Instagram/Derek Trucks & Jerry Garc Music Experience the night the Grateful Dead debuted 'Althea' and Jerry Garcia's legendary custom guitar, Tiger, at the 1979 Oakland show. May 3, 2026 AceShowbiz - On August 4, 1979, the Grateful delivered a memorable 21-song performance at the Oakland City Auditorium in California. That night marked the debut of Jerry Garcia's song "Althea," co-written with lyricist Robert Hunter, a tune that would soon become a staple in their live shows. Garcia performed it for the first time onstage with a striking new instrument: a custom-made, 13.