Photo: Amy Sussman / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
John Mayer shared a heartfelt tribute following Dead & Company’s epic three-night celebration of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. In a detailed Instagram post on August 5, Mayer expressed immense gratitude for being part of such a historic moment, calling it “a night we’ll never forget.”
A highlight of the weekend was Mayer’s collaboration with Trey Anastasio, the renowned guitarist and singer from Phish. Their spontaneous jam on classics like “Scarlet Begonias” and “Fire on the Mountain” impressed Mayer deeply. He praised Trey’s exceptional musicianship, describing their onstage chemistry as “instant” and marveling at Anastasio’s “ear-to-fretboard data transfer time.” The pairing marked a meaningful full-circle moment for Mayer, who has long admired both the Grateful Dead and Phish.
Mayer also paid tribute to Graham Lesh, son of the late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, who joined Dead & Company onstage for all three shows. Graham performed his father’s beloved song “Box of Rain” on opening night, adding an emotional layer to the celebration. Phil Lesh, a cornerstone of the Dead’s legacy, passed away in October 2024 at age 84, making Graham’s presence even more poignant.
Throughout the post, Mayer reflected on the honor of playing alongside founding members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann. Taking over the stage spot once held by the legendary Jerry Garcia, Mayer humbly acknowledged that he’ll “never come close to playing like Jerry,” but hopes his performance keeps Garcia’s spirit alive for fans old and new.
Mayer’s tribute included vivid images of the band taking a bow to a massive crowd of over 180,000 fans, as well as candid shots of him jamming with Anastasio and Weir. The concerts not only celebrated six decades of the Grateful Dead’s music but also symbolized the living legacy of one of rock’s most enduring communities.
For Mayer, the experience was more than a gig — it was a profound connection to a musical lineage he deeply respects. “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,” he wrote, capturing the spirit of reverence and joy that defined the landmark event.
SOURCE: Billboard