Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Debuts Sizzling Supremes & Eddie Cochran Covers In Hampton Beach

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead wrapped a two-night stand at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire on Friday. The Grateful Dead tribute act dipped into the catalogs of Motown legends The Supremes and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Eddie Cochran.

The concert got underway with Tom Petty’s “Time to Move On,” which JRAD debuted last summer, as per AlmostDead.net. The band then segued into Grateful Dead’s “Cumberland Blues.” JRAD then went seamless for “Estimated Prophet,” “Dark Star” (one verse) and “The Other One.”

Set two launched with a pairing of Workingman’s Dead, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan-sung cut “Easy Wind” followed by part two of Bob Weir’s “Weather Report Suite,” “Let It Grow.” Psychedelic Dead classic “St. Stephen” followed.

From the Aoxomoxoa opener, JRAD transitioned powerfully into The Supremes’ 1966 hit “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” following a smoking solo from guitarist Tom Hamilton, who also led a sing-along on the tune written by the renowned Motown songwriting team of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland.

The band then headed into the Jerry Garcia Band cut “Reuben and Cherise” and wrapped the set with “Throwing Stones,” the latter sung by guitarist Scott Metzger. Watch the “Hangin’ On” > “R&C” and “Throwing Stones” sequence below:

For the encore, JRAD returned to unveil another new cover, Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues.” Hamilton led the 1958 hit with bassist Dave Dreiwitz singing the part of the parents, boss and congressman, much to the delight of the audience. Keyboardist Marco Benevento added rock ‘n’ roll piano accents while drummer Joe Russo went wild on Keith Moon-esque fills (The Who covered “Summertime Blues”). Watch the rollicking performance:

Catch JRAD this summer. Scroll down for tour routing and ticket info.