Dead & Company's Final Tour rolled on to Queens, NY for a two-night stand at Citi Field, home of the NY Mets. Night one in the Big Apple kicked off on June 21, 2023, at this MLB stadium, with a capacity of around 41,000 fans. The band brought two vibrant sets that included a sit-in by drummer Joe Russo, from Joe Russo's Almost Dead.
Citi Field hosted Dead & Company for the tenth time ever in their history this evening. The first set was overall very mellow, though began with "Shakedown Street" > "Bertha" > "Ramble on Rose." The latter received a cheer during the "Just like New York City" lyric. The bluesy "It Hurts Me Too" followed, with guitarist John Mayer showing his chops during the jam.
A funky "Dancing in the Streets" twirled into the set next, with bassist Oteil Burbridge front and center. Mayer sang a soulful and melodic "Althea," that was slowed down. "Let It Grow," from Wake of the Flood, saw the psychedelic jam energy build, as Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir sang the lyrics for this mighty tune that he co-wrote many years ago. Drummer Jay Lane and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti shined during this set-closing jam that had the crowd on their feet and thirsty for more.
The youngest person in the band started set two with a minor health announcement. Mayer quickly addressed his intention to sit for the second set. "It's my fault because I sat and then I got up. So, it's me, but, I'm gonna sit for this set, so thank you for understanding. I feel great. Someone gave me a white pill, and I took that. Someone gave me a blue pill, so I took that. And I think it's going to be great. So thank you very much."
The band dove into a melodic "China Cat Sunflower" with a jam that had some teeth, and flowed nicely into "I Know You Rider." We will miss them when they are gone, for sure. An eighteen-minute, explorative "St. Stephen" proceeded with tasty elements of jazz and rock layered in. "Uncle John's Band" was a joyous sing-along for this New York City crowd.
Drummer Joe Russo quietly joined the sextet for "Drums." Both Lane and Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart were part of this jam, as well as Burbridge on bass. The four eventually reached a convergence before a quick transition into a short "Space."
The music continued as the band segued into "The Eleven," which caused the crowd to cheer. The mood mellowed as they moved into a somber "Stella Blue," sung by Weir. The jam sandwich ended with an inspired "US Blues." The set and show wound down on a more chill note with "Black Muddy River." This well-placed song emphasized that nothing lasts forever, as this legendary group of musicians concluded one of their last nights together at Citi Field.
Check out more photos from the show!
Dead & Company 6/21/2023 Set List
Set One: Shakedown Street > Bertha > Ramble on Rose, It Hurts Me Too, Dancing in the Streets, Althea, Let It Grow
Set Two: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, St. Stephen > Uncle John's Band > Drums1 > Space > The Eleven > Stella Blue > U.S. Blues, Black Muddy River
Notes: 1 - with Joe Russo
