Oteil Burbridge Reflects On Dead & Company Sphere Residency Experience

Shortly after taking the final bow of Dead & Company’s 30-date Dead Forever residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, bassist Oteil Burbridge shared thoughts regarding his experience. Burbridge posted a heartfelt message on social media, describing his feelings about the run celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead.

Dead Forever spanned 10 non-consecutive weekends of three-night runs at the technologically enhanced venue. The residency began on May 16 and concluded on August 10. Dead & Company was the third band to perform at the Sphere following U2 and Phish.

Dead Forever was the first time Dead & Co. performed in concert after they completed what was billed as The Final Tour in July 2023. With no future concerts scheduled, the next time the band, which includes Burbridge alongside Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir and drummer Mickey Hart, along with guitarist John Mayer, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and drummer Jay Lane, will perform a show together remains in question.

“I can never say that my best days are behind me,” Burbridge’s Sphere message began. “The Final Tour last year taught me that yet again. I hardly believed that we could ever top what we did then. But then along came the Sphere.”

The bassist went on to express gratitude for being brought into the experience. He reflected on longtime Deadheads and what the Sphere brought to their personal show-going histories. Burbridge also thanked his bandmates, their crew and families for supporting the Dead Forever residency.

“I can hardly imagine how we would ever top this!,” wrote Burbridge. “But something new always comes up with the sun.”

Burbridge will soon focus on a run of Oteil & Friends shows taking place in September. Read his full reflection on Dead & Company’s Dead Forever Sphere residency below:

“I can never say that my best days are behind me. The Final Tour last year taught me that yet again. I hardly believed that we could ever top what we did then. But then along came the Sphere.

“I can’t imagine what the Sphere must have been like for the eldest of our Deadhead family. The ones who remember seeing the Dead in those legendary venues on those very early dates! What a long wondrous strange trip it still is.

“I could never find the words to describe how grateful I am to be a part of this story and this family. I can hardly imagine how we would ever top this! But something new always comes up with the sun.

“Thanks to all of the band, crew and families for making this run a part of the legend. You know our love will not fade away.”