Vince Welnick's Golden Days

Vince Welnick's Golden Days

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of depression, psychiatric medication, and suicide. In the final episode of Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story, we take a clear-eyed, compassionate look at Vince’s final years, beginning with his time in the Grateful Dead. We examine the fan criticism he endured, how he evolved as a player, and the profound impact Jerry Garcia’s death had on the band and its extended family. Vince’s post-Dead years were marked by both triumph and tragedy, with three defining moments that shaped his final decade: the bus incident during a RatDog tour, his exclusion from the 2002 Grateful Dead reunion, and ultimately, his death by suicide in 2006. The episode features Vince’s widow, Laurie Welnick, who speaks candidly and courageously about Vince’s final days. Friends and collaborators—including Fee Waybill, Michele Rundgren, Bobby Strickland, and Bob Bralove—share emotional reactions to the news of his death and reflect on the lasting impact Vince had on their lives. The episode also touches on Vince’s struggle with depression and his use of Zoloft, with the host offering a personal perspective on the challenges of navigating mental health treatment. Despite the pain, Golden Days is a celebration of Vince’s enduring spirit, musical legacy, and the friendships he forged. This is not a story about how Vince died—it’s a story about how he lived, and the love he left behind. Special Thanks to: (in no particular order) Laurie Welnick Prairie Prince Fee Waybill Todd Rundgren Bobby Strickland Michele Rundgren Todd Rundgren The Tapes Archive Mike Duffy Bob Bralove Dennis McNally David Gans Scott Guberman Lyn Kalnitz The patient and lovely Mrs. Jennings Joey Suto Thom Jr. The Jennings Family Members who had to listen to me talk about this for years Chris Epting and Paul Meyers- for inspiring me, even if you didn't know you did, Mary Jo Whitman, for encouragement To Vince, for all the great music and for being an all-around great guy. I hope I have returned the favor. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

The Audition

As the Grateful Dead searches for a new keyboardist following the untimely passing of Brent Mydland, Vince Welnick prepares for the opportunity of a lifetime. In Episode 5, “The Audition,” we follow Vince’s emotional and intense journey from hopeful contender to official member of one of the world’s most iconic bands. Vince’s widow, Laurie Welnick, offers a deeply personal look at how Vince prepared for the audition and the weight of waiting for the call. We also hear from Tubes frontman Fee Waybill, Michele Rundgren, Mike Duffy, and  Bobby Strickland as they reflect on Vince’s talent and perseverance, and Bob Bralove offers insights into Vince's mental state going into the rehearsal process. At the same time, Grateful Dead publicist Dennis McNally provides historical context for the moment. Archival clips from Bob Weir and Vince Welnick himself capture the raw emotion of the moment Vince got the gig. This pivotal chapter in Vince’s story highlights both the promise and pressure of joining the Dead, as well as the quiet strength that helped him seize the chance. Next week is the final episode. Laurie Welnick Fee Waybill Todd Rundgren Bobby Strickland MicheleRundgren The Tapes Archive Mike Duffy Bob Bralove Dennis McNally David Gans This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Bonus Content: Unreleased Interview with Vince Welnick from 1989

In this special bonus episode of Missing Man – The Vince Welnick Story, we present a never-before-released interview with Vince Welnick, recorded in 1989 aboard Todd Rundgren's tour bus. Conducted by Bill Salom for Utopia Times, this candid conversation offers a rare glimpse into Vince’s world during a pivotal time in his career — post-Tubes, pre-Dead, and deep in the creative trenches with Rundgren. Listeners will hear Vince reflect on life on the road, his evolving role as a keyboardist, his admiration for Rundgren's musical genius, and the camaraderie that shaped their tour. He speaks openly about the highs and lows of life after The Tubes and what drives him as an artist. The atmosphere is intimate, the dialogue unfiltered, and Vince’s humor, humility, and passion shine through. Unearthed after more than three decades, this archival gem captures Vince Welnick in transition — a man between legends, still full of hope and heart. Note: Audio is taken from the source and may contain minor imperfections, but Vince’s voice cuts through clearly and powerfully. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Try to Feel It-The Rundgren Years

Episode four looks at the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Vince. We explore the breakup of The Tubes' original lineup and Vince Welnick's exciting transition into new musical territory. After Fee Waybill's departure, the band attempted to move forward with a new lead singer—but it wasn't the same. Vince, ever the survivor, found fresh creative ground performing with Todd Rundgren on his "Nearly Human" album and tour, including a song penned by Vince and Laurie, "Feel It." This new direction in Vince's music is sure to intrigue and excite fans. This episode is a treasure trove for fans, featuring intimate interviews with key figures in The Tubes' and Vince Welnick's journey. You'll hear from Laurie Welnick, Fee Waybill, Todd Rundgren, Michele Rundgren, and Bobby Strickland, each sharing their unique perspectives and memories. The episode also includes a rare archival interview with Vince from 1992 and a special snippet from a studio session with Vince and Todd. These interviews will bring you closer to the music and the people behind it. It also sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Vince's career-his opportunity to try out for The Grateful Dead. This significant event will be explored in the next episode, promising an exciting continuation of Vince's musical journey. Special Thanks to: Laurie Welnick Fee Waybill Todd Rundgren Bobby Strickland Michele and Todd Rundgren The Tapes Archive Roger Steel (for studio material from Nearly Human) This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

The Foster Albums: Fame, Friction, and Fallout

Episode 3 of Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story explores The Tubes' transition from A&M Records to Capitol Records and their collaboration with producer David Foster. The episode covers how the band struggled financially despite being a strong live act, the industry pressure to produce a hit, and the impact of working with Foster, who transformed their sound but also caused internal conflicts. Host Thom Jennings delves into The Tubes' SCTV appearance, their experiences with Foster, and how band members, particularly Vince Welnick, reacted to the commercial compromises. The episode concludes with reflections on what could have been if they had continued with Foster versus their decision to return to Todd Rundgren. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART! * Vince Welnick * The Tubes * David Foster * Capitol Records * A&M Records * SCTV * Fee Waybill * Prairie Prince * Music Industry Conflicts * 1980s Rock * "Talk to You Later" * "Don't Want to Wait Anymore" * Todd Rundgren * Session Musicians * Record Label Pressures