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San Francisco Chronicle
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Photos: Dead & Company's second night in S.F. unites generations of Deadheads
If the first night of Dead & Company's Golden Gate Park residency celebrated legacy, the second night showcased its endurance — across generations, families and time itself. What became unmistakably clear on Saturday, Aug. 2, was how deeply intergenerational the Grateful Dead 's following has become. Some 60,000 fans once again packed the Polo Field for the second of three concerts marking the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. Teenagers danced beside their parents. Grandparents clapped along with toddlers. Some attendees had seen guitarist Jerry Garcia perform live with the band in the 1960s. Others were born years after he died in 1995. 'My parents are a total big influence for all the good music I listen to,' said Siren Talbot, 19, of Grass Valley, who attended the show with her parents. 'It's definitely a reflection of just spending time together and listening and hanging out in the backyard.' Long before the band took the stage, the field buzzed with activity. Veteran Deadheads roamed the edges of the crowd handing out homemade stickers and swapping stories. Others stretched out on picnic blankets under the evening sky. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie took the stage to introduce the first set shortly after 6:15 p.m. — and to acknowledge the moment's emotional weight. 'Listen, what you all have brought to our city over the last week and here tonight — you've brought joy, you've brought energy, you've brought love,' Lurie, clad in a tie-dye T-shirt, told the crowd. 'It's just what San Francisco needed.' Then, with his hand over his heart and the crowd roaring, he added: 'I am the mayor of the greatest city in the world, and it is my privilege to welcome Dead & Company.' Up front, the energy was high — swirling, packed and kinetic — as fans rushed to grab refreshments just as the music began. The band — featuring Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir and drummer Mickey Hart, alongside guitarist and vocalist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Jay Lane — was more vibrant and cohesive than it had been on opening night. They kicked off with a tight, groove-heavy take on 'In the Midnight Hour,' setting a festive tone before launching into a rollicking 'Bertha' and a twangy 'Jack Straw' featuring a sunny tease of the Allman Brothers' 'Blue Sky.' A soulful 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' melted into the coda of 'Hey Jude,' followed by a punchy 'Passenger' and the crowd-pleasing 'Brown-Eyed Women.' The first set closed on a high, emotional note with a powerful rendition of 'Morning Dew,' featuring a guest appearance by country singer and opening act Sturgill Simpson. The second set leaned fully into the Dead's psychedelic roots. 'Uncle John's Band' opened with an unexpected jam on 'The Other One,' leading into the classic 'Help > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower' suite, complete with playful teases of 'Ghostbusters' and 'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.' Grahame Lesh retuned to join the band for 'St. Stephen,' which nodded to 'The Eleven' before giving way to a hypnotic 'Drums' and 'Space' sequence, laced with a tease of Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond.' Momentum continued to build with 'Spanish Jam' and a stirring 'Days Between,' before the band launched into a late-set 'Truckin',' featuring a jazzy nod to Miles Davis' 'All Blues.' The evening wrapped with a raucous 'Cold Rain and Snow' and a tender, harmony-laced 'Brokedown Palace.' Between sets, the stage screens lit up with archival interviews from Grateful Dead members, grounding the present-day crowd in the band's original spirit. Late bassist Phil Lesh described Dead shows as places to 'test your limits' and 'experience a little danger' in a warm, welcoming space. 'The Grateful Dead show is a perfect place to do that,' he said. Reflecting on the venue, Weir added simply: 'It just feels right to go back to the park there and play for folks and just have a musical ball.' That spirit — of gathering, improvising, and sharing — was alive and well among the thousands who came not just for the music, but for the sense of belonging it brings. 'My dad and my mom have been taking me to Dead & Company shows since I was 3,' said Coral Mines, 16, from Trinity County. 'It's so life-changing to have that experience when you grow up. The music is peaceful. It's just such a vibe.' Eric Dugoni, 28, of Napa, said he's been to nearly 20 shows with his father. 'Last night was actually the first one without him,' Dugoni said. 'He would've been here, but he's hiking in Canada with his siblings. Still, I wore his old shirt. We've always connected through the music.' Some, like Ever Epshaw, now bring their own children. 'Last night I was with my daughter. She's 22, and he's 14,' said Epshaw, in his 50s. 'There were grandparents dancing everywhere — people with their kids, little kids, everyone just having fun.' Dead & Company may have concluded its so-called 'final tour' in 2023, but if this weekend is any indication, the music — and the culture built around it — shows no signs of fading. 'I wish more of my friends would come with me,' Mines said. Chronicle staff writer Anna Connors contributed to this report. Dead & Company – Golden Gate Park Setlist Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Show – Friday, Aug. 2, 2025 Set 1 'In the Midnight Hour' (Wilson Pickett cover) 'Bertha' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Jack Straw' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'Blue Sky' tease) 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' (Traffic cover) 'Hey Jude' (The Beatles cover) (coda only) 'Passenger' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Brown-Eyed Women' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Morning Dew' (Bonnie Dobson cover) (with Sturgill Simpson) Set 2 'Uncle John's Band' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'The Other One' jam) 'Help on the Way' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Slipknot!' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'Ghostbusters' teases) 'Franklin's Tower' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds' tease) 'St. Stephen' (Grateful Dead cover) (with Grahame Lesh and 'The Eleven' tease) 'Drums' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Space' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' tease) 'Spanish Jam' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Days Between' (Grateful Dead cover) 'Truckin'' (Grateful Dead cover) (with 'All Blues' tease) 'Cold Rain and Snow' (traditional cover)
Powys County Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
King praises Islamic studies centre's commitment to ‘international co-operation'
The King has said the commitment of a major centre for Islamic study to 'international co-operation' is more 'imperative than ever in today's world'. Charles described the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies as a 'beacon of Islamic scholarship' when he visited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the institution, which has grown from a hut to an impressive complex as part of Oxford University. 'The centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international co-operation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today's world,' said the King in a brief speech. 'I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour.' His comments came as the Middle East remains mired in conflict, with Israel fighting on multiple fronts from its continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip, recent strikes on Syria and the attack on Iran. Speaking to invited guests and supporters, who included former home secretary Jack Straw and former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Charles, who is the centre's patron, praised its 'unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom'. Farhan Nizami, the centre's director, has been instrumental in its development over the decades, and said about its work today: 'The ability to bring scholars from around the world in a safe space where they can exchange ideas – we can agree to disagree when need be – but also to encourage the students to come into Oxford to read for Oxford degrees. 'I think the very presence of the centre is a statement of inter-faith.' He also praised the King's support for the centre since becoming its patron in 1993, hosting celebratory events at various anniversary milestones and delivering the centre's inaugural lecture, Islam And The West, that year. The director said Charles' 1993 speech 'still has a tremendous resonance and is still quoted – the call for better understanding of peoples and cultures. 'But as he put it then, that Islam was part of us in Britain and Britain is part of the Muslim world, and we should get rid of any prejudice and ignorance that might exist, to do that through good scholarship which is the basis for building bridges'. During the visit the King cut a ribbon to officially open a wing renamed the King Charles III Wing. It will host a programme named in his honour which consolidates activities inspired by him, from the Young Muslim Leadership Programme to conferences focused on global issues like the environment and sustainability. Mr Straw, who sat on an advisory committee for the centre for a period, said: 'The fact it has developed in this way over 40 years is absolutely extraordinary. 'The patronage of now the King, then the Prince of Wales, has also been profoundly important because he was very much ahead of his time and it wasn't necessarily a popular cause.'
The Herald Scotland
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
King praises Islamic studies centre's commitment to ‘international co-operation'
'The centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international co-operation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today's world,' said the King in a brief speech. 'I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour.' The King meets schoolchildren during a visit to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (Darren Staples/PA) His comments came as the Middle East remains mired in conflict, with Israel fighting on multiple fronts from its continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip, recent strikes on Syria and the attack on Iran. Speaking to invited guests and supporters, who included former home secretary Jack Straw and former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Charles, who is the centre's patron, praised its 'unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom'. Farhan Nizami, the centre's director, has been instrumental in its development over the decades, and said about its work today: 'The ability to bring scholars from around the world in a safe space where they can exchange ideas – we can agree to disagree when need be – but also to encourage the students to come into Oxford to read for Oxford degrees. 'I think the very presence of the centre is a statement of inter-faith.' He also praised the King's support for the centre since becoming its patron in 1993, hosting celebratory events at various anniversary milestones and delivering the centre's inaugural lecture, Islam And The West, that year. The director said Charles' 1993 speech 'still has a tremendous resonance and is still quoted – the call for better understanding of peoples and cultures. 'But as he put it then, that Islam was part of us in Britain and Britain is part of the Muslim world, and we should get rid of any prejudice and ignorance that might exist, to do that through good scholarship which is the basis for building bridges'. During the visit the King cut a ribbon to officially open a wing renamed the King Charles III Wing. It will host a programme named in his honour which consolidates activities inspired by him, from the Young Muslim Leadership Programme to conferences focused on global issues like the environment and sustainability. Mr Straw, who sat on an advisory committee for the centre for a period, said: 'The fact it has developed in this way over 40 years is absolutely extraordinary. 'The patronage of now the King, then the Prince of Wales, has also been profoundly important because he was very much ahead of his time and it wasn't necessarily a popular cause.'
Leader Live
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
King praises Islamic studies centre's commitment to ‘international co-operation'
Charles described the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies as a 'beacon of Islamic scholarship' when he visited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the institution, which has grown from a hut to an impressive complex as part of Oxford University. 'The centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international co-operation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today's world,' said the King in a brief speech. 'I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour.' His comments came as the Middle East remains mired in conflict, with Israel fighting on multiple fronts from its continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip, recent strikes on Syria and the attack on Iran. Speaking to invited guests and supporters, who included former home secretary Jack Straw and former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Charles, who is the centre's patron, praised its 'unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom'. Farhan Nizami, the centre's director, has been instrumental in its development over the decades, and said about its work today: 'The ability to bring scholars from around the world in a safe space where they can exchange ideas – we can agree to disagree when need be – but also to encourage the students to come into Oxford to read for Oxford degrees. 'I think the very presence of the centre is a statement of inter-faith.' He also praised the King's support for the centre since becoming its patron in 1993, hosting celebratory events at various anniversary milestones and delivering the centre's inaugural lecture, Islam And The West, that year. The director said Charles' 1993 speech 'still has a tremendous resonance and is still quoted – the call for better understanding of peoples and cultures. 'But as he put it then, that Islam was part of us in Britain and Britain is part of the Muslim world, and we should get rid of any prejudice and ignorance that might exist, to do that through good scholarship which is the basis for building bridges'. During the visit the King cut a ribbon to officially open a wing renamed the King Charles III Wing. It will host a programme named in his honour which consolidates activities inspired by him, from the Young Muslim Leadership Programme to conferences focused on global issues like the environment and sustainability. Mr Straw, who sat on an advisory committee for the centre for a period, said: 'The fact it has developed in this way over 40 years is absolutely extraordinary. 'The patronage of now the King, then the Prince of Wales, has also been profoundly important because he was very much ahead of his time and it wasn't necessarily a popular cause.'
Rhyl Journal
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
King praises Islamic studies centre's commitment to ‘international co-operation'
Charles described the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies as a 'beacon of Islamic scholarship' when he visited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the institution, which has grown from a hut to an impressive complex as part of Oxford University. 'The centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international co-operation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today's world,' said the King in a brief speech. 'I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour.' His comments came as the Middle East remains mired in conflict, with Israel fighting on multiple fronts from its continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip, recent strikes on Syria and the attack on Iran. Speaking to invited guests and supporters, who included former home secretary Jack Straw and former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Charles, who is the centre's patron, praised its 'unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom'. Farhan Nizami, the centre's director, has been instrumental in its development over the decades, and said about its work today: 'The ability to bring scholars from around the world in a safe space where they can exchange ideas – we can agree to disagree when need be – but also to encourage the students to come into Oxford to read for Oxford degrees. 'I think the very presence of the centre is a statement of inter-faith.' He also praised the King's support for the centre since becoming its patron in 1993, hosting celebratory events at various anniversary milestones and delivering the centre's inaugural lecture, Islam And The West, that year. The director said Charles' 1993 speech 'still has a tremendous resonance and is still quoted – the call for better understanding of peoples and cultures. 'But as he put it then, that Islam was part of us in Britain and Britain is part of the Muslim world, and we should get rid of any prejudice and ignorance that might exist, to do that through good scholarship which is the basis for building bridges'. During the visit the King cut a ribbon to officially open a wing renamed the King Charles III Wing. It will host a programme named in his honour which consolidates activities inspired by him, from the Young Muslim Leadership Programme to conferences focused on global issues like the environment and sustainability. Mr Straw, who sat on an advisory committee for the centre for a period, said: 'The fact it has developed in this way over 40 years is absolutely extraordinary. 'The patronage of now the King, then the Prince of Wales, has also been profoundly important because he was very much ahead of his time and it wasn't necessarily a popular cause.'
