Ep 7: Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead, New Bowie Doco, Songwriting, Loretta and Best Bands At Sporting Events

On the latest episode of On The Record, Brian Wise and Michael Mackenzie ease into their weekly cultural ramble with the sombre news of Bob Weir’s death—remembering an artist whose band (The Grateful Dead) they half‑followed but wholly respected.

Weir, who died on January 10 at 78 (the same date as David Bowie’s passing—coincidence or cosmic scheduling?), becomes the launchpad for a surprisingly affectionate exploration of Deadhead culture. Michael recalls the excellent Long Strange Trip documentary—long enough, Brian notes, to break a Melbourne Film Festival projector—and the pair marvel at the Grateful Dead’s unique talent for turning concerts into economic ecosystems. 

From there, the conversation pivots to David Bowie's The Final Act documentary (streaming on ABC), Crowded House opening the Australian Open (a first for tennis, apparently), and the AFL's ongoing failure to book local acts for the Grand Final. Why Snoop Dogg over Emma Donovan? Why not Troy Cassar-Daley? The hosts are baffled.

Then there's Bluesfest's controversial booking of heavy metal act Parkway Drive, which has purists clutching their harmonicas. Festival director Peter Noble defends the choice, arguing you can't limit festivals by genre. 

The episode meanders through Lucinda Williams' new album, Russell Crowe's Oscar-worthy turn in Nuremberg, and the existential challenges of songwriting.

On The Record with Brian Wise and Michael Mackenzie is available on all major podcast platforms. Rhythms Magazine subscribers can access exclusive bonus content, including Loretta Miller's debut CD.

Episode Links

Grateful Dead Doco Long Strange Trip – Official Trailer | Prime Video 

David Bowie/Mick Jagger Dancing In the Street 

Bowie: The Final Act on Iview (2025) 

David Bowie - Changes (Live performance Glastonbury 1971) 

Split Enz reuniting for first time in 17 years | 7.30

Lucinda Williams - World's Gone Wrong 

NUREMBERG | Official Trailer #1 (2025) 

The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII 

Jeff Tweedy: How to Write One Song 

Loretta Miller on Bandcamp 

Subscribe to Rhythms to get Loretta's album on cd