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!

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!

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 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!

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

In this episode, host Thom Jennings explores Vince Welnick’s early days with The Beans, the band that would evolve into The Tubes. Through archival interviews and insights from Vince’s widow, Lori Welnick, the episode paints a vivid picture of their life in San Francisco, from living in a rundown Victorian house to the formation of The Tubes and their eventual signing with A&M Records.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the band's theatrical stage shows, their struggle to gain mainstream recognition, and how industry figures like Bill Graham and Rick Wakeman played a role in their career. Lori shares touching personal memories, including Vince’s dedication to piano practice, their unique marriage proposal, and her decision to put her own career on hold for their relationship. The episode also explores the band's infamous antics, such as their provocative stage performances and their controversial gig opening for Led Zeppelin, which led to clashes with industry figures.

As The Tubes moved through the late '70s, their connection with Todd Rundgren deepened, setting the stage for their transition to Capitol Records. The episode ends with a preview of what’s to come, including Vince’s time with Todd Rundgren’s band and The Tubes’ appearance on SCTV.

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!

Music sourced from archive.org

Vince's mom voiced by Lyn Kalnitz from an article Vince's Mom wrote.

My son, a member of the Tubes

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 legends

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!

Music sourced from archive.org

Vince's mom voiced by Lyn Kalnitz from an article Vince's Mom wrote.

My son, a member of the Tubes

Vince's mom, voiced by Lyn Kalnitz

My son, a member of the Tubes