As the Dead & Company members get ready for their big tour beginning on the 29th, Bob Weir spoke to Rolling Stone about the upcoming performances. While the focus of the interview was integrating with John Mayer, Weir did go on at the end about leaving the door open for Phil Lesh to join in the reunion festivities.
“Well, you know, I’m going to just go ahead and say it: It feels like there is some unfinished business. As Billy pointed out yesterday, we didn’t get to the East Coast this summer. And you know, it won’t be the 50th anniversary, but I’m certainly open to it.” He continued, saying “Right now, my notion of what that is or could amount to is still nebulous — I don’t even want to poke it. But you know, like I said, I’m open.”
Weir also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a Lesh sit-in during a California Dead & Co show. “I would expect if that’s going to happen, it’s going to be if we’re in … He has a place in New York, but more so, he lives out here [in California]… But he doesn’t want to hit the road. He’s 75 now. It’s kind of not an option for him, the way he puts it. And so, you know, that’s still where we are; that’s still where we’re going to live, at least I am. And so, if we’re going to see him, we’re going to see him around here or around someplace where he is.”
This playful give-and-take between Mayer and Weir shows John Mayer’s excitement and readiness for his role as lead guitarist:
Mayer: “I don’t feel the pressure, but I would say I feel a responsibility. I’m too focused on the task at hand to consider the scenarios of it not working. I’ve heard it work, and I’ve heard it not work 30 seconds later. And it’s up to me to get as close as I can making it work all the time.”
Weir: “John… That’s 100 percent been our M.O. for decades.”
Mayer: “Then I must be on the right track!”
You can read the full interview piece on Rolling Stone.