What new visual elements were introduced during Dead & Company’s second night at the Sphere? How did the musicianship on this night compare to the first? Were there any significant changes to the setlist from Night 1 to Night 2, and what unique experiences did fans report?
Las Vegas is filled with even-better-off Deadheads, now that Dead & Company has played the second night of its second Sphere residency, captivating multi-night attendees with a show that added many fresh visuals not seen on opening night, as well as what many on hand were describing as an even more intense performance, and maybe even one of the band’s best.
Anyone who thought that the group was showing off all its new video tricks on night 1 was mistaken. Night 2 had a good number of freshly premiering visual setpieces spread across Friday’s three-and-a-half hours, along with the return of some familiar elements from the initial 2024 Sphere run that were missing from Thursday night’s first show. What’s clear is that co-creative director John Mayer has been busy overseeing new content for the 2025 show, only a portion of which attendees will see on any given single night during the run.
Two of the video additions in Friday night’s show count as major ones. One accompanied the 13-minute-plus version of “Uncle John’s Band” that started off the second set: a backdrop of hundred-feet-tall dancers getting their groove on behind the group, by themselves or with each other, behind the pint-sized players. Eventually, the dancers’ feet left whatever counted as the ground in this situation, and they swam and/or flew across the massive oval screen, in what you could almost believe was a euphoric real-time response to some of Mayer’s more fevered soloing.
The other major addition was a giant digital tapestry that moved slowly up or down the giant canvas behind the Dead, with surreal animation that had more wealth of detail than the naked eye could take in, even over the course of an extended Dead jam. It was faintly reminiscent of the most ornate assemblage that U2 put up during its own premiere engagement at Sphere — in this case, a vaguely circus-themed tableau that had, among other elements, dozens of coffins containing Uncle Sams being dropped through long tubes and turned into compost as they reached the bottom of the screen.
Night 2 also offered a fresh addendum to an existing favorite piece of animation: their signature skeleton’s wild chopper ride. After Uncle Sam got on the motorcycle, as previously seen on every night of both residencies, there was an edit, and then a cut right to the skeletal avatar driving around a neon cartoon rendering of the streets of Las Vegas. On the previous night, Uncle Sam’s full trip got cut off right when the song did, as the icon arrived in Sin City; this cut went on for minutes beyond that.
There were other less high-concept additions, like a simple green-laser-like portrayal of the band’s signature dancing bear in what the curved screen managed to make appear to be a room with corners. But there was also the removal of some setpieces that had premiered on Night 1 — most notably, the recreation of the back cover of “From the Mars Hotel” that was such a visual highlight on Friday.
Deadheads who bought tickets for an entire weekend’s worth of shows are no doubt feeling more justified in that decision, given how there will likely be unique visual content across all three nights at this point, in addition to the musical setlists consisting of no-repeat weekends.
Visuals aside, Friday’s performance was immediately hailed by some fans as one of the better ones in the 10 years since Dead & Company formed 10 years ago, out of the long-lingering ashes of the Grateful Dead. On Thursday night, reactions had been a bit more measured, with Variety‘s own review saying that the opening set was a bit heavy on basic boogie material, but the second set was the band at its most expansive and brilliant. Friday night’s show was structured very differently, especially in the first half, which found some jazz-fusion-type jams happening much earlier in the performance. And from the elevators to the fan boards, nearly all reactions seemed to be in agreement that the show was on fire from the very beginning of the first set through the finale.
Comments on Reddit included remarks like: “Top 5 D&C shows ever” (from a user named “toastypoopdog,” so take that for what you will), “What a smoker of a show,” “It was fucking beautiful,” and “This was a certified heater. Haven’t heard them play that well in ages.” In the San Jose Mercury News, critic Jim Harrington reviewed the show under the headline “Dead & Company bounced back with vastly superior Night 2 show,” saying “the musicianship was so stellar that even the high-flying Sphere graphics took a backseat to the band itself (and no, that doesn’t happen often at the Sphere).”
Although most of the set was familiar to fans, there was one number that had not been played by Dead & Company before: a premiere cover of Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally.” It is not without precedent in Dead offshoot lore, though, as it had been played many times by the Jerry Garcia Band.
A couple of other aberrations: While Mickey Hart’s “Drums” segment is usually followed by all of the non-percussive instrumentalists returning to the stage for a brief, quiet, ambient jam, on Friday night, fans were delighted by something more off the beaten track, as Oteil Burbridge reclaimed the stage, alone, for several minutes of pure bass solo.
And while the “touching down in Haight Ashbury” moment near the end of the second set had on Thursday served as a surprise tribute to the late Phil Lesh — with his animated silhouette appearing alone in the second-floor window, and voiceover from a Lesh interview — that was apparently a one-night-only homage. In Friday’s show, that bit returned to how it was in all of the previous year’s show, with newsreel voiceover and the full band’s shadows in the window.
Setlist for Dead & Company at Sphere, Las Vegas, March 21, 2025:
Set 1
Cold Rain and Snow
Shakedown Street
Cumberland Blues
Lay Down Sally
Tennessee Jed
Sugaree
Set 2
Uncle John’s Band
Estimated Prophet
Eyes of the World
St. Stephen
Drums
Space
Oteil Solo Jam
Wharf Rat
U.S. Blues
Throwing Stones
Casey Jones
Dead & Company Add Fresh Content, Soar Higher on Night 2 at Sphere
In the world of live music, there’s always a palpable sense of anticipation and wonder that accompanies a concert, particularly when it’s a group as storied and beloved as Dead & Company. The band, comprising former members of the Grateful Dead alongside a remarkable ensemble of contemporary musicians, has long been celebrated for their ability to reinvent and revitalize classic songs while producing fresh content that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences alike. When the band kicked off their second consecutive night at the avant-garde Sphere venue in Las Vegas, they did just that, soaring above expectations and delivering an unforgettable experience that showcased their growth as performers.
The Sphere, with its unique architectural design and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, creates an immersive environment that enhances the concert experience. This arena, unlike any other, features an exterior wrapped in high-definition LED screens capable of showcasing dynamic visuals that pull the audience into a multi-sensory experience. For Dead & Company’s fans, this was not just a concert; it was a journey through the band’s expansive musical universe, made even more vibrant and engaging by the Sphere’s mesmerizing displays.
As the lights dimmed and the first notes reverberated through the space, the energy in the room was palpable. The opening set on Night 2 showcased a balance between their beloved classics and relatively new offerings. The band opened with “Shakedown Street,” a crowd favorite known for its infectious groove and lyrical nostalgia, immediately drawing cheers from the audience. The performance was electric, with John Mayer’s guitar work effortlessly navigating the intricate melodies, while Bob Weir and Oteil Burbridge punctuated the tune with rich harmonies that set the tone for an incredible evening.
What set this performance apart from others was not just the songs chosen but how the band approached each piece, sprinkling in spontaneous improvisations and fresh interpretations that surprised and delighted avid followers of the Dead. The chemistry among the band members was palpable, as they leaned into each other, feeding off one another’s energy and creativity. The seamless transitions between songs and the extended jams felt like a conversation between friends, a hallmark of the Grateful Dead legacy that continues to resonate through Dead & Company.
The setlist for Night 2 included a stunning blend of fan favorites and welcomed surprises. Alongside classics like “Scarlet Begonias” and “Fire on the Mountain,” the band introduced newer songs from their latest album, “The Final Farewell.” Tracks like “Alive Again” and “The Other Side of the Coin,” which showcase their evolution as a musical unit, were met with applause and enthusiasm from both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. This willingness to incorporate fresh content into their catalog speaks to their artistry and adaptability, ensuring that every concert remains unpredictable and exciting.
Midway through their performance, the band took a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary venue and audience. Mayer, with his charismatic presence, expressed gratitude, noting how special it was to perform in such a cutting-edge environment. This personal touch helped bridge the connection between the artists and their fans, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Dead & Company experience.
The night reached new heights with a breathtaking rendition of “Terrapin Station.” This song, a lyrical tapestry woven with emotion and complexity, showcased the band’s ability to meld psychedelic rock with poignant storytelling. The Sphere’s advanced visual displays synchronized brilliantly with the music, accentuating the rich imagery in the lyrics. As the instruments soared and entwined, fans were transported to a place where time melted away; it was a moment of shared bliss, a true testament to the band’s enduring legacy.
As the evening drew to a close, the final notes of “Touch of Grey” echoed through the Sphere. A song that encapsulates both resilience and hope, it served as a fitting conclusion to a night filled with celebration and camaraderie. As the band took their bows, the energy in the room was palpable—an acknowledgment of the journey they had just shared together.
Dead & Company’s ability to add fresh content while honoring their roots speaks not only to their musical prowess but also to their understanding of what makes live music special. Each concert becomes a living, breathing entity—a tapestry woven with the threads of improvisation, nostalgia, and innovative artistry. Night 2 at the Sphere was a shining example of this ethos, leaving fans exhilarated and already eagerly anticipating their next performance.
In a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, Dead & Company remind us of the power of music to unite and uplift, creating moments that resonate long after the final curtain falls. As they continue to push the boundaries of their sound and performance, one thing remains clear: the spirit of the Grateful Dead is alive and well, soaring higher than ever before.
Dead & Company delivered an electrifying performance during their second night at the Sphere, showcasing fresh content that captivated the audience. The band’s ability to blend classic tunes with new interpretations thrilled long-time fans and newcomers alike. Each member brought their unique style to the stage, creating a dynamic atmosphere that energized the crowd. The visuals and acoustics of the Sphere amplified the experience, making it a memorable night for all attendees. Overall, the performance highlighted the band’s ongoing evolution while honoring their roots.