Phil Lesh & Friends wrapped up three consecutive weekends at The Capitol Theatre with a special Phil-O-Ween show on Halloween. The Grateful Dead bassist was joined by a lineup featuring Duane Betts (guitar), Eric Krasno (guitar), Grahame Lesh (guitar), Tony Leone (drums), Jason Crosby (keys), and Nicki Bluhm (vocals).
The band emerged like a cohort of zombies, with ghoulish face paint and blackened eyes. Kicking off the evening with a jubilant “Dancing In The Streets”, the ensemble set the tone with dueling guitar solos from Krasno and Betts. Next came “Cassidy”, which meandered into the story of “Reuben & Cerise” and back for a concluding reprise. Then Betts took the lead on “Althea”, handling both vocals and lead guitar, before a set-closing sequence of “Uncle John’s Band” and “I Know You Rider”.
Phil Lesh & Friends – “Dancing In The Street”, “Cassidy” > “Rubin and Cherise” > “Cassidy” – 10/31/22 [Pro-Shot]
After a break in the music, the band returned with a tongue-in-cheek “The Music Never Stopped”, followed by one of Phil’s signature tunes, “Unbroken Chain” featuring the 82-year-old bassist on lead vocals. He then called on his friends for “Help On The Way”, which segued into its usual companion, “Slipknot!” The band then played the first Allman Brothers Band song of the night, “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed”, which was penned by Duane’s father Dickey Betts. The ABB staple led back to a “Slipknot!” reprise, which gave way in turn to “Franklin’s Tower”. “Blue Skies”, another Allman Brothers Band classic, finished set two on a musical high.
Related: Phil Lesh & Friends Honor Jerry Lee Lewis At The Capitol Theatre [Photos/Videos/Audio]
Following a brief encore break, Phil offered his “Donor Rap” and then led the band through the Dead’s Halloween staple “Werewolves Of London” by Warren Zevon.
Check out fan-shot videos and full0show audio courtesy of taper Keith Litzenberger below.
Phil Lesh & Friends – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY – 10/31/22 – Full Audio
Phil Lesh & Friends – “Uncle John’s Band” – 10/31/22
[Video: bronx apostle]
Setlist: Phil Lesh & Friends | The Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY | 10/31/22
Set 1: Dancing in the Street (Martha Reeves and the Vandellas), Cassidy > Rubin and Cherise > Cassidy, Althea, Uncle John’s Band, I Know You Rider (traditional)
Set 2: The Music Never Stopped, Unbroken Chain, Help on the Way > Slipknot! > In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (The Allman Brothers Band) > Slipknot > Franklin’s Tower > Blue Sky (The Allman Brothers Band)
Encore: Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon) (Preceded by Phil’s Donor Rap/Band intros)