Three Amigos: Bobby Weir, Sturgill Simpson and Rick Mitarotonda Break into Trio Form on Sunday Night at Dead Ahead, Phil Lesh Tribute and More

Photo credit: Jay Blakesberg

After warming up on Friday, January 10, the Dead Ahead band returned to the main stage on Sunday, January 12, 2025, with more than the promised two-set performance to spill. Rather than stick to the script, Weir veered off the projected course, carving out a specialty set during the night’s mid-section, with duo performances from the bandleader and Sturgill Simpson and a series of trio moments featuring Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda. 

Beyond the unexpected frame of music, Sunday night’s concert exemplified the Deadhead saying, “Never miss a Sunday show,” with some to-be-expected arrangements coursing the night: “Samson and Delilah,” “Estimated Prophet,” songs that touched on the holy nature of the day of the week. 

Sunday’s show started with the signature instrumental opening that announces fan favorite “Shakedown Street,” eventually giving way to a Mitarotonda-led “Friend of the Devil.” A rare lyrical exchange arrived with “Jack Straw,” which saw backbeat Jay Lane toss lyrics back and forth with Weir, filling his Dead & Company bandmate, John Mayer’s typical co-role.

The aforementioned Sunday song, “Samson and Delilah,” emerged with songstress Brandi Carlile, who emoted the traditional number and applied the same treatment to the ensuing “Loser” and Phil Lesh homage/ first set send-off, “Box of Rain.” Lending the song’s lyrical carry to Carlile was a transitionary moment for fans to reflect on the Dead’s widespread influence–far beyond the jam sphere. 

After a pause, music continued with the arrival of Weir and Simpson, who cut into the second set in duo form, performing the Merle Haggard original and beloved cowboy tune, “Mama Tried.” Before expanding the lineup, the pair remained for a subtle take on “Ripple.” Notably, during the Dead’s Kennedy Center Honors gala, the country-leaning artist took the reins on the American Beauty classic, informing Sunday night’s performance. 

Mitaronda joined Weir and Simpson, and collectively, the three amigos gave legs to another gaucho-tinged tune, “Me and My Uncle.” Light instrumentals complimented a nearly acapella “Deep Elem Blues,” gently cast to a receptive and eager audience. 

Breaking from the night’s midsection, set three saw a return of players for Garcia’s “Deal,” which merged into a Simpson-led “Scarlet Begonias.” Beckoning to Sunday songs, the group worked through “Estimated Prophet.” The crowd and band got down to “Eyes of the World” before traversing the powerful Bonnie Dobson’s original turned Grateful Dead staple “Morning Dew.” 

The final moments of Sunday’s third and final set produced a Mitaronda-sung “Cold, Rain and Snow” before the arrival of “Turn on Your Love Light” during the night’s encore. 

Tonight, Jan. 13, the Dead Ahead band will offer one final performance. Scroll down for photos and watch a fan-shot video from Sunday night’s Dead-tinged destination concert event.