Dead & Company wrapped up their highly celebrated Dead Forever 2025 residency at the Las Vegas Sphere on Saturday night, marking their 48th lifetime performance at the revolutionary venue. The final performance served as a living retrospective, blending beloved Grateful Dead classics, covers, and heartfelt tributes to the late, great Phil Lesh.
Reflecting back on my own unforgettable evening at the Sphere on March 20, I recall the electrifying atmosphere that enveloped the arena. From the moment we entered, the Sphere's awe-inspiring technology and immersive acoustics created an unparalleled concert experience. Seated comfortably in the 200 section, my companions and I quickly felt embraced by the friendly energy of fellow concertgoers who danced, sang along passionately, and radiated genuine joy throughout the entire performance.
Having previously attended three Dead & Company concerts—my first being at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, then a fantastic night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 2022, followed by the memorable three-day "Playing in the Sand" event in Riviera Maya, Mexico, in January 2023, —this show at the Sphere held a uniquely captivating charm. The band's chemistry seemed particularly vibrant, perhaps energized by the innovative venue itself.
The evening began promptly at 7:35 pm, immediately diving into a high-energy rendition of The Spencer Davis Group’s "Gimme Some Lovin'," marking its live debut by Dead & Company. The band's enthusiasm was contagious, swiftly setting the tone for a lively evening. Classic Grateful Dead songs such as "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo," "Bertha," and "New Speedway Boogie" followed, each resonating deeply with the crowd. "Brown-Eyed Women" and "Good Lovin'" further amplified the exuberant mood before the set concluded energetically with "Don't Ease Me In."
The second set commenced with an immersive "Feel Like a Stranger," seamlessly transitioning into crowd favorites "Scarlet Begonias" and "Fire on the Mountain," the latter highlighted by Mickey Hart's spirited rap. The ethereal "Terrapin Station" segued masterfully into a captivating "Drums" session, featuring Mickey Hart's mesmerizing performance on the balafon. As "Space" unfolded, the Sphere's visual technology perfectly complemented the band's experimental sonic exploration.
The rendition of "Standing on the Moon" provided a tender moment before "Althea" re-energized the crowd. The timeless anthem "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad" sparked enthusiastic participation, culminating beautifully in Bob Dylan’s poignant "Knockin' on Heaven’s Door."
A moving tribute video featuring Phil Lesh, "Dead Forever," brought emotional depth to the evening, leading directly into an exuberant finale with "Touch of Grey." The show concluded at 11:15 pm, leaving us all with a profound sense of gratitude and joyful reflection.
As Dead & Company closed this chapter at the Sphere, the evening symbolized not just the end of an era but a powerful celebration of their enduring musical legacy and community spirit. It was truly a night I'll cherish forever.
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