For Grateful Dead fans, the big news of this past week was the announcement of “Dead & Company”, a new band featuring Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and guitarist John Mayer.
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The inclusion of Mayer has certainly been a heated topic of debate, much like the inclusion of Trey Anastasio for the “Fare Thee Well” shows incited fierce arguments. In the end, all we can do is trust the judgment of those who have been performing Grateful Dead music for fifty years.
Fortunately, John Mayer’s new statement about the opportunity is an optimistic one, calling the Dead’s music “some of the most satisfying to play as a musician.” He also refers to the Dead’s catalog as “deep, real music”, showing Mayer’s great respect for the Grateful Dead.
You can read the statement below:
I’m deeply excited and energized to be joining some of the Grateful Dead guys in the band Dead & Company. All I’ve really wanted to do in life is play deep, real music – and this is some of the deepest and realest there is. It’s also some of the most satisfying to play as a musician. It’s going to be a challenge and a joy to help make those waves that people can ride wherever they want it to take them. This adventure reminds me a lot of the one I had with the Trio, exactly a decade ago, when I took a break from recording what would be Continuum. Going back to “pure” playing experiences is what keeps the creativity in my own work flowing. I’ve followed the guitar wherever it pointed, and it’s never steered me wrong. I hope you’ll ride along with me, because we’re going to have some fun. Thanks for always letting me go where the spirit takes me…
Dead & Company have announced a performance at Madison Square Garden on Halloween night, with the door open for future performances.