John Mayer Took Out A Full Page Ad In Billboard Magazine Thanking The Grateful Dead For Changing His Life

F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote that “there are no second acts in American lives.” Clearly that self-loathing alcoholic married to a crazy chick didn’t meet John Mayer.

I can’t think of a single pop star who has reinvented themselves quite like Mayer. Just two years ago, in the spring of 2015, he had to rabidly defend himself in the press after being a “recovered ego addict.” He spent years and years making headlines for the celebrity women that he dated, not for his incredible talent with a guitar in his hands. It’s a damn shame his gifts were overshadowed by his personal life — Anyone who has ever seen the John Mayer Trio live knows that the man can shred the blues with the very best of them.

Later in 2015, Mayer was spotted at Solider Field for the 50th Anniversary Fare Thee Well Grateful Dead shows. A couple months later he paired up with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti to form Dead and Company, an arena, amphitheater, and stadium show reminiscent of the band’s tours in the ’80s and ’90s with Jerry Garcia. Mayer’s chemistry with the group was instantly combustible, with his silky blues rock style fitting perfectly with Bob Weir and the gang.   Like Cowboy Neal at the wheel, Mayer got on the bus of a long, strange trip and has yet to jump off it, earning the respect of Deadheads around the world.

With an album and solo tour on the horizon, today let the music industry know just how grateful he is for the opportunity to join the psychedelic tribe. Mayer purchased a full-page ad in Billboard Magazine congratulating The Dead for the 50th anniversary of their first, self-titled album. It’s a classy gesture from one of the world’s all-time legendary Bro Kings.

My generation of Deadheads might have never experienced Jerry, but at least we have people like Mayer who keep the freak flag flying, waving it wide and high.

Just a handful of Dead and Company videos for your viewing pleasure this dreary, snowy Tuesday: