Thankful the Music never stopped...Dead and Co.

November 26, 2015

Music City USA (Nashville, TN)

Story By Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

Photos By Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It's Thanksgiving Day and I am Grateful. It's been 20 years since Jerry died and yet I just saw and photographed a band that had me dancing like I was still a 16 year old kid at the old Filmore. While the Grateful Dead as we knew ceased to exist that sad day in August, 1995, the remaining members have kept the music alive for us. Furthur, The Dead, The Other Ones, Ratdog, Phil and friends, The Rythem Devils, Billy and the Kids, The Mickey Hart Band, and now Dead and Co.

It was a rainy cold day in Nashville, yet as the night drew near, the rain stopped and we were treated to sunset light show. The lots were raging, the family circus had come to town, miracle fingers in the air, et al.

Inside Dead and Co., the latest incarnation of the Grateful Dead took the stage. Sitting in for Jerry is John Mayer, an unlikely yet fortunate choice in a long line of guitarslingers. Fortunate in that John brings a spark to the show, the catalyst that makes this band burn bright. Those that were there and heard the Monster Viola Lee or that bone shaking China Cat know what I mean. Yet without Bobby, Mickey, Billy it would not be the “Dead”, Jeffie on the keys, and Otiel dropping bombs. Yes it was a family show where...”So the kids they dance, they shake their bones”

And so I am Thankful and Grateful on this Thanksgiving day 2015.