On May 6, 1970, rock band and countercultural icon, the Grateful Dead played an impromptu set in the rain on the steps of the Student Center, a day before their planned appearance at the DuPont Gymnasium. At the main event, the band played 43 songs. Tickets went for $3.00 in advance, $3.50 at the door.

Black and white photo of Grateful Dead perform in front of the MIT Stratton Student Center with crowds standing on all around them including on the steps.
Grateful Dead perform at MIT in 1970. Photo courtesy of the MIT Museum Collection.