A Psychedelic Journey as Dead & Company Launches Their Residency at the State-of-the-Art Sphere in Las Vegas
Las Vegas experienced a unique convergence of music scenes on May 16th, 2024. While Pearl Jam rocked the MGM Grand Arena, Dead & Company kicked off the first show of their 24-date residency at the Sphere. The city was alive with energy as different music cultures blended seamlessly, with many fans sporting ironic Hawaiian shirts, symbolizing the eclectic union of these events.
A Technological Marvel: The Sphere
Arriving at the Sphere, a technological marvel that recently hosted Phish for a four-night run, Dead & Company made a grand entrance. The band, featuring original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, along with John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge, and Jay Lane, transformed the venue with psychedelic themes, trippy animations, and classic iconography beloved by diehard fans.
Paying Homage to Their Roots
The night was a tribute to the Grateful Dead’s San Francisco origins, echoing the band’s storied history which began in the Haight-Ashbury district. As the band played through mid-tempo staples like “Feel Like a Stranger” and “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” the visuals zoomed out from the street to the sky to outer space, mesmerizing the crowd. The immersive experience made it feel like attendees were levitating under the expanse of the Sphere’s dome.
A Visual and Auditory Feast
“Bird Song” brought an idyllic rainforest vibe, while “Brown Eyed Women” showcased the skeletal emblem familiar to Grateful Dead lore. Unlike Phish, Dead & Co. incorporated high-definition views of individual band members, making every bead of sweat on a 100-foot-tall Bob Weir visible.
John Mayer, now an integral part of the band, brought his own style while nodding to Jerry Garcia’s phrasing and timing. The high point of the night came during “Franklin’s Tower” in the second set, where Mayer’s intricate noodling on his PRS guitar captivated the audience.
The Sphere’s Acoustic Wonders
The Sphere’s sound system, featuring 160,000 hidden speakers, enveloped the audience in impeccably crisp audio without overwhelming them. Bob Weir’s famously brittle guitar tone sounded lively and dialed-in, while percussionist Mickey Hart and drummer Jay Lane’s dynamic interplay kept the crowd engaged.
A Cosmic Journey with “Drums/Space”
The band’s set-two staple, “Drums/Space,” benefitted from the Sphere’s immersive environment. Kaleidoscopic shapes morphed with rhythms, and drums cascaded from the ceiling, showcasing Hart’s mastery of otherworldly sounds. The ambient noise even lulled some attendees to sleep.
A Magical Ride Through Grateful Dead History
Fans enjoyed colorful animations of dancing bears, flying eyeballs, and cotton ball trees during a magic motorcycle ride through Grateful Dead history. Easter eggs included a tiny Jerry Garcia cartoon and the exterior of Terrapin Station. Sing-alongs ensued during favorites like “Uncle John’s Band” and the triple whammy “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower.” The moody “He’s Gone” invited introspection, with many attendees reflecting on Garcia, who passed away in 1995.
Archival Treasures and Pop-Up Exhibits
With a wealth of archival material, Dead & Co. leaned on images that many fans had never seen up close, including backstage passes, phone lists, early promotional posters, and photographs. These items were displayed at the nearby Venetian Hotel and Casino’s “Dead Experience” pop-up, which offered exclusive merchandise, a photo exhibit, Hart’s visual art gallery, and a recording booth for “Dead Head Confessions.”
A Night to Remember
The usual distractions of a Grateful Dead show—balloons, flags, and spinners—were minimal as the crowd was transfixed by the spectacle around them. The night ended with “St. Stephen,” utilizing the acid test melting colors motif, followed by a cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and the show’s official closer, “Not Fade Away.”
Just Now News.Press was there to witness this historic event. The night encapsulated the spirit of the Grateful Dead, blending past and present in a seamless, immersive experience that left fans in awe. As the band continues their residency, the Sphere promises to be the ultimate venue for this long, strange trip through music history.
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