Dead & Company Light Up the Sphere: A Night to Remember
Leave a commentMay 13, 2025 by Jay Minkin
The iconic Sphere in Las Vegas became a vessel for cosmic exploration as Dead & Company delivered a soul-stirring performance that will linger in the hearts of fans for years to come. The legendary jam band, carrying on the Grateful Dead’s profound legacy, brought both nostalgia and fresh energy to the state-of-the-art venue, creating a mesmerizing blend of past and present.
Set One: A Journey Through Classics The night kicked off with a lively rendition of “Man Smart, Woman Smarter” (King Radio cover), instantly energizing the crowd. The momentum kept building as the band seamlessly transitioned into “Eyes of the World,” reminding everyone of the Grateful Dead’s timeless ability to connect souls through music. A visually stunning moment occurred as the Sphere’s immersive video began with a street view of the iconic Haight-Ashbury home, slowly zooming out into space, perfectly complementing the song’s expansive feel. The first set also featured a heartfelt “Deal” (Jerry Garcia cover) and an uplifting take on The Band’s “The Weight,” smoothly blending into the ambitious “Terrapin Station.” Finishing the set with the fan-favorite “Bertha,” the band left the audience buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.
Set Two: A Sonic Odyssey After a brief intermission, the band returned with the roaring energy of “Hell in a Bucket,” setting the tone for a captivating second act. The seamless segue from “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider” showcased the group’s signature blend of improvisation and precision. A stunning trio of “Help on the Way,” “Slipknot!,” and “Row Jimmy” unfolded like a musical tapestry, weaving intricate melodies and rhythmic interplay.
As expected from a Dead & Company show, the iconic “Drums” and “Space” segments took the audience on a cosmic journey, with ambient textures vibrating through the Sphere’s immersive soundscape. A surprise cover of Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” interlaced with hints of “My Favorite Things,” showcased the band’s creative spirit and nod to musical influences. The magic continues as “Brokedown Palace” brought the journey full circle, with the visuals slowly transitioning from space back to the Haight-Ashbury street view seen earlier, grounding the experience in nostalgia and reflection.
A Bittersweet Farewell The encore of “One More Saturday Night” (Bob Weir song) brought the night to a triumphant close, with fans reveling in the communal joy that only a Dead & Company show can inspire. As the final notes faded, it was clear that this performance was not just a concert but an experience—a celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of the Grateful Dead.
Dead & Company’s night at the Sphere was nothing short of legendary—a magical convergence of old favorites, innovative covers, and spontaneous jams that reaffirmed why they continue to be a beloved force in the live music scene.
🎶 Setlist – March 29, 2025
Set 1:
Man Smart, Woman Smarter (King Radio cover)
Eyes of the World
Deal (Jerry Garcia cover)
The Weight (The Band cover)
Terrapin Station
Bertha
Set 2:
Hell in a Bucket
China Cat Sunflower → I Know You Rider
Help on the Way → Slipknot! → Row Jimmy
Drums → Space
A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (Bob Dylan cover, with elements of “My Favorite Things”)
Shakedown Street
Brokedown Palace
Encore:
One More Saturday Night












