With a changing setlist that never fails to surprise and delight, Dead & Company’s continuous performances have generated a great deal of excitement among their devoted fan base. The most recent 2025 residency at the Sphere at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has raised the standard once more by fusing well-known Grateful Dead songs with surprising covers to produce a performance that will never be forgotten. As usual, the band and their fans find great significance in the set lists at these performances. Dead & Company’s legacy is evidently changing in real time, continuously pushing the envelope while remaining firmly grounded in the values of their forebears.
The Spencer Davis Group’s live performance of “Gimme Some Lovin’,” a song that hadn’t appeared on Dead & Company’s setlist since their founding in 2015, was one of the most thrilling moments in their 2025 setlist. This specific cover is notable for its historical significance in addition to its rarity. Hearing this song again during Dead & Company’s residency felt like both a nod to the past and a reimagining of the Grateful Dead’s origins, as they had played it frequently in the 1980s and 1990s.
| Song Title | Song Origin | Notes/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Gimme Some Lovin’ | Spencer Davis Group | A surprise cover, last performed by Grateful Dead in the ’80s |
| Feel Like a Stranger | Grateful Dead | Classic opener, always gets the crowd energized |
| Help on the Way | Grateful Dead | Seamless transition from previous track, a fan favorite |
| Slipknot! | Grateful Dead | Intricate jams that showcase the band’s improvisational prowess |
| Franklin’s Tower | Grateful Dead | A timeless anthem, bringing nostalgia to the forefront |
| The Harder They Come | Jimmy Cliff | A refreshing cover, marking a shift in musical tone |
| Casey Jones | Grateful Dead | High-energy, crowd-pleaser, with a signature Dead & Company twist |
| Passenger | Grateful Dead | Infectious rhythm, always a highlight in the setlist |
| Scarlet Begonias | Grateful Dead | A quintessential Dead anthem, with fluid transitions into jams |
| Fire on the Mountain | Grateful Dead | A thrilling track that consistently delivers intense musical moments |
| Estimated Prophet | Grateful Dead | Spiritual and transcendent, setting the mood for the next set |
| Eyes of the World | Grateful Dead | Dreamlike and atmospheric, an iconic closer to the set |
Some well-known fan favorites from Dead & Company’s performances, like “Franklin’s Tower” and “Casey Jones,” were also included in the setlist. These songs, along with others like “Eyes of the World” and “Scarlet Begonias,” capture the timeless magic that has drawn Deadheads back for decades while offering the ideal mix of energy and nostalgia. The genius of Dead & Company, however, resides in their ability to vary their set lists in ways that, even for the most ardent fans, make every performance feel novel and thrilling.
The band used a number of innovative tricks that enhanced the immersive experience, and the visual aspects of the show were equally impressive. One particularly memorable scene occurred during “Bertha,” when the vintage Dancing Bears were digitally altered to become colorful, multi-hued pixels that blended together to show live band footage. By unexpectedly but appropriately fusing technology with Dead & Company’s iconic aesthetic, this creative approach brought the visuals into the twenty-first century. Fans were also thrilled by the band’s surreal and whimsical visuals for “Don’t Ease Me In,” which featured a huge TV that seemed to be held by a costumed figure that dropped from the ceiling, enthralling the audience with its imaginative design.
Set lists are meticulously constructed journeys that take listeners to a different era and location; they are more than just a haphazard collection of songs. The way Dead & Company chooses their set list reveals a lot about their creative process. They appear determined to pay tribute to the Grateful Dead’s music while bringing it up to date with their own special touch. This gives fans the impression that each performance is unique and that no two shows are ever the same.
Dead & Company incorporates their own original songs while also regularly referencing the extensive library of Grateful Dead songs. The band has included songs by Bob Dylan and other artists, including the well-known “Tangled Up in Blue,” in their set lists in addition to their covers. These surprising decisions maintain audience interest and generate a tangible sense of anticipation that grows throughout the performance. Dead & Company’s set lists are especially captivating because of these unexpected moments, which guarantee that every performance offers something fresh.
Those who have followed Dead & Company’s development since the band’s founding can see that they have developed into a musical force unto themselves, honoring their history while moving forward. Dead & Company consistently reimagine what a concert experience can be by experimenting with new covers and visual components. However, they never lose sight of what made the first Grateful Dead so unique: its capacity to emotionally and profoundly engage its audience.
It is impossible to overestimate the impact of Dead & Company’s distinct musical direction. What distinguishes them from the numerous other tribute acts that have surfaced over time is their capacity to blend tradition with contemporary innovation. Although the use of new technology to improve the concert experience is a positive step, the fundamental values of community, freedom, and improvisation remain. Because of this, Dead & Company live shows continue to be among the most sought-after occasions in the music business.
The legacy of the original Grateful Dead is perpetuated by the presence of legendary members like Mickey Hart and Bob Weir. However, Dead & Company’s lineup, which features gifted musicians like Oteil Burbridge and John Mayer, has given the band a new and exciting sound that keeps fans and newcomers interested. They have carved out a special place for themselves in the music industry by skillfully fusing the past and present into their performances, and they continue to demonstrate the versatility and timeless nature of their music with every new setlist.
These concerts are experiences for Deadheads, not just performances. They are a testament to the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy and the manner in which Dead & Company are continuing that torch, representing a musical journey that has spanned generations. Each performance is a reminder that, when performed well, live music has the capacity to transcend time, unite people, and foster a sense of community that lasts long after the last note is played.
