From Xtra Ticket

This is from an email sent out today by Xtra Ticket, an Arizona band that Vince played with many times in recent years.

(Here’s a link to a show they played together on February 19, 2005.)

Vince, you were always a very kind, personable, sweet soul. We remain humbled & honored to have played music with you. Thanks for the many fond memories and stellar performances. From the bottom of hearts we will always burn one bright for you….. Xtra Ticket

One of the most amazing moments of my life was the first time Vince Welnick came down to play with Xtra Ticket at Boston’s. It was one of those magical nights that cannot be described nor duplicated. In the years since that first show with Vince I was fortunate enough to get to know him as a kind, humble and generous soul as well as an extremely talented musician. He always appreciated the love we gave him and I always appreciated the musical experiences he gave us.
– Charlie Gnecco
Xtra Ticket Drummer

I remember after the second time Vince played with Xtra Ticket we had an “after-party” at my house. The party seemed to never end, but as it slowed to a dull roar Vince, his brother Joe, and I were sitting by the pool. I asked Vince what he thought of the Arizona scene. He smiled. Then he corrected me asking, “You mean our scene?”

He was a great musician and a great man, and I will miss him.
– James
Xtra Ticket web/mgr

The first time I saw Vince was 7-1-92 Buckeye Lake Music Center – Hebron, OH with the Grateful Dead Tour and Vinnie Encored the evening with Baba O’Riley->Tomorrow Never Knows the whole crowd went crazy….. Vince was a true blue Rock and Roll Star.
– Chongo De La Sylva
Xtra Ticket Percussion

One of my favorite VW memories is when Cyndi, Jacob and I stayed with Vince in Forestville CA. We bunked in his music room. I remember plugging my nylon string guitar in to a little amplifier, and Vince said, “Oh hey, that was Jerry’s backstage tuning Amp from Dead Tour.” Cool…I played “little Jerry” for a good part of the day, and we talked about cover material that he and Jerry had thought of doing with the Dead and when I played Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain he mentioned that Garcia was entertaining the thought of playing Stardust….I love that Song.
– Dave Abear
XtraTicket Guitar/Vox

When I think of Vince Welnick, one thing stands out: tenderness. He was was a kind, loving individual, always with a positive outlook. I will never forget this one time when Xtra Ticket backed Vince for a Halloween show at the bash, we had just played a particularly moving rendition of Peggy-O and as the last note rang out, I leaned over and asked him how he liked it. His reply? “I cried.” Later he told me it was the first time he played it since Jerry died; then it was my turn to cry.
– Evan Jones
Xtra Ticket Guitar/Vox