A vibrant sea of Deadheads flocked to the iconic Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Friday evening to kick off the highly anticipated first of three weekend performances by Dead & Company, celebrating a monumental 60-year legacy of the legendary Grateful Dead. This event was not just a celebration of the band’s illustrious history but also marked a significant moment for their loyal fans, as the band had been performing exclusively at Las Vegas’ Sphere since their last tour wrapped up in July 2023.

Following an exhilarating opening set by the talented Billy Strings, Dead & Company—comprising founding members Bobby Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane—delivered a powerful performance that delighted the crowd. Their two sets were filled with fan-favorite tracks from the Dead’s extensive 30-year catalog. Notable moments included surprise guest appearances from Grahame Lesh—performing “Box of Rain,” a cherished song penned by his late father, Phil Lesh—and Billy Strings joining in for the classic “Wharf Rat.” The evening concluded with an emotional encore featuring Bob Dylan’s iconic “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” paying tribute to what would have been the 83rd birthday of Jerry Garcia, the beloved frontman of the Grateful Dead.

With such an exciting setlist on Friday, Dead & Company has left a wealth of possibilities for fans returning for the following performances on Saturday and Sunday. The band is known for rarely repeating songs during these special runs, opening the door for timeless classics like “Touch of Grey,” “Casey Jones,” and “Truckin’” to make an appearance. On Saturday, fans can look forward to a performance from Sturgill Simpson, who will take the stage under his alter ego “Johnny Blue Skies,” while Sunday’s lineup will feature a set from Trey Anastasio, the frontman of Phish, promising an unforgettable weekend of music.

Here’s an in-depth look at the complete setlist from the exhilarating opening night of Dead & Company as they embark on their celebratory three-show run in San Francisco, honoring 60 years of the Grateful Dead.