I am pleased to learn that John Mayer, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann have formed the next evolution of The Grateful Dead. They will be known as Dead & Company.
They will be joined by Oteil Burbridge on bass and Jeff Chimenti on keyboards. Such an awesome nucleus of talent, I really must say.
The Dead & Company will start the tour on Halloween night at the Madison Square Garden Arena. The Madison Square Garden event will not be Dead & Company’s only show as Bob Weir confirmed they are in talks to book additional dates.
I respect how John Mayer carries it forward with the Dead and their music. He is the catalyst for The Dead’s raison d’etre.
I’m deeply excited and energized to be joining some of the Grateful Dead guys in the band Dead & Company. All I’ve really wanted to do in life is play deep, real music – and this is some of the deepest and realest there is. It’s also some of the most satisfying to play as a musician. It’s going to be a challenge and a joy to help make those waves that people can ride wherever they want it to take them. This adventure reminds me a lot of the one I had with the Trio, exactly a decade ago, when I took a break from recording what would be Continuum. Going back to “pure” playing experiences is what keeps the creativity in my own work flowing. I’ve followed the guitar wherever it pointed, and it’s never steered me wrong. I hope you’ll ride along with me, because we’re going to have some fun. Thanks for always letting me go where the spirit takes me…
Bob Weir’s quote about Dead & Company is quite appropriate.
“Those songs weren’t done with us. It was a matter of who wanted to get back out on the road and keep doing it.”
Here is John Mayer performing Althea with Bob Weir, Jim Keltner (drums) and Sean Hurley (bass).
Filed under: Collaboration Tagged: Althea, Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, Dead & Company, Jeff Chimenti, John Mayer, Mickey Hart, Oteil Burbridge
