As many people are weighing in on the Grateful Dead Core Four’s decision to adopt Trey Anastasio for the July 4th weekend as one of their own, we have seen the typical disparaging remarks from many that have no good reason as to why they don’t like the decision, countered by the those that attempt to look at things from a glass half-full point of view. In the case of Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers guitarist Deren Ney, he wrote a piece that was featured on Jambands.com, weighing in on Bobby, Phil, Billy, and Mickey’s decision to bring Big Red into the mix for the 50th Anniversary shows. Here is just a few of the points that Ney made:

“As a dyed-in-the-wool Deadhead, I was shocked, shocked to see that Phish’s Trey Anastasio would be playing the 50th celebration shows in Chicago.

TREY DOESN’T SOUND LIKE JERRY Every time I hear Trey Anastasio playing guitar I know instantly, “That’s Trey Anastasio.” Instead of doing it how Jerry would, it seems that Anastasio – selfishly – went and developed a unique style all his own. Blech.

PHISH FANS WILL RUIN IT Because of Trey now “those people” will be there: The smelly, drugged-out Phisheads. Us Deadheads, on the other hand, have the alluring smell of patchouli oil and freshly burned sage, and we only get high on MUSIC (which we occasionally enhance with NATURAL things like marijuana…occasionally mushrooms… but more the body high kind than visual…I would never seek out nitrous, but I won’t say no if I see it…acid ONLY if it’s a weekend…or very good acid…I’d do some MDMA if it’s pure…or cheap… I WILL NOT MESS WITH COCAINE. Why, you got some? Maybe just a bump at set break.)

PHISH SONGS SUCK I’m not sure why this will affect Grateful Dead songs, but it will.

THE FANS SHOULD DECIDE Who picked Trey anyway? Sigh…I wish that Phil, Bobby, Billy and Mickey – the guys who were there from the beginning and are the only ones who truly understand its meaning – would agree that the fans are the ones who should make this decision. The fans are the only people who know best which musicians the surviving members should have with them at the epic finale to the lengthy, peculiar excursion that is the Grateful Dead.

I think the case is pretty clear. In a sign of solidarity, we should boycott this event. If you have a ticket, please, for the love of God, give it to me. I will dispose of it for you.”

To read the full list of reasons why Ney thinks Trey is the ‘worst’ choice for the Fare Thee Well shows, check out the article on Jambands.com

*** Disclaimer: Deren Ney is obviously being sarcastic… ***

[via Jambands.com]