Summer Ends Concert: The Grateful Dead's Legendary Return at Raceway Park
The "Summer Ends Concert" at Raceway Park in Old Bridge, New Jersey, on September 3, 1977, featured the legendary Grateful Dead as the main act, with warm-up performances by The Marshal Tucker Band and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. The concert marked the return of the Grateful Dead after a three-month hiatus due to drummer Mickey Hart's car accident. With over 102,000 tickets sold, it became the largest ticketed concert in North America at the time, drawing an estimated crowd of 150,000 to 175,000 attendees. Despite challenges with permits and security, the concert was a success, with attendees enjoying music, food, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Grateful Dead delivered a memorable performance, including fan-favorite songs like "Truckin'," "Promised Land," "Terrapin Blues," and "Mississippi Half-Step Toodeloo." The concert was a celebration of music and community, with fans embracing the experience and creating lasting memories.