Watch Phil Lesh Weave Through “Deal” at the Fare Thee Well Reunion

The Fare Thee Well concerts brought together an all star lineup to celebrate 50 years of the Grateful Dead. Phil Lesh joined Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Trey Anastasio, Bruce Hornsby, and Jeff Chimenti for the historic run at Chicago’s Soldier Field, nearly 20 years after the band’s final show at the same venue. The concerts were streamed around the world and later released as Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead.

This performance of “Deal” comes from the July 4, 2015 show. Phil is playing his signature six string Alembic and delivers another masterclass in melodic bass playing. Rather than staying glued to the root, he constantly reshapes the groove with counter melodies, rhythmic pushes, and perfectly timed fills. Trey Anastasio and Bruce Hornsby share lead vocals while the entire band dances with the tune with a chemistry that made these reunion shows so memorable.