Just 26 years after the frontman of the legendary psychedelic rock-jam band, The Grateful Dead, passed, the remaining members and John Mayer played in Chicago as “Dead & Co.”. John Mayer stepped in place of Jerry Garcia to sing for the band, which originated in 2015. This wasn’t their first time playing in Chicago, but their return this year was special. It was my first experience seeing them live! Which was something I’ve dreamed about each night since my childhood.

Dead & Co. performed two nights in a row at Wrigley Field this year- September 17 and 18. Although, due to weather conditions their show on the 17th was cut short, but that didn’t stop them from rocking on the following night. With one of the best setlists in recent years, their show was more than anything I and many other “deadheads” could have ever imagined. Something else touching about the show is the fact that this is the first time for many people there to be back in the environment since the pandemic. Many believed that there may never be another “Dead” show to return to. Ever. A huge sigh of relief was in the air this night because it was a guarantee for at least one more show that everyone was able to experience. 

As the show was expected to begin around 7 pm, the festivities began even sooner, which included the notable “Shakedown Street” outside the venue, where fellow deadheads share time, experiences, and handcrafted goods with each other. After spending some time there, we stepped into line to show our verification of a COVID-19 vaccine and/or a negative COVID-19 test, and received a wrist band as a way to enter Wrigley Field. After walking into the venue, you are required to go through metal detectors and have security check your belongings. This all went by quickly, as anticipation for the show to begin grew stronger and stronger. As my brother, uncle, close friend, and I talked about which songs we hoped for and continued to watch the crowd grow, we had no idea how astonishing this night was truly going to be. 

As the sun began to set, Bob Weir and fellow band members kicked off the show with a personal favorite- “Althea”. This is when the feelings really set in. “Wow. I am finally experiencing the one thing I have wished for for longer than I can remember” I thought to myself. The band played on for hours, as fans across the stadium grew more and more drawn to the music. People were smiling, dancing, singing, and sharing the love and excitement. 

The night continued on, and around 11, the band left the stage, only to come back to play two more songs for their encore. The show completely ended at about 11:30. If you were to walk out into the neighborhood of Wrigley Field this night, “deadheads” were crawling all over the place with joy from their night. 

This was a night for the books, and if they are to return next year, I would recommend attempting to have this life-changing experience.