When we think back on last weekend’s festivities at Lockn’, there’s no denying that Joe Russo’s Almost Dead was one of the best. The five players of the group – Scott Metzger, Marco Benevento, Tom Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, and, of course, Joe Russo – have become totally synchronized in their improvisational efforts. It’s a real treat to watch this band take on the Grateful Dead catalog with their sharp musicianship and eager enthusiasm.
Fortunately, we can relive these two great sets thanks to some pro-shot videos that have surfaced on YouTube. Watch a mostly-full video of night one and a completely-full video of night two, streaming below. Setlists to follow.
Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Lockn’ Festival, Arrington, VA – 8/25/16
Space ->
Jam ->
Truckin (SM) ->
St Stephen # (All) ->
The Eleven (TH & JR) ->
Brown Eyed Women (TH) >
The Wheel $ (All) ->
Estimated Prophet (SM) ->
Tennessee Jed (TH) >
Viola Lee Blues % (All) >
He’s Gone (TH) >
Terrapin Suite ^ (TH)
@ – Technically started on the morning of Friday, 8.26.16
# – With a “We’re Gonna Groove” (Led Zeppelin) Jam (Band) & a Dave Dreiwitz Bass Solo
$ – With a “Duo Jam”, “Fat Mama” (Herbie Hancock) Teases (MB), a Hell in A Bucket Tease (SM) & probably a bunch more from MB
% – With unknown tease (Band) & a “Heartbreaker” (Led Zeppelin) Tease (SM)
^ – With “He’s Gone” lyrics sang over the intro, another “Fat Mama” Tease (MB), & another Duo Jam
Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Lockn’ Festival, Arrington, VA – 8/26/16
“Early Comers” Soundcheck #
Ruben & Cherise (TH)
Uncle John’s Band (All)
One Set: 1:30AM@ ish – 3:50AM ish
Jam ->
Good Lovin’ (SM) ->
Shakedown Street $ (TH) ->
China Cat Sunflower (TH) ->
I Know You Rider (All) >
Dancin In The Street % (SM & NA)
Music Never Stopped (SM & NA)
Turn On Your Lovelight * (NA) ->
Slipknot! ->
Franklin’s Tower (TH & NA) >
Throwing Stones (SM)
Not Fade Away & (All)
NA indicates Nicole Atkins on Lead or Background Vocals
@ – Technically started on the morning of Saturday, 8.27.16
# – There was a small crowd assembled at the stage for soundcheck, so Joe decided to play some songs that they weren’t “Going to play later tonight” for them.
$ – With two “Bathtub Gin” (Phish) teases/jams (Band & JR)
% – Ok, I think I got most everything here: With a “Fat Mama” (Herbie Hancock) Tease (MB); with a Dave Dreiwitz Bass Solo & a “Shortnin’ Bread” (James Whitcomb Riley) tease from DD during said solo; with a “Good Lovin” Jam (Band) & call & response “Woo”s from the crowd; with a Duo Jam.
* – Not played since 12.27.13 at the Capitol Theatre, 79 shows
& – With an unknown (but very familiar) tease (MB)
[Setlists posted on Almost Dead’s Facebook, as annotated by manager Peter Costello]