Grateful Dead members planning full-scale tour with John Mayer
Surviving members will reportedly hit the road in October
BY ALEX YOUNGON APRIL 24, 2015, 11:27AM
Many fans of the Grateful Dead were unable to acquire tickets to the band’s reunion shows at Chicago’s Soldier Field this July, prompting the announcement of two additional dates in their hometown of Santa Clara, California. Despite the heavy demand, the band announced it “would not be adding any more Fare Thee Well performances. The three Chicago shows will still be our final stand. We decided to add these two Santa Clara shows to enable more of our fans to celebrate with us one more time. But this is it.”
However, those plans may have again changed: According to Billboard, Grateful Dead are plotting a full-scale tour to take place in the fall. And while the summer shows will feature Phish frontman Trey Anastasio filling the void of Jerry Garcia, plans for the full tour include John Mayer as Grateful Dead’s replacement singer.
Mayer is reportedly already rehearsing with members of the Dead for the tour, which would kick off in October. A representative for the band called the report “premature,” though Billboard cites multiple insiders who have knowledge of the band’s plans.
The promoter behind the band’s Fare Thee Well performances, Peter Shapiro, says any future tour wouldn’t be billed under the Grateful Dead banner. He tells Billboard, “What you won’t see is the four surviving members together saying goodbye in this kind of way. This is it. Chicago is the end, and Santa Clara is leading into the end. But like a great Dead tune, it will evolve and they will wander around on their own.”
Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir appeared on CBS’ Late Late Show when Mayer served as guest host back in February.
Grateful Dead 2015 Tour Dates:
06/27 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
06/28 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
07/03 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
07/04 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
07/05 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
[Edited on 4/24/2015 by dadof2]
The promoter behind the band’s Fare Thee Well performances, Peter Shapiro, says any future tour wouldn’t be billed under the Grateful Dead banner. He tells Billboard, “What you won’t see is the four surviving members together saying goodbye in this kind of way. This is it. Chicago is the end, and Santa Clara is leading into the end. But like a great Dead tune, it will evolve and they will wander around on their own.”
Wow. Talk about splitting hairs. They won't be saying goodbye "in this kind of way."
What a load.
"This is it."
Except for the same folks getting together and touring the same music.
What a load.
I don't know. I've heard Phil won't be involved, but rather Mike Gordon. If this is true, this is just another Ratdog-type of band.
NO THANKS. Adding Mayer to the mix makes it even more unappealing.
I'd prefer Phil just stick to Phil and Friends.
Saw them recently with Warren and Barry Sless at The Capitol....outstanding.Phil's groups arent cover bands,rather interpreting the music nicely based on who the members of the band might be.To me,that's sufficient.What they're doing with Trey is not he Grateful Dead.
I truly hope the shows go well,plan to listen,but I'm not hyped up in any way about the ppv.My wife is a huge deadhead ,thus I attend lots of shows or listen to make her happy.....and its not like I "hate"the music and generally have a nice time...but it ain't Jerry and the grateful dead.
As for Mayer,that's a whole different thing.I am not a fan of his music or singing but when he played the blues with Jordan and Pallidino(two masters) he was pretty good...always a bit of a very good player who tends to imitate SRV,Hendrix,and EC type tone....not a great original but a serviceable player.
Now,Mayer playing the GD....IMO,no....I just am not comfortable with this....I thought it was a hoax?
[Edited on 4/24/2015 by dadof2]
The word is Weir, Mayer and Mickey Hart have been in rehearsals for some time. Don't know who else will be playing but you can bet the farm that Billy and Phil will not be involved.
John Mayer is certainly a better singer than Trey Anastasio, I'll grant you that.
But he couldn't carry Trey's guitar case as a player. Now that Trey is clean and sober and has his chops back, he can do anything Mayer can do and plenty he can't.
If Mickey is involved in the project, especially if he is bringing in new tunes, I'd be interested.
His last two albums were great, as was his band. I caught five shows, three with Dave Schools on bass, and they were all really interesting.
I'd prefer Phil just stick to Phil and Friends.
[Edited on 4/24/2015 by dadof2]
yep, without a doubt
