Live Review: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Pier 17 NYC, 9/12/25

Joe Russo's Almost Dead

Pier 17 NYC 9/12/25

On an absolutely perfect late summer Friday night, the Brooklyn based Joe Russo's Almost Dead crossed the East River to play the first of two sold at shows at Pier 17. The pristine venue is the best outdoor concert space in NYC as it delivers stunning views and excellent sound. 

JRAD plays here at least once a summer now and tonight's show kept the good vibes alive. Led by drummer Russo, along with Marco Benevento keys, Dave Dreiwitz bass, Todd Hamilton and Scott Metzger guitar, the quartet work to keep Grateful Dead music (and more) exciting. Much more than a typical cover band, the group reworks tunes in new fashion and play with loads of energy. Having seen them quite a few times it is safe to say that for different shows, different members seem to jump to the forefront. Throughout the show tonight Benevento took on that role on with standout keyboard work. 

Opening with a dark jam, the group weaved into "China Cat Sunflower" and Benevento's playing on organ and piano shined brightly like the setting sun. The group love playing Bob Dylan as well and "Tangled Up In Blue" was a fun first set jam, while Hamilton had some issues with the lyrics, Metzger delivered a ripping solo. 

Scott continued his strong playing and singing during "Me and My Uncle" which found Dreiwitz also contributing powerfully. The expansive "Viola Lee Blues" was the anchor of the first set with big jams and stop start playing, before "Alligator" eased out with bluesy riffs. The highlight of the first set arrived at the close as 'Alligator", segued smoothly into a rousing rendition of "Franklin's Tower". The positive vibes exploded from stage and had the crowd singing and dancing with abandon.    

After a long set break the energy picked right back up again as "Shakedown Street" kept the hips shaking and swirling with funky grooves as Marco's keys and Scotts guitar again led the way. "Lost Sailor" was spacey before the second set highlight, "Saint of Circumstance" which found Russo taking command and leading from the drum kit as the band built up to huge releases, doing what they do best. 

Following that outpouring, "Cats Under The Stars" was a come down, and the energy seemed to sag in the venue. "Feel Like A Stranger" tried to fix that with a funky vibe and an almost hip hop beat being dropped by Russo and Dreiwitz. Benevento took over on organ to end the tune in gospel like fashion before moving into "Turn on Your Lovelight". Marco owned this number, singing and playing with energy and passion as the crowd got revved back up. "Ramble On Rose" eased things back down with cool riffs, singalongs and swaying before a ripping version of "Big Railroad Blues" found Benevento on the piano and Hamilton/Metzger dueling with him on guitar. 

The encore of "Jessica" was top notch and with Russo having played earlier in the year with The Brothers, the groups Allman Brothers covers have seemed to risen to a level of must hear. JRAD were clearly ready for Saturday night as the Friday night Pier 17 show in NYC was a great time all around. 

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