Umphreys McGee Announces Three Shows for Red Rocks.
I could not be more excited about the recent announcement that Umphrey's is returning to the Rocks for three glorious nights this summer. There are no scheduling conflicts and more importantly each night's opening acts are stellar. None in my opinion more than "Bruce Hornsby and the NoiseMakers" on July 2nd, to end what sure to be a legendary run. That musical weekend is officially booked in my calendar. I know I will see you there.
Today in GD history, Bruce Hornsby stepped up to help the music play the band, as Vince Welnick got up to speed in the hot seat.
Originally, having Bruce there was like a shot in the arm for Jerry. Then, Jerry slowly started slipping back into old habits. Bruce and nobody else for that matter could help him. Vince was up to speed, or as close as he was going to get, in some people's opinion. And Hornsby left the band as a member. He still sat in occasionally and played with The Dead and was at the Furthur Festivals.
Today in 1990, Bruce joined the band for the first time. The setlist was somewhat unique for the time, with the second set starting off with what became an encore song, "The Weight". Still dealing with the loss of Brent and to a lesser degree, the full, warm organ sound he added to the songs, the band tried to keep on truckin'. Vince was hired quickly for his ability to sing high harmonies but his synth and keyboards quickly changed the overall sound of the band. Bruce Hornsby's accordion and grand piano, made the sound a little warmer and allowed Vince to find his footing and it didn't hurt that Hornsby was a deadhead who already knew all the songs. It seemed like the best of a bad situation. While, Vince was welcomed warmly by deadheads the overall consensus was he still needed time in the minor leagues before stepping up in front of stadiums full of rabid fans.It certainly didn't help that Vince's first show was at MSG in NY,NY. One of the most famous venue the band played regularly. That was all in the future, though. Here is the video of the first post-Brent show with Bruce and Vince.
Written by: Greg Heffelfinger
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