Session 1: Dead & Company Summer Tour 2017: A Comprehensive Overview
Title: Dead & Company Summer Tour 2017: A Nostalgic Journey Through Grateful Dead's Legacy
Keywords: Dead & Company, Summer Tour 2017, Grateful Dead, John Mayer, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge, concert reviews, summer tour, live music, jam band, legacy, 1970s, psychedelic rock
The summer of 2017 witnessed a significant event in the world of live music: the Dead & Company summer tour. This wasn't just another concert series; it was a continuation of a legacy, a vibrant reimagining of the Grateful Dead's iconic sound and spirit for a new generation. This tour holds immense significance for several reasons, making it a compelling subject for in-depth exploration.
Firstly, the Dead & Company's lineup itself is a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. The core of the band comprises surviving Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, providing an authentic connection to the group's rich history. Their collaboration with John Mayer on lead guitar, Jeff Chimenti on keyboards, and Oteil Burbridge on bass, injected a renewed energy and musicality into the classic Grateful Dead repertoire. This combination allowed for both faithful renditions of beloved songs and exciting improvisational excursions, attracting both longtime Deadheads and a new wave of fans.
Secondly, the 2017 summer tour showcased the enduring power of the Grateful Dead's music. Their songs, imbued with themes of freedom, community, and exploration, resonated with audiences decades after their initial release. The tour’s extensive setlists featured a diverse selection of material, ranging from well-known hits to deep cuts, demonstrating the depth and breadth of the Grateful Dead's catalog. This breadth appealed to both casual listeners and hardcore enthusiasts. The improvisational aspects of each performance added a unique and unpredictable element, ensuring no two shows were alike.
Thirdly, the 2017 tour captured the essence of the Grateful Dead experience. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the community. The atmosphere at each venue was electric, a shared celebration of music and shared experience. The vibrant energy of the Deadhead community, known for its passionate devotion and communal spirit, remained strong, further solidifying the tour's cultural significance. This atmosphere, passed down from the Grateful Dead's legendary tours, remains a crucial element of the Dead & Company experience.
Finally, the 2017 summer tour served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. Their influence on music, culture, and even societal values continues to be felt today. The Dead & Company's success demonstrated that the music of the Grateful Dead remains relevant and appealing to a wide range of audiences, transcending generations and musical tastes. The tour's impact cemented the Grateful Dead's position as one of the most influential bands in American music history. Understanding this tour helps understand the enduring power of their legacy and its impact on contemporary music culture.
Session 2: Book Outline and Chapter Summaries
Book Title: Dead & Company Summer Tour 2017: A Nostalgic Journey Through Grateful Dead's Legacy
Outline:
Introduction: Setting the stage – the anticipation, the legacy of the Grateful Dead, and the unique lineup of Dead & Company.
Chapter 1: The Band: A Blend of Generations: In-depth profiles of each band member, their individual contributions, and the dynamic synergy they created. This section would analyze Mayer’s integration, Weir’s stewardship, and the contributions of the original members.
Chapter 2: Setlist Analysis: A Deep Dive into the Music: A detailed examination of the setlists across multiple shows, highlighting recurring themes, surprises, and the improvisational highlights of each performance. Specific examples and fan accounts would be included.
Chapter 3: The Deadhead Experience: Community and Culture: An exploration of the fan culture surrounding the tour, including the atmosphere at concerts, the shared experiences, and the enduring legacy of the Deadhead community. This would involve anecdotes and testimonials from attendees.
Chapter 4: Critical Reception and Legacy: Reviews of the tour from various publications, comparisons to previous Grateful Dead tours, and an analysis of the tour's lasting impact on the music scene and the Grateful Dead's legacy. This would discuss the broader impact of this iteration of the band's music.
Chapter 5: Beyond the Stage: Business and the Future: Examining the business aspects of the tour, its commercial success, and what this tour might suggest about the future of the band and the Grateful Dead legacy.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the significance of the 2017 Dead & Company summer tour as a continuation of the Grateful Dead's legacy and its impact on the world of live music.
Chapter Summaries (Expanded):
Introduction: The introduction would establish the context of the Dead & Company summer tour, highlighting the anticipation leading up to the event, the immense legacy of the Grateful Dead, and the unique blend of musicians making up Dead & Company. It would briefly introduce the core members (Weir, Hart, Kreutzmann) and the newer additions (Mayer, Chimenti, Burbridge), hinting at the fascinating dynamic they created.
Chapter 1: The Band: This chapter provides detailed biographical information about each band member, analyzing their individual musical styles and contributions to the Dead & Company sound. It explores John Mayer's integration into the band, examining how he successfully channeled Jerry Garcia's spirit without simply imitating him. It also delves into the roles of Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, highlighting their experiences and wisdom as founding members of the Grateful Dead. The contributions of Chimenti and Burbridge would also be detailed.
Chapter 2: Setlist Analysis: This chapter takes a deep dive into the setlists from numerous concerts of the 2017 tour. It analyzes recurring themes, notable song choices (both popular hits and lesser-known tracks), and improvisational highlights. It would discuss the ways the band used their setlist to honour the legacy of the Grateful Dead while still putting their own stamp on the material. Specific examples of extended jams and audience reactions would be cited, using concert reviews and fan accounts.
Chapter 3: The Deadhead Experience: This chapter captures the essence of the Deadhead community during the 2017 tour. It describes the atmosphere at concerts, the communal feeling among attendees, and the stories and experiences that shaped the tour's unique energy. It aims to convey the sense of shared experience and passion that defines the Deadhead culture, from the parking lot scenes to the moments inside the venue.
Chapter 4: Critical Reception and Legacy: This chapter analyzes the critical reception of the 2017 tour, drawing on reviews from various music publications and blogs. It compares the tour's performance to previous Grateful Dead tours and assesses its lasting impact on the music scene. It would consider how the tour broadened the appeal of the Grateful Dead’s music to a wider audience, demonstrating the enduring power of their legacy.
Chapter 5: Beyond the Stage: This chapter explores the commercial success of the tour, discussing its financial aspects and broader business implications. It also looks at the impact of this tour on the future of Dead & Company and the Grateful Dead legacy, considering the sustainability of such a project and its potential for continued success.
Conclusion: The conclusion sums up the overall significance of the Dead & Company Summer Tour 2017. It reflects on its role as a successful continuation of the Grateful Dead's legacy, its impact on live music, and its demonstration of the enduring appeal of the Grateful Dead's music to new and old fans alike.
Session 3: FAQs and Related Articles
FAQs:
1. Who was the lead guitarist for Dead & Company in 2017? John Mayer served as the lead guitarist.
2. Which original Grateful Dead members participated in the 2017 tour? Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann.
3. Were there any significant improvisational moments during the 2017 tour? Yes, many shows featured extended jams and unique improvisational sections, reflecting the band's dedication to this aspect of Grateful Dead’s style.
4. How did critics receive the 2017 Dead & Company tour? Reviews were generally positive, praising the band's energy, musicality, and respect for the Grateful Dead's legacy.
5. What made the 2017 tour unique compared to other Dead & Company tours? Each tour has unique moments; however, the 2017 summer tour holds a specific place in Dead & Company's history due to the longevity and success it demonstrated.
6. What was the atmosphere like at Dead & Company concerts in 2017? The atmosphere was electric, filled with the energy of both longtime Deadheads and newer fans, creating a powerful sense of community.
7. Did the 2017 tour feature any rare or deep cuts from the Grateful Dead catalog? Yes, many shows included a mix of popular songs and deeper cuts from the Grateful Dead's extensive discography.
8. How commercially successful was the 2017 Dead & Company tour? It was a highly successful tour, selling out many venues and generating significant revenue.
9. What is the lasting legacy of the 2017 Dead & Company tour? It cemented the enduring appeal of Grateful Dead's music and reinforced the importance of their legacy in contemporary music culture.
Related Articles:
1. John Mayer's Evolution as a Dead & Company Frontman: An exploration of Mayer’s musical journey within Dead & Company, his approach to Garcia’s legacy, and his overall impact on the band's sound.
2. The Improvisational Genius of Dead & Company: A detailed analysis of Dead & Company’s improvisational skills, highlighting specific examples from the 2017 tour.
3. The Enduring Power of the Grateful Dead's Songbook: An examination of the themes and enduring relevance of the Grateful Dead's music, reflecting on its continued influence.
4. Deadhead Culture: A Celebration of Community and Music: A deep dive into Deadhead culture, including its history, traditions, and the shared sense of community.
5. Comparing Dead & Company to the Original Grateful Dead: A comparative study contrasting the two bands, highlighting similarities, differences, and musical approaches.
6. The Business of Dead & Company: A Look Behind the Scenes: An examination of the business model, revenue streams, and financial success of Dead & Company.
7. The 2017 Dead & Company Tour: A Setlist Deep Dive: A detailed, show-by-show analysis of the setlists from the 2017 summer tour, highlighting unique moments and audience reactions.
8. Mickey Hart's Rhythmic Influence on Dead & Company: A focus on the role of Mickey Hart's rhythmic contributions, highlighting the influence of his percussive style on the band.
9. The Future of Dead & Company and the Grateful Dead Legacy: A speculative piece considering the ongoing viability of Dead & Company and the future of the Grateful Dead's cultural impact.
