The David Nelson Band first came together in 1994 to perform the music of the group’s namesake. Nelson, a longtime friend and bandmate of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, going back to their coffeehouse days in the early ’60s, often wrote songs with Hunter. He also joined Garcia in the early versions of New Riders of the Purple Sage and later on Broadway with the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band. The current version of the DNB features co-founders Barry Sless and Mookie Siegel, along with Pete Sears, Wally Ingram and Jay Lane.
Unfortunately due to ongoing health issues Nelson’s health, he will not appear at this weekend’s DNB Rides Again Campout. The band has issued the following statement:
Dear Friends, Fans, and Dedicated Maniacs,
As we continue to navigate David’s ongoing health concerns, we’ve had to make a difficult decision regarding the upcoming DNB Rides Again Campout.
After thoughtful consideration and conversations between David and the band, we all agreed that in support of his health and well-being, it would be best for him not to perform at this year’s Campout.
This was not an easy decision, but we all believe it is the right one.
To fill in for the DNB sets on Saturday, Stephen Inglis of Skeleton Crewe will join Barry, Mookie, Pete, Jay, and Wally as Nelson Crewe, w/special guest Jim Lewin from Edge of the West, performing music drawn from both the DNB and Skeleton Crewe catalogs. Sunday’s show will be Nelson Crewe Play Dead.
While we will all miss David at these upcoming shows, we also feel it is important that the music we created together should continue to be played, shared, and celebrated.
We hope you’ll understand, and most of all, we hope you’ll join us for a special weekend of music, friendship, and community.
Thank you for your continued love, support, and understanding.
David, Barry, Pete, Mookie, Jay, and Wal
