Remembering🎸 Phil Lesh’s 60th Birthday Bash: A Legendary Night at the Kaiser & Tonight on Dead Set Live: Phil & Friends Radio Show

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On March 10, 2000, the Henry J. Kaiser Auditorium in Oakland, California, hosted a milestone event in the world of live music—a celebration of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh’s 60th birthday. This special Phil Lesh & Friends performance not only marked a personal milestone for Lesh but also served as a benefit concert for Hepatitis C research, raising funds for several Bay Area organizations dedicated to combating the disease.

🎤 The Lineup: A Star-Studded Ensemble

The evening featured an eclectic mix of musicians, blending Grateful Dead classics with unexpected covers and improvisational jams. The lineup included:Phish.net

Notably, Mike Gordon played bass during the first set, while Phil Lesh took over bass duties for the remainder of the evening. The ensemble’s chemistry was palpable, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with the audience.

🎶 Setlist Highlights: A Journey Through Music

Set 1: A Fusion of Classics and Surprises

The first set opened with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” setting a high-energy tone for the night. This was followed by “Box of Rain,” a poignant Grateful Dead song that showcased Lesh’s emotive vocals. The set continued with a mix of Dead staples and unexpected covers:Cirrkus News+1Relix Media+1

  • “Playing in the Band” – A Grateful Dead classic, reimagined with fresh energy.
  • “Deal” – A rollicking rendition that had the crowd dancing.
  • “Oh Atlanta” – A Little Feat song that added a Southern rock flavor to the mix.
  • “In Your Eyes” – A soulful cover of Peter Gabriel’s hit.

The set concluded with a reprise of “Playing in the Band,” leading into “Franklin’s Tower,” a song that brought the audience to a euphoric peak.

Set 2: A Deep Dive into the Repertoire

The second set began with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Phil Lesh, followed by “Eyes of the World,” a song that exemplifies the band’s improvisational prowess. Other notable performances included:

  • “He Don’t Play Nothin’ But the Blues” – A showcase for Robben Ford’s guitar skills.
  • “Dixie Chicken” – Another Little Feat classic that had the audience swaying.
  • “Terrapin Station” – A Grateful Dead epic that highlighted the band’s musical depth.
  • “Morning Dew” – A hauntingly beautiful song that brought a reflective mood to the evening.JamBase+1db.etreedb.org+1

The set concluded with a powerful sequence: “St. Stephen” > “The Eleven” > “Not Fade Away,” a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly blend songs into a cohesive musical journey.Phish.net+4JamBase+4six.phish.net+4

Encore: A Full Circle Moment

The encore featured Phish’s “Wolfman’s Brother,” with Mike Gordon returning to play a second bass, and a final reprise of “Playing in the Band,” bringing the evening to a satisfying close.

🎉 A Night to Remember

Beyond the music, the event was a celebration of community and purpose. Fans from around the world gathered not only to honor Phil Lesh but also to support a cause that affected many. The concert raised significant funds for Hepatitis C research, supporting institutions like the Veterans Administration Hepatitis-C Lab and the California Pacific Medical Center Liver Program.

The evening was also marked by a festive VIP party, where attendees enjoyed gourmet desserts, coffee, and entertainment from a string quartet. A whimsical parade led by Wavy Gravy and Goldie Rush added a touch of humor and warmth to the celebration.

📻 Tonight on Dead Set Live: Phil & Friends Radio Show

Tune in tonight to Dead Set Live for a special Phil & Friends Radio Show, featuring highlights from Phil Lesh’s 60th Birthday Bash. Revisit the magic of that night with live recordings, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the concert to life once again.

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Phil Lesh’s 60th Birthday Bash at the Henry J. Kaiser Auditorium remains a landmark event in the history of live music, blending iconic performances with a meaningful cause. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Grateful Dead community and their commitment to making a positive impact.

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