New Concert Review: The Dead, Charlottesville

I went to see The Dead this past Wednesday at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA. When we got there all of the parking lots were completely full, typical of the deadhead lot scene. This is my favorite part of coming to these types of shows because I felt like I was at a festival again because everywhere you looked there were vendors set up selling tapestries, shirts, jewelry etc and girls with flowers in their hair dancing around (me and my roomated included). Not to mention the ever present drum circles and jam sessions that were going on at various places around each lot. The “lot scene” gave me a good inclination of how good the concert would be, and at that time it was looking promising. The only thing that could have dampered the mood was the constant rain, but that obviosuly didn’t deter anybody from having a good time. 

It was nice to walk around and hear all the original deadheads talking about their encounters with Jerry and the amazing shows they saw when they were traveling across the country back in the 70’s following the band. This is what I like the most about these type of concerts. No matter where you are from or who you are everybody is willing and open to share their experiences, past and present. By the time the concert is over you have made more friends then on a Saturday night at a college party.  

The Dead came out at about 8:00 to an uproar of cheers from the crowd. They started off with New Speedway Boogie, which happens to be my roomate’s and my favorite song (yes, there is a story behind it). The rest of the set included Bertha, Playin In The Band, St. Stephen, Mississippi Half-Step and others. Although the show was a good time, it did not feel like The Grateful Dead to me. I know not having Jerry there was a huge factor, but the playing styles were different as well. I am used to the hippy, jammy type Grateful Dead, but during this show Phil seemed to be trying out some new progressive, rock style and it just wasn’t for me. Although I wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be with the show, it was still amazing to see not only the remaining members of my favorite band, but living legends and musical geniuses. I know they tried to recreate the “dead experience” as best as they could and I give props to Warren Haynes for trying to fill a void that was simply impossible, but all in all Jerry was definitly there in spirit looking down with a guitar in his hand and a smile on his face. Peace and love.