The big question on every deadhead’s mind lately has been will The Dead tour this summer and if so, in what formation? Well sorry to be a debbie downer, but there will be no reunion this summer according to this interview with Bob Weir. To be honest, the best post Grateful Dead shows I’ve been to have been Ratdog and Phil and Friends shows. The reunion shows I’ve seen have always left me thirsty for more of this or that. They have these killer all star lineups with so many great performers that none of them get enough time to shine. I’d rather see Warren Haynes with Govt Mule than with The Dead because I know that I will be able to see him really whale with the Mule. Same with Derek Trucks, Steve Kimock, Chris Robinson and Joan Osborne. Don’t get me wrong, The Dead and will see them any chance I get, its just that Phil and Bobby have both done such a killer job perfecting their own flavor of Grateful Dead music that the void is filled.

As always, a related offering of must hear musical nugs (thanks nugs.net):

The Dead 2/9/2004 at the Warfield, San Francisco, CA This incarnation of The Dead includes the Founding Fathers plus Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring on guitars, plus Jeff Chimenti on keys.
Click any song to download.
SET1 dead air The Music Never Stopped Self Defense Built to Last West LA Fadeaway All That We Are Me and My Uncle Althea Just A Little Light	SET2 Friend of the Devil Lost Sailor Saint of Circumstance Terrapin Station Drums Space Unbroken Chain Stella Blue Throwing Stones Around and Around crowd ENCORE Phil Speaks Madman Across the Water Aiko Aiko Not Fade Away