John Kadlecik Weighs In On Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well

When rumors started flying about just how and when Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir would celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead in 2015, one of the guitarists we most saw mentioned was John Kadlecik. The former Dark Star Orchestra/Furthur axeman has spent just about as much time on stage with Lesh and Weir in recent years as anyone else, so it wasn’t a stretch to think he might be included. On Friday, we learned the core four had recruited Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio to perform at a three-day event in Chicago over the Fourth of July Weekend and recently Kadlecik weighed in on that decision.

“Just want to say that I am thrilled that Bob, Phil, Billy, & Mickey were able to make this happen. I believe Trey is an excellent choice, and a brilliant improviser who most certainly will hit it out of the park for these shows!” Kadlecik wrote on Facebook. “I think the “feud” between Deadheads and Phish Phans is utter bs, and I sincerely hope this helps put that to rest. Also, super-jazzed that my buddy Jeff Chimenti will be stirring it up with these guys!” Chimenti was a member of Furthur and many a Phil & Friends lineup with John K.

We’re sure Kadlecik will have plenty of opportunities to perform with Lesh this year as he’s already been announced as a member of the Phil Lesh & Friends ensemble set to play Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California on February 13 and 14. You can also catch John K. as part of Golden Gate Wingmen.

Here’s 10 Things We Learned From Friday’s #Dead50 Announcement.