Bill Walton is no more! The basketball legend’s death on May 27 sparked instant tributes for the nights he enlightened with the mic. You might be thinking, mic? Yes, Walton, outside of the basketball court, was a major Deadhead. He not only attended thousands of the band’s concerts but also made Grateful Dead’s music part of his persona.

“I loved the Dead right away, the first time I heard them… I loved the speed, the dancing, the rhythm, the creativity. It’s just like being on a basketball team. Basketball, like good, creative, rock music, is never the same,” Walton told the San Diego Union-Tribune writer in a 1992 interview. But why does Walton love the Grateful Dead so much?

Bill Walton and his love  for the Grateful Dead

Walton’s love for the Grateful Dead spans over 50 years. He was deeply connected with the music’s healing qualities, the freedom it represents, and the inspiration it provides. And that’s what made him attend more than 850 live concerts. While he never explicitly named a single favorite song, he frequently mentioned a significant track: “Fire on the Mountain.”

It was the memorable event when Mount St. Helens erupted during the concert while the song was played that awarded this track a special place in Bill Walton’s heart. However, the impact of the Grateful Dead extends way beyond music. It has been one of the pivotal influences affecting his philosophical outlook and lifestyle.

Even the Grateful Dead members, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Jerry Garcia, recognized Walton’s fandom. Not only this, but they also detailed his love in old and new packages to make him one of the most famous fans at their concerts. Eventually, Walton’s love for music rivaled his passion for basketball and was a reason for being on the court. How?

Music is a reason for achieving on-court success

In an exclusive interview with ESPN in 2015, Walton unveiled, “The Grateful Dead have made me the person that I am, and the basketball player that I was.” He added, “Their comprehension of space, timing, rhythm and the beat are incomparable,” citing how he was adorned with the group’s live shows.

Walton saw many similarities between basketball and the Grateful Dead’s music. As both of them were unpredictable and connected with rhythm and flow, Walton embraced the cultural and spiritual aspects of performances, as he did with basketball. This not only awarded him an illustrious NBA career but also offered him enough strength to fight cancer until his death at 71. Sounds fascinating, right? Follow up for more related content!