Earlier today Ween guitarist Mickey “Dean Ween” Melchiondo launched a website called AskDeaner.com in which he will answer questions posed by fans about “fishing, music, relationships, etc.” The licensed fishing guide explains the reason behind the site on the front page, “A lot of my clients are fans of the band and they ask me questions all day when they should be concentrating on fishing instead. I have started this site in the hopes of answering some of those questions beforehand.”

[Photo by Allison Taich]

In the site’s first few hours of operation, Melchiondo has already shown his quick wit as well as his appreciation for the Grateful Dead.

Hi Deaner,

Been a Weenie for 17 years now, thanks for the good times. My question is a bit broad, and I’m gonna try not to whine here… performing gets me really high, playing music, acting, etc… I’ve been told by people other than just friends and family that I got skills to pay the bills, but I’m a 30 year old college drop out who works at a coffee shop. I’m working hard, every time I think I get a bite, it just fails. Thought I was getting outta my hometown then I got a DUI and got stuck here for another year. My heroes all made it without selling out, am I just doomed for failure? Not asking for much, just a paying gig here and there, any advice?

Hi KB,

Ween stayed in the same small town (New Hope, PA) for our entire career and worked from there. We didn’t have to move to NYC or L.A. in order to be succesful. Maybe you wanna get the fuck outta there, I’m not sure, but I don’t see how getting a DUI should keep you from working towards your goals or even moving. You can always come back for court, right? As far as being a dropout and making coffee, I never went to college and I was pumping gas the last time I had a regular job, but I liked doing it. What does selling out have to do with anything? How can you sell out when you haven’t even done shit yet? You gonna quit your coffe job to work at Starbucks or something? What a dumb question.

Question::
What’s your favorite Grateful Dead song?

Answer
I prefer the Jerry ballads, but that’s a tough one to call because it changes, and there’s a lot of tunes I like. Also, I am close friends with a lot of real Deadheads who put in years of their lives into that band and that makes me feel like less of an expert.. Ok, all that bullshit aside, I’m just gonna go for a track off one of the records rather than a specific gig, the version of “Dark Star” on Live Dead.

We look forward to seeing what else Deaner has to say in the coming weeks. Head over to AskDeaner.com to get your questions in and please don’t ask about Roses Are Free.

Scott Bernstein

Scott Bernstein co-founded Hidden Track in October 2006 and was managing editor until taking over as EiC in January 2008. Scotty also writes for Relix Magazine and curates YEMblog.com.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me: