As Dead & Company tour gets ready to kick off this week in Albany, John Mayer appeared on pal Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM Radio show to dish on what’s to come as the group assembles for this tour. The guitarist revealed that the first three setlists have been written for the Albany and MSG shows, and also noted that he’s learned upwards of 80 Grateful Dead tunes. 

“It’s a challenge for me to figure out how much of this gig is to be enjoyed by way of my having fun,” Mayer explained. “Like, shouldn’t the guy who gets to play all these great songs have some drinks and hang out?” He continued, “But I also have to be so focused to be able to play that music that people sort of go a little blurry too.”

He added, “So I’m trying to figure out to what extent can I enjoy this to the point that I can be loose, because the music is the greatest music of celebration and elation and ecstasy. And for me to be able to do that, I need to go in the opposite of that.”

Mayer stressed the discipline that he needs to maintain on this tour, saying that he plans to go back to his hotel room after each show and study the following night’s setlist. “I shouldn’t be drinking if I’m singing,” Mayer said.

When prompted about which specific songs he may be singing lead on, Mayer said that him and Weir plan to switch off frequently, adding. “If you’re a Dead superfan, you’ll understand this: I’ll be singing ‘Lady With a Fan’ and Bob will be singing ‘Terrapin.'”

Listen to the full clip below.