When it comes to reality television, everyone loves a good plot twist, and perhaps no one has mastered that move better than Mike Fleiss. The bold producer has temporarily traded his production notes for a guitar and the open road as he heads up Grateful Young, a new Neil Young-Grateful Dead tribute band with his pal Pat Mayer.
The two will be sharing rhythm and lead guitar duties as they perform a set list that will likely include everything from Young’s “Heart of Gold” and “Rockin’ in the Free World” to the Dead’s iconic “Ripple,” “Touch of Grey,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Scarlet Begonias,” and “Friend of the Devil.” Between Young’s lyrical depth and the Dead’s mystical poetry, it’s a folkie jam band nirvana with psychedelic vibes and improvisational gusto.
“We both played in tribute bands around those two artists, but it dawned on us that nobody had ever combined them into one band, so we’re creating a combination tribute band called Grateful Young,” Mike Fleiss explains.
From Van Halen to the Grateful Dead
Mike Fleiss is no stranger to the lure of the world of rock. He’s already had epic encounters and jam sessions with some of rock’s most iconic figures, including Eddie Van Halen and Bob Weir. These unforgettable experiences have not only allowed Fleiss to witness rock history firsthand, but to be an active participant in it, forging a path that intertwines his professional and personal passions.
He shares that Grateful Young aims to capture the essence of these legendary acts, delivering performances that resonate with fans of the original bands and new audiences alike.
Fleiss’ journey from television mastermind to musician is not just a career pivot; it’s also a return to his roots.
“We’re going to go on a little tour in the spring from Santa Barbara up to Portland,” he adds.
While this transition from reality TV to live music might seem surprising at first glance, for Fleiss, it’s simply another avenue to explore storytelling and emotional connection.
His work in television, from crafting narratives that captivate audiences worldwide to producing a documentary about Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, has always been about delving into the human experience. Now, with the Grateful Young, Fleiss extends this exploration to the concert stage, using music as the medium to convey stories and evoke emotions.
The Grateful Young’s tour is more than a series of concerts; it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of rock history, and a celebration of music’s ability to unite people across different backgrounds. For Fleiss, it’s also a personal milestone, bringing to life his dream of performing the songs of his rock idols and sharing that experience with others.
“It’s going to be fun,” Mike Fleiss exclaims. “We’re going to go from one artist to the other in the same song and break those things up. It’s going to be awesome.”
