Welcome to “Dead Set Live,” where every note resonates with the raw energy and unique artistry of live performance. Tonight, we embark on a mesmerizing journey into the musical universe of Bob Weir, the iconic guitarist, singer, and founding member of the legendary Grateful Dead. This special feature is a celebration of Weir’s solo projects and, more specifically, his groundbreaking collaborations with some of the world’s most esteemed orchestras. It’s a testament to his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana, now reimagined with the grandeur and sophistication of classical arrangements, captivating audiences for decades.
The Ace Radio Show: A Deep Dive into Weir’s Live Legacy
The “Ace Radio Show” is more than just a broadcast; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Bob Weir’s musical evolution. While we often think of the Grateful Dead’s improvisational genius, Weir’s solo endeavors have consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing his versatility and adventurous spirit. What makes this journey particularly compelling is the “Live Jam” ethos – every song played is the live version, capturing the spontaneity and unique magic that only a live performance can deliver. This commitment to live recordings ensures that listeners experience the music as it was meant to be heard: vibrant, dynamic, and ever-evolving.
A Classical Fusion: Bobby Weir Jams with Orchestras
For the average Grateful Dead fan of the 1970s, the notion of Bob Weir performing with an orchestra might have seemed like a distant, almost unimaginable concept. Yet, Weir, ever the musical innovator, has defied expectations, embarking on a remarkable series of collaborations that blend the free-form energy of rock with the structured beauty of classical music. These ambitious projects have seen him join forces with various prestigious orchestras, most notably the National Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, to perform beloved Grateful Dead classics and his own compelling solo material.
These performances, often featuring his dynamic band Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros and the accompanying string and brass quintet, The Wolfpack, showcase a truly unique blend of genres. It’s a bold exploration that marries the improvisational spirit of the Dead with the rich textures and harmonic depth that only a full orchestra can provide. The result is a sound that is both familiar and revolutionary, appealing to long-time fans and classical music enthusiasts alike.
Details of the Collaborations: A Grand Tour
Bob Weir’s orchestral journey has taken him to some of the most iconic stages in the world, collaborating with a diverse array of symphonies:
- National Symphony Orchestra: In 2022, Bob Weir and his band, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack, delivered a memorable performance with the National Symphony Orchestra at the illustrious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This collaboration was a landmark event, bringing the improvisational spirit of the Dead to a hallowed classical venue.
- Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Continuing his orchestral explorations, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros also collaborated with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in 2024, performing a captivating mix of Grateful Dead staples and his solo material, further cementing his reputation for genre-bending artistry.
- Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Bob Weir and his band, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. This highly anticipated event marked Bobby Weir’s debut at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and was his first performance in London in over 20 years. Weir was joined by his Wolf Bros bandmates: Don Was on bass, Jeff Chimenti on piano, and Jay Lane on drums. The concert was divided into two sets, featuring reimagined Grateful Dead classics, selections from Weir’s solo work, and other songs from his career. Notably, these songs were performed in the UK with a full 68-piece orchestra for the first time, a concept previously brought to life in the US with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets and VIP packages were available for purchase for this landmark event.
- Royal Albert Hall Setlist – June 21, 2025: Set One:
- A Grateful Overture (Orchestra only)
- Truckin’
- Black Peter
- China Cat Sunflower
- I Know You Rider
- Brokedown Palace
- Set Two:
- Sugar Magnolia
- Terrapin Station
- Days Between (Bobby Weir solo with orchestra)
- Jack Straw
- Hell in a Bucket
- Sunshine Daydream
- She Says
- One More Saturday Night
- Chicago Philharmonic: Earlier collaborations include impactful performances with the Chicago Philharmonic, further demonstrating Weir’s deep interest and commitment to exploring orchestral arrangements of his extensive musical catalog.
- Stanford Symphony Orchestra: Weir has also graced the stage with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra, showcasing intricate arrangements specifically created by Stanford professor Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti. These academic collaborations highlight the intellectual curiosity and musical depth that underpin Weir’s projects.
- Other Orchestras: Beyond these prominent collaborations, Weir has also brought his orchestral project to other esteemed venues, including powerful performances with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, expanding the reach of this unique musical fusion.
Repertoire and Arrangements: The Art of Transformation
The performances typically feature meticulously crafted orchestral arrangements of Grateful Dead classics, such as “Dark Star,” “Terrapin Station,” and “Brokedown Palace,” as well as poignant songs from Weir’s solo albums like “Ace.” The Wolfpack, a talented string and brass quintet, often provides the core orchestral element, seamlessly integrating with Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti is frequently credited with crafting these intricate and beautiful arrangements, translating the improvisational essence of Weir’s music into a symphonic context.
Bob Weir has collaborated with various orchestras, most notably with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, to perform Grateful Dead classics and his own solo material. These performances, often featuring his band Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros and The Wolfpack, showcase a unique blend of rock and classical music.
Repertoire and Arrangements:
The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet, provides the orchestral element, while Dr. Aquilanti often crafts the arrangements.
The performances typically feature orchestral arrangements of Grateful Dead classics, as well as songs from Weir’s solo albums.
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
This concert marked Bobby Weir’s debut at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. It was also his first performance in London in over 20 years.
Weir was joined by his Wolf Bros bandmates:
- Don Was on bass.
- Jeff Chimenti on piano.
- Jay Lane on drums.
The concert was divided into two sets, featuring reimagined Grateful Dead classics, selections from Weir’s solo work, and other songs from his career. The songs were performed in the UK with a full 68-piece orchestra for the first time. This concept had previously been performed in the US with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra.
The setlist included:
- Set One: A Grateful Overture (Orchestra only), Truckin’, Black Peter, China Cat Sunflower, I Know You Rider, Brokedown Palace.
- Set Two: Sugar Magnolia, Terrapin Station, Days Between (Bobby Weir solo with orchestra), Jack Straw, Hell in a Bucket, Sunshine Daydream, She Says, One More Saturday Night.
Reviews of the concert were generally positive, noting the unique experience and musicianship. Some reviews mentioned a lack of initial synergy between the band and orchestra. The 25-minute rendition of “Terrapin Station Suite” was a notable highlight.
Tickets and VIP packages were available for purchase before the event.
