top of page
Bill Kreutzmann is an American drummer best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. His innovative drumming style and improvisational skills were integral to the band's unique sound and long improvisational jams. Kreutzmann's contributions to the Grateful Dead's music have made him a revered figure in rock and jam band music.
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I saw a drummer play once when I was a kid and I thought, that's really cool. You know, you're moving. You're using your arms and fingers. So I tried it and I loved it."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I've gone through guys who want to lay on their backs and play like they're full of themselves. You know, I don't care about posing. I mean look at me, do I care about posing?"

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"It's not the same without Jerry. It never will be."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I love the farm, I love growing stuff."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't fun. It's just a whole different thing these days."

Fun,
Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"When Garcia died, and I decided not to play, I came out here."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"Oh yeah, it's great see music and to play music in small places. And it's really fun for me to play here because, you know, I played two feet from people all night. And after all those years, it's great to be able to talk to folks."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"At first I missed it, but it was the amazing energy thing that happened during shows, when a lot of people were like Yay Yay Yeah! I missed that for a while. But I don't miss the regular and the business side of that whole thing."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"In the very beginning we were a real tight family but now it's different. You know, toward the end, we had separate limos, stuff like that. It's hard to get six giant egos in the same place."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I care about being able to play. If you're playing with integrity in the music, then that's what matters. But it wasn't that great for me because it was kinda like going back into the old times without the guy."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"Well, to tell you the straight honest truth, it was like a Grateful Dead cover band. I didn't feel - and nothing against the guys - I didn't feel that they were opening up like they should. I'll tell you what, with guitar players, Steven has what I like in guitar players."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I made that decision back in 1985. I was out here getting certified in SCUBA with Garcia in Kona and I thought to myself, this is a place to wake up in in the morning."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I mean, we just started, it's a new thing. We're doing this for fun and we're going to see where it goes."

Fun,
Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I'm really thankful and complimented when people come to me and say, thank you for the great times for all these years. But I don't think about it as being a leader."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"My dad loved black singers. So listening to New Orleans music, eventually I wanted to play an instrument."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I'd rather play here in this small bar and just do a good show. Because it's fun and there's no expectations, it's encouragement to be different, do something new."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I mean, when it gets down to it I just wanted to play the drums. The rest of it never meant that much to me."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
GettyImages-1390397976_b_edited.jpg
Quote_1.png

"I always thought it would be really cool to be playing the drums in the show and then have your astral body or whatever travel all through the audience and dig whatever it's like out there."

Share on Facebook_Black.png
Share on X_edited.png
Painting Icon
bottom of page