Why John Mayer wanted to play with the Dead

The singer talks to correspondent Anthony Mason about the timelessness of the Grateful Dead's music, and why he wanted to perform with the band's surviving members as part of a new touring ensemble, Dead & Company. (Don't miss Mason's story on the band on "Sunday Morning" June 12.)

[erikhendrickson]

John Mayer was the PERFECT FIT for Dead & Company. He somehow manages to preserve Jerry Garcia's signature sound while adding something new which is VERY specific and difficult thing to do successfully.

[NothingItsJustNo]

once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at them right

[thegroovypatriot]

"There's this timelessness to Grateful Dead music that you can access at any point". Yeeeep!!!

[elmoblatch]

I honestly did not "get" the Dead until I heard them while tripping on mushrooms. They were playing for that crowd. Eyes of the World is a 19 minute song, for example when played live. Folks, on mushrooms it seems like the shortest song, and you want it to never end. It's so beautiful it hurts. I only became a fan on Aug 6, 2020, but better late than never.

[garystepp]

I heard one interview where John spoke about the freedom that the Dead’s music gives you. Once you learn the song, you are allowed to add your own touch through improvisation. He said something along the lines of, “ its like being a gymnast, you can do all these flips or moves in the air, but you better stick the landing.” I love that quote because that is what Jerry was great at-sticking the landing.

[JACKnJESUS]

Ol' Bob's sitting there, thinking if he wants tacos for not.

[jules-demos]

We all missed Garcia - but John put life perfectly back into the Dead - so grateful x

[fernandoaguilera]

John mayer always speaking words of wisdom...I am from Honduras and I will never see them playing live, well thankfully there are many HD videos on YouTube of Dead & Company on tour, I love watching the dead with Jerry Garcia and also with John Mayer I love them both

[d.banerjee]

the bottle was dusty but the liquor was clean...

[ryanrysibinski]

The timelessness, and the stability that he mentions are what makes Grateful Dead music a true part of American Folk tradition, and I'm glad he's a big part of continuing it.

[thomasbell]

He soo gets it. First time a prominent player who never saw Garcia live -- or even knew about Garcia while he was alive -- has taken the baton on this level, suggests the "band" will live on even after Weir and Lesh.

[johnholland]

I was at the 6/24/23 show in Fenway Park. John was phenomenal, Bob was incredible, Mickey was amazing. One of the best shows (32) I’ve ever seen

[easywind]

He has done a good job of recreating Jerry’s style and at the same time adding new dimensions. I liked it!

[Bunbeck-pfiw]

I just love this guy + would love to meet him but I can’t seem to get off this island ! He fits in just rite also with Dead + Company !

[tuckerpeebles]

Bob most defiantly gave john a dose that changed him.

[tootz]

When they found me, not when I found them. Very telling.

[joeynice]

There's no going back once it hits you. Oh how is miss the summers of 92, 93, 94, and even 95. Time machine please!

[BScott]

Even though I went to a few shows in the late 80s/early 90s and appreciated some of the music, GD didn't become my favorite band until about 2 years ago. Thank satellite radio for that! What Mayer is saying is 100% truth. Music finds you.

[kimmonroe]

The music was Built to Last. I was not a John Mayer fan UNTIL the night of July 7th, the DTE show. It was the Playin, Estimated into Cumberland run that i was just in AWE! He truly fits in, is a great musician and he gets it. We all Love and miss Jerry, but John is a great, new twist.

[lungflogger]

GD found me in 1970 at the SF Fillmore and I was never lost