“Europe ’72” is a live triple album by the Grateful Dead, originally released by Warner Bros. Records in November 1972.
The Grateful Dead formed originally as a quintet in California in 1965 and evolved into a cultural phenomenon as legendary as the folktale that inspired their name. Blending rock and roll, folk, and jazz with avant-garde influences and visual and literary traditions, the Dead not only redefined how music could be played but also pioneered a genre-defying, improvisational style that left an indelible mark on American music history.
After signing with Warner Bros. in late 1966, the band released their self-titled debut album the following spring. The album primarily featured cover songs, with only one extended jam for which the band would become renowned. Their relentless drive for artistic evolution would soon propel them into new territory; between 1968 and 1969, the Dead expanded their lineup and elevated their live performances, both onstage and in the studio. They embraced creative experimentation by exploring extended, improvisational musical sequences during live shows and treating the recording studio as an instrument in its own right. This adventurous approach showcased their evolving sound and artistic ambition.
The Europe ’72 tour represented the most ambitious undertaking in the Dead’s career to date. While they had played Europe before—two dates in England in 1970 and one in France in 1971—the 22 shows in seven countries over forty-nine days over the course of April and May 1972 represented their most extensive foreign tour.
To help finance the tour, the Dead meticulously recorded every performance using a 16-track mobile recording truck. The resulting album showcased some of their finest performances, capturing the seamless blend of their psychedelic, exploratory “Live/Dead” era with the more roots-focused sounds of “American Beauty” and “Workingman’s Dead.” During post-production, the band carefully selected the best performances and added overdubs to smooth out the inevitable imperfections of live music.
“Europe ’72” was a pivotal album for the Dead. It was the first to feature pianist Keith Godchaux and his wife, vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux and the last to include founding member Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, who died shortly after the album’s release. The record not only encapsulated the Grateful Dead’s improvisational prowess and boundless energy during one of their boldest tours but also became one of their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed releases. As one of the earliest triple-record rock albums to be certified gold by the RIAA, “Europe ’72” has since achieved double platinum status, solidifying its legacy as a landmark in the band’s storied career.
Cut directly from the original analog master tapes, through our unique all valve 1965 Ortofon / Lyrec vinyl cutting system in stereo. No equalisation, compression or any other processing was added during the cutting process.
Sleeve artwork made by hand and letter-pressed on a 1963 Heidelberg SB.
This edition of 450 copies is priced at £650.00 UK pounds and will be shipping early April. Order here.
