The last time Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and Phil Lesh all performed together, they were fronted by guitarist Warren Haynes. Now, six years later, Haynes has some words of advice for Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio in a Radio.com interview.
“I think any time somebody steps into that sort of position, what’s required of you is that you inject your own personality into the performance. And if you’re the right person for the job — which Trey is — that’s what the band expects of you and that’s what the audience expects of you. And whatever minority of the audience doesn’t want that, I think they are just that: a small minority of the audience. I was very lucky when I joined the Allman Brothers Band: no one wanted me to play more like Duane Allman. Or less like Duane Allman. It was, ‘You be yourself.’”
“When I started working with the Dead, they didn’t really want someone to sound like Jerry. I think it was important to them to try to discover other chemistries within the band. Because when you lose such an amazing chemistry like that, you’re never gonna get it again; you may as well look in other directions. And that’s what playing music is all about: playing with people and discovering chemistries. When Gov’t Mule lost [founding bass player] Allen Woody, we weren’t looking for a clone of Woody, we wanted someone who brought their own personality to what we did.”
Freddie Mercury’s Replacement Advises Trey Anastasio To ‘Respect’ Jerry Garcia
Haynes also said he’s “glad” they’re doing 50th anniversary shows, but, “like everyone else”, he “wish[es] it had been a little bit more.” But, he’s quite content working with Railroad Earth and to be collaborating with Phil Lesh.
“Phil and I continue to work together, which I still enjoy very much. But I think the door is also open for all those guys to do whatever they want to do and have fun. It’s good to see that they still all love playing music and being on stage. that’s what it’s all about: maintaining that lifelong passion.”
He also said that he was never asked about “Fare Thee Well”, but he’s okay with that.
“It’s not something we talked about, but I’ve got a lot of my own stuff going on at the moment. I’m curious to see the whole thing, I’m glad Bruce Hornsby is doing it. I wish I could be there to see it, I’m sure it will be great.”
The final three shows kick off tomorrow, July 3rd, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. For anyone in town, be sure to check out our Complete Guide To Grateful Dead Chicago Pre- And Post-Parties
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