A musical celebration for a legend: The passing of Bob Weir, the co-founding guitarist of the Grateful Dead, on January 10th, was marked by a heartfelt tribute in his hometown of San Francisco. Following a public memorial, Grahame Lesh orchestrated an unforgettable all-star concert, the "Howling Wolves," at The Warfield.
This event wasn't just a concert; it was a gathering of musical luminaries. Grahame, known for his own Unbroken Chain tributes to his late father, Phil Lesh, assembled a stellar lineup. The ensemble included key players from the Dead & Company, like Oteil Burbridge, and John Molo, a longtime collaborator with Phil & Friends. Adding to the rhythm section were Alex Koford and John Morgan Kimock, with Pete Sears providing the low end on some tracks.
A Symphony of Sound: Keyboards were masterfully handled by Holly Bowling and Jason Crosby, while the guitar work was shared by Barry Sless, Stu Allen, Mark Karan, and Grahame himself. The performance was further enriched by The Wolf Pack, featuring Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, and Alex Kelly, along with Dave Ellis on saxophone. The Wolf Bros' pedal steel player, Greg Leisz, also joined in, along with Sunshine Becker, a former Furthur vocalist, and Elliott Peck from Grahame's Midnight North, contributing backing vocals.
The night began with an instrumental version of Weir's iconic "Cassidy." The first set was packed with classic Bobby tunes, including "Playing In The Band," led by Grahame, "Estimated Prophet," fronted by Crosby, and "The Other One." Folk icon Ramblin' Jack Elliott made a special appearance, sharing words about Bobby and performing Jimmie Rodgers' "Waiting For A Train." Reed Mathis led a stirring "Black-Throated Wind," while Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz joined in for a rendition of the Cannon's Jug Stompers rocker "New Minglewood Blues," which the Grateful Dead also covered. Grahame concluded the set with "The Music Never Stopped."
Setlist Highlights: The second set kicked off with another brilliant Bobby number, "Jack Straw," which featured a guest appearance by Jackie Greene. The set also included "Terrapin Station," along with reprises of "The Other One" and "Playing In The Band." "Truckin'" closed the second frame, incorporating a "Cassidy" tag.
The encore was a full ensemble performance, beginning with Bobby's "Sugar Magnolia," followed by "Sunshine Daydream." The night fittingly concluded with "Not Fade Away."
But here's where it gets interesting... The setlist reveals a deep dive into Weir's musical legacy, with each song carefully chosen to honor his contributions. The inclusion of "Waiting For A Train" by Ramblin' Jack Elliott, a song not often performed by the Grateful Dead themselves, shows the depth of the tribute.
And this is the part most people miss... The collaboration between musicians from different eras and projects within the Grateful Dead family highlights the enduring impact of their music. It's a testament to the power of their songs and the community they fostered.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about the song choices? Were there any songs you wished they had played? Do you think this tribute truly captured the essence of Bob Weir's musical spirit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
