PICS: Dead and Company at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre

Calling all Deadheads: Dead & Company stormed Chula Vista's Mattress Firm Amphitheatre on July 6

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Dead & Company is partially comprised of former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir (guitar, right), Mickey Hart (drums) and Bill Kreutzmann (drums, middle).
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Connie Bolger
Its other members include John Mayer (guitar), Oteil Burbridge (bass) and Jeff Chimenti (keyboards).
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Connie Bolger
The band got its unassuming beginnings in 2015 when Mayer met Weir during Mayer's stint guest-hosting “The Late Late Show.”
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Connie Bolger
Weir was the musical guest and invited Mayer (pictured) to join him in his studio performance.
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Mayer had said in prior interviews that he had been listening to Pandora radio at one point in 2011 and stumbled upon a Grateful Dead song. The band became the only music he wanted to play. (Burbridge pictured)
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Connie Bolger
After Mayer’s performance with Weir, they had created a unique musical bond. Mayer went home and began practicing the Grateful Dead’s large catalog of songs.
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Connie Bolger
Meanwhile, Weir, Hart and Kreutzmann were prepping with other Grateful Dead members for the band’s 50th anniversary shows (affectionately titled “Fare Thee Well”). After those shows, Dead & Company was officially formed.
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Connie Bolger
Phil Lesh, the original bassist for the Grateful Dead, declined to join the band. Phish’s Mike Gordon had auditioned to be the band’s bass player but ultimately had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts.
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After one huge show on Oct. 31, 2015 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the band announced a full tour.
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Connie Bolger
Both Mayer and Weir have expressed great enthusiasm for the project -- both stating they can’t see an end to it, maybe ever. They've toured together every year since 2015 (twice in 2017).
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Connie Bolger
The band's first set on July 6 (according to setlist.fm) included: "Hell in a Bucket," "Big Boss Man" (Jimmy Reed cover), "Tennessee Jed," "Row Jimmy," "Friend of the Devil," "Bird Song" into "Loose Lucy" back into "Bird Song."
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Connie Bolger
Their second set consisted of: "Mr. Charlie," "Truckin'," "New Speedway Boogie," "Estimated Prophet," "Shakedown Street," "Drums," "Space," "I Need a Miracle," "Dear Prudence" (Beatles cover) and "U.S. Blues."
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Connie Bolger
Their final song and rousing encore was a cover of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."
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