental section Jerry is less a fire-breathing dragon and more a lazy gila monster. His moves seem a bit more deliberate and focused. Although Jerry commands most of the attention everyone else pulls their weight nicely here. The multi-track mix likely really helps in this regard (no matter what some may think about the mixes on this release. I happen to think they’re fine). The spacey segment slowly devolves into a brief drums respite.

Complete Setlist 5/16/72