On Thursday night, February 1st, Greensky Bluegrass tour continued with a performance at The Fillmore Philadelphia with support from Billy Strings. The tour stop saw Greensky make their way to Philly just as the city’s beloved Philadelphia Eagles prepare to play for the NFL title at the Super Bowl this Sunday.
The band did not waste the opportunities for fun and surprises that the exciting location and timing of the gig provided. That much was clear as soon as dobro player Anders Beck took the stage in an Eagles jersey. After a fun set one, the band began their second frame with “Dustbowl Overtures”, followed by “Better Off”. Next, they welcomed out area native and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead guitarist Tom Hamilton for a three-song sit-in including renditions of “Butcher Boy” and “Demons” as well as a cover of the Grateful Dead‘s “Mr. Charlie” to the excitement of the Philadelphia audience.
Watch video of Hamilton joining Greensky Bluegrass in Philadelphia below via YouTube user ricgrass:
“Butcher Boy”
“Mr. Charlie”
Next, Greensky delivered a short-and-sweet runs through bluegrass standard “Hit Parade of Love” and “Old Barns” before starting in on a “Broke Mountain Breakdown” whose ever-changing narrative focused on the impending Super Bowl and featured a crowd-sung rendition of Philadelphia Eagles fight song “Fly Eagles Fly”.
The “Breakdown” was followed by the eerie power of “Bring Out Your Dead” to put a cap on the fantastic set. Finally, the band returned for their encore and, in what was perhaps a subtle nod to the “dust”-y second set-opener, led a sing-along rendition of Phish anthem “Chalkdust Torture” to send the crowd home happy.
For a full list of upcoming Greensky Bluegrass tour dates, head to the band’s website. You can purchase a full soundboard recording via nugs.net.
You can check out a full gallery of photos from Greensky Bluegrass’s 2/1/18 show at The Fillmore Philadelphia below courtesy of photographer Sam Watson.
SETLIST: Greensky Bluegrass | The Fillmore Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA | 2/1/18
SET 1: The Radio Blues, Quitter, Run or Die, Tuesday Letter, Wheel Hoss, Out And Under, Jesus on the Mainline, While Waiting, Don’t Lie*
SET 2: Dustbowl Overtures, Better Off, Butcher Boy^, Demons^, Mr. Charlie^, Hit Parade of Love, Old Barns, Broke Mountain Breakdown**, Bring Out Your Dead
ENCORE: Chalkdust Torture
NOTES:
*(Eye of the Tiger Teases with Fly Like An Eagle Lyrics)
^(with Tom Hamilton)
** “Fly Eagles Fly” Breakdown featuring Philadelphia Eagles chant
