Jerry talks Merl

Another cool video posted by Merl Jr....

Merl Sr talks about being potentially asked to join Dead, among other topics. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPdV8KrjqO8

why did merl and jerry stop playing together? how come fierro didn't play w/ jerry after 75?  did he? 

There's some good discussion about all this on the Dead research blogs, but in short, Jerry had his own trajectory. And when it coincided with others, the others tended to expect it to last forever because the experience was so satisfying to all involved, including the audience.

But Jerry was in a constant state of evolution musically and sometimes the phone just wouldn't ring to let them know about the next gig (usually John Kahn's responsibility). Jerry was notoriously uncomfortable with the business end of things when it came to personnel matters. The band would just -- poof -- dissolve and the guys would soon read about another Jerry project in the newspaper. Lots of unresolved conversations remained for years after.

And there was always pressure from the Dead camp to tamp down the completion for Jerry's time and attention.

Jerry's recreational pursuits were also changing and he certainly didn't want to be questioned about his lifestyle by his bandmates / sidemen. Merl probably didn't approve of some of Jerry's habits and  Martin was perceived by some to be an accomplice (possibly a party-favor provider). Also, I can imagine the band dynamics changed when after a gig, instead of hanging out together socially and equally, one or two guys would rush off to indulge in whatever or just split, reinforcing a two tiered "social dynamic" -  guys that scored /partied with Jerry (mostly John Kahn) and those that didn't. 

I had the pleasure of knowing Martin  (as a longtime Zero-head) and interviewing him several times for articles and he would only speak glowingly about his time with Jerry -- but for years and years they didn't talk.

^ completion = competition 

From 1998 interview with Martin (not mine):

Fierro is a newlywed (and expecting his first child) and attending his recent wedding and singing a few songs was none other than Robert Hunter, the Grateful Dead's long-time lyricist, and Phil Lesh, the band's long-time bassist.

"Phil and Robert are two of my best friends," Fierro said. "Phil is starting to be his old self again after the liver transplant. He has been in and out of the hospital over the last four months. He is ready to get back out and do all of the charity benefits that he does. Phil really understands and supports the call for his time.

"You know, when all the members of the Grateful Dead were out doing God knows what, Phil indulged in mostly wine. He was always a fine wine connoisseur. But I guess 15 years of drinking wine caused his liver to fail. And they say wine is good for you.