Dave Matthews Band Begins Farewell Run At The Gorge

The Dave Matthews Band began their last run of shows for at least a year on Friday night at The Gorge in George, Washington. Just as Phish has a long tradition of spending Labor Day weekend at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in George, Washington, DMB spends the weekend at The Gorge. Last night’s show saw the band joined by a long-time collaborator for three songs.

If past DMB runs at the Gorge hold true it’s likely we won’t see any repeats over the course of the three shows. As such, Matthews and his band dug a little deeper than usual on Friday. The group opened with “The Best Of What’s Around,” marking the first time since July 3, 2013 DMB kicked off a show with the tune. Next up was “Big Eyed Fish,” which had gone missing for ten shows. Later in the 18-song main set the band brought out Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Carlos Malta.

Malta first sat-in with the Dave Matthews Band back in 2008 and last night marked his 10th time sharing the stage with the group. Carlos contributed to “What Would You Say,” “Lover Lay Down” and “Recently.” “Lover Lay Down” hadn’t been performed since July 22, a span of 14 shows, and had only been played one other time this tour. The evening came to a close with Dave, Carter Beauford and Tim Reynolds delivering a trio “Oh” before the rest of the band emerged to help out on a cover of “All Along The Watchtower.” DMB returns to The Gorge on Saturday night.