In 2002, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made headlines by dropping close to one million dollars for the famed Tiger guitar used by Jerry Garcia from 1979-1989. The guitar had been kept on display in both Indiana museums and Irsay’s office throughout the years, but now it’s getting a new use: Dead & Company.
The band, who just kicked off a summer tour with a free show in San Francisco, was contacted by Chris McKinney, who curates Irsay’s rare guitars and collectibles. Irsay sent the Tiger guitar to the Dead & Company rehearsals, though it has not yet been played, according to McKinney. The guitar only arrived yesterday afternoon, and the band had a show to play after all!
According to the report in Indy Star, the guitar was sent for Dead & Company guitarist John Mayer to use in rehearsals and on tour. With Dead & Company’s tour heading to the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN on June 17th, the potential for Tiger’s appearance is at an all time high.
“You know, the guitar was made to be played,” Weir said in a press conference back in April. “Even if it someday ends up in a museum, I think half the time it should be trotted out and played, because that’s what it was built to do. I know that Jerry would feel that way.” Weir went on to say that he would like to hang out with Irsay, and commented, “Hopefully he’ll be in town when we come through Indianapolis.”