Dead And Co

Dead And Co setlist

Dead And Co performances feature an extensive and rotating selection of songs from the Grateful Dead's vast catalog. The setlist for any given show is unpredictable and varies night to night, a core principle carried over from the original band. A typical concert consists of two lengthy sets with an intermission, often opening with a classic like "Touch of Grey" or "Shakedown Street." The first set generally contains more structured songs, while the second set ventures into extended improvisational jams and segues between songs. Concert staples include "Truckin'", "Sugar Magnolia", "Casey Jones", and exploratory pieces like "Dark Star" and "Playing in the Band." The encore typically offers a beloved standard such as "Brokedown Palace" or "Ripple," providing a poignant conclusion to the show.

Dead And Co tour dates

Dead And Co has undertaken multiple national tours since their formation in 2015, typically running from late spring through the summer. Major tours included the 2016 "Summer Tour," the 2017 "Fall Tour," and annual "Summer Tours" through 2019. The band resumed touring in 2021 after a pandemic hiatus, followed by a 2022 tour that included a residency at the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Their 2023 tour was explicitly billed as "The Final Tour," signaling the conclusion of their large-scale touring endeavors. These tours consistently featured multiple-night stands at iconic venues like Folsom Field in Boulder, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and Citi Field in New York. The band has also performed at major music festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Playing in the Sand destination concert events.

Overview

Dead And Co is a band formed in 2015 featuring former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann alongside musicians John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti. The group was established to perform the Grateful Dead's music for contemporary audiences, with Mayer assuming the lead guitar role originally held by Jerry Garcia. Their musical approach honors the original arrangements and improvisational spirit while incorporating the individual styles of the new members, resulting in a distinct sonic identity. The project was conceived as a touring ensemble rather than a studio band, with their primary output being live concert recordings and streams. Their performances are characterized by lengthy shows that emphasize musical exploration and collective interplay over precise replication. The band's existence has served to bridge generations of fans, introducing the music to a new audience while providing a live experience for longtime devotees.

What to know

Tickets for Dead And Co tours often sell quickly, with premium pricing for stadium shows and multi-night venue runs. The live concert experience is central, with a significant portion of the audience traveling to attend multiple shows on a tour. The band's sound has evolved, with tempos generally slower and more relaxed than the Grateful Dead's classic era, a point of discussion among some fans. Attending a show involves a large-scale event culture, including extensive vendor lots where fans gather before and after the concert. The visual component of the show is provided by large, evolving video screens displaying abstract and psychedelic imagery synchronized with the music. Official recordings of most concerts are made available for purchase through digital download shortly after the performance ends.

Common questions

A common question is how Dead And Co differs from other Grateful Dead tribute acts or offshoots like Phil Lesh and Friends. The answer centers on the official participation of core Grateful Dead members and the specific, stable lineup that developed its own musical dialogue. Many ask if John Mayer is an appropriate fit for the music, a topic largely settled by his demonstrated deep study of the material and his respected role within the group. Fans often inquire about the possibility of new original material, which has been minimal, with the focus remaining almost exclusively on interpreting the existing catalog. Questions about setlist predictability are frequent, with the answer being that while certain songs are likely, the exact sequence and selection are never known in advance. Another regular question concerns the band's future after "The Final Tour," with no definitive plans for further large-scale touring announced.

Pros and cons

A significant pro is the accessibility of hearing the Grateful Dead songbook performed by a high-caliber band with a direct lineage, especially for those who never saw the original group. The production value is consistently high, with excellent sound reinforcement and visual presentations that enhance the stadium experience. A notable con is the slower tempo of many songs, which some longtime fans find reduces the energetic drive and danceability they associate with the music. The stadium and large amphitheater venues can feel impersonal compared to the more intimate settings of earlier eras, creating a distance between the audience and the stage. Some regret choosing seats far from the stage, as the crowd's active and often crowded floor environment is a core part of the event for many, making seated sections feel restrictive. A common mistake is attending only a single show without understanding the rotational setlist concept, potentially missing a favorite song performed on an adjacent night.

Who it suits

This concert experience suits fans of the Grateful Dead seeking a large, communal event where the music serves as the focal point for a shared, celebratory atmosphere. It is well-suited to newer listeners curious about the Dead's music who prefer a modern, professionally produced presentation in major venues. The tours suit dedicated concert-goers who enjoy planning summer travel around a musical itinerary and attending multiple shows to hear different setlists. It appeals to those who appreciate skilled instrumental improvisation within a familiar song structure, enjoying the nuances of different nightly performances. The environment suits individuals comfortable with large, sometimes crowded spaces and an audience that is actively engaged, both socially and musically. It is less suited to purists seeking a precise recreation of 1970s Grateful Dead sound or those who prefer small, intimate club concerts without extensive production.