Welcome to Dead Set Live, the sonic space where every note resonates with the raw energy and improvisation that only a live performance can deliver. Tonight, we’re not just playing music; we’re immersing ourselves in the vibrant, ongoing legacy of the Grateful Dead, specifically exploring the incredible musical journeys undertaken by its members after the profound loss of Jerry Garcia. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the music that, even after such a pivotal absence, the jams continue, the songs find new life, and the community flourishes.
Tonight’s journey is particularly poignant as we present the Fare Thee Well Radio Show. This is more than just a broadcast; it’s a heartfelt musical tribute to the diverse array of bands formed by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead in the wake of Jerry Garcia’s passing. These projects – from The Other Ones and The Dead to Furthur, RatDog, Phil Lesh & Friends, and indeed, Dead & Company – were born from a deep-seated desire to honor Garcia’s unparalleled legacy and to keep the unique spirit of the Grateful Dead’s music alive. Each iteration showcases the individual and collective musical evolution of these artists, proving that the Grateful Dead’s influence is a living, breathing entity, constantly reinventing itself on stages across the globe. Every track you’ll hear tonight is a live version, capturing the spontaneity and collective magic that defines this musical universe.
And speaking of living legacies, Dead & Company, the latest evolution featuring Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane, is once again making headlines. Their highly anticipated upcoming concerts at Golden Gate Park are set to be landmark events in the band’s 10th anniversary celebration, which also beautifully coincides with the Grateful Dead’s incredible 60th anniversary.
These San Francisco shows aren’t just concerts; they’re experiences designed for the modern Deadhead. For those who can’t be there in person to soak in the atmosphere of Golden Gate Park, nugs.net will be offering high-definition and even 4K livestreams of every note. Imagine experiencing the intricate jams and soaring vocals with unparalleled clarity from the comfort of your home. But for those seeking an even more immersive experience, the final San Francisco show on August 3rd will receive a special IMAX screening, promising to transport audiences directly into the heart of the performance with unparalleled visual and auditory immersion.
Each night of this Golden Gate Park run promises a full two sets of Dead & Company’s improvisational mastery, alongside an exciting lineup of opening acts. Fans will be treated to special performances from the virtuoso Billy Strings, the enigmatic Sturgill Simpson (performing under his new moniker, Johnny Blue Skies), and the ever-dynamic Trey Anastasio Band. The inclusion of these artists further cements the cross-generational appeal and influence of the Grateful Dead’s music, bringing diverse talents into the fold for what are sure to be unforgettable evenings.
This milestone year also sees Dead & Company building on their recent triumph, having already announced a highly anticipated return to the Sphere in Las Vegas for a residency in the spring of 2025. Their previous Sphere shows redefined the concert experience, blending breathtaking visuals with their signature sonic explorations. The Golden Gate Park concerts, however, hold a unique historical significance. For the very first time at a Dead-related event in this iconic park, legal cannabis sales will be permitted, marking a new chapter in the long and intertwined history of the Grateful Dead and counterculture.
Tonight on Dead Set Live, as we celebrate this vibrant continuum of music, we’ll feature selections from the diverse live catalogs of these post-Jerry Garcia projects. From the exploratory jams of Furthur to the soulful grooves of Dead & Company, each track will embody the improvisational spirit and the profound connection to the audience that has always defined this music. It’s a tribute not just to the songs, but to the collective experience, the shared moments of transcendence, and the ever-present magic that ensures “the music never stopped.”
Tune in, turn up, and let the live music wash over you. For more updates on Dead & Company’s upcoming shows, Sphere residency, and the broader world of live music.
