Dead & Company Return to Sphere for Second Residency

Dead & Company, the beloved band featuring Grateful Dead stalwarts Bob Weir and Mickey Hart alongside guitar virtuoso John Mayer, are set to ignite the Las Vegas Sphere once again for their second residency, aptly named "Dead Forever." This highly anticipated run of 18 shows kicks off this Thursday and culminates on May 17, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the band’s formation.

The Sphere, a groundbreaking $2.3 billion venue that revolutionized live entertainment with its immersive visuals and state-of-the-art technology, opened its doors in September 2023 with a spectacular U2 concert. Dead & Company previously graced the Sphere stage for a 30-show residency last year, solidifying their place as pioneers of this innovative performance space. Following U2’s impressive 40-show run from September 2023 to March 2024 and Phish’s brief stint in April 2024, the Eagles took flight at the Sphere in September 2024 and are scheduled to wrap up their current performances next month, before returning for additional dates in September.

After Dead & Company’s residency concludes, country music superstar Kenny Chesney will take over the Sphere stage in May, followed by the iconic Backstreet Boys in July, promising a diverse lineup of entertainment for Las Vegas audiences.

The Sphere’s impact on live music is undeniable, as evidenced by U2’s concert film, "U2: Bands Sphere," which captures the sheer realism and immersive experience of the venue.

Dead & Company’s formation can be traced back to the Grateful Dead’s "Fare Thee Well" shows in the summer of 2015, which marked the end of an era for the legendary band. The "Core Four" of Weir, Hart, bassist Phil Lesh (who sadly passed away in October 2024), and drummer Bill Kreutzmann reunited for these momentous performances, with Trey Anastasio of Phish stepping in to fill the void left by the late Jerry Garcia, who passed away in 1995.

While Lesh continued his musical journey with Phil and Friends, the chemistry between Weir and Mayer was undeniable. Their impromptu performance on "The Late Late Show," where Mayer served as guest host, sparked the idea that would eventually become Dead & Company.

The band’s lineup solidified with the addition of Hart, fellow Grateful Dead percussionist Bill Kreutzmann, bassist Oteil Burbridge from the Allman Brothers Band, and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, who had also participated in the "Fare Thee Well" shows. Drummer Jay Lane, a familiar face in Weir’s musical orbit, having played with him in Ratdog and Wolf Bros., replaced Kreutzmann in 2023, adding his unique rhythmic sensibilities to the band’s dynamic sound.

Dead & Company’s Sphere residency will feature three consecutive nights of music over six weeks this spring. Performances in March and April will take place from Thursday to Saturday, while the May shows will be held from Friday to Sunday (May 9-11) and Thursday to Saturday (May 15-17).

For those eager to experience the magic of Dead & Company at the Sphere, tickets are still available. For Thursday’s show, Ticketmaster offered tickets starting at $135 for seats with a limited view of the Sphere’s mesmerizing screen but a full view of the band and stage. General admission tickets were available on the resale market for around $363, while second-level tickets could be found for under $400.

For the Saturday, March 22 show, tickets started at $182 for seats with a limited view of the Sphere screen. Platinum seats in the 100 level were priced at approximately $475.

For fans seeking a more luxurious experience, three-night hotel and VIP packages from Vibee were available, but appear to be completely sold out for the entire residency, proving the huge demand. Got a group with you, suite reservations remain for a whopping $22,000 for twenty guests, which includes tickets and amenities.

For Deadheads unable to make the trip to Las Vegas, there are still ways to connect with the music and legacy of the Grateful Dead. "Enjoying the Ride," a 60-CD box set ($599.98) featuring 60 hours of live Grateful Dead performances from 1969 to 1994, is available for pre-order. This comprehensive collection commemorates the band’s 60th anniversary, as they formed in 1965.

Outdoor gear company Retrospec has also joined the celebration with a range of Grateful Dead-styled limited edition products. Among the offerings are bikes, ebikes, kayaks, and paddle boards adorned with iconic Dead imagery.

Even the youngest fans can get in on the action with a Baby Walker Balance Bike (for ages 12-24 months; $59.99) decorated with a parade of bears. For older kids, there’s the Grateful Dead Koa Rev+ 2 Fat Tire Electric Bike ($2,049.99) emblazoned with lightning bolts and a Steal Your Face skull on the frame.

The Grateful Dead’s enduring influence and cultural significance were recognized in December 2024 when the band was among the artists honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Furthermore, the band was named 2025’s MusiCares Persons of the Year at an event preceding the Grammys in February.

Dead & Company’s return to the Sphere promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans, blending the timeless music of the Grateful Dead with the cutting-edge technology of one of the world’s most innovative venues. With a dedicated fanbase, a stellar lineup, and the immersive environment of the Sphere, this residency is poised to be a highlight of the Las Vegas entertainment landscape. The blend of nostalgia and innovation will make for an unparalleled experience, further solidifying the Grateful Dead’s legacy for generations to come. Whether in person or through the many commemorative offerings, there are many ways for fans to celebrate this incredible music.