Introduction
The air crackles with anticipation. The lights dim, a familiar riff rings out, and a roar erupts from the crowd. It’s a Dead and Company show, and beyond the shared joy of the music, the tie-dye swirls, and the communal vibe, there’s another element that fuels the excitement: the setlist.
Dead and Company, featuring Grateful Dead alumni Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti, carries the torch of a musical legacy known for its spontaneity and improvisational spirit. More than just a collection of songs, a Dead and Company setlist is a roadmap for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey. It’s a conversation between the band and the audience, a tapestry woven with familiar melodies and unexpected twists. Why this enduring fascination with what songs are played in what order? Because every show is different. Every note is different. It’s the pursuit of that ephemeral experience, that magical moment, that drives the community to analyze, predict, and celebrate each and every Dead and Company setlist. This article delves into the key elements that make these setlists so compelling, exploring the factors influencing song choices, common pairings, and the way fans engage with this vital part of the Dead & Company experience.
The Structure of a Dead and Company Performance
The bedrock of any Dead and Company show is its structure: two sets of music, separated by a short intermission, culminating in an encore. It’s a format inherited from the Grateful Dead and provides a framework for musical exploration and improvisation.
First Set Dynamics
The first set often acts as an energetic introduction, a warming-up of both band and audience. A Dead and Company show frequently opens with an uptempo number to get the crowd moving. Think of the explosive energy of “Bertha” or the rollicking rhythm of “Jack Straw.” These choices immediately signal the band’s intent to deliver a high-energy performance. The first set typically includes a blend of rock, blues, country, and folk influences, showcasing the band’s broad musical range. You might hear a soulful rendition of “Tennessee Jed” followed by the bluesy swagger of “Big River,” or the heartfelt storytelling of “Friend of the Devil.” But the magic lies in the variations. Even with these staples, no two first sets are ever truly alike. Subtle changes in tempo, unexpected instrumental flourishes, and unique transitions keep the music fresh and engaging, rewarding attentive listeners with a truly distinctive experience.
Second Set Exploration
The second set is where the real improvisational magic happens. It’s a launching pad for extended jams, sonic explorations, and moments of pure musical synergy. The defining characteristic of the second set is often the “jam” or “space” segment. These extended instrumental passages allow the band members to stretch out, experiment with different sounds, and communicate telepathically through their instruments. These jams can be intensely psychedelic, taking the audience on a sonic rollercoaster ride. They can be bluesy and soulful, exploring the depths of human emotion. Or they can be ethereal and otherworldly, transporting the listener to another dimension. Think of the possibilities stemming from “Dark Star,” a piece known for its open-ended structure, or the deep improvisations arising from “Estimated Prophet.” The energy steadily builds throughout the second set, reaching a fever pitch as the music intensifies and the band pushes the boundaries of improvisation. Common second set staples like “Eyes of the World,” “China Cat Sunflower” or “Playing in the Band” often serve as catalysts for these extended jams, providing familiar touchstones within the ever-shifting sonic landscape.
Encore Significance
Finally, the encore provides a final burst of energy, a moment of shared celebration, and a lasting memory. Encores are a cherished tradition, a way for the band to express their gratitude to the audience and send them home with a smile. Encore selections often include uplifting anthems, emotionally resonant ballads, or completely unexpected surprises. The soaring melodies of “Brokedown Palace” or the joyous energy of “Touch of Grey” are common choices, providing a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable evening. Sometimes, the band will throw a curveball, pulling out a rare gem or a cover song that leaves the audience buzzing with excitement.
Factors Influencing the Setlist
The creation of a Dead and Company setlist is not a random process. Several factors contribute to the final selection, creating a dynamic and responsive musical environment.
Band Member Input
The band members themselves play a vital role. Each member brings their unique musical perspective and preferences to the table, influencing the overall sound and song choices. Bob Weir, a Grateful Dead founder, has a deep catalog to draw from. John Mayer, known for his blues and rock sensibilities, often brings a fresh energy to the music, and his guitar work is integral. The rhythm section – Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Oteil Burbridge – provides the foundation for the music, driving the improvisations and creating a powerful groove. Jeff Chimenti’s keyboards add texture and depth, complementing the guitar work and enhancing the overall sonic landscape. The band has expressed in interviews that the setlist selection is a collaborative process, with members suggesting songs and arrangements based on their individual strengths and the overall feeling of the group.
Venue and Location
The venue and location also play a significant role. The band often tailors the setlist to reflect the unique characteristics of the venue or the surrounding region. Playing “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo” in Mississippi is a classic example of this approach. A seaside show might inspire a nautical-themed setlist, while a performance in a historical landmark might call for more introspective and reverent selections. Weather can even play a role! If there’s a rainstorm, perhaps a rendition of “Looks Like Rain” finds its way into the set.
Tour Theme or Special Occasion
Tour themes and special occasions can also influence the setlists. Anniversaries, tributes, and other special events often lead to themed shows with specific song selections or unique arrangements. Perhaps the band will dedicate a show to a specific album, playing it in its entirety, or they might invite special guests to join them on stage, adding new layers to the music.
“The Vibe” of the Audience
The energy of the audience is a crucial, albeit intangible, factor. Seasoned concert goers have long felt that the band is in tune with the crowd’s vibes. While there’s no direct method of gauging this, the band seems responsive to the overall atmosphere of the crowd. A particularly energetic audience might inspire the band to play more uptempo numbers and engage in more extended improvisations, while a more subdued crowd might lead to a more introspective and mellow setlist.
Common Song Pairings and Transitions
Beyond individual song selections, the transitions between songs are a defining characteristic of a Dead and Company setlist. Certain pairings have become iconic, deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the Deadhead community.
“Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain” is perhaps the most well-known example, a seamless blend of melodic sweetness and fiery improvisation. “Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower” represents a journey through complex instrumental passages leading to a joyful, uplifting resolution. “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider” is another classic pairing, a whirlwind of psychedelic energy that never fails to ignite the crowd. But the beauty lies not just in the familiar pairings but in the unexpected transitions that surprise and delight the audience. The sudden shift from a mellow ballad into a high-energy rocker, or the seamless segue from a bluesy jam into a psychedelic exploration – these are the moments that truly define the Dead and Company experience. These transitions work because of musical compatibility. Keys that work well, tempo changes that invigorate, and thematic connections that deepen the song.
Fan Engagement with Setlists
The Deadhead community is famously engaged with every aspect of the music, and setlists are no exception. Online forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites buzz with pre-show predictions, post-show analyses, and lively debates about song choices.
Online Communities and Discussions
Websites like setlist.fm have become essential resources for tracking past performances, analyzing trends, and comparing setlists across different tours. Fans use these databases to predict which songs are likely to be played at upcoming shows, engaging in friendly competitions and sharing their insights with the community.
Pre-Show Predictions
Before each show, fans engage in the time-honored tradition of predicting the setlist. Some use statistical analysis, studying past setlists to identify patterns and trends. Others rely on intuition, drawing on their knowledge of the band’s musical preferences and the overall atmosphere of the tour.
Post-Show Analysis
After the show, the real fun begins. Fans dissect the setlist, analyzing the song choices, the transitions, and the overall energy of the performance. They share their personal experiences, highlighting memorable moments and debating the merits of different song selections. The setlist becomes a focal point for conversation, shaping memories and solidifying the bonds within the community.
Conclusion
Dead and Company setlists are more than just a list of songs. They are living, breathing documents that reflect the band’s creativity, the audience’s energy, and the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. The unpredictable nature of these setlists is what makes each Dead and Company show a unique and unforgettable experience, reminding us of the power of music to connect us all. The journey continues, one song at a time.
