Home / Arts and Entertainment / Mike Gordon on Bob Weir: Hero, Mentor, Unexpected Guest
Mike Gordon on Bob Weir: Hero, Mentor, Unexpected Guest
18 Feb
Summary
- Gordon admired Weir from childhood and later collaborated closely.
- Weir balanced a rockstar persona with profound self-discipline.
- Gordon almost joined Dead & Company, sharing unique creative ideas.

Phish bassist Mike Gordon shared his profound experiences with Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, a childhood hero who became a close collaborator. Gordon detailed Weir's complex character, noting his blend of a seemingly self-conscious rockstar persona with a selfless musical approach and surprising warmth. They worked together on flow-state experiments at TRI Studios, exploring brainwave activity.
Weir also demonstrated a striking commitment to health, engaging in guided meditation, barefoot running, and vegan diets, a stark contrast to his legendary rock and roll past. Gordon recalled being invited to Weir's beach house for such activities and vegan meals, even enduring a white-knuckle Tesla ride to Stinson Beach.
Gordon revealed he was almost part of Dead & Company, discussing Weir's innovative, albeit unconventional, performance ideas, including an all-acoustic to electric to rave transition. Ultimately, Gordon declined, prioritizing his solo and Phish projects. He also described Weir's unexpected sit-in with Phish, where Weir bravely performed despite not knowing the fast-paced songs well.




