But he's also spent a lot of the time with the members of the Grateful Dead; he's been an on-and-off member of bassist/vocalist Phil Lesh's different bands over the years, and also played in the ad hoc reunion band simply called The Dead in the mid 2000s. So he has, perhaps, more insight into the band than most.

During an interview for a forthcoming feature on his upcoming solo album, Ashes and Dust, we spoke about his feelings about the end of the Dead. "Well, I'm glad that they are doing final shows," Hayes said. "I thought it was important for them to do something for the 50th anniversary. I - probably like everyone else - wish it had been a little bit more."

For these shows, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio is playing lead guitar and singing Jerry Garcia's songs. Was Haynes asked to participate in the Fare Thee Well shows, given that he's filled that role in the past?

"It's not something we talked about, but I've got a lot of my own stuff going on at the moment. I'm curious to see the whole thing, I'm glad Bruce Horsnby is doing it. I wish I could be there to see it, I'm sure it will be great."