JamBase’s Scott Bernstein Talks Dead & Company With The New York Times ‘Popcast’

Host Jon Caramanica of The New York Times podcast Popcast wanted to learn more about the Grateful Dead and Dead & Company. In order to accomplish that, Caramanica reached out to JamBase Editorial Director Scott Bernstein to appear on the podcast to discuss Dead & Company, the band’s Final Tour and more.

Bernstein chatted with Caramanica remotely while the former was in the Boston area for JamBase’s 25th anniversary celebration concerts. The chat between the two was largely educational for Caramanica, who admittedly was not deeply familiar with the Grateful Dead.

Bernstein spoke throughout the episode about the Grateful Dead’s legacy and influence on live music. While bands like Phish and other jam bands, including JB25 participants Umphrey’s McGee and Holly Bowling, and relative newcomers Goose, are clearly tied to the Dead’s approach, Bernstein pointed out acts like Metallica and Taylor Swift are also switching up their setlists from night to night.

ScottyB detailed some of the groups the members of the Grateful Dead have formed in the years since Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995. The episode touched on the formation of Dead & Co. in 2015 following the Fare Thee Well Grateful Dead 50th anniversary concerts. The interview explored Dead & Company’s recently completed Final Tour, with Bernstein sharing some of his highlights.

Caramanica also asked about the evolution of the community around the Grateful Dead and Dead & Company. Bernstein described the show-going experience, touring and the Shakedown Street area of vendors selling their wares in venue parking lots.

Following Bernstein’s interview, The New York Times journalist Marc Tracy comes on to finish the episode with Caramanica. Tracy reported on Dead & Company’s Final Tour in a feature The Times published in July. Tracy also recently wrote an in-depth New York Times profile of Phish lighting director Chris Kuroda.

Listen to ScottyB talk Dead & Co. and more on The New York Times Popcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by streaming below: