On Wednesday night, Dead & Company took the stage at New York’s Citi Field for the first of their highly anticipated final tour shows. The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the iconic band’s performance. The evening began with the infectious energy of “Shakedown Street,” followed by beloved classics like “Bertha” and a heartfelt rendition of “Ramble On Rose.” They paid homage to Tampa Red with a soulful cover of “It Hurts Me Too” and united the crowd with a spirited performance of “Dancing in the Street.”
The first set closed with the expansive “Let It Grow,” leaving the crowd excited for what was to come. The second set kicked off with the lively pairing of “China Cat Sunflower” and “I Know You Rider,” showcasing the band’s intricate interplay. Despite John Mayer having to sit due to a back injury, his playing and vocals remained masterful. The band seamlessly transitioned into the iconic “St. Stephen,” and the energy continued to surge with “Uncle John’s Band” and the mesmerizing “Drums” and “Space” segments.
The Rhythm Devils section took a special turn as Joe Russo joined the band for an incredible exploration. The band then delivered a dynamic performance of “The Eleven,” pushing boundaries with improvisation. “Stella Blue” captivated the audience, and they closed the show with the energetic “U.S. Blues.” For their final reverberations at Citi Field, Dead & Company treated the crowd to a poignant rendition of “Black Muddy River,” closing out the unforgettable evening with a profound connection to their fans.
They returned to the coliseum last night, Thursday, June 22, to dish out another array of tunes, including “Franklin’s Tower,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “Hey Jude,” and “Deal” during the first set and “Scarlet Begonias,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Estimated Prophet,” “All Along the Watchtower” in the second frame. They encored with Brokedown Palace.
Photographer Billy Kelly captured the action from Wednesday night below.