[strumminsix]

its gonna be a quintet with original members, bobby, phil, mickey(for the most part original) , and bill

what about TC? Not exactly original but significant in their development.
Plus he's playing these tunes all across the country these days.

[tigerstrat]

TC was definitely significant, but his tenure was a very short one, about 14 months, a long long time ago, and limited to a pretty small slice of the Dead's repertoire (an admittedly crucial slice) . But I just don't see that ever happening. My vote would be for Mookie Seigel of DNB (and PLF)... or maybe even Eric Levy from Garaj Mahal....hmmm....

[Rev_Roach]

How about Rob Barraco? He was great when I saw him with Phil. He's played with Phil and Friends, The Dead, and Zen Tricksters so he definitely has a good repetoire.

[shakedown_04092]

I would also recommend John Medeski. When I saw him play w/ Phil & Trey @ Vegoose (both late-night & the festival shows), he was INCREDIBLE.

Wait...let me say that a different way:

INCREDIBLE

Ok, there...that's better. I'd seen MMW before, but I was really impressed with the groove that Medeski was able to get into & how well he weaved himself into the fabric of the music. Not trying to stand out or be different, he just seemed to "get it" in every facet of the phrase "getting it".

He just fit.

So since we've tried all these other keyboardists, why not him?

Might as well, might as well...

[shakedown_04092]

Then again, there's always Steve Winwood. I wouldn't cry if he was behind the ivory, either. So there we have it. This summer's touring band should be:

Phil
Bobby
Trey
Molo/Micky/Billy (all 3? 2 of 3? just Molo?)
Medeski/Winwood (both?)

coooooool......

[Shaggy]

I can't see them all doing much of a proper tour again together now, maybe something will bring them together again on stage for a few nights only, god knows what though. Afterall the ten year since Jerry passed bash couldn't do it.

[strumminsix]

TC was definitely significant, but his tenure was a very short one, about 14 months, a long long time ago, and limited to a pretty small slice of the Dead's repertoire (an admittedly crucial slice) . But I just don't see that ever happening. My vote would be for Mookie Seigel of DNB (and PLF)... or maybe even Eric Levy from Garaj Mahal....hmmm....

Agree it was a short stint. But as we talk about "original members" I often think about TC and the subsequent keyboardists who played with the GD in a somewhat permanent role.

Seems rather strange that the years preceding Vince's death he was touring doing GD tunes and his tunes and when he passed TC filled his slot. But neither have been part of any Dead sorta reunion.

[tigerstrat]

I would prefer my Deader Ones without the ubiquitous personnel gleaned from P&Fs and Ratdog. I guess that would wind up excluding Mookie.... but PLEASE: no Warren, no Barraco, no Karan, no Herring, no Molo, no Bruce, and NO SAXOPHONE... and no shredders, fcs. No disrespect to any of these fine musicians, but I for one find all the busy-ness and ball-dropping distracting.

I have to say that the Core Four idea is the most appealing for me (something I've been hoping for for about the last 5 years). I would make a serious effort to see that, and would gladly call that "The Dead"

[mttourpro]

It's a fine year for the Dead to get back on tour and I see some large blank spaces on Ratdog's calendar between March and Bonaroo. They wouldn't miss out on the 40th year of the Summer of Love? I assume?

As for RD and summer, they are booked at Allgood Fest the weekend of 7/14....it's likely they'll do a few more summer dates. They are aslo booked for several gigs after March out west.

I for one, do not see the Dead returning anytime soon. Bob seems more than happy with RD and they're playing very well. Phil is still recovering and I'd strongly doubt he's in any hurry to get TOO or TheDead back together either given how much he seems to like doing his own thing too. Just MHO.

[hesgone95]

What about Knopfler? Not a shredder. Real laid back and smooth imho.

[BlobWeird]

Rob Barraco also has played in DSO numerous times. But yeah Id definitely much rather see the "core four" as TS put it than anything else. I really dislike Warren for some reason so if he was in the mix I probably wouldnt even go. I enjoyed seein "the Dead" at the Wave That Flag tour but when I bought the recording later on I couldnt stand it. I dont like him singin Jerrys parts and his lead is just not my thing. Out of all the people mentioned thus far the only one I think id still go out and see with them would be Barraco and even that is chancin it. But like everyone else said I doubt they will come back. If they didnt come back for jerrys 10th then I really dont know what would push them to come back. They played through to their unofficial 40th so i guess that satisfied them enough. Well thats my two cents.

[grateful4booze]

Only in Heaven opening for Hendrix. Seriously.

[Rev_Roach]

Only in Heaven opening for Hendrix. Seriously.

I love Hendrix of course, but would definitely have to reverse that billing.

[Trystine]

I like the "core four" concept but I think 2 sets without a lead instrument would be too much. The way I see it, have the 4 do the first set, then, for th second set, bring Barraco out on keys and kindly ask Herring if he'd like to come back to the table. If he declines than seek out Matt Hartle and let him have some fun.

Rob seems to have so much fun in that seat and he'd be able to help with the vocals. Watching him belt out Doin that Rag really brings the energy level up.

As for Herring I always thought he was lacking something when it came to pulling the band along with ideas. You know, everyone kinda puts in there twists and turns but it always seemed to me that he would just kind of follow everyone else...and if he did get to far out in front he didn't know where to go (my two cents). However, the last tour that he did, it seemed like he was really getting comfortable and my sour oppinion was slowly doing a 180.

Wouldn't you know, he decides to pursue other dreams.

At the very least: no Warren, Trey, Molo (he's good but would much rather have Bill & Mickey), Joan, Robinson, or Campbell.

[tigerstrat]

Only in Heaven opening for Hendrix. Seriously.

I love Hendrix of course, but would definitely have to reverse that billing.

mayyyybe, unless it's Hendrix with Jaco Pastorius on bass, and Tony Williams on drums... with James Brown out front.