I love the Dead. I could listen to "Brown Eyed Women," "Bertha," or "Jack Straw" every day for the rest of my life and be happy. But there comes a time to ask: "What would Jerry do?" Thinking about that question, the answer is right in front of us—he and all the other members of the Grateful Dead would have (and, in fact, did) make new and interesting music.
Robbie Gass
Cover bands start with the best intentions—to pay homage to the art and artistry of master performers. But therein lies the inherent danger of getting labeled a "cover band" and being relegated to playing someone else's music forever. Dead to Rights finds themselves at that critical juncture, where their ability to play Dead covers nearly perfectly meets the realization that they need to establish themselves as something more.
Dead to Rights
Father Rob Gass and son Robbie Gass have assembled some of Valparaiso’s finest musicians to form a tight-knit band that pumps out tunes evoking the Dead yet uniquely their own. Tonight, they're bringing the heat and passion to Benton Harbor's Livery Brewery.
Dead to Rights
The band consists of Big Rob Gass on percussion, his son Little Rob on lead guitar and vocals, Andrew Maar on keyboards, Mac Larson on bass, and drummer extraordinaire John Jaros.
Rob Gass
The evening kicks off with The Band’s "Don't Do It," followed smartly by a new original from Dead to Rights, "Let It Drift" (available on DTR's web page), as both songs share a common feel. The set list is thoughtfully crafted, balancing covers that highlight the band’s skill with original material showcasing their creative depth. "Loser" transitions into the band's own "What's Next," followed by "Doctor My Eyes" and "Do It Again," seamlessly leading into their original "Here Things Lie." This interplay clearly demonstrates that Dead to Rights has the musical chops to elevate their music to the next level.
Benton Harbor, MI
At set break, the band mingled with fans—one of the great perks of catching a band just embarking on their musical journey. As Set Two approaches, anticipation in the room builds for what promises to be a rollicking good time.
Mac Larson
Enhancing the evening further, the band is joined by Cory Rogers, owner of Cool Rayz Lighting, and his remarkable light display. Usually, the lighting at the Livery is static but tasteful; tonight, the lighting reaches new heights. The small venue presents a unique challenge: too much lighting can be overwhelming, while too little might go unnoticed. Cory skillfully balances these extremes, significantly enhancing the show.
John Jaros
The second set is equally well-curated. "Help on the Way" and "Slipknot" are delivered flawlessly, evoking cherished memories for Dead fans. The band tips their hat to Dead alum Bruce Hornsby with "The Way It Is," followed by their original "Life in Reverse." Dead to Rights closes out the night powerfully with their song "Avante Ante." The performance has been phenomenal, leaving both band and audience thoroughly spent. Rob humorously tells the crowd they planned a traditional encore exit, but given the heat, they'll stay put and dive straight into their encore. No one complains, especially when they launch into Half-Alive’s "Hot Tea," a perfect conclusion to an exceptional evening.
Andrew Maar
Dead to Rights is gearing up for an upcoming CD release, with most of the album already finalized. Look for the release on Bandcamp: https://deadtorightsband.bandcamp.com/album/3-29-25-the-livery-benton-h…. Most importantly, make sure you experience Dead to Rights live—you won't regret it.
