We have a lot of good fun with John Mayer around these parts, but damn if that guy doesn’t beam with pride and joy when he’s sandwiched between Bob Weir and Oteil Burbridge (and sometimes Donna Jean) on stage with Dead & Company.

As the tour comes to a close, Mayer posted a sweet message on his Instagram summarizing his time in the band and more importantly, the Grateful Dead universe. 

“This @deadandcompany tour was magical,” it began. “This band flourished in so many ways. To learn each others’ moves as people and musicians, so as to support each other on stage and off made every night a beautiful adventure.”

The note takes a more emotional turn when Mayer reflects on his upbringing. “I grew up a lone wolf in a bedroom practicing my guitar, and all I ever really craved was community. The community I feel now between my brothers and sisters in this band and crew, and the connection between everyone in the audience from the front row to the back, to those who listened from couches and cars, to those who come up to me and say more with their eyes than their words in their attempt to tell me what this means to them – I will never forget it, because I will never stop feeling it.”

He sums up with a nod to those who came before him as well as the original, Jerry Garcia. “We’re together now. I’m honored to be one of many musicians in the larger community of the GDEU (Grateful Dead Extended Universe.) And it must be said – to Jerry: what a light you are that I could bask in your shadow. Love you all.”

Dead & Company are off the road for the time being, but seem to be in very fitting, grateful hands when they return.