John Mayer may not have any more dates on the books with Dead & Company for the year, yet the guitarist is out there being an evangelist about the iconic music of the Grateful Dead. Mayer stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday to perform some songs for the live audience, including the Grateful Dead’s “Fire on the Mountain.” Mayer also gave a lengthy interview and spoke with Kimmel extolling the virtues about playing with Dead & Company. Additionally, he joked about the perks of being friends with his sometimes co-creator, comedian Dave Chappelle. Mayer also plugged his upcoming “season” of Instagram stories and showed a “trailer” to the audience about what to look forward to on his most recent social media initiative.
Prior to performing his new single “New Light,” on Kimmel’s outdoor stage, Mayer chatted with Kimmel who asked him about how he ended up playing and touring with the members of the Grateful Dead. “As soon as I heard the music and fell in love with it, I was like ‘I’ve got to play with these guys.’ That’s how nervy I am,” the musician shared. “Most people would say ‘this is nice I want to listen to this more.’ I go ‘get me in that band.’” To which Kimmel responded, “what John Stamos is to the Beach Boys, you are to the Dead.”
“New Light,” was the only song that made the cut for last night’s television airing of the show; however, “Fire on the Mountain,” which didn’t make the show but can be seen below in a fan-shot video.
The pair then spoke about his long-standing friendship with Chappelle. Mayer talked about their stage show and said: “I’m trying to be music’s, Bill Murray.” Along with discussing why performing at Dave Chappelle’s shows makes the audience think he’s also funny, Mayer shows off some of those comedy chops by participating in a late-night gag segment in which he pretends his copious use of Instagram Stories is actually an expensively produced show (he brags that they shot over six thousand episodes last year alone).
Watch Mayer’s Kimmel appearance below. The guitarist will appear this weekend at Louisville’s Bourbon & Beyond Festival, which is currently the only date left on his touring schedule this year.
[Fire on The Mountain]
[New Light]
[John Mayer Interview Segment]
[John Mayer Debuts Trailer for New Instagram Show]