Earlier this month, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead took the stage at The Capitol Theatre for a three-night run of fanless concerts. Last week, the highly-coveted Grateful Dead cover band released pro-shot footage of its performance of “Eyes of the World” from night two on October 2nd.
The concerts were spearheaded by the LOCKN’ festival team who were set to host JRAD as a headliner at this year’s festival. When the festival was ultimately postponed to October 2021, organizers announced the streams as a way to beam the LOCKN’ spirit into fans’ homes across the country, all for free.
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Coming in at the three-slot of night two set one, this “Eyes of the World” starts out slow and low as the band lays the groundwork for the beloved tune. Soon enough, the song’s iconic riff emerges from Scott Metzger as the band gets into full swing. Just as the band has reached the intro, the curtains in front of the stage ceremoniously open to reveal the empty seats and images of Infinity Downs in Arrington, VA are projected on the walls of The Capitol Theatre.
Playing in the round, the members of JRAD have an even greater sense of community and connectivity, as shown through the extended improvisation that leads to the opening verse of the song. Eventually, Tom Hamilton steps up to the mic to deliver the immortal words of Robert Hunter. As the band flows through jams, the lush landscape of the LOCKN’ site provides a serene accompaniment in which to get lost during the 13-minute live cut.
Watch Joe Russo’s Almost Dead perform “Eyes of the World” at The Capitol Theatre on October 2nd.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead – “Eyes of the World” – Port Chester, NY – 10/2/20
[Video: Relix]