Reviews
Kudos to the boys for kicking things off with a rollicking, tight Help>Slip>Franklin's. The movements throughout were tight! Stir It Up was sweet, but not outstanding. West LA was done well, and an all around good version. However, from West LA until Drums the show seemed real mellow to me. I lost some of the initial vibes that were so hot out of the gate. Maybe the first hour or so of this show was just the calm before what was to come. The last 60 minutes of this show were just incredible! It was some of the best post-Dead music I've heard. The boys ripped!!! We knew Samson was coming, but in the middle of Terrapin it was a treat. The Eleven was over the top all the way. It built to an all out rock and roll crescendo of an ending! We were wanting more after a subdued Black Muddy River encore, but it was not to be.
Dennis Attick
Magical. I just didn't want them to quit playing. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it will go further. It seems like and era of great music came to and end at lakewood last night. Beautiful Terrapin > Samson & Delilah > Terrapin sandwich. St. Stephen > The Eleven to cap off the show. Very Electrical and spirtually uplifting. Stir It Up w/ Ziggy and the Melody Makers. Very sweet Sugaree and West LA Fadeaway. I am not going to describe the show on this little board; there was just too many sides that this flat screen just can't show. Then to top it off with a touching Black Muddy River Encore, sums up a night of good vibe and hope that there is more out there on this planet.
They really are the ''Other Ones.''
Wes
Smokin show in Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, safe back a home in IN.
Jeff Kuester
Before the show the rumor mill was in full swing. In the lot I heard everything from Phil & Donna making guest apperances, to a Help>Slipknot>Franklin's opener. Unfortunately, only the latter of the two came true. Everyone seemed to be pumped up because not only of last night's killer show, but also because this was the last night of the tour. Everyone figured for a good show and man were we right on!
Sy Klopps opened first and was less than impressive. The only reason why I am even mentioned him in this review is because of their guitar player, who was nothing short of amazing, and because of a very sweet cover of Good Morning Little Schoolgirl in tribute to Pig. Ziggy Marley on the other hand was a different story. An on target opener of I Shot the Sherif was only surpassed by his soulful Could You Be Loved. When Ziggy left the stage after his set, I figured that it would not be the last we would be seeing of him tonight.
So the boys come on. The crowd was great, the people were great, the cops were cool, and everyone seemed to be having a really good time. Vendors were getting a bit pushy but this is to be expected with it being the last night of the tour. The enrgy was amazing. I truly believe that 99% of the people in Atlanta were there for the music, and as the cycle goes, we fed of the band and the band fed of us. Now for the song by song review:
Help>Slipknot: Always a good opener. Musically they sounded very strong, although I think Bobby may have forgot a lyric (I will have to listen to the tapes to be sure). Everyone knew we were in for a scorcher.
Franklin's Tower: I always liked this song and this was an exceptionally good version. Really jammed out on it. I will even venture out to say that this could be this best Franklin's Tower I have ever heard. Very nice.
Stir It Up: Well, my prediction was right & out strolls Mr. Marley for a very nice Stir It Up. Although I did not hear any of the other Stir It Ups on this tour I hope they were all done this well. Ziggy sounded great with the boys, one of the night's highligts.
West L.A. Fadeaway: Very nice. I have always liked this song OK, but last nights' version made me more of a fan. Simply put, Other Ones 2000 sound great. There is really great chemistry between these guys.
Baba Jingo: Of all the new songs, I like this one the best. Details of the song are pretty hazy however (to be honest I barely remember them playing it). Sorry.
Sugaree: Although not my favorite song of all time, I like the way Sugaree sounds when TOO plays it, much more than I ever did with the Dead. Bruce's voice still amazes me and I love to hear him sing a song like this that he can really get in to. Go Bruce!!!
Odessa: This was my first Odessa. Not bad, but not exactly all that great either.
Friend of the Devil: Excellent. I really like the Other One's rearrangement of FOTD and it is good to hear it be playing more often again. Musically it was flawless.
Estimated Prophet: I heard it coming a mile away. My anticipations were high for this one and they would not fail. Bobby did the cool rap reminding me of one of my favorite Prophets ever (03/20/86). I was a bit surprised to see Prophet only played three times this tour, but I was very happy to have caught one.
Long Tall Cool One: Where was I during this??? It is not on my setlist nor do I remember it! I guess we'll chalk this one up to the goodies I had before the show.
Drumz/Jam: Billy and Mickey sounded great. It was really good to see these two at it again. What chemistry! I think I heard an Other One tease in there so that is what I was expecting next. Instead we got a killer jam with Mr. Steve Kimock. I am sorry but I think the Other Ones need only one lead guitarist and I think Steve should be it.
Bird Song Jam: Steve and Bruce at their best. Bird Song was all over the tour this year. An odd, but nice choice for a reoccuring theme.
Terrapin: My highlight of the night. Some one once asked what my ideal setlist would be & I said one where they played the first 1/2 of Terrapin at the beginning and then played the last 1/2 of Terrapin at the end. I guess this is the closest I will ever get. Bobby and Bruce sounded great for the Lady With a Fan part, then began to trail of into...
Samson: An obvious choice for Sunday night. I had it picked for an encore but instead in the middle of a Terrapin sandwich. The energy level was really high I even found myself drifting out to the aisle for this one. I grooved and grooved and just when I thought it couldn't get any better...
Terrapin: BACK INTO TERRAPIN! Amazing. Everyone sounded great and I think the crowd was really surprised. This was the hot subject to talk about in the lot after the show. One of the most amzing things I've ever heard.
St. Stephen: Always a fun song. Sounded great and everyone danced. I was really hoping to be able to hear this one last night and was glad it was such a stellar version.
The Eleven: No one was happier than me when they brought this one back in '98. I really had a great time during this one to. The only flaw was a lyric mix-up by Bobby. Otherwise, it sounded great.
E. Black Muddy River: We love you Bruce! Once again, Bruce's voice was amazing. I saw lots of us out there trying to fight back the tears. Truly a great closer but I really expected a second encore.
A great end to a great tour! If you did not see the Other Ones this year you better be praying to God that they tour again next year. The magic really is still there and to be honest, they actually sound much better than they did in the 90's. The scene is great and so are the people. Lets really keep our fingers crossed for a Furthur next year. Lets also keep our fingers crossed for a reunion with Phil next year. I WANT TO THANK YOU, FOR A REAL GOOD TIME! Peace!
Drew Hill
After having followed the reviews off of this web page for the entire tour, I was eager to see and hear the Other Ones on this tour. The last time I had seen any post Dead band was Charlotte 98, and I was hungry for some good old dead. (note to any band member that might read this review - please do more southern dates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
My buddies and I had 12th row seats in front of Steve Kimock, and the sound was excellent, loud and well mixed all night long. The opening Help>Slipknot>Franklin's was unbelievable. Kimock truly took control on this number. It seemed to last forever.
The Stir It Up that followed was fun. Seeing Ziggy and his band on stage with members of the Dead was a scene that I never will forget. The comraderie and fellowship that was evident throught this song was touching.
West L.A. Fadeaway - slow and funky. This was the first number that I really noticed Alphonso on. While not Phil, I must say that I was very impressed with his play.
Baba Jingo - I took the opportunity to hit the loo during this one, and can only say that I recall Kimock doing some strong leads.
Sugaree - While I am aware of the faction of fans that are not fond of Hornsby's singing style, I must state that I love him. He sounded so good, and the jam just took off. I once again recall Kimock really shining on this one.
Odessa - This was Bobby acoustic with Mark Karan acoustic. This tune reminded me of some material I saw Bob play with Rob Wasserman when opening for Jerry in 1989. Bob's play was inspired, but this is one tune I could have done without.
FOTD - this was played with Bobby, Karan - both on acoustic, Alphonso on standup bass, and Hornsby on Accordian. PHAT is all I can say. This version just sounded great. Much better than the version I saw at Charlotte 98. The singing was very strong.
Estimated - This tune was everything you want an Estimated to be. Bobby screaming his lungs out - doing his best rock star routine. The soloing during this one seemed to come exclusively from Mark Karan. While I personally prefer Steve Kimock, I got to admit that Karan just blistered the Estimated Jam. Unfortunately, Kimock just seemed to be sitting there doing nothing througout the whole tune.
Long Tall Cool One - Nice Hornsby tune. Kinda started slow, w/ Karan taking the initial lead. Then, towards the end, Kimock made his presence known for the first time since Sugaree - and man did he rip off some hot leads. This song soared to heights I did not realize where possible at this point. Kimock took the whole jam to another lever.
Drums - As has been noted by many reviewers before me. It is just great to see Billy and Mickey together again. Without a doubt, this part of the show was the most similar to a Dead Show that was heard all night.
Jam - After the drums ended - the stage was taken over by Hornsby and Kimock that was just a beautiful, melodic jam. Eventually the whole band came back out, and then did a jam that did have hints of Bird Song - as noted on the set list. Although, I personally did not feel that the teases were strong enough to warrant mention in the overall set list. Maybe once I get to hear the tapes, I will reconsider this.
Terrapin - At this point the show just went over the top. I have always been a huge Terrapin fan and this did not disappoint. If I recall correctly the lyrics were sung in alternating style by Weir and Hornsby. Personally, I think Hornsby should have sung them all, but that is nitpicking. Then, right as the band was building up to the inspiration jam - they just suddenly kicked into
Samson - as has been stated throughout the tour. The Samson was just sooooooo hot!!!!!!!! The band simply raged on this one. Kimock and Karan both took blistering leads. The vocals were very strong. The drum back beat was sounded big and bad. Then...
Terrapin - When the band kicked back into Terrapin the place went nuts. The energy just stayed rocking in Lakewood. While I did not care for the way Weir delivered the ''inspiration'' line, the jam was utterly sublime. At that point I really figured the band may just pack it up and go home, when suddenly
St. Stephen - I had seen this played at Charlotte 98, and can only say that this version was much hotter. The jamming was superb. The crowd was going nuts. Kimock and Karan both were blazing. The ended jam was very long and got somewhat spaced out before coming back around for a titanic ending, which went into the hoped-for ''Eleven''
The Eleven was hot. Once again I can't say enough about how hard Kimock and Karan both ripped it up during this number.
Encore - Black Muddy River. Beautifully sung by Hornsby. The perfect ending to a wonderful show.
All I can hope for is that these guys will continue to play together for years to come.
Geov Hanna
The bookends of Help>Slip>Franklin's and St. Stephen>The Eleven pretty much told the story: This show was smokin'. Lots of energy, and Bobby and Bruce both sounded just fine at tour's end, thank you. After the great opener -- which featured about a 10-minute journey from Help into Franklin's -- Ziggy et al led Stir It Up, followed by lots of hugs and what seemed like genuine appreciation among all the guys when they left the stage. Bruce obviously enjoys Sugaree, and at one point left the piano and the stage, yielding to a strong four-man guitar jam. Estimated rocked, with one major Bobby lunge, and like everyone else has said this tour, having Billy back for Drumz was a treat. The Samson meat sandwiched between two slices of Terrapin was a fun surprise ... and Bobby nailed Samson, as usual. After Samson trailed off, he came back with ''Inspiration'' and the rest of Terrapin. Then St. Stephen>The Eleven ended the party on a spectacular high. A sweet, acoustic Black Muddy had the mellowing effect, and a fitting way to end the tour. The crowd was really enthusiastic, an obvious three-plus-generation mix, and probably about 15,000-16,000 in a 19,000-capacity venue. The set lasted right at 2-1/2 hours. Flashes and streaks of lightening lit up the sky on the way out, but the rain held off at Lakewood until well after the show... tho there were downpours just a few miles away in downtown Hotlanta. See y'all next year, I hope....
GoBravos
Help>Slipknot!>Franklin's: I was hoping for a Shakedown but was pleasantly surprised to hear the opening notes of Help On the Way. Overall, however, I was not terribly impressed with this version. Slipknot seemed relatively short and Franklin's never really grabbed me. This is not to say the playing wasn't good, just nothing special right off the bat.
Stir It Up: Kind of a novelty, nothing really special but fun nonetheless.
West L.A.: Again, fun to hear but nothing really interesting.
Baba Jingo: No offense, but I was just glad that this is what Mickey had to offer tonight instead of his version of Fire On The Mountain.
Sugaree: Although very mellow, this is where the show really started to grab me. I thought it was beautifully played and Bruce did a nice job on the vocals. Nice sweet solos from everybody. Seems like by slowing it down on this one the band was able to really gel.
Odessa: Never heard this before but rather enjoyed it. Nice bluesy feel and Bob sounded great on vocals.
Friend of the Devil: I have been hoping for an acoustic Black-Throated Wind from Bobby for some time now, but we got FOTD instead. No complaints though. Again, very mellow but still beautifully played. This song was like the calm before the storm, because things really started to pick up with....
Estimated: Yes!!! Somehow I completely forgot about this song when I was thinking about what we might hear this night. Recognized it during the tuning and was absolutely floored by this version. Easily the best post-Dead Estimated I have heard (and I have seen RatDog more than a few times). Wonderful solos, nice funky feel, and I always love Bob's screaming at the end of this one. Jam was great and I got really excited a few times as I thought it was taking an Other One turn. I knew they had jammed this the night before and thought we might actually hear it tonight. Instead it turned into...
Long Tall Cool One: No Other One, but still enjoyed this one. Had almost a sinister feel and was nicely placed after Estimated. Jam afterwards was nice and again thought we might hear an Other One, especially when the drums started to kick in, but then realized they were just going into....
Drumz/Space: How lucky were we to have Billy back on this tour. Drumz was actually very interesting and had a lot of great textures. Had a good time dancing for awhile but had to sit down for a breather at one point. The Space/Jam was very beautiful, with a lot from Bruce. Eventually the entire band worked their way back on stage and some nice Bird Song and possibly Wharf Rat teasing worked its way into...
Terrapin: Again, yes!!!! Had just heard RatDog do this one in Atlanta and was blown away then, but this one took the cake. Bobby sounded great on vocals. Beautiful Atlanta night for a Terrapin, with flashes of lightning off in the distance behind the stage. After the Lady with a Fan portion the jam started to take a turn and soon we heard the opening drum beat of...
Samson: Knew they were going to play this one because it was a Sunday show, but they still surprised me by sandwiching it into a beautiful Terrapin. I really enjoyed this Samson and thought there was some wonderful guitar work by all the guitarists. It was really amazing how effortlessly they were able to segue from Terrapin into Samson and then right back into....
Terrapin: They played around with some more Bird Song and Wharf Rat teases before flowing smoothly back into Terrapin. Great reaction from the crowd (finally) which, around me at least, had been pretty subdued for most of the set. Wonderful finish to a wonderful song. Did I mention how much I enjoyed Bob's vocals on this one. Very powerful. The closing riffs were very nice and then a beautiful slowdown for the opening notes of...
St. Stephen: What can you say? I had a good feeling that this would be played tonight based on its rotation up to this point on the tour, but wasn't really prepared for how spectacular it was going to sound. Everyone was on their feet for this one. I can definitely understand why the Dead quit playing this one (it isn't really open to improvisation), but wasn't it great to hear at least once. After the answer man part, the jam evolved into...
The Eleven: Spectacular! I loved hearing this, probably more than St. Stephen. Jam was great and the band was extremely tight by this point, and they took us all on a wonderful if short little jam. Was very disappointed that this was the final song as I thought they had a lot of momentum going at this point, and really thought this song could have flowed nicely into a Good Lovin' to end the set, but alas, this was all.
E: Black Muddy River: Just a simple and beautiful song. Bruce sounded great and it was very tenderly played. Really thought we would hear one more but that was all for this tour. Overall I thought the show was great and we are all very lucky that these guys still come and play for us.
Jason McCoy
The Atlanta show was the ''gem'' show. Totally inspiring. This is what it is all about!
Marybeth
This was probably the best Furthur show I have ever seen. Help>Slipknot>Franklin's was just there. It totally got the crowd up. Stir It Up was ok, although being the last show, I was hoping if any special guests came out it would be Phil and/or Donna because we heard they were backstage. Odessa was kick ass. Bobby played and sang grate all nite long. Billy and Mickey did a wonderful Drumz. When I heard the Bird Song jam, I was definately hoping for them to play it, but I'll definately take a Terrapin any show. Samson was really good too. And its always a treat to hear St. Stephen>The Eleven. Black Muddy River encore, kinda suprising, but it made the show that much more fun.
I am hoping for another TOO tour soon. I heard rumors of them touring again in 6 months, but I don't know. I heard the same thing in '98 and had to wait 2 years. As for all the bad reviews, you guys should've been in Atlanta. I'm just grateful that I can still listen to Bobby and company play live.
Kevin
Well lets see, the lot and atmosphere was great. Nice people, good times, and pleasant memories. Atlanta was quite the place to play the final show of Further. And it was also the only show I was able to see, though, If I had my way, I would have tore it down and gone the whole time, to each show. The Other Ones once again amazed me and I hope that they have it in them to tour again next year and even a few more after that. Bobby still sounds as well as can be, and Bruce's talent is outstanding, along w/ the rest of the band, not missing a beat.
Sy Klopps opened, and well, what can I say? If I were a big Blues fan, they would be on my list as ''must listen to tonight''. However, not too fond of the Blues and hearing ''baby'' in every song, it wasn't too special for me. Yet, for a band coming all the way from California, you still did a fantastic job and wish you guys the best success. Also, the lead guitarist, man you kick ASS!
Next, was Ziggy's turn. I was w/ my best friend and I would tell him how much Ziggy's style of music wasn't a favorite of mine either. But when Ziggy and his Melody Makers started performing, I was like 'Wow'! This experience sure opened up my doors to accepting Reggae, and Ziggy, only the best for you, and your band, may all your success come slowly and wonderful job!!
The songs:
-- Help>Slipknot!>Franklin's: Beautiful, great transition and easy to move to. Franklin's is a song I am quite familiar w/, and I believe that's one of the best versions I've ever heard. Slipknot was played wonderfully, and the music made its magic, perfect opener!
-- Stir it Up (w/ Ziggy and the Crew) : God, Amazing. This was a song I'll never forget. Ziggy and the Band, Bruce and everyone tore it up. I grooved the whole time to this song, and it made me wonder if Ziggy was going to come on and aid during the encore, nevertheless, this experience made a permanent mark in my memory, Kudos, Kudos.
-- West L.A. Fadeaway : nice transition and good sound. Not really a favorite of mine, but each time I hear, I like it more, plus hearing it live boosted it too.
-- Baba Jingo : Not too familiar w/ this one, kinda caught me off guard a bit. I still don't really remember this one that well, but hell, I'm sure it rocked!
-- Sugaree : You know, this was always a least favorite song of mine...for some reason, I am not sure, just not a favorite. However, yes, however, I believe that this song will be played w/ me more and more as I venture through life, thank you for the new faith in the song and Bruce, once again - well done.
-- Odessa : Strange, caught me a little stunned, not exactly a big one on my list, but hey it was nice.
-- Friend of the Devil : Well done. This fit in perfectly at the right moment, at the right time and it sounded fabulous. Nice preparation and good timing for this one guys!
-- Estimated Prophet : My song, my Dream... this song alone made tears come to my eyes. This song has just changed in me so many ways and its kinda strange that I got to hear it played. I saw it coming...but kept saying ''No Blake don't curse yourself, your luck sucks, off all the hundreds of songs your chances of a Prophet is Slim..'' but I aslo thought ''what if, dude, what if?!'' then after all that battling...my bud popped my leg and boom!! there they go...For this, Bobby, guys, everyone, I love you. Oh, and did I hear a little rap, partially like the (3/20/86) show, the best Prophet I've ever heard?- yes, yes Perfectly Done!! My dream, my wish, hey, I guess my luck isn't too shabby after all. This kicked ass!! Yes, and Thank you!
-- Long Tall Cool One : I was still amazed and stunned they played my Prophet I don't even remember this, but alas, Ill hear it again soon, and just reflect...
-- Drumz/Jam : Nice one! Did I hear an Other One Tease, or a Good Lovin, hell, maybe A little bit of The Way It Is Tease (which would have rocked, it being Atlanta and all) But to be honest, the before show snacks and festivities and such might have affected my hearing a tad, go figure. Bruce, Mickey, everyone, you guys really blew it up on this one.
-- Bird Song Jam : Not much to comment hear, nothing I was too excited about, but glad I could hear it either way, Nice job fellas.
-- Terrapin : My best friend's dream. This was quite a version to, w/ the sandwich effect and all. Bruce and Bobby mixing and sharing the Lyrics was quite a sound. I was so thrilled I was able to hear this song, and my friend, heh, I think it changed his life...Well done but the transition...
-- Samson : Perfect time, and I never saw it coming! This was clearly one of the best sounding songs of the night. Everyone jammed, grooved and sang to this one. What's left to say other than, 'Wow' and hell, its a Sunday Thing. Once again, Bobby and the boys made me proud.
-- Terrapin (part 2) : Ahhh, the second part, only but a perfect moment as well, went from slow, to fast w/ Samson and back into the amazing lyrics and supreme quality of sound delivered w/ Terrapin. Bobby and Bruce once again blew it up, sounding so perfect and so great together singing lyric after lyric. This one was a Keeper, and for me and my friend, I'm exceptionally glad I heard it. Thank you.
-- Saint Stephen>the Eleven : Talent at its best! this one caught me by surprise and it was quite a wonderous shocker at that! St. Stephen has always been a favorite of mine and slapping on the Eleven just made it even better. The songs go two-n-two together so beautifully, and drawing towards the end of the show, it was fabulous. This was just another song where the band ripped it up and made the crowd really get into it, all the dancing and singing, it seemed a bit like heaven. Thank you for this memory guys!
Encore -- Black Muddy River : a slow song as an encore. Well, I will be honest, I was looking for a Johnny B. Goode, or The Weight, but this song still hit the spot. Not being all that familiar, still I found myself drowning in the Harmony. And the unity at the end of the Show, the hug and bow, well, that sums it up. I heard rumors of people showing, and even though no one showed, hey, I wasn't at all disappointed.
Anyways, to sum it up- A+ and Further was a huge success in my Book. I hope that the band continues to tour, just a few more years, so some of us youngins' who weren't born all that early get a chance to follow them....just a bit longer. As said, Bobby, you are like an idle and have never sounded better. Bruce, your talent amazes me, Mickey and the boys same to you and Good Luck. Hopefully I can see you guys a few more times, over a few more years, as I said you people are magic makers of music and I'm so happy I had the privilege to view this show. Thank you for the Memories, and no, you guys will never fade away....
Blake Alexander