photo: Chloe Weir

Last evening, Dead & Company closed out their three-night stand at Sphere. This represents the first of six weeks that the band will appear at the Las Vegas venue. These shows have featured new video elements and the band continues to revise its setlists as well.

The performance kicked off with Bob Weir on vocals for staple “New Minglewood Blues.” Then the band offered up a stand-alone “Franklin’s Tower,” which opened things up for a second-set nod to the late Phil Lesh. Other early highlights included a version of “Jack Straw” that led into “Big Railroad Blues,” as well as a “Deal” closer.

The second frame began with a spirited move from “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider.” “Help On The Way” followed and segued into “Slipknot” but then rather than the standard “Franklin’s,” the group performed “He’s Gone.” This served as a precursor to the evening’s encore, “Box of Rain,” a Dead & Co. rarity, which the band performed for the first time since Lesh’s passing on October 25. The song was preceded by a video tribute to Lesh.

Dead & Company returns to Sphere on Thursday, March 27.

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist

Saturday, March 22, Sphere, Las Vegas

Set I: New Minglewood Blues, Franklin’s Tower, Jack Straw > Big Railroad Blues, Cassidy, Deal

Set II: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Help On The Way > Slipknot > He’s Gone, Drums > Space > Stella Blue > Playing in the Band > Morning Dew

E: Box Of Rain