While Dead and Company’s second show at Fenway with the acoustic “Dark Star” was probably the show of the summer, their first night at Fenway was quite outstanding as well.

John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti all may be new blood in the Dead’s line-up, but they’ll never forget where they came from. On 6/17/1972, founding member of the Grateful Dead, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan played his last show. On the anniversary of Pigpen’s last show, Dead and Co paid tribute to the old bluesman with “Big Boss Man” and a picture of him on the big screens.

John blew everyone away on “Sugaree” as usual. His guitar jams always seem to reach a new place and give you that “wow” feeling. On viewing Mayer’s evolution in Dead & Co, one Redditor put it best on the setlist thread:

2015 John: I want to take this solo to some freaky places. 2015 Bob: Slow that roll kid.
2016 John: I want to take this solo to some freaky places. 2016 Bob: Take a few steps, but stay where I can see you.
2017 John: I’m taking this solo to some freaky places. 2017 Bob: I’ll keep up.

Other highlights include “Eyes of the World” and the “Eyes of the World” reprise after “Drums” and “Space.” Two of the more tragic and beautiful tunes the Dead released in their last years include “Black Muddy River” and “Standing on the Moon”: Fenway was treated to both on Saturday night.

Set 1
Music never stopped
Cold rain and snow
Me and my Uncle
Big Boss Man
Ramble on Rose
Sugaree
Passenger

Set 2
Dancin’ in the Streets
Help on the Way >
Slipknot! >
Estimated Prophet >
Eyes of the Word >
Jam >
Drums >
Space >
Eyes reprise >
I need a Miracle >
Standing on the Moon >
Franklins Tower

Encores:
Black Muddy River
One more Saturday Night

Thanks to nickspicks for the great recording!