As Dead & Company continue shredding through America on their fall tour, the presence of John Mayer is transforming the Dead’s culture in unexpected ways. Musicians long known for the Au Natural approach to everything are giving way to a highly stylized new vibe. On stage, the Tricyclops of surviving Dead members have given John new life as they’ve opened up music’s greatest catalog and given him the opportunity to shine. Grateful Dead music is any lead guitarist’s dream as nearly every song provides for endless chances to solo over and over again. He’s certainly broken through the guarded hearts of most of the faithful and will no longer be seated at the kiddie table during family meals.

The biggest surprise and the most refreshing and fabulous thing that Mayer has brought to the Dead’s inner circle, is a renewed sense of style. While the band seems to dress down considerably for fear of backlash from their adoring fans come show time, it seems their life by day is changing dramatically due to the Mayer Effect.

During this tour, The Official Home of Unofficial Grateful Dead and Music News has followed the band day and night to bring you the best possible coverage of everything that happens off stage as well as on. We’ve uncovered some interesting candid photos of the experience behind the scenes and the far reaching influence that Mayer is bringing to the Jam Band culture.

Anyone that has been to the shows knows that we’ve seen some terrific moments so far. By night, we’ve seen the new life the Dead have given Mayer.

The same guy looks more like this during the day.

It appears as though he combs his hair with a brick before going onstage in order to give off that kind and natural look. Here’s where it gets interesting. We’ve recently acquired photos showing his influence on the rest of the band. During a recent event encouraging music fans to vote, Bob Weir showed up looking like this…

During a meeting in D.C. with prominent scientists to discuss treating cleft palates and bunions using the kalimba and other percussive devices, Mickey was a featured panel member. This pic was taken at the conference.

On stage later that night…

I almost feel bad saying I don’t miss Phil yet because I really love what Oteil is bringing to the band. He’s bringing something really new and exciting with his sound and I’m a huge fan of his. Interestingly enough, here’s Oteil by night.

And in a picture taken while relaxing during the day in Greensboro.

Eager to join the party, John K touring with his band recently played Mexicali Blues in NJ. All John K fans loved the show and were thrilled to see him looking relatively happy.

He took some time on the way to Jersey to stop at the shore and take in a beautiful fall day on the beach…

The Fashion revolution that Mayer has created is sweeping through the Jam Band scene and even becoming competitive. In an effort to prove he’s still better than John, Trey was seen enjoying some shopping on the west coast before a Trey Band Show.

It’s clear to me that Trey has the edge on Mayer…

As for me, I’m not gonna get pulled into this shit… No way… It’ll never happen…
(1 hour later)

So there you have it! While in my opinion, The Dead have breathed new life into Mayer, John has definitely made a big contribution to the scene as well. Most fans of the music are thrilled with what’s happening in Grateful Dead Land. Others find comfort in aggravating those who are thrilled and complaining that everything sucks. Most people are loving set lists that are packed with the best tunes the Dead have played throughout their history while others have a chapped ass about high repetition rates. I’m grateful they’re not repeating songs that weren’t very good like they did through most of 94 & 95. Most Deadheads are having the time of their lives enjoying every moment possible with our favorite musicians. Others would erase rainbows from the sky and remove all the colors from butterflies if they could. For those that seek to bring conflict into everything our favorite musicians do and are a constant source of aggravation to message boards everywhere, along with those that can’t take a joke, I’ve assembled this easy to read pie chart to help you along the way.

Love You Long Time!

Dead To The Core,

Dean Sottile (pronounced So Tilly)
@gd50th on Twitter
Grateful Dean and The Official Home of Unofficial Grateful Dead and Music News on Facebook