LIVE: BOB WEIR AND WOLF BROS – March 5, 2019

Venue: The Fillmore

City: Detroit, MI

Date: March 5, 2019

Review and Photographs by: Kevin Alfredo

Bobby. Bob. Ace.  Robert Hall Weir, the iconic master of rhythm guitar, visited Detroit this week at The Fillmore.  In tow was his supporting band, the Wolf Brothers consisting of Don Was on stand up upright bass and Jay Lane on drums.

Ok, yeah, I know Bobby is now 71 years old.  But can we not dwell on that?  Age is a number.  A cliche, I know, but it’s real…even for this not so spring chicken.  It’s widely known that Bobby has maintained a relatively healthy regimen throughout his life on the road, in stark contrast to those around him.  I mean, just look at his Twitter feed these days…half of his posts are from the gym!!!

Regardless, Bobby on stage is still quintessential Bobby.  Scraping those strings, howlin’ those lyrics.  And, yes, you will still hear the chord phrasing that rounded out the sound of the Grateful Dead.  His set list from Detroit was one spanning the spectrum.  New music from his latest release, Blue Mountain, was a refreshing bit of his latest creative prowess.  As well, over 23 years removed from the last Grateful Dead show, Bobby has learned how to make Garcia/Grisman songs his own.  Especially captivating was this show’s “Peggy-O”.  At the same time, he still never ceases to amaze with complex originals such as “Weather Report Suite” -> “Let It Grow”.

Bobby has done well to surround himself with veterans like Don Was (a Detroit native) who are consummate experts at assuring veteran rockers such as Weir continue to exude those traits which define their trademark sound.  Added to the band for the Detroit show at the Fillmore was Dave McMurray (also a Detroit native), saxophonist for Was’ former band Was (Not Was).  McMurray added a sweet sound to “Eyes of the World”, and a few others, which was very reminiscent of the sound that was featured in the late 80’s when Branford Marsalis sat in on a handful of shows with the Grateful Dead.

With shows of this caliber, one thing is fore sure: I’ll never pass up a Bobby show.  Weir Still Here!

Setlist: Jack Straw – Josephine – El Paso – Bombs Away – Peggy-O – Maggie’s Farm – Passenger – Bird Song – Only a River – Tennessee Jed – Weather Report Suite – Let It Grow – Eyes of the World – Dear Prudence – Shakey Ground – Turn On Your Love Light – Breakdown

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries