The David Nelson Band has been recording and performing around the country since 1994. Their broad musical palette spans the Almost Acoustic style that Nelson played with Jerry Garcia, through roots rock n roll, and psychedelic country-rock. The DNB perform David’s compositions (many co-written with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter), select covers, and several Grateful Dead classics upon which Nelson appeared on the original album releases. These stylistic elements, combined with plenty of spontaneous free form improvisation, create a sound that is uniquely David Nelson Band. Though the original songs are mostly written by Nelson, the development of all the material is a fully collaborative effort. These days the DNB only tour select areas a few times a year, as the individual band members are in high demand with other successful touring acts. Their loyal and enthusiastic fans relish these special times to reunite at Nelson family gatherings. DNB shows are a joyous reunion for all – a communal gathering where regulars and newcomers all feel part of an extended family.
David Nelson – guitar/ vocals – is a founding member of the New Riders of the Purple Sage and long time musical partner of Jerry Garcias dating back to 1962 in the pre-Grateful Dead bluegrass band, The Wildwood Boys. Nelson was also a member of the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band (and appears on their 1988 album release “Almost Acoustic” and 2010’s “Ragged But Right”) and performed on three Grateful Dead albums – “Aoxomoxoa”, “Workingmans Dead” & “American Beauty” – playing the iconic electric guitar solo on Box of Rain. Nelson has also performed as a member of Phil Lesh and Friends.
Barry Sless – lead guitar/ pedal steel – currently tours with Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros, Skeleton Crewe and Moonalice. He was a frequent member of Phil Lesh and Friends touring and local lineups since 2004. He’s toured with Chris Robinsons Green Leaf Rustlers (and appears on their 2020 album release, From Within Marin), Kingfish, Cowboy Jazz, and Great American Taxi. Barry can be heard on selected tracks from Chris Robinson Brotherhood albums “Any Way You Love, We Know How You Feel”, “If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now”, and Barefoot In The Head”. Barry is a founding member of DNB.
Mookie Siegel – keyboards/ accordion/ vocals – has toured with Bob Weirs Ratdog, Phil Lesh and Friends, Kingfish and Donna Jean and the Tricksters. Mookie is an original member of DNB.
Pete Sears – bass/ vocals – was the bassist and keyboard player for the original Jefferson Starship from 1974-1987, keyboardist for Hot Tuna from 1992 to 2001 and currently performs with Moonalice and Zero. He’s a member of Chris Robinson’s Green Leaf Rustlers, has played with Phil Lesh and Friends and appears on their 1999 release, Love Will See You Thru. Pete began his career in England in 1964 and has performed with many artists including Jerry Garcia, John Cipollina, and appears on Rod Stewarts classic early British albums. Pete joined DNB in 2005.
Wally Ingram – drums and percussion – has recorded, toured and played with countless acts including Bob Weir & Phil Lesh, Anders Osborne, Leftover Salmon, Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Timbuk3, and multi-instrumentalist string wizard David Lindley to name but a few. Wally began playing with DNB in 2013.
Jay Lane – drums/vocals – has been a fixture in all of Bob Weir’s bands since 1995, including Dead & Company, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros and Ratdog. He was also a member of Les Claypool’s Primus and the Charlie Hunter Trio. Jay joined DNB in early 2024.
