My life was a complete catatrophe. I was very, very sick from drugs and alcohol.

The biggest sacrifice to me is to not be in an atmosphere where I can keep writing and moving forward.

Music has always been my protection against the world, from a very young age. I feel safe inside of a jam.

Jerry Garcia was a great American master and the Grateful Dead are not just a genuine piece of musical history, but also an important part of American history.

Ideally the point of music is community, not the player. Musicians are simply channels to link the audience to the music and to each other.

Things have gone beyond my wildest expectations and dreams, and I feel like I've been given so many blessings in my life, between my friendship with the guys in the band, our wonderful audience, being able to play this music, and then my family.

I've been sober for two-and-a-half years, My children are happy. In August, my wife and I will celebrate our fifteenth wedding anniversary. My band is back together with a sold-out tour.