5 Things to Know About the Grateful Dead's Europe '72 Tour
The tour included 22 shows across Europe. The band performed at venues like Wembley Empire Pool in London and the Olympia Theatre in Paris.
It produced the iconic live album Europe ‘72. The album captures the tour’s energy and became a fan favorite.
The tour marked a shift in the band’s lineup. Keyboardist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan was in declining health, and this was his last major tour.
Many shows were recorded for release. The band taped nearly every performance, leading to multiple official live albums and box sets.
The tour helped expand the Dead’s European fanbase. It introduced their improvisational style to new audiences across the continent.