My Morning Jacket Welcome Guests, Honor the Grateful Dead at The Fillmore

My Morning Jacket commenced an ambitious seven-night residency at San Francisco’s iconic Fillmore, delivering a distinct experience each evening with unique color-themed aesthetics, dress codes, and setlists. This series of performances, noted for its blend of innovation and reverence, prominently featured tributes to the Grateful Dead alongside special guest appearances.

The band’s inaugural show was marked by a collaboration with acclaimed guitarist Molly Tuttle. She joined the group to debut a rendition of Jerry Garcia’s “Sugaree,” a piece deeply rooted in the Dead’s legacy. This initial collaboration set the tone for a night steeped in homage and musical exploration.

Tuttle’s involvement extended beyond the opener; she reappeared to support a cover of Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People,” a track My Morning Jacket had recently revived after a prolonged hiatus. The evening culminated with Tuttle’s third appearance, accompanying the band on Dolly Parton’s “Eagle When She Flies,” expanding the night’s homage to include country influences.

Continuing the momentum, the second night featured fresh material and additional nods to classic rock lineage. Midway through the set, the group introduced “Lost Child,” a track from frontman Jim James’ recently released solo album, Wowed Out. This addition provided insight into James’ evolving solo artistry within the collective context of the band’s performance.

Emerging artist Tyler Ballgame joined the band on stage later that evening, contributing to the first-ever My Morning Jacket performance of George Harrison’s “Behind That Locked Door.” The collaboration underscored the band's commitment to intertwining their set with revered musical influences.

Further connecting with the Grateful Dead’s heritage, My Morning Jacket revisited “Brown-Eyed Women,” a song they had not performed since 2014 when Bob Weir himself joined them live. This reintroduction highlighted the enduring bond between the band and San Francisco’s rich musical history.

The night closed with a new interpretation of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” shaped in the style popularized by the Grateful Dead in the early 1970s. This choice reinforced the thematic continuity of the residency, blending original material, covers, and historical references.

My Morning Jacket’s ongoing residency at The Fillmore reflects both a celebration of their musical influences and a commitment to delivering fresh experiences to their audience. Each show’s distinct theme and evolving setlist demonstrate the band’s versatility and respect for the Bay Area’s musical legacy.

Details about the subsequent nights in the residency remain limited, but the first two evenings have established a precedent of creative homage and collaborative performances that resonate with long-time fans of both My Morning Jacket and the Grateful Dead.

The Fillmore series not only showcases My Morning Jacket’s dynamic live presence but also underscores the continued relevance and influence of the Grateful Dead’s musical heritage within contemporary rock circles. As the band continues this special engagement, audiences can anticipate further unique shows blending innovation with tradition.