from the Red Line (1995) - France 1981,
France 81 CD
This great sounding source did not circulate until 1995 when it was released as a commercial bootleg CD on an Italian label, reference number: RED LINE RLCD 31011. It is fairly readily available to purchase and circulates widely. It is the only known source for the gig but unfortunately it is incomplete capturing the first hour of the concert only.
A soundboard source, with very clear vocals and instrumentation but just lacking the maximum dynamic range of a pro-source. Bass is excellent, even a little too dominant but that is easily remedied. Guitars are a touch too far back in the mix, losing some of the impact and attack but this results largely from the sound mix on this tour (in contrast to the guitar heavy mix on the 16 Tons European leg in particularly) rather than a failing of the recording.
There is some stereo separation but it lacks a pro sound mix so it is probably not from an FM radio source. Presumably due to master tape wear or to it being a 1st generation source, there is minor loss in the left channel which every so often is remedied, such as during White Man. Sound quality is best at these points but the improvement is usually short lived before the left channel minor loss reverts back.