Rhino/WMG have released a new live cut of Bob Weir and the Campfire Band performing “Peggy-O,” the classic folk song the Grateful Dead arranged into a standard of their own. Recorded at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre on October 10, 2016, the live “Peggy-O” will appear on the forthcoming Blue Mountain 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, which is slated for release on November 20.
A choice moment from a particularly guest-heavy show, the October 10, 2016, version of “Peggy-O” features surprise turns by The National’s Matt Berninger on vocals and John Mayer on electric guitar. Throughout his fall 2016 solo run, Weir’s Campfire Band also included Steve Kimock, Jon Shaw, Josh Kaufman and The National rhythm section of bassist Scott Devendorf and drummer Bryan Devendorf. Kaufman, who produced Blue Mountain, played Wurlitzer electric piano on “Peggy-O” while Shaw appeared on mandolin. The National also included their take on the Dead’s version of “Peggy-O” on the Day of the Dead tribute album.
Blue Mountain 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition features both unreleased recordings from the Blue Mountain studio sessions and live performances from Weir’s fall 2016 Campfire Tour. “Peggy-O” arrives on the heels of the previously unreleased studio recording “The Ground Don’t Want Me,” which also boasts Mayer—who did not appear on the original Blue Mountain album—on guitar.
“Having the chance to work intimately with Bobby Weir on his album Blue Mountain was a dream for me. He was so open throughout the process, and his collaborative spirit was on full display at every session and with every musician we brought into the fold,” Kaufman said in statement. “Working on this 10-year anniversary edition has really brought me back to that feeling…Here’s to you Ace! Thanks for the adventures and the music.”
