Dead & Company Gave NYC a ‘Miracle’ on Saturday Night
Dead & Company took the stage at Madison Square Garden for the second Saturday in a row, and, thanks to American Express, the show was completely free — a true ‘miracle’ in Grateful Dead fashion. The stadium was packed with old and young heads alike, everyone filled with excitement to be given such a treat.
The band hit the ground running, starting out with”Shakedown Street” and getting everyone dancing right away. The very free-show-appropriate “Miracle” followed. For the rest of the set, the boys got into a bluesy slowed-down vibe that John Mayer was born to play. Guitarists Bob Weir and Mayer took turns taking us through tracks such as “Cold Rain and Snow,” “Tennessee Jed,” “They Love Each Other” and “Jack Straw.”
If anyone had a doubt that Mayer was the right choice for this tour, it was wiped away with the opening trio of “Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower,” which gave him a true chance to shine and showcased his talents for the intricate melodies and transitions. “He’s Gone” was up next, which gave keyboardist Jeff Chimenti the spotlight on the organ for a slowed-down version of the tune followed by “St. Stephen,” which Mayer played through incredibly.
Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart got experimental on their kits for a long Drums segment; they were eventually joined by bassist Oteil Burbridge, who added some impressive drumming to the mix. After what could have been five or 35 minutes, Kreutzmann and Burbridge left the drums, and Hart moved into a Space segment. The set finished out with impeccable versions of “The Other One,” “Stella Blue” and the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away.” The band then departed stage to come out for an emotional encore of “Brokedown Palace.” It was the most incredible way to end the fantastic night of free music.
Setlist: Dead & Company at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY – 11/7/15
Set I: Shakedown Street bw > I Need A Miracle bw > Cold Rain and Snow jm, Tennessee Jed bw, They Love Each Other jm, Jack Straw bw jm
Set II: Help On The Way bw > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower jm > He’s Gone bw jm > St. Stephen bw jm > Drums > Space > The Other One bw > Stella Blue bw, Not Fade Away all
E:Brokedown Palace bw jm