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 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!