Missing Man-The Vince Welnick Story

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 WelnickPrairie PrinceFee WaybillTodd RundgrenBobby StricklandMichele RundgrenTodd RundgrenThe Tapes ArchiveMike DuffyBob BraloveDennis McNallyDavid GansScott GubermanLyn KalnitzThe patient and lovely Mrs. JenningsJoey SutoThom Jr.The Jennings Family Members who had to listen to me talk about this for yearsChris Epting and Paul Meyers- for inspiring me, even if you didn't know you did,Mary Jo Whitman, for encouragementTo 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!

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!

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 WelnickThe TubesDavid FosterCapitol RecordsA&M RecordsSCTVFee WaybillPrairie PrinceMusic Industry Conflicts1980s Rock"Talk to You Later""Don't Want to Wait Anymore"Todd RundgrenSession MusiciansRecord Label Pressures

The debut episode of Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story introduces Vince’s early years in music, his pivotal role in The Tubes, and his lasting influence on rock and roll. Host Thom Jennings recounts his first encounter with Vince in 1985, setting the stage for an intimate exploration of the musician’s life. Featuring interviews with drummer Prairie Prince, Tubes frontman Fee Waybill, and Vince’s wife, Laurie Welnick, this episode captures Vince’s brilliance, humor, and the deep connections he forged with those around him.Keywords:- Vince Welnick- The Tubes- Grateful Dead- Rock history- Keyboardist- Missing Man Podcast- Prairie Prince- Fee Waybill- Laurie Welnick- 1970s rock- 1980s rock- Classic rock- Music documentary- Rock legendsThis 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! Music sourced from archive.orgVince's mom voiced by Lyn Kalnitz from an article Vince's Mom wrote.My son, a member of the Tubes

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