Bob Weir & Ratdog
Tuesday, August 25th at the Fox Theater

I am pretty sure that 40% of the crowd at the Fox Theater dropped their kids off at David Cook and headed across the street to see a music legend.  The Fox Theater was a little bit more down to earth for the night.

The crowd was a sea of tie-dye, leather, and peace signs with a hint of patchouli. A few people slowly stood up to dance as soon as Jackie Greene said “this is weird everyone is sitting.” Jackie Greene and his band were younger then Bob Weir but sounded like they had been playing instruments forever.

To me they sounded like rock with a little bit of blues, Matt said it was considered an adult alternative. Their set reminded me of The Wallflowers a little bit. Musically well brought up, people who are passionate about their instruments. I was very impressed with their music knowledge. It was especially fun to see people sing along sitting around me.

My favorite crowd person was the 14/15 year old kid standing in the walk way before anyone was with his tie-dye shirt, leather Grateful Dead vest, and long wavy hair just moving his hands like he was playing at home on his guitar.

All the sudden the entire room rose to their feet and started to holler. Quick to see what was going on I hopped up as well and noticed that Bob Weir had come out on stage to join Jackie Greene and his band. For the rest of the night there was no more assigned seating. The aisles were full and people were running down them to get to the front.

There was plenty of dancing and singing along, after that point I understood why the Fox hired CMS Security for the first time (at least that was the first time I have seen them there). Slowly the stage crew would come on stage and move things around while they were playing and then you saw the rest of the gang with Bob Weir and Ratdog come out on stage. Then Jackie Greene was the guest playing with Bob Weir and Ratdog. Jackie left after a few songs and from there on out we were treated with cool lights and classic rock and roll.

We got to hear Grateful Dead tunes, Bob Weir & Ratdog tunes, and I think we even heard a Dylan cover. I do not know all about the Grateful Dead but obviously they were a big deal because the crowd was hopped up on the Q to sing along and yell out things like "I LOVE YOU BOBBY WEIR!" It kind of felt like a blast from the past there with the crowd dressed in late 60's early 70's attire in a restored vintage theater. It was cool.

I am sure the band hears this a lot but it's a group of top-notch musicians that have been playing for longer then I have been alive. I am grateful that I was able to attend the show, I think my Dad is going to be jealous. 

Check out more photos of Bob Weir & Ratdog here!

Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com