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San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dead & Company ends Grateful Dead's 60th with sunshine and a soaring send-off
For the first time all weekend, the fog lifted. Beneath bright blue skies, Dead & Company took the stage for the final night of their sold-out, three-day run at Golden Gate Park, closing out San Francisco's centerpiece celebration of the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. Tens of thousands of Deadheads once again packed the Polo Field on Sunday, Aug. 3, many believing this could be the band's final performance. The concerts featured completely different setlists each night and a rotating cast of surprise guests, including Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson (performing as Johnny Blue Skies) and Trey Anastasio. Sunday's first set opened with a buoyant cover of Sam Cooke's 'Good Times,' followed by a seamless 'China Cat Sunflower' into 'I Know You Rider.' A funk-driven 'Shakedown Street' got the crowd moving, complete with teases of Phish's 'Ghost' and The Commodores' 'Brick House,' before closing on a high-energy 'Deal.' The second set opened with 'Scarlet Begonias,' with Anastasio joining in and staying on for a blazing 'Fire on the Mountain.' Grahame Lesh took the stage with his father's iconic bass, 'Big Brown,' during 'Broken Arrow,' and returned later for 'Cumberland Blues.' The improvisational 'Drums' and 'Space' segment carried the crowd into deep sonic territory, with a jazz-tinged nod to 'My Funny Valentine.' From there, the mood turned reflective on 'Standing on the Moon,' before surging through Mayer-led versions of 'Sugaree' and 'Sugar Magnolia.' 'The band is hot and the vibe is right,' said Paul Codespoti of St. Louis, a longtime fan who's seen the Grateful Dead 165 times and Dead & Company 100. All weekend, San Francisco leaned into the celebration. The concert series served as the anchor for a larger tribute that will continue into the fall, with Dead-themed art exhibitions, tribute concerts, panel talks, and special events. More than 400 Grateful Dead banners adorned city lampposts. Across San Francisco — particularly the Sunset, Richmond and Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods — Deadheads added color and commerce to the streets. City officials reported a 50% spike in hotel bookings between July 31 and Aug. 3 — a surge they believe could top the $31 million in economic impact generated by the band's 2023 visit to Oracle Park. Silvia Koros, who turns 60 next month — the same age as the band — attended all 21 Dead & Company shows this summer, beginning with their Las Vegas residency. 'If you miss one show, that will be the one where they play the song you've been waiting to hear,' she said. For her, that song was 'Rubin and Cherise,' which hasn't been played live since 1991. 'I'd give my eyeteeth to hear that song,' she said. Though it never came, Koros found joy in 'China Cat Sunflower,' which she dedicated to her late cat, Georges. She had brought 3,000 custom-made stickers featuring Georges inside the Steal Your Face logo. By Sunday night, only 100 remained. 'I love this community,' she said. 'Every night is unique,' said Rachel Whitley, who first saw the band with friends from Rhinebeck High School in the early '90s. 'If you miss a night, it's not the full experience.' She noted that the band had opened 'Playing in the Band' on Friday but never finished it — a signature move that keeps fans guessing. 'We might get the second part tonight.' By day three, many attendees recognized one another. Rudy Voit, who flew in from Chicago for all three shows, said he was there for as much the community as the music. For some, that connection meant as much as the music. 'I knew the trip was worth it the first night when Grahame Lesh brought out his dad's bass for 'Box of Rain,'' Codespoti said. 'That's when I really connected to the music — and once I get there, I stay there.' By the second set, the sun gave way to a glowing half moon. As the final notes of 'Touch of Grey' echoed across the Polo Field, fans swayed together and took one last look at a stage that may never host this band again. By then, whether it was truly the end didn't matter. What mattered was that they were there. And this time, the sun was out Dead & Company – Golden Gate Park Setlist (Aug. 3, 2025) Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Show – Sunday, Aug. 3 Set 1 'Good Times' (Sam Cooke cover) 'China Cat Sunflower' (Grateful Dead cover) 'I Know You Rider' (traditional cover) 'They Love Each Other' (Jerry Garcia cover) 'Shakedown Street' (Grateful Dead cover with teases of 'Ghost' and The Commodores' 'Brick House') 'Deal' (Jerry Garcia cover) Set 2 'Scarlet Begonias' (Grateful Dead cover with Trey Anastasio and teases of 'Manteca' and 'Good Lovin'') 'Fire on the Mountain' (Grateful Dead cover with Trey Anastasio) 'Broken Arrow' (Robbie Robertson cover with Grahame Lesh playing Phil Lesh's bass 'Big Brown') 'Hell in a Bucket' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Cumberland Blues' (Grateful Dead cover with Grahame Lesh) 'Drums' 'Space' (with elements of 'My Funny Valentine') 'Standing on the Moon' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Sugaree' (Jerry Garcia cover) 'Sugar Magnolia' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Touch of Grey' (Grateful Dead cover)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dead & Company Celebrate 60 Years of the Grateful Dead at Golden Gate Park: Every Song From Night 1
Tens of thousands of Deadheads descended on San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on Friday night for the first of Dead & Company's three weekend shows celebrating 60 years of the Grateful Dead. The shows were consequential not just for the anniversary they commemorated, but for fans of the group, which had not performed anywhere other than Las Vegas' Sphere since July 2023, when it concluded its final tour. More from Billboard Jerry Garcia Has Childhood Street Named for Him in San Francisco Cardi B Kicks Off Night One of WWE SummerSlam 2025: 'We're Making History Tonight' Doechii Performs a Star-Making Set at Montreal's Osheaga Festival After an opening set by jamgrass phenom Billy Strings, Dead & Company – comprised of Grateful Dead founders Bobby Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti and Jay Lane – dove into its catalog with gusto for two crowd-pleasing sets that spanned material from the Dead's 30-year career. Highlights included guest appearances by Grahame Lesh (for 'Box of Rain,' the beloved Dead song written and sung by his late father, Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh) and Strings (for the Dead classic 'Wharf Rat'), as well as a touching encore of Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' that honored the date, which would have been Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia's 83rd birthday. Dead & Company's setlist choices on Friday leave plenty of options on the table for fans returning on Saturday and Sunday – the band rarely, if ever, repeats a song during these sorts of runs – including classics like 'Touch of Grey,' 'Casey Jones' and 'Truckin'.' On Saturday, Sturgill Simpson will open the show under his 'Johnny Blue Skies' moniker, while on Sunday, Phish frontman Trey Anastasio will kick off the festivities. Here's a look at Dead & Company's full opening-night setlist for its three-show San Francisco run celebrating 60 years of the Grateful Dead. 'Feel Like A Stranger' 'Dancing In The Street' 'Tennessee Jed' 'Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo' 'Big River' 'Althea' 'Box of Rain' 'Playing In The Band' 'Estimated Prophet' 'Eyes of the World' 'Terrapin Station' 'Drums' 'Space' 'Wharf Rat' 'Not Fade Away' 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary draws thousands to Golden Gate Park
Sixty years after the Grateful Dead first formed in San Francisco, the spirit of the legendary jam band is alive and well in the city where it all began. Dead & Company, featuring original Grateful Dead members and new collaborators, is kicking off a three-day, sold-out concert series at Golden Gate Park this weekend. The performances are drawing tens of thousands of devoted fans, known as "Deadheads," from across the country, injecting a wave of excitement—and economic energy—into the city. "You can feel the music in the air," said Bruce Anderson, a fan who traveled from Denver. "It's the 60th anniversary and right here is where it all began. And so, I wanted to come here and just pay homage." Anderson wasn't alone. Hundreds of concertgoers lined up hours before gates opened on Friday, some singing, some simply soaking in the moment. Wade Emrick, made the journey from Florida, said both he and Anderson have attended hundreds of Grateful Dead-related shows over the decades. "I hope to hear a lot of psychedelic vibes from the late 60s," said Emrick. The opening act, bluegrass star Billy Strings, took the stage early Friday evening. Dead & Company is set to headline later each night of the weekend event. Beyond the music, the event is proving to be a windfall for local businesses, particularly those in the historic Haight-Ashbury district, the neighborhood where the Grateful Dead rose to prominence in the 1960s. "[The business has] catapulted like crazy," said "Magic Mike," owner of Psychedelic SF Art Gallery on Haight Street. "All the Deadheads are in here spending a bunch of money, it's great." A longtime fan himself, Magic Mike said his passion for the band evolved into a business. His gallery features a collection of rare Grateful Dead memorabilia, much of it from his own personal archive. "It was really easy to make it a business because in order to move around my house, I had to get the stuff out of there," he said. Nearby boutiques and shops are also benefiting from the surge in foot traffic. Ashley Bousquet, owner of the clothing store Luna Wild, said her sales have jumped by as much as 20 percent. "I've actually extended my hours, opened early. I'm definitely going to stay open late," she said. "It feels like the city is really coming back to life, which is nice." While the crowds have brought a celebratory energy to the area, they've also created logistical challenges. Parking is nearly impossible near the concert venue, and police have increased their presence to ensure safety. For Deadheads like Anderson and Emrick, however, the inconvenience is a small price to pay for what they describe as a spiritual experience. "Just the spirit and love and the peace that the Grateful Dead brought to us all these years has culminated into a 60th anniversary that's going to be absolutely an explosion of love," added Emrick. The concert series continues through the weekend, marking a milestone not just for the band but for the city that helped shape its legacy.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dead & Company's 60th Anniversary Grateful Dead Shows Sold Out, But These Sites Still Have Stubs
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. After wrapping up their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere earlier this year, Dead & Company are gearing up for their next gig to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with three concerts this August in San Francisco. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch the 3M Open Golf Tournament Online How to Watch Every 'Alien' Movie Ahead of the FX Series 'Alien: Earth' Megan Thee Stallion's Tequila Line Celebrates First Summer on Shelves: 'I'm Learning What It Really Takes To Be a Boss' At a Glance: Where to Buy Dead & Co Grateful Dead Anniversary Tickets Best Sites: StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, TicketNetwork, Gametime, Viagogo Dates: Aug. 1 — 3, 2025 Tickets for the group's Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary shows sold out quickly following their general sale date. For now, Deadheads will have to either join a waitlist for the chance to get stubs, or look to resale sites to snag tickets to one of the three sold-out shows set for Golden Gate Park. Billy Strings, Sturgill Simpson, and Trey Anastasio Band are all scheduled to play 'special guests sets' for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Dead & Company's Aug. 3 show will stream live on IMAX, with Trey Anastasio Band opening, while The Grateful Dead Movie will arrive in IMAX theaters on Aug. 14. StubHub Buy Now ► Get fast mobile delivery and reliable tickets 'From Haight-Ashbury to the Excelsior District where Jerry Garcia grew up, the Grateful Dead's influence is integral to our city's cultural fabric,' said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie in a release about the city's 60th anniversary celebrations. 'Sixty years later, we proudly honor their legacy through concerts, community events, and celebrations, reflecting San Francisco's enduring spirit of creativity, connection, and musical innovation.' How to Buy Dead & Company 60th Anniversary Tickets Online Here's what to know about finding Dead & Company tickets for the 60th anniversary Grateful Dead tribute concerts online. Vivid Seats Buy Now ► Get $30 off $300 orders with promo code RS30Reliable ticket reseller Vivid Seats only has 1 percent of three-day Dead & Company concert tickets left on its site, with general admission prices starting at $543+ each with fees included. SeatGeek Buy Now ► Use promo code ROLLINGSTONE10 to save $10 on $250 ordersSeatGeek currently has Dead & Company three-day general admission tickets for $519 per person, including all your ticket fees. The site labels the deal as 'amazing.' The stubs will get delivered electronically by the end of July. TicketNetwork Buy Now ► Use promo code RS150 for $150 off $500; use promo code RS300 for $300 off $1,000TicketNetwork has Dead & Company San Francisco tickets listed on its site, including three-day and single-day tickets. Friday stubs start at $255.20 each (discounted from $289), fees included. Gametime Buy Now ► Three-day and single-day tickets available The trusted resale site Gametime also has authentic Dead & Company tickets available starting at $508 each for three-day passes to the anniversary shows in San Francisco, which also includes your ticket fees. Viagogo Buy Now ► Three-day and single-day tickets available Get two tickets seated together for Friday's Dead & Company show starting at $494 a piece total on resale marketplace Viagogo. In March 2025, Rolling Stone caught up with Bobby Weir and asked about the forthcoming 60th anniversary plans. 'I think when Phil checked out, so did that notion, because we don't have a bass player who's been playing with us for 60 years now, 'Weir told Rolling Stone at the time. 'And that was the intriguing prospect.… I think you need somebody holding down the bottom. Phil had all kinds of ideas that were pretty much unique to him. I grew up with Phil holding down the bottom in his unique way. 'I suppose I could go back out. I wouldn't put anybody in his place, so it would be a trio at this point. It'd be me and two drummers. I'd have to think about that. I haven't thought about it — it's just now occurring to me that it's a possibility that we could do that, since you asked.… I guess we'll just see what the three of us can pull together.' Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
San Francisco Chronicle
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Grateful Dead 60th anniversary in Golden Gate Park: What you need to know
Dead & Company will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with a blockbuster three-night run in Golden Gate Park from Friday-Sunday, Aug. 1-3, drawing an estimated 60,000 fans per day to the Polo Field. For diehard Deadheads and first-time pilgrims alike, Golden Gate Park will once again be a sacred gathering spot — a celebration of music, memory and the enduring magic of the legendary jam band. Who is performing each night? Each evening opens with a special guest: bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings on Friday, Aug. 1; Sturgill Simpson (performing as Johnny Blue Skies) on Saturday, Aug. 2; and Trey Anastasio Band on Sunday, Aug. 3. Following each performer's 75-minute sets, Dead & Company — led by original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti and Jay Lane — will headline the festivities. When and where are the concerts? Dates: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 1-3 Venue: Polo Field, Golden Gate Park Fans can begin lining up no earlier than two hours before gates open. What to know about park road closures Expect wide-reaching park closures. The Polo Field will be off-limits through Aug. 20. Key roadways, including Middle Drive and parts of JFK Drive, will close to vehicles — and, in some cases, to pedestrians and cyclists — especially during the concert window. How to get to the shows Public transit is the recommended route. Muni will boost service on the 5-Fulton and N-Judah lines, offering free rides to ticket holders via the Your Ticket, Your Fare program. Bike parking is available onsite, and local shuttles will operate to and from central San Francisco. Where to find Shakedown Street and exclusive merch Shakedown Street, the open-air market synonymous with Dead tours, returns as a fully sanctioned event along JFK Promenade during the three-day concert. Nearly 100 vendors will line JFK Promenade between Transverse and Blue Heron Lake streets from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Expect everything from tie-dye and tapestries to grilled cheese and incense. A Dead & Company Pop-Up Shop at Polk Hall in the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (99 Grove St.) will also operate 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, July 30–Aug. 3. The shop will feature exclusive merchandise and collectibles not available at the concert site. The store is cashless. Ticket info and how to watch from home Original general admission weekend passes started at $635, with VIP tiers reaching up to $9,548. Though tickets are sold out, fans at home can stream all three nights via in HD or 4K. On Sunday, Aug. 3, the final show will also screen live in select IMAX theaters nationwide. What to bring — and what to leave at home Bag policy: Clear bags preferred; small non-clear purses allowed (max 6-by-8-by- 3 inches). Hydration packs: Allowed if under 2.5L and with no extra compartments. Chairs and seating: No personal chairs or metal-framed seating. Blankets under 2-by-3 feet are allowed. Prohibited: Oversized blankets, tarps, inflatables and unattended belongings. More Grateful Dead events across San Francisco Other citywide events will stretch into the fall, including art exhibitions, after-parties, tribute concerts, panel discussions and special performances — from Jerry Day in McLaren Park to the San Francisco Giants' Grateful Dead tribute night at Oracle Park on Aug. 12.
