WORDS AND IMAGES: TAYLOR NETTNIN | Dead & Company packed Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 15th, closing out their two night run on their 2019 Summer Tour. The day started off with threats of thunderstorms, but dead heads were able to rejoice as the skies cleared up just in time for the crowd to dance and cheer all night long.
Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart (drums), Bill Kreutzmann (drums), and Bob Weir (guitar) were joined by Oteil Burbridge (bass), Jeff Chimenti (keys), and John Mayer (guitar) to perform a slew of jams that the stadium recited word for word. The members of Dead & Company delivered a thrilling performance that did not feel overpowered by any single member; everyone seemed so comfortable playing with each other, at times it felt like the crowd was witnessing magic being created.
The first set started with a dazzling rendition of “Terrapin Station,” followed by “Sugar Magnolia,” “Mr. Charlie,” “High Time,” “Friend of the Devil,” and “Bertha.” They then played a stunning cover of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” before closing out their set with “Turn On Your Lovelight.”
Following a brief break, Dead & Company started out their final set with “Spanish Jam” and played through “Scarlet Begonias,” “New Speedway Boogie,” Help On The Way,” “Slipknot,” and “Franklin’s Tower.” Burbridge, Hart, and Kreutzmann joined together to perform “Drums / Space,” which, paired with their light setup, was stunning and really revved up the crowd. The rest of the band rejoined and they played “The Other One,” “Standing On The Moon,” and “Sunshine Daydream.” After the crowd chanted for more, they came back on stage to play “Ripple” and “One More Saturday Night” for their encore.
