 According to "Deadbase X", it ranks fourth on the list of songs played most often in concert by the band with 581 performances.The instrumental break of "Playing in the Band" was introduced as early as the February 19, 1969 "Celestial Synapse" show at the Fillmore West, in which it appears somewhat indistinct from the preceding and following jams.The completed song debuted (along with five others) on February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre.