John Mayer Talks with Sammy Hagar About His Unique Career | Rock & Roll Road Trip 

It's no wonder John Mayer is such an excellent lyricist. He used about 25 awesome metaphors during this short interview.

When I first heard JM I didn’t care for him. At all. Fast forward and he’s one of my favorite artists. The guy is a master songwriter and guitar player. He’s also brilliant and I enjoy all of his interviews. It’s a treat to say the least.

I'm 70 and have been listening to guitar music since I was a kid. Pretty much heard it all. Then came John to tell me hold on, I've got something new for you. I love how he constantly changes things up and keeps his audience on their toes. Out of the new breed of younger guitarists he is definitely my favorite. That jump into the Dead cemented it. A true artist.

Above it all, for me as an old Deadhead - he honors Jerry in a very personal, and beautiful way. It was hard for guys like me to embrace him into our Dead universe. This catalog of music is my whole life. And he handled it with such care, and elegance. He's won me over forever - for making Jerry smile down from heaven. .

I love how John said "career claustrophobia" because I love when artists and bands try new things. Fuck what people think. Do what you want with your music and art.

Mayer was already an all time great, but since he's been touring with the Dead he's been legend material. I mean, for a guy playing mostly blues & penta scales, going to the brillant complexity of Garcia must have been really like stepping out of your comfort zone for Mayer. Yet, not only did he adjust superbly, but he also took his own spin on it and made it like he's been playing with the band forever. Mayer is so versatile, that's his most outstanding quality in my opinion. I'm never bored of his songs because I can jump from blues to pop to country to folk to psychedelic rock within seconds. Listening to Mayer is like stepping up into a car on a beautiful summer morning without knowing beforehand where you want to go. You just drive and enjoy the scenery and before you know it, you end up in some remote amazing location you didn't even expect to visit in the first place. As a guitar player, he's been nothing but a wonderful source of inspiration.

I don't think a lot of people realize how good John is on guitar. The greatest legends say hes a musical genius

The way John talks makes you understand why he's such a great songwriter

John's analogies are gold

He's become better and more down to earth as he's aged.

John’s a very hardworking musician and it shows. His ability to play so well with the Dead, like Jerry, is practicing constantly. Jerry’s daughter said he played scales all the time at home. I’m sure John does too. Btw…your no slouch, Sammy. Standing Hampton is a great album that helped me get through middle and high school.

John is speaking super candidly and is really transparent which is nice to see. Awesome interview with two legends!

Awesome. Love the part where John says “my stomach is hungry immediately after I eat” really inspires me as a young artist to keep trying new things even if if scared. I feel like he got a lot of that mentality from the dead, and I could be wrong but jerry was on that same frequency, and it’s great to see John on that train. It’s grabbing kids like me attentions and it’s a bliss. Thanks John!

I'm glad this interview ended with Sammy telling John he's 'Unchained' (pun intended) I've sensed for a long time that John doesn't want to be pigeonholed into one genre of music. He wants a free flow of creativity. Sob Rock proves that. It was a total about-face from what he'd been creating. The new album is much less lead guitar focused. He just sparingly touches the songs with licks mostly that tease you and leave you wanting more. Which is brilliant to do after having showcased what that 'more' can be. John is a consummate ARTIST. Like he said. You get bored of painting with the same colors. Being able to not only have the freedom to play around with the stylistic nature of the songs, but have the ability to create them at such a high level is such a gift. I wish I developed that somewhere along the line in my playing myself.

Like him or not, Mayer is an incredible guitar 🎸 player! That can’t be denied. I enjoy his playing a lot! 👏🏻🎸😎

I’m a VH and Sammy fan. Big time. I once circled in the same circles as John Mayer as a drummer in the Atlanta area. We are a year or two apart in age. I was unaware of how good he would become and how good he was at the time. I kind of dissed his stuff as blues pop or something. Not that I was rude or whatever....but I think I was angry about how the 90s had killed rock and progressive music. I just heard his style and thought it was a throwback to pre-80s hard rock. Just seemed boring or typical in the “bar” atmosphere. It turns out he had something and with some record company money and a push....he really blossomed and shined. I really took notice when John came out with the Continuum album. Omg. Those were some serious players on that album. Yes, it was mild and modest as far as technical ability(musician wise) but as far as soul and feel, over the top. I felt his “band” style of recording where he had input from a great drummer and bass player etc... really made it a complete package instead of just the John Mayer, look and listen to me show. He had some decent stuff on the next album or so. But continuum was the sh!t. I haven’t bought his latest Miami Vice knockoff album but I will. I “got it” the first time I saw the ads for the album. He is doing the 80s retro thing and I think I’m gonna like it. He listened to the same stuff as me in the golden era of the 80s being that we are about the same age so I can relate. Those were the best of times and the pinnacle of musicianship music. Eddie Van Halen, you started it all and RIP. Legend. And sprinkle in the Gods like Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, The Police, and Def Leppard and you have some killer influences for a retro sound. John, if you read this...remember the Rexall Drug Store diner in Duluth Georgia? The ice cream shop. Eddies attic has moved and it’s not The Red Clay Theatre(I’m sure you know as you still keep in touch with Eddie). Later 👍

Great interview. Sammy is so genuine. And John Mayer IS a badass.

Two cool and talented guys. Mayer has so much feel and soul. Sammy is really a humble and respectful guy as well.

I credit Johns incredible playing with keeping Bobby W. going with Dead and Company - pretty much a national treasure band that the world needs in the great vein and spirit of Jerry Garcia .

Mayer always sharing knowledge of guitar. Great dude

Two cool guys. John mayer is an incredibly talented musician, glad he is here to inspire

it's nice to see John comfortably in his own zone and talking about the grateful dead. I'm 50/50 because I like his music and his drama with a Taylor but by the end of the day you appreciate the artist and his talents. He always made that light switch go off whenever I needed inspiration him and Adele.

I saw John Mayer perform in London Ontario on Valentine's day back a few years ago. He had those hits where all the 14 year old girls were his biggest fans at the time. Someone told me that I should go see him play live as he was a lot heavier than those radio songs they were playing. Boy I wasn't disappointed. What a band he had with him and he was a lot more rocked up than I thought he would be. He did play some quieter things as well. Also his band was allowed to shine as well so he wasn't pulling the big ego rock star thing. If you ever get a chance to go see him do it!!!!!! Also he is very funny when he talks to the audience. Puts on a great show!!!

John's voice is unique even when he speaks

Sammy Hagar 'creativity & schooling aren't the same thing'. How very well put! Mayer is a hoot too!

John Mayer is such a virtuoso. I regret I didn't listen to him during school. His music and guitar playing is just phenomenal.

8:30 One of the best metaphors I've heard in the guitar world. I feel I hang out with Hendrix every time I play the neck position.

Daughters and wonderland arent songs on my playlists. Saw John in concert years ago and now he’s one of my top favorite artists. Much much respect.

At first (his first album), I was like "this Mayer guy is OK, I guess." Now he's one of my all-time favorites. Up there with The Beatles and The Stones. I love The Red Rocker, as well.

He's incredibly talented, there's no doubt about it! His first album dropped my freshman year in college and it truly changed my life.

Wasn't a JM fan until I saw him with the Dead, he's really amazing, Respect JM!!

I like listening to Mayer speak almost more than I like his guitar playing. Very smart, articulate and funny.

Completely in love and shocked with these two amazing musicians chating and at the same place

This interview was awesome! Great vibe between them

Never was in to Mayer....LONG time dead head, maybe to a cultish point...was so doubtful, but you can not deny, John is awsome with the dead...strange but magic

It amazes me why people don't at least like John but I just love the dude so much and Sammy the same way. Just funny down to earth guys with talent.

One of the best ones. And that's without any playing at the end! JM is a living legend and did things the right way. To hear him explain it makes total sense to me.

Johns a super unique person… be shot 8000 metaphors at us in 8 minutes and he made every single one of his ideas crystal clear… a master player musician and songwriter and he’s just over all a super positive man and you can always see that in his interviews, the choice of words says it all

Absolutely need to find video of John and Sammy playing Finish What Ya Started now.

As an oil painter who has made over 6k paintings I totally dig John's reference to art/repetition/creativity vs staying fresh etc. Thanks.

“Career Claustrophobia” ... I’m stealing that one. I have that, too. 🤷🏼‍♂️😆

His explanation of “neighborhoods” and “maps” is so true. Notes really are like that.

Two great guys! John is 100% right! I really didn’t like him in the beginning. But his “career claustrophobia “ really allowed him to show is talent! Now I am a big fan! Keep doing your thing John! And Sammy - what can I say! Love that guy!

John is so refreshing and open about his musical career. So enjoyed Sammy's interview with John. 💙

Best interview in the series so far! Very entertaining and enlightening. John is beautifully articulate.

I guess we all agree to the fact that John Mayer is one of the most important musicians and guitar players these days. At first a lot of people didn’t take him serious but in the last 10 Years he made an astonishing progress. He is totally free to do what ever he wants. I’m sure there a lot to come. And he has the respect of the greats. Even in the guitar community he made his stamp. He has a distinct tone a lot of people refer to. Some years ago nobody cared about the TS10 for example, they were like way under 100 bucks used. Now the go for 300€ +

😎 cool interview. Good to see those 2 on stage together.

Love me some Mayer, he's a rare guitar master, not many of them left!!

Awesome interview Sammy with John Mayer!❤️👋

Great musicians both! So fun! Good conversation.

new found respect for John, what a talent

John you're a fantastic musician. Being a lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead going to shows watching interviews. Without a doubt I can tell the change in you being around the Grateful Dead and especially Bob Weir Bravo my friend

I respect John for his love for typography and album covers. He has good taste.

the trio was the best -hope we get more songs 🤞

anytime I see a JM interview it's always about the guitar playing, when in actuality he is an incredible song writer, and guitar playing is secondary.

Awesome! Big fan of both. Sammy is the coolest guy ever man.

Sammy and John together?!? This is amazing!

Two of my big inspirations hanging a nice conversation!!! Awesome

Mayer is great in Dead & Co. Never thought I'd hear that magic again but Mayer has made it happen.

He’s such and old soul and I love how adverturous he is musically

@8:24 . This really connects with me, I played in my room endlessly self teaching and learning . Thank you for this interview, it has made my day. 👍🏽🗿👍🏽🎸

Slammin' version of Crossroads. Loved it!

Awesome interview Sammy! A lot of respect for John Mayer!

i heard Bob Weir say he had a dream where from the back of the stage he could see a gray haired man playing the guitar with the Dead, and he said that gray haired guy was John Mayer. It sounds like when he mentioned Bob Weir here that it was along the same lines, like Bob wants this music to live on and John Mayer is being groomed to be the steward of the music going forward in time. John has done a better job trying to fill Jerry's shoes than I think anyone could hope for, I'll be pretty pumped if in like 2 decades from now I'm still going to Dead shows with John leading the band. I went to a few dead shows this year, and for a band that is a half century old it feels fresher than anything out there today which is incredible and I'm a huge fan

I admire John for his honesty as much as his playing and postmortem relationship with Lightnin’ Hopkins. And I love Sammy man!! Great great interview!

Love him or hate him,there's no denying John Mayer is an awesome guitarist.

John Mayer earned my respect and then blew me away. I'll be honest, I love when he plays Slow Dancing in a Burning Room then goes and plays Sugaree.

Such an a-a-mazing man. Even John Mayer’s errors are correct. I loved this interview. Love, love, love him.

When Clapton says you are one of the best in current times then just wow. I've seen him twice and both times I was screaming like a 12 year old girl. This guy is just talented. Period.

This is a fantastic interview

With Sammy on this. That trio show from NY made me a fan. Still watch it. The pop stuff is hit and miss for me.

Greatest guitar player alive in my opinion

Such a well balanced interview!

Mayer is one of the greats. Even before playing with the dead, he was great. But since he has gone on to play with them- legend status.

Talented beyond words💯🎸🎶🔥

i dont think Sammy was expecting someone so sincere and real.i did the same thing as a teen. listen to music with guitar in hand. i thought that was so cool when he said "hanging out with Ghosts". never thought of it like that until he said it.

It's different when you see him in concert, the 4 minutes song in album vs the same song in concert can be 10 minutes long lol he's just amazing

I love Sammy and John! When John talked about "hanging with ghosts" I got it immediately cause I've done that for yrs. I've hung out with Clapton, SRV, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Jimmy Page, Plant and on and on!

I may not go to John's concert but I respect talent of all types.

Best jm interview I’ve ever heard

Two of my favorite artist

My 3 favorite guitarists too!

Great interview!!

I would have loved to have seen john Mayer in his early days in small bars. He's better in an interview than I ever dreamed!

His first two albums are the best pop music since Paul Simon and Elton John in the mid 70's. If you haven't listened to Room For Squares or Heavier Things before, they're brilliant beyond belief. Incredibly complex and sophisticated musically and lyrically as gifted, poetic, and introspective as you can get.

Love it.. wish you could have played together at the end

Really wanted to hear the rest of the story about the Trio!

I have never really cared for most of John's solo work, but being a Dead fan he has slowly won me over, at least in that arena. I am still not a big solo fan, but certainly appreciate it. Jerry Garcia would be proud!

I love this interview

Genuine talk between generations......and authentic Rock gods....lifts the Spirit ☝....To much phony stuff gits old afterwhile.....And you can tell when its real.... Long Live the Red Rocker....The Younger One too......Cause Rock n Roll will never die.....

Very cool chat….. just a shame there wasn’t more of it :-)

Were they hanging out at the Fillmore? I was just there last week Todd Rundgren's show... great interview by Sammy! Thanks for sharing this!

This is actually the first time in twenty years I've seen John with humility. Much much better, John!!

Creative, beautiful, musical genius !

11:37 Sammy's so pure. Beautiful moment. Great interview.

The best songwriter of all time. His lyrics, melodies and rhythm is second to none in my opinion.

This guy has soul. It's like jazz musician who play only by ear. Totally mind boggling.

Fucking love them both! John has a way of pulling your soul into his guitar. Sammy and Neil Shon when they did Whiter Shade of Pale killed it. Sammy in his own, killed. And with Van Halen was incredible. Loved this interview.

Best show on television and the internet, thanks Sammy!

That's awesome! Great interview