Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Plays Rare ‘U.S. Blues’ In Boston

Following an August Colorado swing, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead returned to the East Coast for a concert in Boston on Thursday to kick off a Northeast run. The Grateful Dead tribute act delivered a rare cover of “U.S. Blues” during the show at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.

JRAD’s intro jam saw the band going from whispered twang to full-tilt boogie in four minutes before dropping into the GD-covered “Don’t Ease Me In,” which they tagged with a Pink Floyd “Pigs” jam. The traditional Dead pairing of “Lost Sailor” and “Saint of Circumstance” followed ahead of the aforementioned “U.S. Blues.”

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead last performed the From The Mars Hotel cut in 2024 and have played it sporadically across their 13-year career. After a rollicking rendition of “U.S. Blues,” JRAD delved into a vibey jam that bled into “Playing In The Band.” The Grateful Dead’s biggest hit, “Touch Of Grey,” sealed set one.

Set two got underway with another Grateful Dead hit, 1970’s “Truckin’.” JRAD toyed with “The Other One” and “I Need A Miracle” motifs during the improvisation, which stretched the song to around 15 minutes.

Dead classics “China Cat Sunflower” and “Eyes Of The World” followed with the band exploring “Eyes” including a touch on The Beatles' “Hey Bulldog.” The band kept building the improv with a sprawling rendition of Martha Reeves and The Vandellas’ “Dancing In The Street,” a 70s staple cover for GD.

Another rarity arrived in the form of country-folk standard “Long Black Veil” ahead of a pair of heavy hitters to wrap the show, Grateful Dead’s “Hell In A Bucket” and Derek and the Dominos’ “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad.”

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead’s Boston and upcoming shows in NYC are available to stream via nugs.

Check out videos from Moni Hampton and audio via taper Jeff Travitz of JRAD’s night in Boston below: