Dead & Company - Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toodeloo - Alpine Valley Music Theater - 7/10/2016

Front row capture of John Mayer's amazing guitar solo that builds up with intensity to a final release of emotion divinely timed by this master guitarist 11:20s. Bill Kreutzmann blows kisses to John from the drum kit in homage to this epic delivery of sonic goods for the delighted Alpine Valley Music Theater Dead fans 14:05s. This show was the second night in Wisconsin, and the band's stay in Milwaukee continues the long history of magical nights by the Grateful Dead at this historic venue.
Recorded live in concert from the pit at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, WI USA near Milwaukee on July 10, 2016.

[@Guitargate]

It’s really exceptional. Mayer is straight floating through the air. Wide open. Flying.

[@mickjagger149]

Love the energy he’s brought to Dead & Co! Songs like this really capture how perfectly he’s incorporated his bluesy style with all the classic Jerry-isms!

[@markiszak]

Agreed Michael. You know John is really feeling it when he gets to dancing. Lovely rendition of the song, love John’s bluesy solos contained herein. Plenty of ear worms in the bends.

[@daviatompkins]

He has brought life back into the Dead and is turning a whole new generation onto this legendary band. I love it!!!!!

[@gregmeyer8900]

I agree your statement, the torch is being passed. It makes me so happy :D

[@markiszak]

Imho, the truth you have spoken 5 years ago still rings true

[@hubmanspencer7943]

I've always been a little too hard on ol' JM. One day I realized, man, this guy actually stepped into a highly revered spot, in a highly revered band where most musicians would not have taken the chance to be criticized by the hardcore fans. Yeah, Jerry he is not, but he dont have to be, and the experience of doing this, and succeeding, will make JM all that much better as a musician. My hat off to you JM.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Well said. It's about making music together honestly as they can. JM doesn't need the fame and fortune.

[@joesumma7020]

He sounds as good as Jerry ever did

[@timturk1899]

As a Grateful Dead follower from fall 88' to summer 95', I knew Jerry was so extremely different, creative, and played like no other guitarist I had ever heard before, or since! I remember going to see Further Bobby, Phil, Jeff(on keys, I think?), Bobby's Rat Dog drummer, and the D.S.O. guitarist on lead(please forgive me forgetfulness/sacrilege. On the tip of my tongue, he's got his own band now). Wow, I was thinking, after hearing some D.S.O. tapes(maybe a CD bootleg, but doubtful, even though it was 2010. You could buy a soundboard CD about 20 minutes after the show. 1st time I saw that! So, I was psyched to see some good Dead, with a top lead guitarist, that knows Jerry's sound, techniques, etc, as well as anyone! Well, it was okay.. What really stood out was that Jerry was the leader of the band, but this guitarist, gifted as he is, seem to be missing the confidence that a leader would have(me to, probably. Some big shoes to fill!), and this seemed like the major block. Made me realize how much more important Jerry was, if that's possible. Then I heard of the last Grateful Dead show on their 50th anniversary! Really wanted to be there but couldn't! And glad after, lol. I watched/listened(w/Trey on lead guitar). Just horrible! From what I heard. Glad I missed it! Sad ending... Then a few months later I hear about Dead and Company at MSG! Hmm? Interesting. No Phil? Who's on lead guitar? John Mayer?!! Excuse me? That pop star on TMZ all the time, going out w/pop star girls? The supposed asshole, etc? No way! Then I listened, and my mind was blown away! Wow! He can play the Jerry parts well, and has that confidence that was missing before, obviously because he's had much exposure, experience and was having fun, not nervous. Bobby leads the band since Jerry, but John is perfect at letting Bob lead, yet shines with confidence when he follows, sometimes(more lately) he'll even lead the way, along with Oteil, or Jeff, and Bob's looking at John like "okay, reel it in John", and he does, but not always right away, lol. I think they're really having fun lately, especially Billy! Jerry's not around, but his spirit lives on. In surprising ways sometimes! I think Jerry would be/is proud of John and the role he's taken with the band. I think Jerry would love Oteils style, as well. Very, very tight with a groove that makes you move, though not as intricate as Phil, he's more rhythm heavy. Haters gonna hate! I think this is a best case scenario for coming the closest to the original Dead experience. Very proud of the "boys", myself! And this "Half Step" is just beautifully played. Billy blows a kiss to John at the end. Right on! We're so blessed to have this music back again. Not like the original, but neither were the original band. Always evolving their songs(to the detriment of some old timers, even in 89'-90', some great, great shows, yet those who loved the band more in 68'-72', felt like the newer stuff was slow, boring, etc, so the haters were around criticizing Jerry back then. I love most everything. I like that they evolved over the years! And I love the new band! Sorry for being a rambling rose, Lol! Have a great one today brother!

[@STSGuitar16]

Honestly, to me his solos are all as interesting (dare I say more) as Jerry's were

[@iandi2574]

I'm coming around to Meyer, cuz he ain't trying to be Jerry, he's being himself and killing it. no one can fill Jerry's shoes, but he ain't trying to fill em, he's just doing his thing, killing it like a champ

[@dclax18]

Best Half step Dead and Co have performed by far! 2016 best year for them.

[@olivianida]

John looks happiest when he’s performing with the dead

[@Kellykendyl]

He does! Can’t wait to see them Sat night

[@geirtastheim8777]

I come back to this vid every now and then, mayer blasts this one to space

[@greenwichmusic6771]

Anyone who has ever questioned why Mayer is in this band needs to watch this. This is an all time performance.

[@MrLittlefeat]

I'm totally blown the hell away, I really think that Mayer should be a regular with the Dead, I'm sure Jerry is looking down with a big smile on his face !

[@waltershowalter]

I come back to this song so often. Excellent photography, excellent rendition, JM is flawless and the band is so on target. Absolute and utter bliss.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

This song was the second of their first set of the evening and recorded in the twilight sunlight providing its golden hue. I think JM especially was feeling the warmth from that and seeing all the fans at the amphitheater to be so inspired and perform was such great feeling. I'm glad you enjoyed it too!

[@Tummysticks315]

2017 tour cant wait!

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Are you JM? HaHa!

[@HyzersGR]

Love hearing the crowd carry the end of each verse

[@kvl505]

Yes... Awesome.

[@adelelove7358]

I'm just here for the last 1/3 of this beautiful song. I've been listening to the Dead for about the last 25 years, I'm just discovering my appreciation for this chorus.

[@suelink3909]

definitely didnt see this one coming but when i go back and listen to some of his older stuff, he "got it" a long time ago. we are just blessed they have crossed paths and are keeping the music alive. he is an incredible member of this legendary band and fits the part absolutely perfect.

[@mattiboo]

This is truly epic! Love John's expressions and emotion. Thank you Milwaukee Live for capturing this memorable moment!

[@HBC423]

mattiboo Atlanta was better

[@aoxomedia]

John Mayer is the only musician who could fill this role. This is intensively beautiful playing (by all). The music is still alive and in good hands.

[@earthmama65II]

This year has been a year of falling in love with John Mayer. This is explosive. Watch it. You won't regret it.

[@mikedolos7256]

I am a straight male and i think i have fallen in love with John Mayer, he is just incredible.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Hey, it's 2017.

[@jessicaellis9333]

I was not sold on John Mayer until I saw them live at S.P.A.C last week. Wow is all I can say! John Mayer found the penmanship of Jerry! One of the best guitar player I've seen.

[@earthmama65II]

I totally agree. I say Johnny Boy is tuned into Jerry's channel.

[@somewhereinthecity]

Hey, you know what, that man's DESTINY is to play guitar in the Dead. It's his destiny every bit as much as Luke Skywalker's was to wield that lightsaber. Good GOD, the way these guys just IMMOLATE Half Step is just CRAZY. Alpine 2016 is just one example -- see also 11/05/2015 with John and Oteil burning down the city of Philadelphia with their instruments (just their FOURTH!!! show!!!!), Irvine 2016, a Weir-Mayer guitar duel, Lakewood 2017, which featured the audience singing the Rio Grande-ee-o part. Many of these stand their ground with some of the GD's best HSMUT's -- 05/08/77, 11/06/77, etc.

[@EdHarroldLifeWithBreath]

This guy can really bring Jerry's tone alive. So cool to have this!

[@kevinkaurich1099]

In the heat of it all.. bobby calmly tuning his guitar.. priceless

[@DefeatTheWokeEstablishment]

Saw this show live. Great time, great memories.

[@paullywallee]

Was not sold on JM until this. Jerry he is not, but man if he isn't as close as it gets. There were parts I could close my eyes and not tell the difference. This was fantastic.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Now we need to get my brother to believe...

[@dspdesign663]

feel exactly the same. with eyes closed im riding that same musical wave!

[@joesumma7020]

Paul McArthur Mayer sounds as good as Jerry ever did, his note choice when improvising may even be tastier at times.

[@jonathanwalser2]

Thank you Milwaukee Live!! This is truly an instant DeadCo classic, and probably the best 1/2 Step I have heard, ever.. Thanks for getting it all on camera for us!

[@MilwaukeeLive]

You bet! God appears to John at 12:10s and seals the deal.

[@Tummysticks315]

ahahahha yes!!!!!

[@TOMas12408]

Listen to the Without a Net versions and it blows this out the water. Still a great version!

[@davesamborski183]

This still wakes me up,, Jon Mayer killed it

[@dannyharkins4027]

How do you not fuckin like this?

[@johnmeyers8585]

WOW!! I have never liked the Dead (post-Jerry) - I have always LOVED the Grateful Dead. Started listening to them in 1978 and since then they have been the only music I really appreciate. I have listened to the GD daily for over 38 years. But WOW!!!!! This was good. I didn't like it at first, but John Mayer "gets it". John is the guy the Dead should keep.

[@jamemacdonald9082]

John Meyers Mom always said to be opened for anything and listen then form an option. God bless Mom's

[@MsSmitty9]

Nailed a re tread to my feet and prey for better Weather!!!!! I do this every day since I first heard the words come outta Jerry’s Mouth. God bless him. Miss You Pal.

[@the.original.K]

I love Alpine Valley! Dead and Company own that place now.

[@musichead133]

Aaaaaawww Billy blew a kiss to Johnny 🥰. That explains how good this Half Step is. Keep on having fun, boys! 💥

[@cosmicbonzo7559]

Fucking wow, this brought some tears of joy on. Looked like John actually saw inside the gates of heaven for a second there. Boy was in his happy place for sure there.

[@Champzion]

Some of the best they've ever performed imo.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Best I have seen! A musical clinic on using key ingredients of drama (time and space and action and tension).

[@rftulie]

They opened with this when I saw them here in Albuquerque. Gotta believe the Rio Grande reference was the reason - the river is only about 2 1/2 miles from the concert venue as the crow flies!

[@aidanmccracken1]

What a performance!!

[@mikecarv5351]

john mayer at his BEST!

[@thomasbell6834]

Good Gawd, Mayer slayed the outro solo. The band has gotten tighter in 2017, but dang, I miss Mayer going off like this in '16. It feels like someone told him to reign it in a bit --and he is more restrained as a result.

[@sethstine4698]

Thomas Bell i noticed that as well. think he may have stepped on bobby's toes. Case in point, listen to the Help > Slip > Franklins at Fenway in 16' compared to the one a few weeks ago at Phillips Arena. "Reigned in" is an understatement. Still good, but definitely noticed what you noticed...

[@sethstine4698]

Thomas Bell and yeah; this ending was reminiscent of the 9/3/77 and 11/6/77 endings of Half Step. It was fucking imcredible.

[@jarg8]

Thomas Bell I highly disagree. They were wild at TD Garden on November 17th this year. I think they have just gotten to the point where they really understand how to work together and around each other. They no longer have anything to prove and they just seem so comfortable as a new band reviving classic music with a new vibe.

[@MrBlazerdude7]

JNK117 yep. Mayer still goes off but on different songs at different moments

[@thomasbell6834]

Funny to revisit the discussion a year later. I still think I am right. And so are you. They are exploring more, trusting each other more, listening to each other better.....but yes, Mayer still isn't quite as fast or flashy or excessive as he was in 2016.

[@patrickmckeen1745]

Love Bill Kreutzmann

[@patrickmckeen1745]

And Bob

[@marysuewardell516]

YEAH HE GETS IT

[@afford-a-movemovers8462]

does anyone still not believe that John Mayer is the best guitar player on the planet?

[@MilwaukeeLive]

There's at least one in every city, just kidding!! John rocks! Milwaukee is fortunate to have a great with Greg Koch.

[@timturk1899]

I don't! But I love his playing w/Dead and Company! Best one for the job, and I woulda never believed it! Great playing by John!

[@Grayham4]

Bill’s smiling is so beautiful to see

[@eddie3064]

DAMN! Positively Epic... Play on boys!

[@gratefulaya192]

i have to say these two nights were on point and so was that little bottle i was carrying with me, and if you happened to meet me the first night then you were on point as well lol. much thanks for this memory

[@MilwaukeeLive]

You're welcome. Fun that you attended both shows that weekend!

[@ScubaSteve4201]

It's really emotional watching John play Jerry's riffs

[@DooHa825]

kid fits right in

[@Dhelihiker]

heck yeah he does, he is on point

[@nancyprianti2355]

Michael Devine I agree, JM fits like a glove. On another note....at first I thought you were my brother, lol Michael Devine, that’s my maiden name 🤗

[@potshot11]

Amazing. John plays like he's possessed.

[@jameskrys5286]

I went into a liquor store last month and they had two types of Rock and Rye. One was Full Step Uptown Rock and Rye. (It’s Rye Whiskey with Rock Candy) Made in LaCross Wisconsin.

[@thinghammer]

I've never liked John Mayer, but I love the dead. I saw the original lineup many times. Maybe I should lighten up on him. Plus, I love that PRS

[@iamALLon]

THIS IS IT!

[@MindDetergentNJ]

Thats about as good as i ever heard it

[@mikedolos7256]

Would love to see Mayer take lead vocals on this next summer

[@pixelcruncher]

I had not seen this posting till now. I listened to a simulcast and thought it was the most beautiful rendition I have heard. The buildup leads to this release at 13:04 that is truly extraordinary and gives me chills each and every time. You really can't hear it that well in this version (no offense), but pick up a clean audio version and it will make your knees weak.

[@MilwaukeeLive]

One of the most truly epic live concert moments I have ever witnessed. Glad you share in this experience.

[@timturk1899]

Thanks! I'll do that.. Love this spectacular performance! Much love to you!

[@nicholasrosebush6182]

This was peak dead n co.

[@jackson-gillies]

I'd like to sit down and have a chat with the 9 Neanderthals who disliked this....

[@chriskies5016]

Talk away. Bob can’t sing the song well and John Mayer brings a level of douchiness that belongs nowhere near the Grateful Dead

[@Dreamagic23]

Don´t Waste Your Time, They are Not Worth !T

[@chriskies5016]

Dreamagic23 You’re right. Dead and Company are not worth the tome

[@kevinkaurich1099]

Always a Hoot!

[@jms-wo7dm]

Billy fucking loves it!!

[@LoveBandit1000]

They really need a vocalist to sing the Jerry songs, Bob just can't cut it anymore...

[@LyricistUnscene]

JM riding that train!!

[@johnlee1948]

mr. mayer is just awesome, but mr. weir is soooooo grooooovy..

[@ToddWCorey1]

Billy blows that bad boy a kiss at the end. This rivals 9/3/77.

[@stonedandhammered]

lets not get carried away, this is phenomenal but no rival to the king of all halfsteps, the sacred 9/3/77

[@josephkenefic5086]

If Jerry was singing this would rival any half step.

[@somewhereinthecity]

@@stonedandhammered I dunno, man. I think this stands with the "three Kings," the 5/7, 9/3, and 11/6 Half Steps. I also would rank the very first D&C Half Step, 11/05/15, with those three. Amazing that one didn't burn down the entire city of Philadelphia.

[@wangson]

shit!! That was fucking awesome!!

[@Dhelihiker]

where does Bob end and his facial hair begin?

[@Dreamagic23]

I spend most of my T!ME watchin´ Dead&Co on KZbin, But see !T from Your Point of View, brings a New dimension 2 !T , Tanx ; }

[@rosedore]

The best version since Wake of the Flood!

[@DooHa825]

listen to Without a Net

[@jaded777777]

5/7/77 Boston Garden. Untouchable performance.

[@DaFreezeey]

11/5/77 is amazing too

[@MrBlazerdude7]

mary frank englishtown 09/1977 is the pinnacle for me. Whenever dead and co do this song it is a barn burner for sure

[@GammaNu955]

Hartford 77’s brown eyed women is the best song I’ve ever heard...

[@thinghammer]

Anyone know what watch Mayer is wearing in this video?

[@MilwaukeeLive]

Audemars Piguet Concept GMT Tourbillon In White Ceramic See www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-2-john-mayer at 20m30s.

[@ScubaSteve4201]

Poor Mickeys crying his eyes out back there

[@gregorythomas2674]

Just a half step to slow...but still fun. ♥️🎸⚘🎶😊

[@nuendo2496]

They call him “meh” Mayer.

[@MrJscarsone]

What type of camera what this shot on? The picture is incredible

[@MilwaukeeLive]

The camera was a Nikon S9500 with 22x optical telephoto. I was about 20 feet from the band in the pit. For perspective, the following one was shot from the same spot with my iPhone 5S without any zoom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/en20h5pnediDqZY

[@MrJscarsone]

Awesome! Thanks for the great footage. I was in the lawn at Irvine and in the pit at Chula Vista. Can't wait for 2017!!

[@CAT15407]

Mayer is dead to me - mean that in a good way

[@kleilalmyamixedname4382]

Serendipity

[@conchfritters01]

Doesn't suck

[@elmoblatch9787]

Too slow, but I quibble.

[@wendymello9170]

Ft. Ui,uuilUnion ilp

[@billgrace681]

Bobbie is just terrible in this song. terrible

[@stevesmith917]

Man, I hate John Mayer

[@zachthomas7810]

Everyone disagrees with you in this comment section

[@Preston_McKnight]

Sucks for you that dudes slays dead songs

[@kleilalmyamixedname4382]

Serendipity

[@kleilalmyamixedname4382]

Serendipity

[@kleilalmyamixedname4382]

Serendipity