Bill Murray’s Brother Recalls The Time Bill Sang ‘Louie Louie’ With The Grateful Dead In An NYC Bar

You live in New York City and bop around town long enough, eventually you’ll have a Bill Murray story. Case in point: This kickball team. And this guy out for an evening of karaoke. Unless you take pics, no one will believe you.

I have a “no one will believe you” Bill Murray story that took place back in March. I was hitting up my neighborhood diner, Veselka, at around midnight on a Tuesday night for some grub, as I often do. I walk to the restaurant to pick it up and — low and behold — Bill Murray is walking out with a girl. He was wearing an overcoat and matching black hat, looming much taller than I ever expected him to be. I muttered out something like “Hi, Bill” or “Hi, Mr. Murray” and he nodded, and that was that.

“”

“”

“”

“”

Anyway, Bill’s brother, Joel Murray — whom you might know from Mad Men — told a great story on The Chive’s podcast about the time he ended up in a bar with his brother, Dan Ackroyd, John Belushi, and The entire Grateful Dead. Bill ended up on stage singing “Louie Louie” with The Dead as his backing band that evening. Just a hunch that he’s omitting all the cocaine usage that went down that evening. Just a hunch.

What a National Treasure. No wonder Bill had to show up to pay his respects at The Dead’s Fare Thee Well shows this summer. Never change, Bill.

Brandon Wenerd is BroBible's publisher, writing on this site since 2009. He writes about sports, music, men's fashion, outdoor gear, traveling, skiing, and epic adventures. Based in Los Angeles, he also enjoys interviewing athletes and entertainers. Proud Penn State alum, former New Yorker. Email: brandon@brobible.com