Andy Cohen’s Journey as a Deadhead

Andy Cohen: An Unexpected Deadhead Among Reality TV Moguls

Deadheads are a profound part of American culture, manifesting in varied aspects of society. Among the devoted fans is reality TV mogul Andy Cohen, known for hosting Watch What Happens Live on Bravo and producing the Real Housewives franchise. His passion for the Grateful Dead extends back to high school, marking a long-standing relationship with the band.

The Days Between: A Celebration of the Grateful Dead’s Influence

NPR Music’s Days Between series explores the Grateful Dead’s enduring appeal from August 1 to August 9. This series delves into why people remain drawn to the band and how they intend to preserve its legacy. The phrase ‘Weir Everywhere’ encapsulates how Deadheads, from all demographics, remain dedicated to a band that ceased performing over 30 years ago. Despite this, their music persists through archived performances, bands led by surviving members, and tribute bands.

Andy Cohen’s Initial Exposure to the Grateful Dead

Cohen’s immersion into Grateful Dead fandom began in high school during the mid-1980s. He and his friends gravitated from Pink Floyd to the Grateful Dead, leading them to become ardent fans during a period when once you’re involved, you stay committed.

Memorable Early Concert Experiences

Cohen recalls attending his first Grateful Dead concert in the summer of 1986. He drove his 1972 Buick Skylark convertible from Saint Louis to Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, and spent the weekend at the venue. Cohen fondly remembers this as one of the best weekends of his life. He also attended a concert at Red Rocks that same summer, experiencing these iconic venues with immense appreciation.

Rediscovering the Grateful Dead

Although Cohen’s busy life in the early 1990s forced him to stop attending shows, the music never left him. Even when he became unable to travel for concerts, he continued listening to cassette tapes from the 90s, sustaining his connection to the music.

Cohen reconnected with the Grateful Dead’s music during the Fare Thee Well concerts in 2015, where John Mayer joined the band. This revitalized his passion and brought back memories of dancing like he did in his youth.

Personal Connections with Band Members

With the revival of the Grateful Dead’s music, Cohen developed personal relationships with band members. His friendship with Mayer allowed him to experience concerts from a unique perspective, fostering connections within the Grateful Dead community.

The musical experience remained at the core of Cohen’s involvement. He engaged in lively discussions with Mayer about performances and incorporated band members into his television show, Watch What Happens Live.

Grateful Dead’s Influence on Lifelong Connections

Cohen recalls how the Grateful Dead impacted his personal life, exemplified by encouraging a friend to revisit concerts after a hiatus. This reconnection exemplified how the music maintained its transformative power over decades.

Maintaining the Bond with Grateful Dead’s Music

As Grateful Dead members step back, Cohen hopes Mayer will form a new musical configuration. Meanwhile, Cohen plans to continue enjoying the vast archive of live music available. He remains open to experiencing the music in any form, valuing the opportunities to do so.