Are there records showing the band members suffered from hearing damage as time went on? Could this account for the decline in their sound quality, specifically how Jerry and Bobby’s guitars started sounding so thin? Jerry’s setup shifted toward a very digital feel, frequently using MIDI, delay, and Mutron, with a fuzz tone that lacked depth. By the 1990s, Bobby’s rhythm playing sounded more like a harsh squawk. Given the heavy drug use, I’m curious if hearing issues played a role in these changes. Also, did Vince pick those specific synth sounds himself, or was he forced by the others to use them instead of a traditional piano or organ? I don’t know much about his career beyond the Dead and Ratdog.
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I’d guess that a combination of hearing damage and cocaine—which makes audio seem thin and strange during use—are the primary factors.
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I don’t have a direct answer, but it’s known that after switching to in-ear monitors, they often cranked their own volume while muting the rest of the band. This meant their personal mix didn’t match the house sound at all, potentially causing odd tonal decisions. It’s also been noted that Vince didn’t control his own synth patches and that Jerry allegedly requested no B3 organ sounds.
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Both Mickey and Bobby deal with significant hearing problems.
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I’m not so sure; I think Jerry had some of his finest tones in the late '80s, like during the '89 JGB tour. I’m a big fan of that sound! Jerry used high treble and low bass settings to fit his technique. He struck the lower strings very forcefully and required a sharp, bright attack to prevent the sound from becoming muddy or overwhelming the mix. Conversely, he played the higher strings with a lighter, more delicate touch, which is why he boosted the treble. Regarding Bobby, I somewhat agree, though that sharp, ‘ice pick’ sound occasionally worked wonders alongside Jerry. It only becomes an issue when it’s too prominent in the mix.
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When the group tried to purchase a building in San Rafael, the banks required them to undergo medical exams. They found several health issues, but the most notable one to me was carpal tunnel syndrome.
Being a musician over 70 who spent decades performing with loud guitarists, drummers, and bassists, it would be a total miracle if they didn’t have hearing loss! And I’m still looking for a miracle myself!
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I ran into Mickey in 1999 at a signing for his book, Spirit Into Sound. When I got to the front, I asked him about the volume of the train horns from the '92 RFK performance of Casey Jones. He just gestured to his ears and said, ‘Huh? My hearing isn’t great—that’s what happens after 30 years in a rock group.’ It felt like the most fitting response possible.
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Bobby has substantial hearing damage, which explains why his guitar sound is so terrible.
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