Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros Debut “Festival,” Tap Oteil Burbridge During New Year’s Eve Run in Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Marc Millman

Last night, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros resumed their New Year’s Eve rev-up at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. After delivering two prior concerts and taking an evening away from the stage, Weir and company were back on December 30, 2024. During the two-set performance, the bandleader introduced “Festival” into the Wolf Bros repertoire, a song produced during Weir’s early ‘80s spurt of activity via Bobby & The Midnites. Beyond the first-time play, the ensemble welcomed Weir’s Dead & Company bandmate, Oteil Burbridge, to assist on select songs. 

The night began with a take on the Grateful Dead’s “I Need a Miracle,” fueling energy in the early moments of the concert before toning it down and allowing for the slow build of “Row Jimmy.” The Wake of the Flood favorite eventually gave way to “Mama Tried,” but not before the audience echoed the final music-mentioned bridge: “That’s the way it’s been in town/ Ever since they tore the jukebox down.” Following the last notes of Merle Haggard’s cowboy tune, the time arrived for a jubilee. 

“Festival” was the night’s lone debut. It was a first-time play from this group of artists, who co-opted the exultant lines that describe the sights and sounds of a celebratory coming together–not unlike the event at hand. Afterward, the group worked through an opulent rendition of “Crazy Fingers” before a well-paced “Candyman” and the set-ending “Deal.” 

On the other side of the set break, the band was joined by a special guest, Weir’s nearly decade-long bandmate in Dead & Company, revered bassist Burbridge, who lent his skill on the three-part Blues for Allah suite: “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower.” Sans guest, the billed ensemble performed the first “Bombs Away” of 2024, ending a year-long gap ahead of a powerfully traversed “Stella Blue” and ensuing “Weather Report Suite” and “Let It Grow.” 

Upon the band’s return for the night’s encore, they played through “Black Muddy River.” The pondering of time felt like a well-placed final number ahead of the group’s New Year’s Eve concert, which will occur tonight, Dec. 31, their official 2024 capstone. Tickets remain on sale for tonight’s concert.  

Scroll down to view last night’s setlist.

Bob Weir & Wolf Bros 

Broward Center for the Performing Arts – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

December 30, 2024 

Set I: I Need a Miracle, Row Jimmy, Mama Tried, Festival+, Crazy Fingers, Candyman, Deal

Set II: Help on the Way@ > Slipknot!@, Franklin’s Tower, Bombs Away&, Stella Blue, Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow

Enc.: Black Muddy River 

Notes:

@ With Oteil Burbridge

+ Debut, first time played by this configuration of musicians 

& First “Bombs” since Dec. 16, 2023