Dave Matthews put together a band dubbed Dave Matthews & Friends for tours in 2003 and 2004 in support of his Some Devil studio album. Matthews was joined in the group by guitarists Trey Anastasio and Tim Reynolds, keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, drummer Brady Blade and bassist Tony Hall. The band reunited for a set at the Vegoose festival in 2005 and then took to the high seas as part of Dave Matthews & Friends Caribbean Cruise Getaway. Today marks the anniversary of the outfit’s last performance, which was a late night show that started at 3 a.m. aboard the Majesty Of The Seas and featured a guest appearance from Bob Weir.
Dave Matthews & Friends Caribbean Cruise Getaway actually took place aboard both the Majesty Of The Seas and Sovereign Of The Seas from February 2 – 6. The lineup featured the headliners along with Weir & RatDog, G. Love & Special Sauce, Toots & The Maytals and others. Matthews and his group was set to perform in the Bahamas, where both boats would dock and cruisers got off to attend the concert. However, heavy showers led many attendees to miss part of the show. As such, Dave & Friends boarded both boats for late night sets on the 5th.
The group first played the Sovereign Of The Seas at 1 a.m. and then headed to the Majesty Of The Seas. With most of the band’s equipment on land, Dave & Friends utilized Toots & The Maytals’ gear for the Sovereign Of The Seas set and then used RatDog’s gear for the Majesty Of The Seas set. Those who caught what still stands as the final Dave Matthews & Friends performance had an extra treat in store. Weir came out towards the end of the set to lead the group through a rousing “Iko Iko.” Watch footage of Bobby’s guest spot thanks to videographer Copperpot Landfill:
