All photos by Jay Blakesberg
After slowly making his return to the stage after back surgery, Phil Lesh played his first extended, two-set gig on New Year’s Day at Beach Park in his hometown of San Rafael, Calif.
Lesh was joined by a backing quartet of Stu Allen and Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz on guitar, as well as drummer John Molo and multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby. The collective played a number of Grateful Dead favorites, from the opening “Jack Straw” to the closing “Shakedown Street.”
Lesh also recently announced his three-night 80th Birthday celebration with a surprise roster of Friends at The Capitol Theatre.
Check out photos by Jay Blakesberg and the full setlist below:
Phil Lesh
Jan. 1, 2020
Beach Park, San Rafael, Calif.
Set I: Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues, Friend of the Devil, Stagger Lee, Deal, Viola Lee Blues
Set II: Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, The Wheel, Here Comes Sunshine, China Cat Sunflower, Shakedown Street
10 Comments comments associated with this post
David R.
January 5, 2020 at 1:40 pmIt was all smiles and love on 1/1.
Steve R
January 3, 2020 at 3:22 pmI was there on New Year’s Day. The audience was thrilled with Phil’s performance despite his own stated uncertainty when he asked us to focus on the musicians on the stage with him. Stu, Jason, and Molo were their usual fantastic selves but the star of the show was Lebo who was on fire! The bass player was pretty darn good too. He did just fine!
Pat Nevins
January 3, 2020 at 4:16 pmThis is 100% accurate. I was there and this was a very special show. The band tore up the backyard with big jams for a thrilled audience!
Glenn
January 3, 2020 at 2:13 pmGetting goosebumps just knowing Phil is back and doing well. That smile on his face says it all –so happy!
Brick
January 3, 2020 at 9:27 amVery cool.
LearSDisciples
January 3, 2020 at 9:12 amGive it up already.
Jeffrey B.
January 3, 2020 at 12:57 pmGo find another webpage. Your comment is useless.
Hampton123
January 3, 2020 at 7:10 pmLearsdisciples what a douche!!
Eddie G
January 4, 2020 at 12:03 pmYou should stop and think about it. He is 80 years old and playing at a high level to his fans. If your not into the dead’s music, I think your missing out. Not the songs, but how the music is continually explored. And it’s always been that way. I don’t want to compare it to music or bands that you like, After all, it’s about individual taste. But do you see your fav’s playing 10…20 years from now? Do you see yourself listening? If so, you’ll be old too.
Eddie
61 and lov’n it!!
Glad your back Phil
Joe
January 2, 2020 at 4:05 pmYeah go phil!!! warms my heart to see him back in action!!