Furthur / The Dead / The Other Ones | OtherOnes.Net

obviously this is gonna be a tremendous run of shows. One woulda thought this band had been together for years, couldn't be the first show of the tour! The jams were tight, especially once the second set hit its stride with the solemn he's gone. Other one sizzled, bobby has adopted the dawys between as his own, even those who detest bobby singing the late slow jerries would have to respect the effort and care taken with the song by the weir'd one. Now how can ya top a scarlet fire- cold rain closer to the first show, where do ya go from there? Thats of course the interesting question. The crazy obscure tunes of the first set tonight were neat, a raucous doin that rag with a hot jam at the end, out of truckin-direwolf was surely out of left field, and Phil seemed to enjoy that old one, in fact he was glowing all night and sang born cross eyed really well. The far out, and deep notes of the guitar is a real throwback to the days of J, and the humble and understated way of playing was missing big time when the hillbilly had the lead recently. This is more like it for sure, and it seems something is stirring in dead land. Its not the keys, no surprise that Jeff is playing it like church on sunday. He's the best! But I think its this new energy between the gee-tar and those maniacs on the drums, Jay doin the mickey and Joe the steady billy. Between the high quality of the music and how tight the band is, how much fun they're havin, and the apparent sickness of the setlists that await us, this could be awesome. sure was tonight.

Although the set list was somewhat mundane, the band did hit a stride in the second set. HOLY CRAP this place was oversold by at least 1000 people. No room to move, let alone dance. People were dropping like flies from the sheer body heat on the floor. Thank You God that there was not a fire or some other emergency because it could have been a disaster.

I agree with Nick and Liebo. Musically, instrumentally, the band was tight. I thought their effort and inspired playing was great for the first show of an eventually long and awaited tour. I like Bob singing Days a lot, and as a 26 yr old, it is interesting to see setlists inspired by days of old. Was Jay Lane bouncing on a yoga ball?!? I have never seen such energized drum playing in my life, he looks like Animal from the muppets back there, i love it. Maybe his drum solo at Vibes this summer could have paralleled the stuff he was throwin down.

Nonetheless, this show will go down as one of my LEAST enjoyable Phil/Ratdog/Dead/Other Ones/Further experiences ever. You could not even move much past the t-shirt stand. If you wnted a view, you had to be dancing in the beer lines. When you did find a spot, you were in the middle of a vortex of people leaving for air, and everyone bumped into you. During the setbreak, I told my buddy to get his coat, because I thought chaos would ensure. The ushers were not letting people through the main doors to get into the lobby. Then, those ushers were not letting people out to have a smoke. When the firemen showed up, I was certain the show would end, putting a stamp on WORST experience ever. I will never go to the Hammerstein again. I have high hopes for the Oakdale and assigned seating.

On a brighter note, I just saved a lot of money on my car insurance...

Wasn't at the show, stayed home and listened to The Dead. More enjoyable than being stuffed like sardines. I too look forward to assigned seating at Wallingford. Looks like they should have booked a bigger venue. Radio City should be better.

I am not sure that I know the Grateful Dead song that started the second set called "Stronger Than Dirt". I always thought it was called King Solomon's Marbles. Band was exceptionally great last night despite the shitty venue. More of the same hopefully tonight. Where was Danny Terrio?

I left my wife and kids up in Maine to deal with 30mph winds and a foot of snow for this? Hell yeah! Overcrowded, yes. Very. But that doesn't mean I can't let it all roll off my back, eyes closed and smile smile smile. Because that's about what I was doing all night. I could get all technical but who cares? The music was spectacular!

This is far and away the best post-Garcia derivation of the band - unquestionably worthwhile for any skeptics that may be out there. (I once counted myself among you.)

Strong opening salvo with Truckin, then into a string of mostly well-played set 1 numbers. To me, however, these were the least interesting part of the show. There were some goof-ups - notably John's guitar going silent for the first several rounds of the Ramble On Rose solo - but my bigger issue was simply that John sang four tunes in a row. Not to say his vocals aren't up to snuff, but I just like to hear the old guard take the leads, even on Garcia tunes.

The show really began for me, oddly enough, with the Looks Like Rain, which could have just as well been a sturdy version from 1990. I think I even heard Bobby chirping at the end. A solid Charlie closed the set.

The second set was awesome from start to finish. High energy, unpredictable jams that kept you guessing. To me, there were numerous instrumentals that could have been marked as the highlight of the set. This band can honestly stand toe-to-toe with any of the modern day offshoots of the Dead tradition. Surprising to say that none of the set 2 numbers before Scarlet were ones I usually shoot for, but it once again goes to show its not about the list.

The Scarlet>Fire was the highlight, of course. I was the guy banging my head and clearing out a whole section. Impressive Rain & Snow counter to end set 2.

Touch was as well played as the rest.

Bobby and Phil are hilariously old. Phil looks like a halloween character with a sallow face, goofy smile and bass that looks like a spaceship. Bobby is doing his best father time. You can clearly see these guys are feelin' it!

Go to a show near you. If last night was any indication, you won't be sorry.

Show was great had it only been at a different venue.What a joke listing this place as a capacity of 3400 and there was at least that many on the floor.God forbid something went wrong it would be like the place in Russia.Space people we need space.I even saw fire marshalls walking about.

John did a great job at the helm and slid in step with the boys.All in all it was a good show after my paranoia set in though I( had to split.

First of all the place was oversold, but the area of the floor in front of the soundbaord had enough room to dance. I will say that I love when people try to get more room for themselves on the sly... During the setbreak i feel someone pushing tehir back into mine, I pay no attention but hold my ground... Finally I hear a female voice say "are you enjoying this, you like touching me, wanna take me out for lunch or something?" I was caught off guard but just looked her up and down, smirked and said NOPE! But I digress...

Onto the music...
WOW WOW WOW...
This was one powerful musical experience... I loved their jams, it was as if they were intentionally mindfucking the crowd,... The opening jam first sounded like Stranger, then Speedway, then finally into truckin. The other one was teased heavily before the band actually launched into it. This is the tightest and most "Dead-like" incarnation I have seen in the post Jerry era. Bobby clearly has a great deal of respect for John which was made apparant in that he actually motioned for John to take the reigns on many songs...

The middle Jam in Scarlet was the highlight for me... just kept building and building and then Exploded into euphoria!!!

What a Show... Venue blows!!!

Yes, venue was crowded, but what an awesome show!!! Highlight for me was Reuben and Cherise... first time I heard that song live and I just cried balling my eyes out because all I could think of was my beautiful girlfriend of 3 months and how in love with her I am. And I thought about this past summer, how my best friend since 2nd grade started sleeping with my girlfriend at the time, how i lost them both and I could literally see my life crumbling before me. I thought about death and suicide then...

...but Jerry was there for me. The music is always there--no one can take that away from you. Now I'm happier than ever, I realized I dont need people who dont need me, and I have the most beautiful perfect woman on the planet...and all that emotion came pouring through with that song. Never cried at a show before but wow what an unexpected experience and something I will never ever forget. Cant wait for tonight!!!!

Does anyone know what time the show actually started last night...I am going tonight and was wondering.

The show was way oversold. No room to move anywhere. It was actually a little scary in the venue, it was that tight. The band was tight with a lot of Jams, sometimes too long though. Thank god for John's singing because Bob was talking the lyrics more than singing the lyrics. Either way its still great music that needs to be played and this group is fantastic.

The show started at 8:25pm last night. I am a head since the 1979. I have seen all the post Jerry complitations. This group was good. I was on the floor, left side near the balcony in front of the soundboard. John's guitar at times during the show needed to be turned up. Bob is having a hard time with the song singing and Phil was really enjoying himself and his playing was superb. Maybe the sound was better elsewhere but not on the floor, not your crystal clear sound. The band had some really tight, great moments. The second set was moving along with energy from the band and crowd then bam! Day's Between. Sorry but the way that show was moving along that was the worst possible place for that song. Luckily, the band picked right up after that song and ended the night at 11:46

As for the crowd size... It was a little tight on the floor but had some room to dance. Scary moment was in between sets when everyone was getting off the floor and there was alot of pushing and shoving. Potential for injuries were very possible. The doors were not open so I went downstairs and hung out. Lot's of room down there. Please keep this in mind for tonights show.

Overall the show was a nice night to get lost in the music from the crazy times we live in!!

Bottom line - this show sucked!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion - but this isn't even a taste of what was - it is just a big blob of annoying, non magical crap. It is hard for me understand much of what is posted here - did any of you see any Brent shows?

And what is with the sing along louder than the band? Wow - you all know the words - what a surprise. It might be nice to hear them sing the songs instead of you!

They should just give it up because basically - it is over and has been for some time now.

Hey BMJ, NYC... I think it is You that should just give it up. Obviously it has been over for YOU for some time now. For us, it still is all good.

The venue was packed. More packed then I have seen in a while at the Hammerstein. I go to alot of shows there. However the music was amazing and the experience was great. Instead of slamming the venue maybe focus more on the music. That is what it's about. Right?

Considering this is the 4th? performance this group has done I have to say I was pretty happy with the effort overall. Was on the rail in front of John so was able to see the communication, body language, emotion etc.....of pretty much everyone except Jeff. Phil was obviously enjoying himself, lotsa smiles and animation. The drummers also seemed to be having a good ole time. John looked suprisingly comfortable and relaxed (and it should be noted he is the only one who does not have a teleprompter) Bobby, I absolutely love him, it seems to me is working hard, really hard, to provide us with the best performance he can muster and I think at times that works against him as far as missing some lyrics and transistions. But I love him, mistakes included, his effort is 2nd to none IMO. This practice of trading off lyrics during songs is okay occasionally but I would like to see them decide who is going to sing a particular song and go with it. Overall......had a great time , was happy with the sound and look forward to Sunday nights Asbury show. I believe they will iron things out as they play each show and we can expect a gradual improvement in energy, chemistry and overall quality of performance.
I'm begging the band......PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE play
Wharf Rat Sunday night in Asbury N.J. Nothing would make me happier.

Keep it up fellas.......good stuff!!!!!

Let me say that I went into this show hopeful, but somewhat pessimistic. I had read all the blogs about "Let John Sing Jerry" Etc... and had seen some Youtube videos of Further's Fox shows. Once the show started, I went on a roller coaster that ended with me being just as pessimistic. Having seen DSO probably around 25 times, It is painfully obvious that John has been instructed to NOT sound too much like Jerry.. Why I don't know.. .why would you hire someone who plays and sings so much like Jerry, and then tell him NOT too.. The leads in He's Gone, Cold Rain, and Touch, are basically specific leads and key to how those songs are perceived. However, John, who I have seen play all three of those songs flawlessly, played those leads - close, but not quite right. If they didn't want John (and hence, Jerry) then Bobby and Phil should have kept Warren Haynes! He already has his own style. Also, having Bobby sing Days Between, which is fine for Rat Dog, is a travesty when you have John standing right there... If the venue allowed any room to even move, I would have gone to the lobby during that one... I never had the opportunity to see the Grateful Dead play Days Between (although I was fortunatat enough to see the band over 150 times), and I can still say I have never seen it... Also, I love a good jam as much as the next, but why start every set with 20 minutes of jamming.... the average age at these shows is probably 40 years, and the majority are probably not tripping any more (but of course I could be wrong.......) Can't the band see that everyone is sitting or just standing and waiting for a song... On another note, Bobby loves to change the vocal inflections on all of Jerry's songs after Jerry spent 30 yrs getting us used to them... and when he is not changing them, he is forgetting them, and when he is not forgetting them, he is adjusting his amp.... He forgot words in two verses of Touch and he was only singing half the song... I guess he knew the other half. At the end of the day, ticket cost was close to $80 (after all the fees, etc...) and for that type of money, we should all expect perfection, not practice... On the Plus side, Phil is still head and shoulders above any base player in existence. It is great to see him enjoying himself so much. His vocals in harmony were also pretty good.. Although I am not a fan of the new song he sings lead on... This band could easily Fill stadiums... just give us what we want... Let us hear the songs the way they were meant to be heard... its as simple as that....

I've been to 30+ GD shows and 50+ RD shows. I have never missed a note of any of them. Tonight was the first time I have ever walked out. That Days Between made me ill. First off, JR is a great drummer, but it broke my heart to Jay on percussion and not on a full kit. He has the best, most dynamic interpretations of GD, RD and cover songs of any drummer I have ever seen. Every bar is different and exciting, constant change but still in time. Props to JK. Great singer, great guitarist. JC, as always amazing. Nothing personal against Phil, I'm sure he is a nice guy but why is he allowed to sing? My god, he can't fucking sing. Take his mike away. And although I appreciate his talent as a musician, I personally don't like his style. I think the bass should be more a part of the rhythm section. with limited melodic parts, and that being said, it would help if they actually were melodic. As far as the sound, decent but nothing like a dog show. The only time I even heard Jay was during the drum solo part. The rest of the time, nothing. What a waste. I hate when politics get in the way of good decision making. And come on, no mikes on the cymbals? Weak, fucking weak. And turn Bobby down, he's all I could hear. Put Michael in charge of the sound, please. Oh, and one last thing, the jams were too long and completely without direction or theme, a complete waste of time. I'm sure it takes a while to develop that kind of synergy with different musicians, so until then, stick to the songs, that was just crap. Were they even listening to each other?

the show was grate they were on i did not care for the begining of cold rain and snow but as it went on tthey got it together as for the drums thy were also on but you can never compare them to billy & mickey nay be I am getting to old and have to pass the tourch i still love going to shows at least I got REALLY NICE DOING THAT RAG THANK YOU PHILL IT MADE MY NIGHT my first show was 1974 and still counting rob from LONG ISLAND NY

mark you want some one whois not eveen 30 years old do bobby job on sound maybe if healey was on the sound borad then I would SAY LET DAN HEALY WORK HIS MAGIC with phills base he really could have made the place shke eveen know they over sold tickets I seen THE in SMALLER PLACES THEN THAT AND THER WAS ROOM TO DANC DRINK A BEER OR JUST KICK BACK AND ENJOY THE SHOW TOU COULD NOT DO THAT THERE NOT KNOCKING THE BAND THEY ON MOST OF THE NIGT BUT PLEASE DONT COMPARE MICKEY & BILLY TO THEM ROB LONG ISLAND

Ahhh the music is building strong and despite NYC's pushy phat crowd, the show blew me away. I never seen Jay so into a show before, he was pounding and jumping on the drums throughout the show giving us all he had it seemed! What a great set front to back and some thick heavy jams sending the crowd exploding. I expected more from the crowd on the opener and closer; NYC seemed to be in a hurry to leave. The show was superb but the crowd could use some work for my next show tomorrow in NJ. You'll sense and smell us there!!!! Peace & safe travels to all!

UC, Portland Maine

I drove 8 hours from Rochester (got lost in Newark for an hour)to see this show at the Hammerstein it was fun seeing them in this crazy old building. The show was amazing!

It was way over sold (other then the danger of that) who cares - it was fun, everyone I saw from the vantage point of the balcony was dancing, singing, laughing and smiling - even the ushers were having a ball.

From the balcony the music was crisp and gorgeous. To all the critics that judge this stuff to deeply - lighten up...we are lucky to have this - Phil and Bobby are in their 60's and have vitality...don't live in the past, live right now.

Anyhow I can't wait to see Futhur in Buffalo, Utica and Ithaca.

Ok, opener for the East Coast. I was with my friends who we have been seeing shows for 25 years together, It was great fun to breing them into the mix. I think they thought i was crazy when I was reporting the Fox shows to them & it was magical at the Fox. What was interesting in these shows that they are growing the Song Book they are playing Live, they added 9 new songs in this show I didn't see at the fox shows! Bobby at the Fox was in better form then I have seen him in years & at the hammerstein he had problems with remembering words, I mean 4 false starts to the Memphis blues, Garcia would have been shaking his head & walked off stage. He was really have a hard time. But, the music is still so great, like an old friend you haven't seen in so long. Even the Memphis blues sound was great even though bobby was haven't some trouble. Ok I am going to say it, we are all thinking it, Please don't play Days between anymore, it reminds me of the last days of jerry & his demise, the songs energy is so remorse & takes the energy out of the set. Thank god they did scarlet fire after it. I mean it really is a depressing song. sorry, I just had to say it. Even with that, it sounded correct & well played, but really brought me down when I wanted to be so up. there is nothing they can't do and who I am to decide. This is the most exciting time in the post dead we have had. There is so much more to come. great music & friends, thanks guys