Dead & Company’s highly anticipated residency at the Sphere at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas kicked off with an electrifying blend of nostalgia, reverence, and fresh creative energy. As the surviving members of the Grateful Dead—Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann—took the stage for the first of their six-week run, fans were treated to an unforgettable night that honored the band’s rich history while marking a new chapter in their legacy.
A Night of Music, Memories, and Tribute to Phil Lesh
The first performance of the residency was filled with raw emotion, as the band paid tribute to their late bassist, Phil Lesh, who passed away in October 2024. Lesh, whose contributions to the Dead’s sound were nothing short of revolutionary, was remembered in a poignant moment during the second set. Bob Weir, Hart, and Kreutzmann shared heartfelt reflections on Lesh’s unique influence, acknowledging his irreplaceable presence within the band. As Weir noted, Lesh was “an explorer of inner and outer space”—a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the evening’s performance.
The second set closed with a moving rendition of “Box of Rain”, a song that was notably absent from the setlists since Lesh’s passing. The moment was amplified by a video tribute to Phil, which served as a beautiful way to honor his legacy. It was a deeply emotional and fitting tribute to a musician who had shaped not only the Dead’s sound but also the hearts of fans around the world.
The Setlist: A Perfect Balance of Classics and New Twists
Dead & Company has never shied away from experimenting with their setlists, and this first leg of the Sphere residency was no exception. The band seamlessly blended iconic Grateful Dead classics with a few unexpected surprises that kept the audience on their toes.
The night began with “New Minglewood Blues”, with Weir delivering a fiery vocal performance that set the tone for what was to come. The groove deepened with “Franklin’s Tower”, a song known for its uplifting energy and intricate instrumentation. The first set also featured “Jack Straw” and “Big Railroad Blues”, two songs that embodied the essence of the Dead’s improvisational nature. Another highlight from the first set was “Deal”, a perfect closer that had the crowd dancing in unison.
The second set was an adventurous journey, starting with a spirited rendition of “China Cat Sunflower” that seamlessly flowed into “I Know You Rider”. The transition from “Help On The Way” into “Slipknot” was a standout moment, with the band playing with precision and creativity. The night’s surprise came in the form of “He’s Gone”, a perfect way to acknowledge Lesh’s absence while honoring the Dead’s resilience and ability to continue creating without him.
Other key moments included “Stella Blue”, a song that has become a fan favorite, and “Playing in the Band”, which provided an extended jam that showcased the band’s virtuosic musicianship and deep connection with each other. The encore, “Box of Rain”, capped off the evening with a moment of collective reflection and joy.
Innovative Visuals and the New Sphere Experience
While the band’s musical prowess was front and center, the performance at the Sphere was also marked by an immersive visual experience that elevated the show to new heights. The venue’s cutting-edge technology allowed for stunning video elements that complemented the music, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. The tribute to Lesh during “Box of Rain” was just one example of how the Sphere’s innovative visuals were used to deepen the audience’s connection to the performance.
The Sphere, with its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, is an ideal venue for Dead & Company’s unique soundscapes. The acoustics were pristine, allowing every note from Weir’s guitar to the intricate rhythms of Hart’s drums and Kreutzmann’s percussion to cut through the air with clarity. The venue’s ability to blend visuals and audio seamlessly created a truly immersive experience that kept the audience captivated from start to finish.
A Promising Start to the Residency
As Dead & Company embarks on this six-week residency at the Sphere, it’s clear that they are not just revisiting the past but are actively forging a new path for the future. With the energy of a band that has been playing together for decades, they continue to evolve while staying true to the spirit of the Grateful Dead.
The residency’s opening weekend was a celebration of the band’s storied history, but also a tribute to their enduring legacy. Weir, Hart, and Kreutzmann—along with their talented collaborators—proved that, even without Phil Lesh, the spirit of the Dead remains alive and well.
As the first leg of Dead & Company’s Sphere residency comes to a close, there is no doubt that their time in Las Vegas will go down as one of the most memorable chapters in their ongoing journey. With more shows to come, fans can look forward to more magical moments, musical explorations, and tributes to one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Dead & Company at The Sphere is a must-see experience for both long-time Deadheads and newcomers alike.
Dead & Company returns to the Sphere on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable residency.
Phil & Friends Radio Show on Dead Set Live: A Celebration of Grateful Dead Legacy and Musical Innovation
Tonight, on the Dead Set Live radio show, a true musical journey is about to unfold as we dive deep into the world of Phil and Friends. A project born from the heart of Grateful Dead’s iconic bassist, Phil Lesh, this band has been pivotal in preserving and evolving the timeless magic of the Grateful Dead’s music since its inception. For anyone who grew up with the Grateful Dead, and even for those just discovering the legend, tonight’s show offers a chance to relive some of the band’s most cherished moments while exploring the continuing spirit of improvisation and camaraderie that made the Dead’s live performances so unforgettable.
Phil Lesh: A Pillar of the Grateful Dead Legacy
The Grateful Dead was one of the most influential rock bands in history, and Phil Lesh played a crucial role in shaping their distinctive sound. Lesh’s bass playing was foundational, from the seamless grooves of “Box of Rain” to the groundbreaking bass solos during the band’s legendary jams. The way he interacted with the other members, particularly Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, helped create a live performance experience that was as much about the connection between the musicians as it was about the music itself.
Following the death of Garcia and the subsequent disbandment of the Grateful Dead in 1995, many of the band’s members, including Lesh, sought new ways to keep their music alive. Phil and Friends was born from this desire—a project that allowed Lesh to continue exploring the expansive world of Grateful Dead songs while creating new sounds and interpretations.
Phil & Friends: A Unique Blend of Dead Spirit and New Sound
Over the years, Phil and Friends have consistently offered fresh takes on Grateful Dead classics while also pushing the boundaries of musical exploration. The band’s lineup has always been fluid, with Lesh at the center of it all and a rotating cast of talented musicians that have included guitarists like Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and John Kadlecik, keyboardists Rob Barraco and Jeff Chimenti, and drummers Joe Russo and John Molo. This constantly shifting lineup adds a layer of excitement to every show, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same.
What sets Phil and Friends apart is their ability to take the familiar and make it new. The band’s performances are defined by long, intricate jams that flow organically, drawing inspiration from the improvisational spirit of the Grateful Dead. Whether revisiting classics like “Scarlet Begonias”, “Truckin’”, or “Shakedown Street”, or diving into new territory with original material, Phil and Friends craft an experience that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Their shows are an embodiment of the Grateful Dead ethos—an ever-evolving musical landscape where anything can happen.
Tonight’s Show: A Radio Experience You Won’t Want to Miss
As Deadheads across the world tune in tonight, Dead Set Live will feature some of the best moments from Phil and Friends‘ live performances, offering an immersive radio experience that brings the energy of the band’s shows right into your living room. The broadcast will not only highlight the band’s impeccable musicianship but will also celebrate the communal and joyful atmosphere that Phil and Friends have cultivated over the years.
The radio show will feature tracks from some of their most legendary performances, showcasing the band’s skill at reimagining the music of the Grateful Dead. From the soaring basslines of “Dark Star” to the tight rhythm sections of “Terrapin Station”, tonight’s show promises to captivate listeners and transport them back to the magic of live Dead-related music. Expect extended jams, improvisation, and the unexpected twists that make Phil and Friends a unique part of the Dead’s extended family.
Phil and Friends: Keeping the Spirit Alive
For Deadheads, Phil and Friends represent more than just a tribute band. They are a continuation of the Grateful Dead’s legacy—a reminder that the music, and the sense of connection it fosters, remains very much alive. The band has provided a space for fans both old and new to come together and experience the magic of improvisational rock, offering new layers of meaning to songs that have been part of the cultural fabric for decades.
Tonight’s Dead Set Live radio show is a testament to the enduring power of the Grateful Dead’s music and to the ongoing creative journey of one of its most important members, Phil Lesh. As the band continues to evolve and inspire new generations, one thing remains clear: The music will live on, and Phil and Friends will always be at the heart of that legacy.
So tune in tonight to Dead Set Live, and join in the celebration of one of rock’s most innovative and beloved musical families. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or discovering these musical journeys for the first time, tonight promises to be an experience you won’t want to miss.
Phil and Friends: The spirit of the Grateful Dead, reinvented and kept alive for the next generation of fans.
