Mike Fleiss Unwinds by ‘Truckin’’ Down the Road With Grateful Young

Grateful Young is bound to be creating a “Ripple” effect for classic rock fans. The tribute band, fronted by TV producer Mike Fleiss and Pat Mayer, a former bandmate and close friend since the ’80s, will pay homage to the duo’s musical heroes.

“We both love the Grateful Dead, and we both love Neil Young,” Mike Fleiss shares, “and we both played in tribute bands around those two artists.”

Fleiss reveals he and his longtime friend developed the idea to start Grateful Young because it felt like an original concept people would dig. “It dawned on us that nobody had ever combined them into one band, so we’re creating a combination tribute band called Grateful Young. We’re just going to play Grateful Dead and Young covers.”

Neil Young’s music is celebrated for its emotive storytelling and versatility, spanning acoustic ballads to electrifying rock anthems, while the Grateful Dead is revered for its eclectic mix of rock, folk, bluegrass, and psychedelia. This innovative project by Fleiss is a testament to his ability to think outside the box, offering fans an unparalleled musical experience that also nurtures a communal spirit among audiences.

The collab is a dream come true for music lovers. Young and the Dead only shared the stage one time, playing Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” at a 1991 concert in honor of iconic concert promoter Bill Graham, who died in a helicopter crash.

Mike Fleiss: ‘Playing in the Band’

Fleiss and Mayer, sharing duties on lead and rhythm guitar, are planning a spring tour from Santa Barbara, California, to Portland, Oregon, to debut their project. In anticipation, Fleiss is curating a set list that promises a blend of nostalgia and hits as the duo works on seamlessly integrating the musical styles of their idols.

Their collaborative efforts aren’t just about performing; they’re about crafting a journey that transitions smoothly between the repertoires of Neil Young and the Grateful Dead. Fleiss is excited about the creative challenge and the joy it will bring to fans of both artists.

Beyond his latest musical venture, Fleiss has a rich history with rock music, counting guitar legend Eddie Van Halen as a good friend and directing a celebrated documentary about Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead. The film, The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir, received accolades and an Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2014 San Francisco International Film Festival, showcasing Fleiss’ deep-rooted connection to the music world.

This connection is further evidenced by Fleiss’ personal collection of Grateful Dead memorabilia, a treasure trove of memories and gifts from his time spent within the music community. His passion for the Dead highlights a lifelong commitment to celebrating and preserving the legacy of these tuneful giants.

As Fleiss and Mayer ready themselves for their upcoming tour, they hope to bring fans a unique experience unlike any other.

Shares Mike Fleiss: “That’s going to be fun.”