The Dead & Company performance that was meant to last only one show in 2015, has been on tour ever since. The band was formed for a special "farewell" show that showcased all the best parts of Grateful Dead's career. With John Mayer in the band, essentially replacing the late and great Jerry Garcia, a new bond was formed.
Even the most dedicated Dead Heads couldn't deny the magic that this new formation known as Dead & Co has brought to the stage. Turns out that Mayer is a phenomenal guitarist, in case you didn't know. And thank god for that because The Grateful Dead can now live on tastefully through Dead & Co. The band also consists of former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir (guitar), Mickey Hart (drums), and Bill Kreutzmann, along with Oteil Burbridge (bass/drums), and Jeff Chimenti (keyboards).
The crew kicked off their 2018 North American tour last night (May 30), where they brought their extended, eclectic rock jams to Mansfield, Massachusetts at the Xfinity Center. The legendary two-set performance was blessed with a total of 16 songs. The first set kicked off with "Shakedown Street" while the second part lifted off with "Scarlet Begonias."
The first set was notably special because Dead & Co played Grateful Dead classic "Alabama Getaway" for the first time together. They also performed a cover of "It's All Over Now" by The Valentinos. Toward the end of the first set, Mayer and Weir shared vocals on Garcia's lovely "Bird Song."
After the set break, the collective came back to jam out long and extended Grateful Dead hits, including "Fire on the Mountain" and their two most played, heavy-hitting songs - "Drums" and "Space." After all is said and done, you realize that about four hours of your life was respectfully given to the jam gods.
If you're a true Dead Head then you already know all this and were probably at the show. If you weren't able to make it, you can check out the live photos above, and don't worry, your secret is safe with us.
