To wrap up his 2024/2025 New Year’s run in Fort Lauderdale, Bob Weir brought a stripped-down version of his Wolf Brothers project to the intimate The Parker. After four nights of “big band” sound with the Wolfpack strings and horns at the Broward Center, these January 2025 shows were a masterclass in the “less is more” philosophy.
The performance featured the core trio: Bob Weir, legendary bassist Don Was, and drummer Jay Lane.
Moving from the grand scale of the Broward Center to the 1,100-seat Parker Playhouse transformed the energy. Without the density of the horns or the pedal steel of Barry Sless, Weir’s idiosyncratic rhythm guitar and weathered, soulful vocals were the undisputed focal point.
Night One Highlights (January 2, 2025)
The first night was characterized by deep cuts and “bust-outs” that delighted the veteran Deadheads in the room.
The Rare Gems: “Odessa” and a rare live performance of “Gonesville” from Weir’s 2016 solo album Blue Mountain.
The Classic Pairing: A massive “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider” reminded everyone that three musicians are more than enough to fill a room when they have the chemistry of Was and Lane.
The Emotional Peak: A haunting, slow-burning “Morning Dew” showcased Weir’s ability to interpret a lyric with more gravity than ever before, followed by a communal “Touch of Grey” encore.
Night Two Highlights (January 3, 2025)
Set I Focus: The show opened with a laid-back “Althea” and a funky “Feel Like a Stranger.” The inclusion of Ratdog’s “Even So” > “October Queen” provided a jazzy, dark texture that fit the trio format perfectly.
Set 2: featured Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and a sultry, bass-driven cover of “Fever.”
The Finale: After a rocking “Johnny B. Goode,” the run concluded with a poignant pairing of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” and “Brokedown Palace,” leaving the room in a state of quiet reflection.
