Happy Birthday Mickey ‘Dean Ween’ Melchiondo: ‘A Tear For Eddie’ At Lockn’

Guitarist Mickey “Dean Ween” Melchiondo celebrates his 46th birthday today. Earlier this year the native of New Hope, Pennsylvania returned to the stage with his acclaimed band Ween, ending a multi-year hiatus to the delight of their many loyal fans. For Deaner’s birthday today, here’s a look back at a highlight from the beloved group’s recent headlining appearance at Lockn’ Festival.

Early into their 26-song career spanning opening night set, the quintet featuring guitarist/vocalist Aaron “Gene Ween” Freeman, drummer Claude Coleman, Jr., bassist Dave Dreiwitz and keyboardist Glenn McClelland, delivered a performance of “A Tear For Eddie.” The classic song written for late Parliament-Funkadelic guitarist Eddie Hazel appeared on the band’s 1994 LP Chocolate And Cheese and is a platform for Melchiondo to take the spotlight and show off his soloing skills. Deaner is said to have received a letter from Hazel’s widow offering her thanks for the musical tribute.

Following a rendition of “Beacon Light” Mickey led the band through a performance of “A Tear For Eddie” that was captured by vidographer LazyLightning55a and can be seen in the video below (“A Tear For Eddie” starts at ~5:13), watch: