The air crackles with anticipation. A kaleidoscope of tie-dye swirls through the crowd, illuminated by the stage lights. The familiar notes of a Grateful Dead classic begin to ring out, and the collective cheer confirms it: another Dead and Company experience is officially underway. More than just a concert, it’s a communal celebration of music, improvisation, and the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. And at the heart of it all lies the setlist – the carefully curated roadmap for an evening of sonic exploration. For Deadheads old and new, the setlist is more than just a list of songs; it’s a promise of adventure, a chance to witness musical alchemy, and a connection to a shared history.
Dead and Company, featuring Grateful Dead alumni Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti, have carried the torch of the Grateful Dead’s improvisational spirit into the modern era. While honoring the vast catalog of songs that have defined a generation, they’ve also carved out their own unique identity, attracting a new wave of fans while satisfying the deep-rooted nostalgia of seasoned Deadheads. Their concerts are journeys, and the setlist is the map.
This article delves deep into the world of Dead and Company setlists, exploring their structure, dissecting the song selection process, uncovering fascinating trends, highlighting unforgettable performances, and providing you with the resources to become a true setlist aficionado. We’ll navigate the winding roads of their musical history, offering insight and appreciation for the art and science behind crafting these unique concert experiences.
The Anatomy of a Dead and Company Concert Experience
A typical Dead and Company performance unfolds over two sets, punctuated by a carefully chosen encore. The opening song sets the tone for the evening, often signaling the band’s intentions or reflecting the overall vibe of the tour. Setlist flow is crucial; the band masterfully weaves together different tempos, moods, and styles to create a dynamic and engaging experience. They understand the art of the segue, seamlessly transitioning from one song to another, sometimes teasing snippets of future songs to keep the audience guessing.
While firmly rooted in the Grateful Dead’s extensive songbook, Dead and Company’s song selection extends beyond the expected. They regularly dust off deeper cuts, surprising even the most dedicated fans. They have also woven in carefully selected covers from artists spanning a range of genres, paying homage to the music that has inspired them. This willingness to explore new territory keeps the music fresh and engaging. Balancing the setlist is an art, providing familiar crowd-pleasers alongside the more intricate and experimental pieces. This blend ensures that every concert remains both accessible and rewarding.
Central to the Dead and Company experience is improvisation. The band allows songs to breathe, stretching them out with extended jams that explore uncharted musical territory. These jams are not mere repetition; they are dynamic conversations between the musicians, creating moments of profound connection and unexpected beauty. Often a simple chord progression can be taken into a completely different realm, a signature of the Grateful Dead’s musical ethos. Fans revel in anticipating where these jams will lead, recognizing that no two are ever exactly alike.
Uncovering Setlist Trends
Certain songs have become staples of Dead and Company performances, earning their place as fan favorites. “Truckin’,” with its driving rhythm and iconic lyrics, is a high-energy anthem that consistently ignites the crowd. “Scarlet Begonias” segued with “Fire on the Mountain” creates a fiery blend of funk and psychedelia. “Shakedown Street” brings a heavy dose of funk to get people moving. “Eyes of the World” offers a moment of blissful introspection. These songs, played frequently, exemplify the core of the Grateful Dead sound while showcasing Dead and Company’s unique interpretation. They’re crowd-pleasers for a reason: they represent the very best of what the band has to offer.
While familiar favorites are essential, Dead and Company also delight in resurrecting rare and uncommon songs from the Grateful Dead’s vast repertoire. The appearance of a song not heard in years is a thrilling event for dedicated fans. These songs add an element of surprise and historical significance to the show, demonstrating the band’s deep respect for their musical heritage. They provide a unique glimpse into the breadth and depth of the Grateful Dead songbook.
Setlists are dynamic, influenced by the season, the tour, and the venue. Summer tours often feature songs with a breezy, carefree vibe, while fall shows might lean towards more introspective and melancholic tunes. Venues play a role, with certain songs sounding particularly resonant in specific spaces. The band also occasionally crafts themed shows, focusing on particular eras of the Grateful Dead or celebrating specific milestones. Such variations further solidify the idea that a Dead and Company concert is an experience built for that specific moment.
Standout Performances From The Dead and Company Era
Certain Dead and Company setlists have achieved legendary status among fans, remembered for their exceptional song choices, inspired jams, and overall magical atmosphere. One such setlist, from June 16, 2018, at Citi Field in New York City, featured a mesmerizing rendition of “Dark Star” that stretched beyond twenty minutes, showcasing the band’s improvisational prowess. The encore of “Brokedown Palace” brought a poignant and emotional conclusion to the evening. Another show, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado on July 5, 2019, featured a rare performance of “Mission in the Rain” a song that has special significance in the Dead universe. These moments, captured in live recordings and shared among fans, contribute to the ongoing mythology surrounding Dead and Company.
Fans often share anecdotes about particular songs or jams that deeply resonated with them. One fan recalled being brought to tears by a particularly powerful version of “Ripple” at a show in San Francisco, while another described a transformative experience during a lengthy “Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower” sequence. These personal stories highlight the power of music to connect with people on a profound emotional level, creating lasting memories and forging a sense of community.
Resources for Exploring the Music
Fortunately, there are many readily available resources for diving into the world of Dead and Company setlists. Websites like Setlist.fm provide comprehensive databases of past shows, allowing fans to explore setlists from every tour and venue. These resources enable users to track frequently played songs, identify rare gems, and analyze setlist trends over time. Other valuable sites like Deadheadland can provide historical context and in-depth analysis of particular songs or performances.
Social media has also become a vital hub for Dead and Company setlist discussions. Numerous fan groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit are dedicated to sharing setlist information, posting live updates from shows, and dissecting the nuances of each performance. These online communities provide a space for fans to connect, share their enthusiasm, and learn from one another. There, discussions about song choice are common, and speculation about future shows is always rampant.
Beyond setlist databases and social media discussions, fans also have access to a wealth of live recordings, both official and unofficial. Sites like the Internet Archive host vast collections of live Grateful Dead and Dead and Company recordings, allowing listeners to experience entire setlists from past shows. These recordings offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the concert experience and appreciate the band’s improvisational skills.
The Enduring Appeal of Their Music
While the future of Dead and Company remains uncertain as of today, the impact of their music is undeniable. They have successfully bridged the gap between generations, introducing a new audience to the magic of the Grateful Dead while honoring the legacy of the original band. Their dedication to improvisation, their respect for the songbook, and their commitment to creating a unique concert experience have solidified their place as a significant force in the jam band community.
In conclusion, Dead and Company setlists are far more than just a list of songs; they are a testament to the power of music to connect people, create memories, and celebrate a shared history. From the carefully chosen opening number to the soaring improvisations to the emotionally charged encore, every element of the setlist contributes to the magic of the Dead and Company experience.
Now, armed with knowledge and resources, it’s time to explore Dead and Company’s music, immerse yourself in the world of setlist analysis, and join the vibrant community of Deadheads. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the journey is only just beginning!
