Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Welcomes Stuart Bogie & Offers Debuts At Red Rocks

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead returned to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on Thursday night for a sold-out concert that saw the band joined by multi-instrumentalist Stuart Bogie. Bogie, who sat-in with the group during their last run as well, added flute, clarinet, saxophone and other instruments to the action, which included a mashup of “First Tube” by Phish and the Grateful Dead’s “Terrapin Station.”

Last night’s show began with the JRAD debut of “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road” by the Beatles. The quintet and their guest performed the song in the style of the Grateful Dead, who played The White Album track a handful of times between 1984 and 1986. Next up was a rare rendition of “Foolish Heart,” sung with gusto by Tom Hamilton. Almost Dead took “Foolish Heart” deep to the point it was tough to distinguish what song the jam came from. A nicely expanded “Shakedown Street” came next that saw drummer Joe Russo and bassist Dave Dreiwitz kick into the beat and bass line of “First Tube.” Hamilton slickly worked in teases of “Terrapin Station” before the band returned to the main “First Tube” theme. After a runs through the theme, JRAD and Bogie landed on the final portion of “Terrapin” to the delight of the crowd.

First Tube/Terrapin

Guitarist Scott Metzger had a turn in the spotlight from a romp through Chuck Berry’s “Around & Around” and then the group presented an inspired version of the ballad “Wharf Rat.” JRAD and their guest toyed with dynamics throughout the night, at some points thrashing at full speed while at others playing with a delicate touch. Both approaches were used in “Wharf Rat.” For the finale of the first set, Metzger led his mates through “Hell In A Bucket.”

JRAD took their time building into the start of the “Bird Song” that opened Thursday’s second set. Bogie, Metzger and Hamilton each took sublime solos over the course of the 23+ minute opener. The band then dropped into “Feel Like A Stranger” and took the jam deep before transitioning into “Cats Under The Stars.” Almost Dead debuted “Cats Under The Stars” on November 11, 2017 and have played the Jerry Garcia Band staple 17 times since. The quintet’s familiarity with the song paid dividends as they delivered an extremely tight version of the tune in which the group expertly filled in the nooks and crannies of each segment.

Metzger had another turn leading the band next on a potent cover of Bob Dylan’s “Tell Me, Momma.” A huge treat followed as Bogie and JRAD unveiled an instrumental rendition of Jane’s Addiction’s “Mountain Song.” The set then came a close with a triumphant “I Know You Rider.” The band returned to the stage to deliver a gorgeous rendition of “Brokedown Palace” as the evening’s encore.

Pro-Shot Videos

Why Don’t We Do It In The Road

Bird Song

Full Show Audio (Taped by Jeff Travitz)