The Grateful Dead's last keyboard player has died — in the latest of a string of deaths that fuelled rumours the band's keyboardists are cursed.
Dennis McNally, a publicist for the legendary psychedelic rock band, confirmed late Saturday that Vince Welnick passed away on Friday. McNally would not divulge the cause of death.
Welnick played with the Grateful Dead for five years until lead guitarist Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack in 1995 and the band broke up, ending a three-decade run as one of America's biggest touring acts.
Vince Welnick performs in Noblesville, Indiana, June 21, 2003. Welnick, the Grateful Dead's last keyboard player, died June 2, 2006. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Jon C. Hancock/Acoustic Images, HO)
Welnick's "service to and love for the Grateful Dead were heartfelt and essential," the band said in a statement. "He had a loving soul and a joy in music that we were lucky to share."
It's not known whether Welnick died at his home in Forestville in northern California or elsewhere. The San Jose Mercury News reported he died in a hospital.
'He had that fearlessness to be able to jump into our madness.'-Mickey Hart, Grateful Dead drummer
Welnick's death seemed destined to fuel a superstition that keyboardists with the Grateful Dead are cursed.
- Welnick joined the band after keyboard player Brent Mydland died in 1990 of a drug overdose.
- Mydland was the replacement for pianist Keith Godchaux, who left the band and soon died in a car accident in 1980.
- Founding vocalist and keyboard player Ron "Pigpen" McKernan died in 1973 of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart said Welnick was a "nimble" keyboard player and great background singer.
"The big thing about Vince was that he had that fearlessness to be able to go and just jump into our madness and just operate on it like it was a normal, everyday procedure," Hart recalled.
"He had this real high harmony. He could go where others couldn't."
McNally said the musician was 51, although Welnick's website provides two ages: 51 and 55.
Welnick 'shattered' after Garcia's death
The Grateful Dead became the symbol of psychedelic rock with a dedicated following of fans known as Deadheads, who followed them to every concert.
Despite their popularity, the band only registered one Top 10 hit in the United States with Touch of Grey in 1987.
McNally said Garcia's death "shattered" Welnick because he had become close to the guitarist.
"When he joined the Grateful Dead, he really embraced the opportunity, both musically and emotionally," McNally recalled. "And to lose it within five years hurt him maybe worse than anybody else in the band."
Welnick formed his own group, Missing Man Formation. But years later, Welnick would admit he fell into a deep depression over the loss of the band.
Played with 1970s band The Tubes
Welnick, known for his frizzy hair and tie-dyed clothes, was originally a member of the 1970s band The Tubes.
The Tubes became known for their energetic shows, which blended video technology with eccentric costumes and sets. The band recorded more than a dozen albums with hits such as White Punks on Dope in 1975 and Talk to Ya Later in 1981.
"It was an amazing time. We played everywhere, and I don't think Vince ever missed a show," Tubes vocalist Fee Waybill told the San Francisco Chronicle.
"But even with all the success, we were still a hippie band from San Francisco. We all lived together, travelled on the same bus, shared everything."
Welnick had been scheduled to perform later in June, according to his website.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Welnick.
