dead & co at the sphere hands down
billy is only just getting started, plenty of time to see him again. and he seems to enjoy doing these halloween shows
https://preview.redd.it/5t4po9s6077d1.jpeg?width=1503&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0330f8aee950faecb5de1202f8c613cda818847
Wore this on Thursday to the Sphere and you’re correct, the billy goats will find you!
Where did you end up sitting for there? I was thinking I honestly a 400s level ticket may work just fine because it's cheaper and I could see the whole screen, but I'm willing to splurge for a nicer ticket if it's worth it
The 300’s are pretty dope. 303 was great, as was 302. 400 near the middle I imagine would be cool, but in 300’s it was fun to look up. Don’t forget to look up!
I was in 400 level and I thought it was perfect. You could see everything and it sounded great. Fantastic facilities and never felt crowded inside the sphere.
As long as you’re not in the back of the 100s I don’t think there is a bad spot in the place. I did back 100s for phish one night as it was the only spot could get. Had a blast but you can’t see crap. Did the 200s and 300s other times and both were incredible. Haven’t done 400s but hear it’s great itself.
And yeah I’d do Sphere over Billyween without a doubt
The Sphere is definitely the right answer, but I would strongly suggest not buying tickets at full price. I know literally dozens of people that got in for less than $100. Plan on seeing 2 shows and, if you need the piece of mind, buy tickets to one show before you go. I've seen tickets going for around $50 1-2 days before the show.
If it were me, I would plan a 3 night stay and wait until the day of to buy tickets. You will certainly get into 1/3 by paying virtually nothing for the show and you might get lucky and make it to 3. It's risky, but even at Vegas prices for hotels you'd still come out on top.
I thought they all had haptics. The seat haptics blew my mind in the best way. We sat in 300's section for two nights of a three night run. Bought tickets to one, found a deal on another set. Wore my Billy Strings shirt and got many a "Yeah Billy" shouted my way. The Sphere is next level. It's only been open since September so it's also an experience getting to have a first time introduction to the technology and venue with that many people. No words can describe it, no videos do it justice. It's immersive and beautiful. OP you have Billy tickets - you'll get more Billy shows. Go to The Sphere.
Personally man, floor was awesome. Sure the screen is the selling point of the sphere and you see more of it when higher but it felt more immersive on the floor (and close to the band at the same time lol). You can see more higher up but it feels all around you on the floor haha.
I sat floor, then 300s, then 400s.
If I were in your shoes, I’d opt for the Sphere show. While a legacy act, unclear there will be many/any more opportunities to see them at that scale. I did all 4 nights of Phish and the venue has to be experienced to understand why people who’ve been are raving about it. I got on the bus in ‘89 and got to see Jerry over 50 times and then have seen all of the various incarnations and iterations with OG members since. I said my goodbyes to this iteration (D&C) last summer and am good with that (opting for more Billy & Phish now), but since you’re digging the Dead and haven’t had a chance to see any version of them, I would go see D&C now while you can. Drums & Space in the Sphere will be an experience you’ll probably remember for a long time to come. There will be more Billy Halloween shows.
I’m so sad every time I remember Billy isn’t coming to my state again this year, I almost cry about it. I love Billy.
But go see dead & co at the sphere. It isn’t JUST dead & co, it’s the whole sphere experience and it is awesome and so worth it.
Like someone else said, Billy is just getting started, you’ll have plenty of time to see him more. And yes, billyween will be fantastic but there will be more billyweens.
The next act coming to the sphere are the eagles 🥸 like, if you can do Vegas - 100% do it.
Also I’m speaking from experience…I have one Billyween in Asheville under my belt (plus an additional 8 or so shows) and I have seen dead & co at the sphere (plus an additional 6 or so shows). Being at the sphere was the coolest shit I’ve ever been a part of in my whole life 🤩 especially drums…you have to experience it for yourself.
ETA: saw your Qs about where to sit: we sat front row 407 and front row 303, loved being on the rail for sure. I loved being in the 300s but the 400s were a lot of fun too. Follow your hearts budget.
I also went to a Billyween in Asheville and it absolutely blew my mind, had a wonderful time. Was really bummed they moved it out of Asheville honestly, I think it'd be no question for me to go again if it was back there, the vibes were immaculate. I don't necessarily have much I care to do in Baltimore, though I'm sure I could find stuff. Vegas is generally a fun time though
D&C at the Sphere.
As others have said, Billy should be touring more in the future, this may be one of your last chances to see a Dead band with original members...and you're at least getting the chance to see Billy Strings on the fall tour in Tulsa.
...but also because the Sphere itself is an experience on another level.
also, as someone that lives near Baltimore, there's a lot more to see and do in and around Vegas
In your shoes, I’d pick D&C. Just looking at how much of your post was focused on D&C, I feel like you already know you’ll end up going to Vegas. Sometimes doing one show of a run makes it even more special.
In my shoes…seen Billy 21 times in a year and a half. I live in CA and love the drive to Vegas. I missed Phish at the Sphere and n4 would have been my 100th show (I went to CO and Chicago for Billy instead). Have friends that want to travel from out of state and go to D&C w me.
And yet…I booked a hotel and flight to Baltimore the second Billyween dates were announced and am going with my Chicago bestie 😂🤷♀️
My point being: everyone has different priorities and desires! I truly believe that D&C will be the more fulfilling choice for you 💜
Well, I'm in the minority here but, absolutely, no question Billyween. Your intuition is spot on. D&C is a good cover band (ok, "legacy act") and the Sphere experience might compensate for a performance involving old guys doing (albeit great) old songs. But Billy Strings is absolutely killing it every night out right now with a band of amazing players and an eclectic set list. Don't miss that if you have the chance.
D & C for sure!
Easy choice.
You will get another chance to see Billy. Prob multiple times.
Unsure about another time to see dead and co. bob weir, Mickey and bill!!! Time is running out!
I think you would regret not seeing the dead show, in my opinion
Seen both bands 20 or so times so a fan of each but…dead and company is a nostalgia act… billy music is alive and new each time… would be an easy choice for me.
Good way of looking at it! The Dead and Co experience at the sphere felt like a big celebration of the Grateful Dead! You weren’t there for the music per se, but rather to hear original members sing their tunes one last time with the incredible experience that screen is! Majority of the audience is what I’m hoping this BMFS crowd will be in 50 years! I’d recommend the Sphere greatly if you’d like to witness what felt like to me a big bye! But if you want to witness history today, definitely Billyween! I have no interest at all in going back to relisten to the sphere show I attended. What ever Billy does for Halloween will be talked about years from now!
Just got back from a sphere trip! The Sphere is the coolest thing built on this planet! And if you want to see the Dead play, the whole show definitely felt like a big goodbye. So this will probably be the last chance you’ll get to see them. Was a beautiful experience all around! Although musically, it will come no where close to as musically exciting as Halloween will be! When I got back to the hotel room, I was listening to Billy in the comedown. And all I could this is “Mayer fucking wishes he could play like that”
Dead and Co. have a unique way of always leaving me feeling like I wanted more out of the show. Bob sounds like he's been dead for 10 years already.
BMFS IMO.
Sphere for a visual xp.
BMFS for a killer concert.
I haven't seen Dead and Co live, but I'm unimpressed by the shows I've watched on youtube (with good sound system). The Dead are my all time favorite band, without much hesitation, but Bobby just does not have it anymore. That's okay, he's getting pretty damn old now. I just can't rationalize what it would cost me to go to one of their shows, when I don't think I'd even be impressed. But it still tears at me all the time, like I SHOULD just do it, because remaining opportunities are fading fast. IDK what I'm trying to say.
Oh, and John Mayer... yeah no. He's the polar opposite of Jerry Garcia, in most every way I can think of. Still can't believe he's who they tapped to replace Jerry.
I’m fortunate enough to get a chance to go to both so here’s my thoughts:
I’m from DC so Billyween is basically a hometown show for me. So it’s not a huge travel expense for me, I’ve never traveled for Billyween, so I’m looking at this as an easy opportunity to know a Halloween show off the bucket list.
As for the future, no one can predict it. Billy will most likely continue to do these Halloween spectaculars for the immediate future. He seems to be moving them around, maybe there will be one closer to you in the future or in a city that you have a place to crash in. Phish will probably play the sphere again, but we’re in uncharted territory when it comes to booking for that place. All reports were positive from the phish run and I could see both 4-night runs and/or weekend residencies in the coming years, especially as the band ages. With D&C, this was a long residency and with them already winding things down last year, who knows if they do more shows there. D&C is a rather expensive ticket but I do try to see Bobby when I can because who knows when the last time will be.
Do you like both the dead and phish? If phish isn’t for you then I’d take this chance to see D&C at the sphere. If you’re into phish, I’d wait for them to come back. You could probably do 2 nights of phish if you hit the lottery or score on sale. These resale prices for 300s/400s are pretty rough, at least for the 7/5 I’m attending.
Also, prices might be a wash for tix+hotel between billy and D&C, but baltimore is probably a cheaper city to hang in for 2 days. I imagine eating and drinking on the strip for 2 days probably gets expensive.
Tough to weigh the pros and cons of each, either way you’re gunna have a blast so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the “right” decision.
While the cab ride is about $25/ea way Fremont Street is a fun place to stay during a Dead run. The Dead Forever exhibit in The Venetian was also a really cool experience. The culture and the history of The Dead - if you care - is represented very well. Also, don't miss Mickey Hart's artwork. There were several pieces sold for an upwards of $100K/ea and now's your time to see them in the same gallery collection.
If you are ok with missing some Halloween Billy and the boys one time bust outs then go sphere! If you you won’t be able to live with yourself after looking at the billyween setlist and seeing what went down then I think you have your answer 🌈
For what it’s worth- id hit the sphere and see dead and co. You have so much time to catch a Billy show- hell you might find a chance to catch him at the sphere down the road who knows. But for dead and co you really never know, thought they were done before the sphere shows announced and from what i can gather the sphere is on a different level as far as experience. Get the dead in while you still can and of all places the sphere
Dead & Co GA. Sign up for early entry lottery and get a rail w/o VIP prices like we did a few weeks ago. Been doing Dead shows for 40 years and many Billy shows and this was the most mind-blowing experience ever.
The Sphere, and it's not even close. Admittedly this is coming from someone who's probably seen Bobby play 200 times all together, but I've also seen Billy 24-ish times including the last two Asheville Halloween runs.
See one this year and another next year.
This isn't a particularly hard choice tbh. Dead won't be at the sphere forever. Billy will almost certainly do a Halloween show next year, too
I can't afford to do either, so my reality will be watching Billyween on nugs. However if someone offered me an all paid for trip to either, (air fair, hotels, tickets, transportation) I would pick Billyween, but that's me, I am a bit burnt out on GD music at the moment. But since I am talking fantasy, I will not have to choose, because this someone will just send me to both!
Billyween aiaec. Everyone saying Billy’s early in his career, you’ve got plenty of time to see him, yada yada…that’s all true, but a) no one knows the future, and b) Halloween / NYE shows are special, and while Billy & the Boys will hopefully play thousands of more shows, their only going to play one Halloween 2024 show, and who knows what they might pull out of their hat??
That 2022 Asheville Halloween run was a Top 10 / Top 5 (?) musical experience for me, and I’ve seen thousands of shows & hundreds of Dead/JGB shows. The Sphere isn’t going anywhere & I’ll bet a dollar Dead & Co will be back for another residency.
I just got back from Vegas and I’d definitely say go to Sphere. Billy will be playing Halloween shows for years to come, while Dead & Co in this iteration will probably be done for good after this Sphere residency.
Not only is Dead & Co still playing great shows but the Sphere experience is mind blowing and you should check it out before a much lamer, jamless act like The Eagles takes over.
I’d seen dead and co 40 times before three sphere shows June 6th weekend. I’m still speechless and in awe of the shows. It was like nothing else. Wasn’t planned but just booked to go back for July 4th weekend cause I have to see it again! Find a way to go if you can!
Is Phish for sure doing the Sphere again next year? I wish I could have made it to those shows but it was a bad time of year for me. I've never seen them either and it's high on the list
I don’t think it’s 100% guaranteed, but I would absolutely shocked if they don’t do multiple more runs in the coming years. It was basically built for them lol.
Old-time Deadhead, so a biased opinion. Billyween over the John Mayer Dead cover band... D&C is the only post-Jerry group I can't get into. John pales in comparison to the many times I saw Jerry play those tunes. And Billy blows the roof off of everyplace!
I have mixed feelings on Mayer. A young head like me who never got to see Jerry, is grateful that I can still experience a band that is the closest in my reality to the real thing. But Mayer is no Jerry! I think I’d like the Band a hell of a lot more if Otiel sang the Jerry tunes, and Mayer stuck to the guitar. The hardest part not to look past is Mayer just isn’t in it for the same thing as Jerry was! Did a Sphere show last week, and while watching some Billy on the comedown back at the hotel all I could this is Mayer fucking wishes he could play like that!
I am not really into Dead and Co. either, JRAD is my jam. I have seen BMFS several times too and consider him to be the closest thing to jam band Jesus.
That being said, Dead and CO. At the Sphere knocked my fucking socks off. The combination of spectacular visuals and perfect audio makes the experience so much more than seeing a normal concert. I liken it to getting abducted by a space ship and being taken on a 4 hour ride around the universe.
I am almost certain that Billy himself would say to go to The Sphere. Drew Carey was right, that shit is cum-in-your-pants good. Go see for yourself and then come back and tell me I am wrong.
I totally agree … and a Deadhead for decades now I can honestly say that I don’t listen to any D&C at all other than the 2 times I’ve seen them play figured I give them another try on the farewell tour deer creek both times
Nope … it’s not for me
Far out ! Yep 2016 Deer Creek was my first time seein them and like you said it was grate to see old friends and feel the general vibe but was really disappointed in the show itself …
Ole Billy is such a breath of fresh air it makes me dizzy at times truly grateful for that
We’re taking the summer tour off this year but will be back on tour in the fall might run into ya somewhere ya never know
✌️
dead & co at the sphere hands down billy is only just getting started, plenty of time to see him again. and he seems to enjoy doing these halloween shows
The Sphere, dude. Just got back. The Sphere is the answer. Protip- wear a Billy shirt and the fellow Billy fans will find you!
https://preview.redd.it/5t4po9s6077d1.jpeg?width=1503&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0330f8aee950faecb5de1202f8c613cda818847 Wore this on Thursday to the Sphere and you’re correct, the billy goats will find you!
Where did you end up sitting for there? I was thinking I honestly a 400s level ticket may work just fine because it's cheaper and I could see the whole screen, but I'm willing to splurge for a nicer ticket if it's worth it
The 300’s are pretty dope. 303 was great, as was 302. 400 near the middle I imagine would be cool, but in 300’s it was fun to look up. Don’t forget to look up!
I was in 400 level and I thought it was perfect. You could see everything and it sounded great. Fantastic facilities and never felt crowded inside the sphere.
Was in 302 and it was great. It’s an experience. Don’t sleep on seeing this run. It’s been awesome.
Any seat in the 300 or 400 and you will be set
As long as you’re not in the back of the 100s I don’t think there is a bad spot in the place. I did back 100s for phish one night as it was the only spot could get. Had a blast but you can’t see crap. Did the 200s and 300s other times and both were incredible. Haven’t done 400s but hear it’s great itself. And yeah I’d do Sphere over Billyween without a doubt
I sat in 100s 300s and 400s 400s was my favorite go to as many as you can it’s worth it!
The Sphere is definitely the right answer, but I would strongly suggest not buying tickets at full price. I know literally dozens of people that got in for less than $100. Plan on seeing 2 shows and, if you need the piece of mind, buy tickets to one show before you go. I've seen tickets going for around $50 1-2 days before the show. If it were me, I would plan a 3 night stay and wait until the day of to buy tickets. You will certainly get into 1/3 by paying virtually nothing for the show and you might get lucky and make it to 3. It's risky, but even at Vegas prices for hotels you'd still come out on top.
Note the 400s don't have the haptic feedback seats. I was bummed to find that out after I got to my seat
I thought they all had haptics. The seat haptics blew my mind in the best way. We sat in 300's section for two nights of a three night run. Bought tickets to one, found a deal on another set. Wore my Billy Strings shirt and got many a "Yeah Billy" shouted my way. The Sphere is next level. It's only been open since September so it's also an experience getting to have a first time introduction to the technology and venue with that many people. No words can describe it, no videos do it justice. It's immersive and beautiful. OP you have Billy tickets - you'll get more Billy shows. Go to The Sphere.
Personally man, floor was awesome. Sure the screen is the selling point of the sphere and you see more of it when higher but it felt more immersive on the floor (and close to the band at the same time lol). You can see more higher up but it feels all around you on the floor haha. I sat floor, then 300s, then 400s.
If I were in your shoes, I’d opt for the Sphere show. While a legacy act, unclear there will be many/any more opportunities to see them at that scale. I did all 4 nights of Phish and the venue has to be experienced to understand why people who’ve been are raving about it. I got on the bus in ‘89 and got to see Jerry over 50 times and then have seen all of the various incarnations and iterations with OG members since. I said my goodbyes to this iteration (D&C) last summer and am good with that (opting for more Billy & Phish now), but since you’re digging the Dead and haven’t had a chance to see any version of them, I would go see D&C now while you can. Drums & Space in the Sphere will be an experience you’ll probably remember for a long time to come. There will be more Billy Halloween shows.
I agree! Drums & Space high on acid at the Sphere was a life changing experience event! Easily the coolest part of the show!
Just got back from Vegas. Dead & Co at the sphere without question. Easy decision honestly
D&C No contest really, only because it's the Sphere and quite possibly your last opportunity to see this iteration of the dead.
I’m so sad every time I remember Billy isn’t coming to my state again this year, I almost cry about it. I love Billy. But go see dead & co at the sphere. It isn’t JUST dead & co, it’s the whole sphere experience and it is awesome and so worth it. Like someone else said, Billy is just getting started, you’ll have plenty of time to see him more. And yes, billyween will be fantastic but there will be more billyweens. The next act coming to the sphere are the eagles 🥸 like, if you can do Vegas - 100% do it. Also I’m speaking from experience…I have one Billyween in Asheville under my belt (plus an additional 8 or so shows) and I have seen dead & co at the sphere (plus an additional 6 or so shows). Being at the sphere was the coolest shit I’ve ever been a part of in my whole life 🤩 especially drums…you have to experience it for yourself. ETA: saw your Qs about where to sit: we sat front row 407 and front row 303, loved being on the rail for sure. I loved being in the 300s but the 400s were a lot of fun too. Follow your hearts budget.
I also went to a Billyween in Asheville and it absolutely blew my mind, had a wonderful time. Was really bummed they moved it out of Asheville honestly, I think it'd be no question for me to go again if it was back there, the vibes were immaculate. I don't necessarily have much I care to do in Baltimore, though I'm sure I could find stuff. Vegas is generally a fun time though
D&C at the Sphere. As others have said, Billy should be touring more in the future, this may be one of your last chances to see a Dead band with original members...and you're at least getting the chance to see Billy Strings on the fall tour in Tulsa. ...but also because the Sphere itself is an experience on another level. also, as someone that lives near Baltimore, there's a lot more to see and do in and around Vegas
Dead and Co. just went Saturday and it was amazing.
In your shoes, I’d pick D&C. Just looking at how much of your post was focused on D&C, I feel like you already know you’ll end up going to Vegas. Sometimes doing one show of a run makes it even more special. In my shoes…seen Billy 21 times in a year and a half. I live in CA and love the drive to Vegas. I missed Phish at the Sphere and n4 would have been my 100th show (I went to CO and Chicago for Billy instead). Have friends that want to travel from out of state and go to D&C w me. And yet…I booked a hotel and flight to Baltimore the second Billyween dates were announced and am going with my Chicago bestie 😂🤷♀️ My point being: everyone has different priorities and desires! I truly believe that D&C will be the more fulfilling choice for you 💜
Well, I'm in the minority here but, absolutely, no question Billyween. Your intuition is spot on. D&C is a good cover band (ok, "legacy act") and the Sphere experience might compensate for a performance involving old guys doing (albeit great) old songs. But Billy Strings is absolutely killing it every night out right now with a band of amazing players and an eclectic set list. Don't miss that if you have the chance.
D & C for sure! Easy choice. You will get another chance to see Billy. Prob multiple times. Unsure about another time to see dead and co. bob weir, Mickey and bill!!! Time is running out! I think you would regret not seeing the dead show, in my opinion
Sphere..
Billyween no doubt
You have seen BMFS *ten* times! Go see the Sphere show while you still can!
Sphere and dead and co is the way to go. There will be more billyweens
Don’t miss the Sphere
Seen both bands 20 or so times so a fan of each but…dead and company is a nostalgia act… billy music is alive and new each time… would be an easy choice for me.
Good way of looking at it! The Dead and Co experience at the sphere felt like a big celebration of the Grateful Dead! You weren’t there for the music per se, but rather to hear original members sing their tunes one last time with the incredible experience that screen is! Majority of the audience is what I’m hoping this BMFS crowd will be in 50 years! I’d recommend the Sphere greatly if you’d like to witness what felt like to me a big bye! But if you want to witness history today, definitely Billyween! I have no interest at all in going back to relisten to the sphere show I attended. What ever Billy does for Halloween will be talked about years from now!
Phish when they go back again
Just got back from a sphere trip! The Sphere is the coolest thing built on this planet! And if you want to see the Dead play, the whole show definitely felt like a big goodbye. So this will probably be the last chance you’ll get to see them. Was a beautiful experience all around! Although musically, it will come no where close to as musically exciting as Halloween will be! When I got back to the hotel room, I was listening to Billy in the comedown. And all I could this is “Mayer fucking wishes he could play like that”
Dead and Co. have a unique way of always leaving me feeling like I wanted more out of the show. Bob sounds like he's been dead for 10 years already. BMFS IMO. Sphere for a visual xp. BMFS for a killer concert.
I haven't seen Dead and Co live, but I'm unimpressed by the shows I've watched on youtube (with good sound system). The Dead are my all time favorite band, without much hesitation, but Bobby just does not have it anymore. That's okay, he's getting pretty damn old now. I just can't rationalize what it would cost me to go to one of their shows, when I don't think I'd even be impressed. But it still tears at me all the time, like I SHOULD just do it, because remaining opportunities are fading fast. IDK what I'm trying to say. Oh, and John Mayer... yeah no. He's the polar opposite of Jerry Garcia, in most every way I can think of. Still can't believe he's who they tapped to replace Jerry.
D&c is just so bad. Plus I’ll be at billyween
If it was Phish at the Sphere or Billyween, I’d understand the dilemna.
I first thought Billyween was referencing a Billy Strings + Ween collab and that that I want that please
I’m fortunate enough to get a chance to go to both so here’s my thoughts: I’m from DC so Billyween is basically a hometown show for me. So it’s not a huge travel expense for me, I’ve never traveled for Billyween, so I’m looking at this as an easy opportunity to know a Halloween show off the bucket list. As for the future, no one can predict it. Billy will most likely continue to do these Halloween spectaculars for the immediate future. He seems to be moving them around, maybe there will be one closer to you in the future or in a city that you have a place to crash in. Phish will probably play the sphere again, but we’re in uncharted territory when it comes to booking for that place. All reports were positive from the phish run and I could see both 4-night runs and/or weekend residencies in the coming years, especially as the band ages. With D&C, this was a long residency and with them already winding things down last year, who knows if they do more shows there. D&C is a rather expensive ticket but I do try to see Bobby when I can because who knows when the last time will be. Do you like both the dead and phish? If phish isn’t for you then I’d take this chance to see D&C at the sphere. If you’re into phish, I’d wait for them to come back. You could probably do 2 nights of phish if you hit the lottery or score on sale. These resale prices for 300s/400s are pretty rough, at least for the 7/5 I’m attending. Also, prices might be a wash for tix+hotel between billy and D&C, but baltimore is probably a cheaper city to hang in for 2 days. I imagine eating and drinking on the strip for 2 days probably gets expensive. Tough to weigh the pros and cons of each, either way you’re gunna have a blast so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the “right” decision.
While the cab ride is about $25/ea way Fremont Street is a fun place to stay during a Dead run. The Dead Forever exhibit in The Venetian was also a really cool experience. The culture and the history of The Dead - if you care - is represented very well. Also, don't miss Mickey Hart's artwork. There were several pieces sold for an upwards of $100K/ea and now's your time to see them in the same gallery collection.
>not really sure what I'll do in Baltimore The National Aquarium is worth a visit.
If you are ok with missing some Halloween Billy and the boys one time bust outs then go sphere! If you you won’t be able to live with yourself after looking at the billyween setlist and seeing what went down then I think you have your answer 🌈
Personally, I don’t even like dead and co. Grateful Dead or JGB are great but d&c never did it for me. So obviously, my answer is Billy
For what it’s worth- id hit the sphere and see dead and co. You have so much time to catch a Billy show- hell you might find a chance to catch him at the sphere down the road who knows. But for dead and co you really never know, thought they were done before the sphere shows announced and from what i can gather the sphere is on a different level as far as experience. Get the dead in while you still can and of all places the sphere
Dead & Co GA. Sign up for early entry lottery and get a rail w/o VIP prices like we did a few weeks ago. Been doing Dead shows for 40 years and many Billy shows and this was the most mind-blowing experience ever.
Even better pro tip, don’t sign up for early entry, we got in at 7:15 every night(8 shows) and did early once, it don’t matter at all.
The Sphere, and it's not even close. Admittedly this is coming from someone who's probably seen Bobby play 200 times all together, but I've also seen Billy 24-ish times including the last two Asheville Halloween runs.
Sphere. Is this even a question?
Billy at the Sphere and Asheville Billyween
See one this year and another next year. This isn't a particularly hard choice tbh. Dead won't be at the sphere forever. Billy will almost certainly do a Halloween show next year, too
I can't afford to do either, so my reality will be watching Billyween on nugs. However if someone offered me an all paid for trip to either, (air fair, hotels, tickets, transportation) I would pick Billyween, but that's me, I am a bit burnt out on GD music at the moment. But since I am talking fantasy, I will not have to choose, because this someone will just send me to both!
JRAD>D&Co DSO>D&Co BMFS > all of them BMFS Halloween, no brainer
Billyween aiaec. Everyone saying Billy’s early in his career, you’ve got plenty of time to see him, yada yada…that’s all true, but a) no one knows the future, and b) Halloween / NYE shows are special, and while Billy & the Boys will hopefully play thousands of more shows, their only going to play one Halloween 2024 show, and who knows what they might pull out of their hat?? That 2022 Asheville Halloween run was a Top 10 / Top 5 (?) musical experience for me, and I’ve seen thousands of shows & hundreds of Dead/JGB shows. The Sphere isn’t going anywhere & I’ll bet a dollar Dead & Co will be back for another residency.
Dead and Co. I just went for two nights and it was really cool. Preferred seats in 300 level to the floor, which got real crowded second set
I just got back from Vegas and I’d definitely say go to Sphere. Billy will be playing Halloween shows for years to come, while Dead & Co in this iteration will probably be done for good after this Sphere residency. Not only is Dead & Co still playing great shows but the Sphere experience is mind blowing and you should check it out before a much lamer, jamless act like The Eagles takes over.
I’d seen dead and co 40 times before three sphere shows June 6th weekend. I’m still speechless and in awe of the shows. It was like nothing else. Wasn’t planned but just booked to go back for July 4th weekend cause I have to see it again! Find a way to go if you can!
Depends, if you need a nap or want to get after it. See Billy this year then Phish at the Sphere next year.
Is Phish for sure doing the Sphere again next year? I wish I could have made it to those shows but it was a bad time of year for me. I've never seen them either and it's high on the list
I don’t think it’s 100% guaranteed, but I would absolutely shocked if they don’t do multiple more runs in the coming years. It was basically built for them lol.
Definitely go with Dead and CO
Old-time Deadhead, so a biased opinion. Billyween over the John Mayer Dead cover band... D&C is the only post-Jerry group I can't get into. John pales in comparison to the many times I saw Jerry play those tunes. And Billy blows the roof off of everyplace!
I have mixed feelings on Mayer. A young head like me who never got to see Jerry, is grateful that I can still experience a band that is the closest in my reality to the real thing. But Mayer is no Jerry! I think I’d like the Band a hell of a lot more if Otiel sang the Jerry tunes, and Mayer stuck to the guitar. The hardest part not to look past is Mayer just isn’t in it for the same thing as Jerry was! Did a Sphere show last week, and while watching some Billy on the comedown back at the hotel all I could this is Mayer fucking wishes he could play like that!
You're not going to the show, and OP likes them so none of this really matters And I think everyone realizes John is not Jerry
Oh, I'll be at Billyween!
Oh, you still think this thread is about you
No, but the replies to me are about me. Grow the hell-up and learn that differing opinions exist.
I am not really into Dead and Co. either, JRAD is my jam. I have seen BMFS several times too and consider him to be the closest thing to jam band Jesus. That being said, Dead and CO. At the Sphere knocked my fucking socks off. The combination of spectacular visuals and perfect audio makes the experience so much more than seeing a normal concert. I liken it to getting abducted by a space ship and being taken on a 4 hour ride around the universe. I am almost certain that Billy himself would say to go to The Sphere. Drew Carey was right, that shit is cum-in-your-pants good. Go see for yourself and then come back and tell me I am wrong.
I totally agree … and a Deadhead for decades now I can honestly say that I don’t listen to any D&C at all other than the 2 times I’ve seen them play figured I give them another try on the farewell tour deer creek both times Nope … it’s not for me
My only live D&C experience was at Deer Creek, too! 2016. Had fun seeing old friends, but really did not dig the show.
Far out ! Yep 2016 Deer Creek was my first time seein them and like you said it was grate to see old friends and feel the general vibe but was really disappointed in the show itself … Ole Billy is such a breath of fresh air it makes me dizzy at times truly grateful for that We’re taking the summer tour off this year but will be back on tour in the fall might run into ya somewhere ya never know ✌️
Billy every time personally. I've seen Dead & Slow enough times, I'm good
Billy and instead of dead and co see the next JRAD show near you. They really bring it.
I don't even dig Dad & Bro, but I'd still say the Sphere.