LAS VEGAS — Dead & Company revived their thrilling musical legacy on March 20, 2025, by kicking off the first night of their much-anticipated Dead Forever residency at the colossal Sphere in Las Vegas. This marks a new chapter for the band after a successful first run of 30 shows in 2024, even as they now gear themselves up for an engaging 18-show encore from March 20 to May 17, 2025.
The lineup, featuring original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane, showcased an electrifying performance amidst the Sphere's stunning 240-foot-tall LED backdrop. This exceptional display not only illuminated the live performance but also told a story, focusing on intricate graphics and visuals that enhanced the concert experience exponentially.
As the night opened with a cover of The Spencer Davis Group’s classic “Gimme Some Lovin’,” fans felt a wave of nostalgia wash over them, marking a notable occasion since it was the first time Dead & Company had performed this song since their formation in 2015. The jubilant atmosphere in the venue was palpable, as the audience embraced the familiar tune.
After this lively opener, the band skillfully transitioned into “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” choreographing their visuals to a dynamic aerial view that left the audience awestruck. The Sphere’s cutting-edge technology deftly transported viewers from 710 Ashbury Street in San Francisco—where the Grateful Dead famously lived in the Haight-Ashbury district—to an impressive cosmic vista, zooming out until the Earth vanished from view. According to the Bay Area News Group, the resultant effect was “a massively impactful way to kick off Dead & Company’s run.”
One of the most memorable interactive portions of the night surfaced during “Bertha,” when the iconic Dancing Bears transformed into vibrant pixels. This inventive presentation allowed the audience to experience a modern take on the band’s nostalgic imagery while watching Mayer’s guitar strumming and Hart’s drumming come to life in an array of kinetic colors. As the Mercury News noted, the band’s graphics during this segment showed “new/different” visuals compared to their previous residency.
Another visually stunning moment occurred during the set-closing number “Don’t Ease Me In,” where stacked CRT televisions teetered ominously on screen. This visual prank artfully engaged the audience; they reacted collectively with outstretched arms, caught up in the suspense before erupting into cheers as the giant image of the falling TV appeared to crash toward them—an illusion that cemented the captivating nature of the performance.
As the band delved deeper into their set, more groundbreaking moments unfolded. During “Scarlet Begonias,” bizarre characters in humanistic Teletubby-esque masks captivated onlookers. Moving both rhythmically and statically, they held a screen displaying grainy footage of the band as they danced across the stage. This splendidly trippy segment invited discussions among fans about the deeper symbols behind these surreal shapes, blending music with visuals in a thought-provoking manner.
The audience was equally engaged by Uncle Sam’s bike ride during the performance, which showcased Dead-branded visuals of Las Vegas. This included highlights like the fictional Terra-Pin Bowl, amply demonstrating the band’s embrace of their new Sin City home. The shifts between nostalgia for San Francisco and the vibrant spirit of Las Vegas exemplified the band’s multifaceted approach.
The second set saw the band offering fan favorites like “Fire on the Mountain” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” A heartfelt rendition of “Touch of Grey” closed the show, enabling everyone to join in singing the hopeful refrain “We will survive” and “We will get by,” which resonated with the crowd in a unified sense of belonging and joy.
The storied narrative of Dead & Company continues as they aim to enchant audiences throughout this 18-show run at the Sphere, echoing their ten-year anniversary of performing together. Fans can look forward to upcoming dates spanning from March 21-29 and into May, allowing for multiple chances to connect with both music and nostalgia.
In this high-profile residency, where ticket prices range considerably—starting at $135 up to $475 and special suite reservations for larger groups priced at $22,000 for 20 guests—it’s evident that demand remains incredibly high. As the U.S. News reported, this soaring interest signifies the lasting impact Dead & Company have had on their devotees, preparing for another unforgettable chapter in their storied timeline.
