USATODAY CHAT WITH PHIL LESH
 USAToday - Tuesday, June 26, 2 p.m. ET

Phil Lesh has proven that there is life after the Grateful Dead. After the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the bassist took time off to recharge himself before attempting a comeback, which was halted by liver disease (caused by the hepatitis C virus) and a subsequent liver transplant. Now he is back and kicking off his Odyssey Summer Tour 2001. His band, Phil Lesh and Friends, will play at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles on June 27. The band continues its unyielding exploration of improvisational music with the goal of electrifying the mind and body. Among the "friends" appearing on the tour are Ratdog, Willie Nelson and the Allman Brothers Band.   Comment from USATODAY.com Host: We are pleased to welcome Phil Lesh online. He is ready to take your questions. Let's begin.

Seymour, Indiana: Phil~ In your opinion what decade in Grateful Dead history would you consider the best? Thanks for the music bro!

Phil Lesh: The first: 1965-1974. Not necessarily the best, but the most exciting for me, because the most exploratory stuff was played then... You're more than welcome.

San Francisco, CA: Hey Phil! Let me just first say that you & your band melt my brain every time I see you guys, and I can't wait for the Berkeley Greek shows. Now for the question: what's the chances of hearing some old Jerry band stuff on this tour? (Cats Under the Stars, Lonesome & A Long Way From Home, Gomorrah, Catfish John, etc.?) Thanks! See you at the Greek (all 3 nites!)

Phil Lesh: You never know what this band will do- frequently they surprise me! I have been thinking about "Reuben and Cherise" but we haven't rehearsed it yet- maybe for fall...

Bangor Maine : Hi Phil. As a "deadicated" fan I respect your opinion. Can you offer any advice to someone that is faced with the same problem's you have overcome, i.e. Hep C /End Stage Liver Disease? Is your foundation setup to help anyone who ask's. How can I find out more? Keep the Spirit Alive and thank you.

Phil Lesh: 1. See a hepatologist. 2. Be aggressive- the Internet is a great place to look for info (start with unos.org) about transplant centers, etc. 3. Keep your spirits up and avoid stress (and don't drink!)

Midlothian, Va : Phil. Where do you see Phil & Friends in say 4-5 years? Thanks.

Phil Lesh: Hopefully, still raising the bar and exploring new realms in every performance.

Southport CT: I'm very excited about seeing you and Ratdog in Hartford CT. I'm sure their will be some "nice surprises" when "old friends" get together. Any hint as to what those might be? Thanks.

Phil Lesh: I'm excited also - we really haven't made too many plans, but we are both looking forward to making music for y'all - think Crusader Rabbit.

Cincinnati, Ohio: Is seems as though everyone is curious about your future plans for collaboration with Bobby Weir. What can we expect on the 7 Odyssey dates where Ratdog is joining as an opening act? Also, do you and Bobby have anything in the works for the Fall? More Crusader Rabbit type-gigs? Thanks, Phil.

Phil Lesh: We are planning some collaborations on the tour, but we haven't discussed anything after that.

Dallas, Texas: Phil, Thanks for all the great shows while you were with "The Dead." Do you see the "Jambands" genre of music continuing to thrive in this "Backstreet Boys" culture that the teens are being submitted to?

Phil Lesh: To my mind, the jamband culture offers the only real alternative to the mindless garbage that the video culture spews out- so I see more and more people turning to jamming...

San Diego, CA: Will we ever see ALL of the surviving members of the Grateful Dead onstage together again?

Phil Lesh: It seems unlikely. Each and every band member is very happy doing what they do now.

PHILADELPHIA PA: How do you choose your setlist every night and why do you choose the cover songs that you play?

Phil Lesh: Each set and show, on some level, is designed to tell a story or describe a journey, and I put a lot of energy into making it unique and interesting. Covers are suggested by band members, and if they fit...

garthud, kentucky: Phil-At the Grateful Dead's final performance on 7/9/95, there were two loud feedback pops during "Box of Rain". What caused these tones and, at the time, did you feel any sense of historical significance of that particular show, what with THREE Phil songs and all, or was it just another day at the office?

Phil Lesh: I don't know what caused the pops-but there was a sense of something special at that show- I can't really describe it, but it had nothing to do with how many Phil songs there were.

santa fe, new mexico: Hello Phil, Do any of the new musical trends (e.g. electronica) influence your musical direction with Phil & Friends?

Phil Lesh: Lots of cool stuff out there- I listen hard.

leadville, colorado: what are the elements that all come together that make you and your band feel like you blew the doors off of a venue?

Phil Lesh: The group mind coalesces, the spirit descends- we become nothing more than a pipeline for the music, which comes from a higher realm.

Cumberland, Maryland: Do you think there will be any interaction between you and Willie Nelson on stage?

Phil Lesh: Absolutely- I sent him some Jerry songs to choose from.

Baltimore, Md: Can you shed any light on the rumour of a DVD release upcoming? You can tell me I won't let the cat out of the bag ;)

Phil Lesh: I don't know anything about it...

London, England : Phil, when are you and Friends coming to Europe? Warm reception guaranteed. It's been over a decade!

Phil Lesh: We have no firm plans, but continue to hope...

Chicago: Phil, Are you going to keep this incarnation of Phil and Friends in tact for a few more tours or is this the last one?

Phil Lesh: The tours we have in the works include this lineup.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND , GEORGIA : Without your national exposure, what is the best way for others to raise awareness on the organ donor front?

Phil Lesh: Work on your community level (schools, churches, family, acquaintances).

Medville, Ma: Is there any particular dead show or solo show that means more to you than some other?

Phil Lesh: Certain venues (the Greek, Red Rocks, MSG, Alpine) seem to bring out the magic...

Bloomington, Indiana: Who are your favorite "friends" to play with? My personal favorites are the boys from String Cheese, with Little Feat a close second.

Phil Lesh: Each lineup has been wonderfully stimulating- one lives in the moment, especially in music, and the best is always what's happening now.

Sierra Vista, AZ : I was returning from a 2 year stint in Japan with the Navy in 1970 when the Dead and I flew on the same flight from S.F. to Rochester, NY. The Dead were headed to the now legendary Harpur College show. Anyway, I'm still a Deadhead even though the head is now grey and somewhat wrinkled. What's the secret? Why do I, and so many others like me, still find new and interesting ideas in recordings that are now as much as 35 years old? My wife and kids just scratch their heads. Thanks.

Phil Lesh: Music, like any art, is infinite- one can always find new meanings and depth in it.

Hickville, California: Phil, where is your favorite venue and why? Darren

Phil Lesh: On this tour, Red Rocks, with the Greek a close second- the former because of its magical qualities, the latter- my home town, a great sounding and feeling venue.

Fort lauderdale, Florida: Hi Phil, Any chance coming back down here for some more "Sunshine" Thanks for making the trip to Florida in April, the best music i've seen& heard in many moons!!! Daver

Phil Lesh: Thanks, we had fun too and will definitely be back.

Hazleton, PA: Setting aside the shows that Ratdog will open, will Bob play with your band at any other time?

Phil Lesh: We haven't gotten that far...

Halifax, Massachusetts: Dear Phil, glad you're back & healthy! god bless! Have you ever considered writing or making any kind of bass instructional material? thanks! Gerry W.

Phil Lesh: I *might* consider doing a class for an Unbroken Chain benefit- check phillesh.net for updates.

Cincinnati, Ohio: I can understand the emotional difficulty of performing Jerry tunes with Phil & Friends, and I love your personal vocal renditions of Terrapin and Foolish Heart. Are there any Jerry tunes which you are just dying to break out, but just can't because of a heavy heart?

Phil Lesh: Thanks for your encouragement- without a doubt, "Black Muddy River" is the one that makes me cry a little just thinking about it...

Grand Rapids, MI: How have you liked playing with Warren Haynes? I think the two of you sound great together. Also, any plans of playing with Larry McCray in the future?

Phil Lesh: I'm sorry, but I don't know Larry McCray- Warren, however, is an absolute gas to play with.

rochester, ny: Phil, Now that the dead is officially dead; why not open the vault and let people digital copy the great music? Thanks.

Phil Lesh: I think that's a great idea.

St. Paul, MN: Hey Phil.... In your opinion, is the world becoming more "aware". When I say aware, I mean that feeling we all know and love in the countercultures of the world?

Phil Lesh: I would hope so, in the face of the materialism that seems to have flourished since the '60s.

Quincy,Ma: Phil, In your opinion How important is music education? Thank's for all the great times.

Phil Lesh: Thanks for your support- Music (and art) education is not just important, it's essential to the formation of thinking, feeling, and aware human beings.

Comment from Phil Lesh: Dear heads - Thanks for your interest and evident love for the music- hope to see you all on the road.
Comment from USATODAY.com Host: A big thanks to Phil for participating today. If you're near L.A., check him out at the Greek Theatre this week.

 

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