Features

Behind the Magic: Bill Kreutzmann & Mickey Hart Talk To Billy Martin

Photo by Danny Clinch

As for Bill Kreutzmann, to me he always sounds like a humble magician who’s not afraid to lose the beat for the bigger musical picture. And I say “hooray” for that! He seems selfless and genuinely interested in what other musicians are doing. I definitely recommend listening to the fantastic Rhythm Devils music for the film Apocalypse Now. For me, that is what I got from these guys many years ago, without even realizing it was them.

Many people say that Bill and Mickey’s chemistry onstage is what gives the Dead its unique magic. In talking with them, they both believed they learned that unique way by listening to the others in the band and growing from that. I got the feeling that they are still growing and very open to the idea of conjuring up some more magic this spring.

Editor’s note: Billy Martin was to interview Kreutzmann and Hart together, but with the former running late, Hart spoke at length about his musical relationship with his fellow Dead drummer. Curiously, when Kreutzmann finally called in, Hart felt he had said enough and promptly left the call.

Where you are now?

Hart: Northern California, in the middle of a forest.

I’m in New Jersey.

The weather is great here. That’s one of the things about the East Coast—you’ve gotta be a hardy soul.

I have this plot of land with a yard and bamboo grove and a tree house. When you live in the city you understand the importance of that.

I know that. My grandma had tulips in this little patch. So what are you up to?

Got some time off from tour. Just been spending time with my kids, doing some film and art stuff.

How did you get roped into doing this?

It’s those crazy guys at Relix. They thought I’d be the perfect drummer to interview you. I’m honored. I’m a fan, you know. I was going to wait for Bill to get on, but we might as well just talk.

He’s probably peeling his last pineapple of the morning. He’s only on his second pineapple. He loves water, I love forest. We’re different. That’s what makes this whole thing special. Because the one thing we agree on is the rhythm of things.