The Grateful Dead’s successor, Dead & Company, brought their “Final Tour” to a close at San Francisco’s Oracle Park. Fans from all over the world gathered to witness the iconic jam band’s last show. The band, consisting of Bob Weir and Mickey Hart from the original Grateful Dead, along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Jay Lane, delighted the crowd in the city where it all began back in 1965. The three nights of the final tour were completely sold out, with over 40,000 fans in attendance each night.
The performances featured beloved classics like “Bertha” and “Althea” in the first set, while Mayer showcased his guitar skills and energetic stage presence during songs like “Help on the Way” and “Cumberland Blues” in the second set. The grand finale included an encore of “Truckin’,” “Brokedown Palace,” and “Not Fade Away,” accompanied by a breathtaking drone performance above the stadium. Deadheads who tuned into the live stream via Nug.net experienced some technical difficulties, but the overall experience was unforgettable.
The “Final Tour” began in Los Angeles and traveled to major cities across the United States, receiving support and love from fans everywhere. In a symbolic gesture, the Empire State Building in New York City illuminated in rainbow colors to honor the band’s final performance. Dead & Company breathed new life into the Grateful Dead’s legacy when they formed in 2015, especially with the addition of John Mayer, who initially faced skepticism from traditional Deadheads. However, Mayer’s talent, passion, and respect for the band’s music won over fans, and his presence attracted a new generation to the Deadhead community.
Mayer’s discovery of the band in 2011, hearing “Althea” during a random streaming session, sparked his love for the Grateful Dead’s music. After jamming with Weir in 2015, their collaboration evolved into Dead & Company. Mayer’s guitar proficiency, charismatic stage presence, and blues-inspired vocals paid homage to Jerry Garcia and brought fresh energy to the band.
The band’s final performances drew crowds of eager fans, including a younger audience exposed to the Grateful Dead’s rich catalog of live performances. For many fans like Aidan Chism, attending Dead & Company shows became a cherished bonding experience with family and friends. The end of the band marks the end of an era for these fans, but the music will continue to live on.
Weir, one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, reflects on the journey that began when he met Garcia in 1963 at the age of 16. He announces that Dead & Company will be disbanding after the 2023 tour, but assures fans that they will continue to make music individually. Weir and Hart have bid farewell before, during the “Fare Thee Well” tour in 2015, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. This tour marked the final time that all the original band members performed together.
Although the final curtain has fallen on Dead & Company’s “Final Tour,” the impact and influence of the Grateful Dead’s music will live on in the hearts of their dedicated fans. The legacy of the band and the spiritual connection forged through their music will forever be treasured.
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