In the end, the band opted for a seven-song set, opening with their version of “Dancin’ in the Streets” before moving on to “Uncle John’s Band,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Eyes of the World.” And yes, they wore tuxedos: “It was black tie, so I just went and did my black-tie thing,” Lesh said. “I remember Billy saying, ‘I’m gonna wear a black T-shirt, because I don’t want to sweat up my formal shirt.’”
Midway through, the Dead took an unexpected set break: During “Eye of the World,” the band was handed a note that Vice President–elect Biden and his wife Jill had arrived earlier than expected. The Bidens danced to Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” before the Dead resumed with “The Wheel,” “Touch of Grey,” and “Box of Rain.” “Pretty much we wanted to play the songs and get ‘em out there and get the groove going so people could dance around if they wanted to,” Lesh said.
When the Obamas arrived later in the evening for a dance, Lesh said he and his wife Jill danced together. “Romantic as hell,” he said. “Even if we maybe violated protocol or something.” Three months later, the Dead embarked on a full reunion tour, which included a quick visit with Obama in the Oval Office. During one stop on that tour, in New York, the Dead looked back on their performance for Obama and Biden. “The inauguration crowd was pretty swinging,” Weir said. “They were in a celebratory mood. We played a few songs before I took my coat off.”
That's not the grateful dead
*not The Grateful Dead
Hell no.
🎼🎸
That is NOT the Grateful Dead
Ridiculous
That’s The Dead ...
Pass thanks. Post empire.
Grateful Dead gone since 1995