Mickey Hart Won't Rule Out 'Dead Reunion

Drummer says that it may happen one day

Published 25th Aug 2011

In a new interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Hart was asked to respond to his former bandmate's accusation that he and fellow 'Dead member Bill Kreutzmann were not "current" enough to be part of the latest band offshoot, Further.

Weir said: "Phil Lesh and I were boldly pursuing new musical directions onstage, and some of the guys weren't picking up on it," Weir said. "Phil and I are way more current."

Weir has, however, laughed off the comment:

"I don't really have any comment on that," said Hart. "You shouldn't read too far into that. It's really hard to say who is current and who is not. I mean, it's a very weak argument. I would just think that would be a slip of the tongue on Bob's part. If he were here right now, we'd probably be laughing about it," Hart said – laughing.

Hart continued: "It doesn't really make sense. I mean, it's almost ludicrous. I'd like to say, 'Bob, are you more current than I am? Tell me more about it! I'd really like to know how current you really are.' Anyway, I don't really go there. It's not a place that's beneficial to anyone. In the past I've said things that I've wished I could have taken back. Besides, I just saw Bob and Phil at San Francisco's AT&T Park when they had Grateful Dead day. It was really nice hanging out."

The Dead last toured in 2009. "There was certainly personal tension on that tour," said Hart. "I mean, there were people that didn't get along. And there were musical differences. But nothing that couldn't be negotiated. I mean, there are differences in any family. But I didn't skip a beat. I've been in very interesting projects over the past few years and I have absolutely no inclination to join Furthur. Bob's doing just what he wants to do and so am I."

But despite the tensions Hart revealed that he is open to another reunion.

"I would never say never," he says. "As long as we're above ground, there's always a possibility. I don't see any reason why we couldn't do more shows someday, but right now isn't the right time."

(Rolling Stone)