Reflections on the Dead & Company concert I attended last weekend.
For the record, I’ve never been into the Grateful Dead or Dead & Co. I know a few songs and appreciate the longevity of the bands over the course my 58 years of life. However, my 18 year old son Owen is an old soul when it comes to all things, especially music. He’s a a huge John Mayer fan and when Mayer began playing with Bob Weir and Dead & Co., Owen was all in and therefore I began to listen to them a few years ago.
When Dead & Co announced their final tour, we tried to get tickets and couldn’t get it done. In October 2022, I was about to go to an after market ticket seller when Owen’s dad was, miraculously, caller #7 on a local radio station and won two tickets to see Dead & Co at The Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA. The child was beside himself…and looking forward to this concert got him through the doldrums of his senior year in high school.
He was going to make the trip with one of his buddies and one by one, Owen’s friends backed out due to college tours, family vacations and work schedules. Owen wanted to take the trip alone and I wasn’t down with him driving 5 hours, staying in a hotel and attending this event alone so we agreed that I would be his companion on this trip.
We hit the road a week ago today…as I said, it’s a 5 hour drive from Missoula to George. As we zipped over the two mountain passes, we listened to true crime podcasts and of course, plenty of Dead & Co. We talked about friendships changing with the start of college and the worry that things might not be the same. We talked about making adult decisions and how he might know if he’s doing the right things…we talked about making mistakes and how to get back on track. He told me how much he loves flying and how happy he is when he’s in the cockpit of the little plane he’s using to get his certification. I was grateful for every exchange we had on this trip.
The concert was amazing. The people watching, second to none. I was impressed with the quality of the music and the production. The Dead Heads received John Mayer quite well. One thing that I did not know is that the set list for this tour changes every single night. I think that’s is a sign of immense respect for the people that see the band night after night. The show is new and different every single day. I inhaled more weed than I ever have in my whole life! It was the happiest crowd I have ever been around. It was a vibe and a culture that was easy to be in.
We had a blast and I will treasure it forever. I’m actually kinda sad that this is the final tour and I’ll never experience it again.
Thanks for reading…❤️
= new reply since forum marked as read
I get it now…and I never did before. 
I’m in Missoula. Montana is weird that way…big state but not a lot of people…seems everyone knows a person or two up here. 
I’m headed out to run errands and I’ll check it out. Thanks a million. 
It was my 18 year old kiddo and me. We actually won these tickets last October on a local radio station! My son was going to take a friend but in the end, nobody that he runs with cares about Dead & Co or John Mayer and the child is deeply into both. Since his dad got to go with him to see John Mayer this past April, I got to take this road trip and we just had a blast. Lordy it was hot tho. Then again, the heat is why they grow all that food in that part of Washington. It truly was memorable. Owen, my son, is also a musician…he’s played piano since he was 6 and guitar the past few years. It’s really fun to listen to this music through a musician’s perspective.
As a side note…and maybe a question for you…and this comes from my son…he noticed that he didn’t see any person of color at The Gorge show. Looking back, I didn’t either. That venue is in a deep red part of Washington and the only POC are in service jobs. But, we’ve streamed quite a few Dead & Co shows this tour and I’ve been scanning the crowds and haven’t seen many folks of color. Not a judgement, just an observation and I’m curious about your thoughts?
I was hoping my question didn't sound judgy because I didn't intend that, by any means. We were just noticing.
I was never into the Dead when I was younger...I didn't really give them a chance but ever since my kiddo got into them, I have listened to them and have grown to really appreciate them. I'm a lyrics listener and is my son and deciphering the songs has been so much fun...kinda like a puzzle. My son is a musician, piano and guitar, with a definite bent for the blues and I think this is the attraction of Dead & Co. I know it's one of the reasons he loves John Mayer so much. I wish I had gone to more shows but it has been fun to stream them. I'm sorry its all over.
Thanks for your thoughtful response. I'll forward it to the boy for his consideration and I know he will appreciate it like I do.
As an aside, I always assumed you were a cutie pie, now you proved it 
Glad you had a great time at the show, and with the bonding, and thanks for the vids and pics. Sounds like the sound was still damn good even though you were pretty far back. 
John Mayer's a badass, I don't care what anyone says 
Last edited Fri Jul 14, 2023, 03:18 PM - Edit history (1)
I was worried my kiddo would be embarrassed to be at this show with his mom but he didn't act like it. A lot of 18 year olds wouldn't have it. That said, Owen went to see John Mayer this past April in Seattle with his dad and didn't seem to mind that either. He's a good one, that's for sure.
We were indeed pretty far back. They were grass seats and that ended up being a blessing in disguise. It was 100 degrees at show time and being a little higher up on the hill with grass under our feet was a good thing. Not to mention being able to view the panoramic views Columbia River. There were speaker towers all over the venue and that made for a wonderful sound experience with a little bit of elbow room which isn't possible on the floor.
John Mayer is indeed a badass. I was really taken with how he blended in when he should ans would shine when it was his turn. He just gets better with time.
and I regret it. I appreciate them more with each passing year. I have a good friend who could also be called a super fan...she named her daughter Aja.
I see they were at Wrigley a couple weeks ago. What a venue!!! Yay for going to concerts with our kids!
This is what I was hoping to hear from people. As a Dead newbie, I would absolutely agree that the experience is indeed a celebration of life. There were a ton of sons and daughters at The Gorge.
Good on you, dad.
and go to show after show...how do they pay for it? How do they take that much time off work? Owen and I were puzzling over it. We were in line listening to the people around us compare all the Dead & Co shows they'd been to this summer alone. It was astounding.
Yeah...the cannabis. There was so much of it and other psychedelics around. It was a sight to behold. It occurred to me that this is all part of the experience and why some people go.
On edit: The second to the last song they played was Black Muddy River. I'd never heard it before and I was slayed...I had tears in my eyes listening the the lyrics. My kiddo looks at me and says "Mama, it's a metaphor." Yeah...baby boy, I know. But I didn't say anything.
What an adventure! Glad you enjoyed it. It's good to get out of your familiar zone once in while.
Thanks for sharing some pics & video!
I didn’t even think to wear tie dye! Duh. 
Look out of place in the pictures!
i just had to log on to say thanks for that. You met my son. He and I shared a road trip back in 2014 and it was an experience I will always cherish. So I am really happy for you that you got to do that.
I was a Dead Head way back when. Saw them twice in AZ and once in Seattle. Always a memorable event. Still have my tshirt I bought from their traveling market. So much fun. Thanks for that video.
And thanks for the pictures. You look great! So glad we got to meet that one time. Maybe again, someday. Love ya. 
Happy to hear you had a similar experience with your son! There’s something about a road trip that brings on the best conversations. I, like you, am grateful for this. I hope your son is still doing artwork. He’s incredibly talented.
You still have your t-shirt? Wow! I wish I’d bought one while I was there but I didn’t…I might get one from their merch shop online. We’re planning the street their final shows in SanFrancisco. I’ll bet it’ll be amazing.
Until we meet again…or talk novels on your weekend threads. I’ll be here. Love ya back.
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