Watch Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda Lead Phil Lesh & Friends On Gorgeous ‘Brokedown Palace’

Goose guitarist Rick Mitarotonda made his Phil Lesh & Friends debut for three shows held at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York this past weekend. Mitarotonda shined throughout the weekend with his turn leading the Grateful Dead ballad “Brokedown Palace” to end Friday’s concert among the highlights.

Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh was back at The Cap for nights four through six of his nine-show October 2022 residency at the venue. Phil’s band featured Mitarotonda, keyboardist John Medeski, drummer John Molo, guitarist Grahame Lesh, trombonist Natalie Cressman, trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick and saxophonist James Casey.

Rick Mitarotonda was no stranger to “Brokedown Palace” having played the song with Goose at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio on June 18, 2021 as well as twice with the Orebolo acoustic trio. Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter wrote “Brokedown Palace,” which the Grateful Dead recorded for their 1970 studio album American Beauty.

Phil Lesh introduced the members of his band at the start of Friday’s encore. Despite the bassist struggling mightily with Mitarotonda’s last name, Rick graciously gave him a thumbs up. Mitarotonda then helmed the breathtaking “Brokedown Palace” featuring absolutely gorgeous stunning vocals from Cressman, Hartswick, Casey and Grahame Lesh. Rick also took an emotion-laden guitar solo between verses.

See the beautiful “Brokedown Palace” encore from Friday’s show below:

Follow this link for more on last weekend's Phil Lesh & Friends shows.