Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Soldier Field may have always felt like a second home for San Francisco Bay’s Grateful Dead, but when it comes Dead & Company, Wrigley Field is shaping up to be their primary stomping grounds around town.

Yet no matter the venue or the line-up descended from the act that literally began the entire jam band movement, the psychedelic spirit that started well over fifty years ago remains intact with no end to the long, strange trip in sight.

In fact, there’s already another chance to catch co-founding Grateful Dead guitarist/vocalist Bob Weir and drummer Mickey Hart, alongside Company newcomers John Mayer (guitar/vocals), Oteil Burbridge (bass/percussion/vocals), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards) and Jay Lane (drums), subbing for injured original Bill Kreutzmann, at Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 25 in what’s sure to be entirely different from another winner of an opener.

Considering the core trio’s ages range from 74 to 78, it might be wise to catch the group sooner than later, though when it came to the performance that stretched across two sets and nearly three hours, they showed little signs of wear or tear.

A case in point came when Dead & Company arrived ready to reach the furthest bleacher with “Man Smart (Woman Smarter),” standing in solidarity for woman’s rights and seeming to find common ground with the clapping and toasting masses.

Everyone kept on locking into the groove come “Eyes Of The World” and “Bertha,” while Junior Parker’s “Next Time You See Me” and Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” (with a coda of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude”) were also welcome additions that traced back to a rich lineage of both soulful and bluesy interests.

After an impassioned “Althea” and the intermission, the second half was greeted by sunset, which meant the start of a mammoth light show, along with the topical “Throwing Stones,” echoing earlier commentaries with striking images of protests and a modified version of the iconic lightning bolt skull in support of personal choice.

The players also joyfully worked their way around Dead delights “Brown-Eyed Woman,” “Estimated Prophet,” “Dark Star” and “Truckin,’” plus renditions of Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home” and Miles Davis’ “All Blues.”

Though it’s always up for grabs what Dead & Company will play, the ever-evolving “Drums” battle that leads into the trippy “Space” served as the sole constant, adapting world rhythms, electronic beats and the cosmic interplay of Hart, Lane, Burbridge and a surprise cameo by Kreutzmann.

The set was also stocked with “Cumberland Blues,” “Stella Blue” and The Crickets’ “Not Fade Away” (with another cameo from the sidelined beat keeper), ensuring a mixture of surprises and staples that were more than enough to keep the cross-generational crowd flying high as they continue down the golden road to unlimited devotion.

For additional information on Dead & Company, visit DeadAndCompany.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Wrigley Field include Dead & Company (Jun. 25); Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe (Jul. 8); Zac Brown Band (Jul. 9); Chris Stapleton (Jul. 23); Lady Gaga (Aug. 15) and The Lumineers (Sept. 3). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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