Spafford paid tribute to Bob Weir at the band’s first show since his passing, launching its 2026 Winter Tour on Wednesday night at Barley’s Taproom in Knoxville, TN, with a sprawling interpretation of his signature song “The Other One”. The cover stretched to 56 minutes, consuming the entire opening set in a heartfelt memorial to the beloved Grateful Dead co-founder.

Honoring Weir’s improvisational spirit, the performance showcased Spafford’s versatility as guitarist Brian Moss, drummer Nick Tkachyk, keyboardist Cory Schechtman, and bassist Shon Gordon moved through contrasting musical landscapes. Opening with high-energy intensity, the jam evolved through bluesy segments and dance-oriented grooves, with Moss contributing dynamic guitar work throughout. Schechtman’s keyboard textures helped guide the group through various moods and styles, including teases of Pink Floyd‘s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”.

 

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The second set featured more extended jams, including a 21-minute “Fake The Fate” and other stretched-out originals. The band skipped the traditional encore break, closing the evening with Eddie Harris‘ “Sham Time”.

Spafford’s fearless, nearly hour-long expedition through “The Other One” demonstrated that Weir’s improvisational legacy lives on in the countless musicians he inspired, bridging past and present in the continuum of jam band music that the Grateful Dead helped pioneer.

Listen to Spafford’s “The Other One” jam honoring Bob Weir and the rest of Wednesday’s show below. Scroll down to view the full setlist.

Spafford’s winter tour continues through the Southeast and Texas before heading to Florida in February and wrapping up with an extensive Northeast and Mid-Atlantic run in March. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets, visit the band’s website.

Spafford – Barley’s Taproom – Knoxville, TN – 1/14/26

Setlist [via Spaffnerds]: Spafford | Barley’s Taproom | Knoxville, TN | 1/14/26
Set 1: The Other One (Grateful Dead) [1]
Set 2: Fake The Fate > Mind’s Unchained, Shelter In Place > Darkness Singularity
Encore: Sham Time (Eddie Harris)
Notes:
[1] With Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd) Teases