John Mayer Shares Favorite Grateful Dead Tracks on SiriusXM

LAS VEGAS, NV — John Mayer took to the airwaves as a guest DJ on SiriusXM’s Grateful Dead Channel, sharing a curated selection of his favorite songs from the iconic band. The special broadcast is set to run from April 7 through April 13, coinciding with Dead & Company’s ongoing residency in Las Vegas.

During the broadcast, Mayer explained the significance of these tracks in his musical journey. “These are the songs that got me into the music, kept me into the music, and keep me really straight down the road of playing this music correctly night after night,” he said. Mayer emphasized that listening to these songs helps him connect with the spirit of the band before every performance.

Mayer revealed that he listens to at least one of these tracks before taking the stage, stating, “I can do my best at bringing you to your happy place.” Among the tracks shared were timeless classics like “China Cat Sunflower / I Know You Rider” and “Scarlet Begonias.”

Mayer reflected on his personal experiences with the music, particularly recalling the June 16, 1985 rendition of “Scarlet Begonias” into “Fire on the Mountain.” He described the performance as a “one-of-a-kind rendition” that left a lasting impression on him. “I was on the way to a girlfriend’s house,” he recounted. “That’s how important and impactful this song was.”

As for his favorites, Mayer listed the following songs: 1. “China Cat Sunflower / I Know You Rider” 2. “They Love Each Other” 3. “Next Time You See Me” 4. “Scarlet Begonias” 5. “Fire on the Mountain” 6. “Here Comes Sunshine” 7. “Althea” 8. “The Harder They Come” (with Merl Saunders) 9. “Sugaree.”

Mayer’s guest DJ session not only showcases his adoration for the Grateful Dead but also serves as a way for fans to reminisce about their experiences with the band’s music. The Grateful Dead Channel will be available for free on SiriusXM through April 30, a gesture to celebrate the spring season.

Listeners can access the Grateful Dead Channel on car radios, as well as through the SiriusXM app. Mayer’s session offers fans a blend of nostalgia and insight into the captivating world of the Grateful Dead’s music.

For those interested, here is Mayer’s guest DJ broadcast schedule on SiriusXM: Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. ET, Tuesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. ET, Wednesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 10 at 8 a.m. ET, Friday, April 11 at 12 a.m. ET, Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. ET, and Sunday, April 13 at 9 a.m. ET.