On Tuesday, Senator Al Franken took over SiriusXM’s Grateful Dead Channel, treating listeners to some of his favorite shows and hosting an interview segment with former Grateful Dead and current Dead And Company members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart. During his daylong position as radio host, the politician and former Saturday Night Live comedian focused on shows the Senator has personally attended at the Winterland Ballroom, including October 16th and 17th of 1974 and December 31st of 1978. Franken also played his favorite version of “Althea,” a passionate topic for the senator, which also made its way into the newly released Grateful Dead documentary Long Strange Trip.

Al Franken Talks The Grateful Dead In New ‘Long Strange Trip’ Clip

Franken also shared personal anecdotes about being a Deadhead and various memorable shows from the past, including the time the Franken & Davis comedy team hosted the Grateful Dead’s Halloween show in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall and the recent Fare The Well shows for the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary. Those who missed out on Franken’s SiriusXM Grateful Dead Channel takeover need not fret, as the channel will replay his daylong hosting this Saturday, June 2nd, starting at 6 a.m. (EST). You can listen to snippets from Senator Al Franken’s interview portions below.

 

[H/T Jambase]