The influence of the Grateful Dead extends deeply into American culture. Reality TV executive Andy Cohen is one among many who cherish this iconic band. During NPR Music’s ‘Days Between,’ a series focuses on what attracts people to the Grateful Dead and how they aim to preserve its legacy. A popular saying among fans, ‘Weir Everywhere,’ reflects both a nod to Bob Weir, the band’s guitarist, and the pervasive presence of Deadheads in various facets of society.
The Enduring Legacy of the Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead may have officially disbanded over 30 years ago, yet their music lives on through archived performances, new ensembles by surviving members, and countless tribute bands. Andy Cohen, a notable figure in 21st-century television, is a devoted fan and represents a modern-day Deadhead.
Cohen is well-known for hosting ‘Watch What Happens Live’ and producing the ‘Real Housewives’ series. His admiration for the Grateful Dead has long precedents. Over the years, Cohen has attended numerous concerts, including those by Dead & Company, featuring Weir, John Mayer, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti. Although Cohen is recognized as a friend of Mayer, his bond with the band dates back years.
A Longstanding Relationship with the Band
In an interview, Cohen shared how he became a Deadhead. His exposure began in high school during the mid-1980s, through a transition from Pink Floyd to the Grateful Dead. He recounts traveling to concerts in his 1972 Buick Skylark convertible and highlights the camaraderie he felt among fellow fans. Despite life’s interruptions in the early ’90s, Cohen’s passion for the music never waned.
A pivotal moment occurred during the ‘Fare Thee Well’ tour in 2015, where Cohen experienced a profound resurgence of enthusiasm. With John Mayer joining the band, Cohen felt reawakened and reinvigorated, reconnecting with a part of himself that had been dormant.
A Personal Connection to the Music
The last decade with Dead & Company symbolized a revival for Cohen. He formed personal connections with band members and their families, creating unique experiences at concerts. Yet, at the core of his passion lies the music itself. Cohen reflects on how attending these shows brought him back to his youth, highlighting the universal and transformative power of the Grateful Dead’s music.
Andy Cohen’s story exemplifies the saying ‘Weir Everywhere’—a reminder of how the Grateful Dead’s legacy continues to resonate across generations and backgrounds. Cohen recalls an event where he urged a friend, once deterred from attending shows, to join him again. The experience was transformative, rekindling old memories for them both.
Looking Ahead
As Andy Cohen fondly looks to the future, he emphasizes his continued dedication to the music. Despite changes in the band’s lineup, the vast catalog of live music remains a source of joy and connection. Cohen eagerly anticipates attending future performances by Dead cover bands, recognizing the enduring spell of the music and its influence on fans new and old.
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