The Tapes Archive – Episode #37: Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead) Interview, 1992

Podcast: The Tapes Archive
Host: Osiris Media
Guest: Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead, The Tubes)
Interviewer: Mark Allen
Date of Interview: 1992 (Aired September 2, 2020)

Episode Overview

This episode features a vibrant and candid interview with Vince Welnick, then-new keyboardist for the Grateful Dead and former member of the Tubes. At 41, Welnick discusses his recent integration into the Dead, the differences between the Dead and the Tubes, and the inner workings of being part of an iconic American band. The conversation captures the spirit of musical exploration, band camaraderie, and Welnick’s unique vantage point as the “new guy” in the Grateful Dead family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joining the Grateful Dead: Dream Fulfilled

• Unanticipated Path: Welnick never imagined being in the Dead, but felt an early connection after hearing their first album at age 14.

  “My dad actually had never imagined being in the Dead. I imagined being friends with them. It was kind of a vision I had when I first heard their album.” (05:26)

• The Audition: Vince’s wife inquired about the open spot, leading to his audition after the death of Brent Mydland. He learned songs from tapes (and, humorously, some CDs though he didn’t own a player).
• Stakes and Competition: Faced tough competition from T. Lavitz, Pete Sears, and Tim Gorman.

  “You know, you can never be cocky, like, say ‘Well, I got the audition…’ Bobby called me up and said, ‘Is your insurance paid up?’ and then I knew I’d landed the gig.” (07:09)

2. Differences Between The Tubes and The Dead

• Touring and Shows: The Tubes were like a “traveling circus”, highly choreographed, with little room for improvisation or nightly variation. In contrast, the Dead’s setlists are fluid, making live shows more musically engaging.

  “The Tubes were like a traveling circus, 3 Wing Circus that set up in a different town every night… we weren’t as spontaneous… The Dead change up every night and that makes it all ultimately more interesting.” (09:26)

• Endurance and Change: The Tubes’ intense touring schedules (200+ shows/year) became unsustainable and less creatively rewarding over time, leading to Vince’s departure.

  “I'd still be in that band because I would have been loyal to them to the bitter end.” (10:59)

• Legacy & Showmanship: The Tubes were ahead of their time with elaborate stage productions and multi-disciplinary performances. Robin Williams even auditioned (and failed!) for their talent contest.

  “Robin Williams tried out and failed, although we became friends later. Yeah, he was unknown at the time.” (12:30)

3. Life Within the Dead: Culture, Setlists, and Sound

• Adapting to Improvisation: Initially found it tough to work without a set list but soon enjoyed the freedom and flow.
• Band Camaraderie: The Dead’s environment is supportive and familial, contradicting the myth that newcomers are hazed.

  “No, these guys have made me totally comfortable. The crew and everybody, it’s just fabulous. They couldn’t have stayed together this long. They didn’t have just a wonderful relationship with everybody.” (20:41)

• On the Audience: Expresses joy about the welcoming Deadhead community—likening the experience to a long-held vision of performing to a sea of outstretched arms.

  “When I was about 11, I saw a sea of people with their arms stretched out, and now I’m living it every night.” (23:49)

• Evolving Technology: The Dead’s use of in-ear monitors improved musical cohesion and vocal performances.

  “It’s just like singing in your own ear… you can hear the slightest little whisper and you can sing in key…” (03:53)

4. Band Dynamics, Material, and Growth

• Transition and Repertoire: Welnick needed to learn 140 songs in a short time—his “biggest mouthful” ever. Previous bands had less volatile setlists.

  “That’s the biggest mouthful I have ever taken.” (22:20)

• New Material: The Dead were working on new songs, though not immediately planning an album. Songs discussed include “Corrina,” “Wave to the Wind,” “So Many Roads,” “Way to Go Home,” and others.

  “We have new songs, though, that will eventually be on an album, but when, I do not know. I doubt if it would be this year.” (17:15)

• Creative Freedom: No outside pressure to “light a fire” under the Dead, allowing music to develop organically—a luxury Welnick deeply appreciates.

  “That’s really the luxury I see of this band is the freedom to be able to develop freely…” (18:34)

5. Memorable & Lighthearted Moments

• On Grateful Dead Keyboard Jokes: Vince jokingly acknowledges the infamous “dead keyboardist” running gag.

  “Blowing up and shit. Yeah, no fear of that, huh? No. What a way to go. But I’ll try to see that it doesn’t happen.” (24:20)

• Musical Tastes: At the start of the interview, Vince shares his enthusiasm for Bob Marley and desire to introduce "Waiting in Vain" to the Dead’s repertoire.

  “I’m trying to introduce Waiting In Vain to the band.” (03:04)

Notable Quotes

• On Being in the Dead:

  “I feel fabulous. I feel like I’m in a big old wonderful family.” (21:41)

• Creative Comfort:

  “There’s nobody that’s going to light a fire up our butt and push us to do something before it’s time.” (18:34)

• The Tubes Show:

  “No, the show [of The Tubes] — that was at a time when economics were a little bit more conducive to that. I don’t think anybody could do that show like The Tubes on the level we did it.” (13:51)

Important Timestamps

• 00:43 – Vince jokes about playing Bob Marley in his hotel room.
• 05:26 – Vince describes his unexpected path to joining the Dead.
• 07:09 – Recounts the audition process and landing the job.
• 09:26 – Compares life in The Tubes with the Grateful Dead.
• 12:30 – Story about Robin Williams auditioning for The Tubes.
• 17:15 – Talks about new material and the Dead’s creative pace.
• 18:34 – On the organic, pressure-free creative process within the band.
• 21:41 – On the familial vibe of the Dead and crew.
• 22:20 – Discusses the challenge of mastering the Dead’s vast repertoire.
• 24:20 – Addresses the “keyboardist curse” with humor.

Tone and Takeaways

Vince Welnick is affable, self-effacing, and clearly invigorated to have found his place within the Grateful Dead’s creative world. He weaves stories of musical adventure, perseverance through band transitions, and a lighthearted approach to the challenges and myths surrounding his role. For Deadheads and music fans alike, this episode opens a window into the lived experience of a musician stepping into the legacy of one of America’s greatest bands.