Grateful Dead – Fare Thee Well Chicago, Soldier Field

It was a beautiful day in Chicago, and everything in the general area of Soldier Field was prepared for the beginning of the final concerts celebrating the Grateful Dead.  From street signage, music in hotels, the “Everything Is Dead” decorations at the Field Museum, to the stadium outright, it was clear Chicago was welcoming The Grateful Dead.

The show was fantastic, and it was apparent the band had read some of the open letters commenting on what the fans would do different after the Santa Clara shows.  They seemed to listen to fan advice, as singing duties were shared more (Trey Anastasio sang lead on “Bertha”, “Scarlet Begonias”, and “Help On The Way”), instruments were heard better (Bruce Hornsby sounded particularly excellent during “Crazy Fingers” and “Franklin’s Tower”), and the original band members were able to truly shine doing their hallmark songs (Phil Lesh’s opening “Box of Rain” was beautiful, Bob Weir was phenomenal with the unexpected “Passenger”).  To hear 80K fans all singing “Ripple” together at the same time is one for the memory books.  Next up Fourth of July, tonight!!

Setlist

Set One: Box Of Rain, Jack Straw, Bertha > Passenger, The Wheel > Crazy Fingers > The Music Never Stopped

Set Two: Mason’s Children > Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Drums > Space > New Potato Caboose > Playing In The Band > Let It Grow > Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin’s Tower

Encore: Ripple