John Mayer, alongside his fellow Dead Heads, is celebrating the Grateful Dead’s incredible 60-year legacy. On Tuesday, August 5, the Grammy-winning musician shared his heartfelt gratitude to the legendary rock band and their devoted fan base.
He reflected on his experience with the spinoff band Dead & Company, which continues to honor the Grateful Dead’s musical journey.
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary
From August 1 to August 3, Dead & Company held a series of unforgettable concerts in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to commemorate the Grateful Dead’s six-decade-long legacy.
Mayer, who has been part of Dead & Company since 2015, performed alongside founding members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and other members of the band, including bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Jay Lane.
In his Instagram post, Mayer expressed his appreciation for the fans who helped celebrate the anniversary with him. He wrote, “Night 3 in Golden Gate Park celebrating 60 years of @gratefuldead will be a one we’ll never forget.”
Mayer, now 47, joined Weir (77), Hart (81), and Bill Kreutzmann, the band’s original drummer, to continue the Grateful Dead’s musical legacy. Kreutzmann, however, stopped touring in 2023.
Playing Alongside Phish’s Trey Anastasio
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebrations was Mayer’s chance to perform alongside Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. Mayer was clearly moved by the collaboration, stating, “I finally had the chance to play with @treyanastasio, and beyond the full-circle moment of it all, the lock we had going was instant.
Trey’s ear-to-fretboard data transfer time is unparalleled. I’m still blown away.”
Anastasio, 60, joined Dead & Company for their performance on Sunday, August 3, playing “Scarlet Begonias” and “Fire on the Mountain.”
Mayer also extended a special thank you to Graheme Lesh, the son of the Grateful Dead’s late bassist Phil Lesh, for joining the band during all three nights of the celebration. Mayer wrote, “Extra special thanks to @grahamelesh for joining us all three nights.”
Honoring the Grateful Dead’s Legacy
Mayer continued by reflecting on his role in the ongoing journey of the Grateful Dead’s music. “No matter how many shows we play as a band, I will always be a guest in this musical world, and I’ll never lose sight of what is the great honor of my life,” Mayer wrote.
He also took a moment to celebrate the surviving members of the band, acknowledging Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann for their contributions to rock music.
The post also paid tribute to the late Jerry Garcia, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, who passed away in 1995. Mayer humbly admitted, “It must be said… I’ll never come close to playing like @jerrygarcia.”
He continued, “But if I can somehow get you closer to him – and to the spirit he created 60 years ago – then I suppose I’ve done my job. Thank you for accepting me. ♥️.”
The Grateful Dead’s Legacy and Recognition
This 60th anniversary celebration comes on the heels of the Grateful Dead’s Kennedy Center honor in December 2024. The announcement praised the band for being “a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965,” highlighting how their music has continued to be “a true American original,” inspiring fans like no other.
In a collective statement, the band’s surviving members expressed their deep gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We’ve always felt that the music we make embodies and imparts something beyond the notes and phrases being played — and that is something we are privileged to share with all who are drawn to what we do.”
They also emphasized that their music belongs to both the band and their dedicated fans, known as the Dead Heads.
The surviving members concluded their message by thanking the Kennedy Center and everyone involved in bringing them this incredible honor, stating, “This honor, then, is as much theirs as ours. Thank you, Kennedy Center, and to all the folks who had a hand in bringing us here, for this incredible honor.”
John Mayer’s reflection on the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary is a heartfelt tribute to a band that changed the landscape of rock music. As a member of Dead & Company, Mayer continues to honor the legacy of the Grateful Dead while expressing deep gratitude for being welcomed into this musical world.
With a rich history, a devoted fan base, and a timeless sound, the Grateful Dead’s influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
