Dead & Company Debuts ‘High Time’ At Hollywood Bowl

Dead & Company dug deep into the Grateful Dead’s catalog on Monday at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and delivered a gorgeous debut version of “High Time.” Bassist Oteil Burbridge handled lead vocals on the second addition to the D&C repertoire of the summer following “Mama Tried” on opening night.

The band came out of the gates with a John Mayer-sung “Cold Rain & Snow,” which led into a throbbing “Hell In A Bucket” and bluesy “Easy Wind.” Mayer shined on the latter, a relic from the Ron “Pigpen” McKernan era written by Robert Hunter. Dead & Company continued with a swampy “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo” and the aforementioned “High Time.” The Workingman’s Dead dirge was perfect for Oteil’s voice and the D&C tempo. Next up was “Jack Straw” and the improvisational highlight of the night, a soaring “Bird Song.” A quick romp through “Don’t Ease Me In” brought the first set to a close.

Bob Weir was showcased to start the second set in belting out “Iko Iko” and “New Speedway Boogie.” The latter bled into a “Sugaree” containing a jaw-dropping Mayer solo. A particularly slow-paced “Help On The Way” then led into its typical partners of “Slipknot!” and “Franklin’s Tower” ahead of “Drums” and “Space.” The Rhythm Devils’ workshop and the instrumentalists’ psychedelic foray were followed by the tender “Stella Blue.” The frame concluded with “Not Fade Away” and Dead & Company took “Terrapin Station” for a spin as the evening’s encore.

Fan-Shot Videos Captured by Still Dead

High Time

Terrapin Station

Stella Blue