Bands often say they won’t reunite. Then, it’s explained to them how much money they stand to make by reuniting. Then, they reunite.
The Grateful Dead are playing five already-announced reunion shows in Chicago and Santa Clara this summer. It started as three dates, then the demand caused the band to add two more. With the group now looking at a potential $50 million in ticket sales for those five shows alone, there are (surprise!) rumors that a full reunion tour could be on the way.
While the five confirmed shows have Phish’s Trey Anastasio taking Jerry Garcia’s place up front, rumor has it that the full tour would be from a Dead lineup that features John Mayer, who’s already rumored to be rehearsing with the band in advance of an October trek.
Anastasio might be the more natural choice, given Phish’s spiritual and sonic link to the Dead’s canon (not to mention the crossover between the two bands’ fanbases), and Mayer is an easy target for criticism from music snobs who don’t take him seriously for whatever reason (he’s also rumored to be huge jerk, but that’s not musically relevant). But here’s the truth: Mayer can play. He might be the best guitar player in mainstream music over the last 15 years, although Jack White could certainly make a claim for that title, as well, and his Stevie Ray Vaughan/Allman Brothers/acid blues style would fit perfectly with the Dead.
As a matter of fact, he’s already played with the Dead’s Bob Weir back in February.
