8/27/72…the New Riders on the bill with the Grateful Dead for what became one of the more legendary events in this subculture’s history. Chuck Kesey (brother of author and Merry Prankster icon Ken Kesey) put together this benefit concert, which quickly became known as the “Field Trip,” for the local Springfield Creamery. As fellow Prankster Ken Babbs recalls, “no one ever suspected it would become a historic event with an attendance of 20,000 on the hottest day ever…they ran out of water, the guitars warped in the heat and now everyone you talk to was there on that all time greatest most spectacular day.” Taken off the original 16-track master tapes, Live at Veneta is a crystallized moment in time—capturing all the elements of the day along with the thumping and driving energy of a smokin’ set delivered by the New Riders. Early versions of “Groupie,” “Whiskey” and “Linda” are offered, along with a blazing “Whatcha Gonna Do.” Once again, the band kicks out the jams with bassist Dave Torbert leading the way on the Ray Charles classic “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Willie And The Hand Jive.”