In the summer of 1968, three years into the Grateful Dead’s existence, the band fired singer and rhythm guitarist Bob Weir. Jerry Garcia, the band’s other guitarist and its reluctant leader, and bassist Phil Lesh had decided that Weir and keyboardist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan were dragging the band down musically.

"I'll meet you in the music. Come find me anytime," said Connecticut's John Mayer about his Dead & Company bandmate.

Yes, Grateful Dead music would have continued to be played. But Bob and others continued to tour and bring the Grateful Dead experience to millions of old and new fans. Without that additional 30 years of being on the road, I believe the the role of the Grateful Dead in American music would have diminished. It did not.

A lifelong Deadhead reflects on four decades of shows, tapes, and change — and explains why Dead & Company feels like the music he needs now.