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“Keep on rollin', just a mile to go”

❤️ Editor's Note

A conversation with Walt

Michelle and I first met Walt Hudson the same way many friendships begin these days in the Grateful Dead community... online. Walt is one of the moderators of the San Antonio Grateful Deadheads Facebook group, and over the past year we crossed each other's paths in the group, tried to meet up for a Deadhead coffee break, and even thought we might see each other at one of the Grateful Dead tribute band shows. Somehow, none of these ever happened.

Then came the Dark Star Orchestra show in San Antonio. We had mentioned online we were going, so we thought for sure we would meet, finally.

We missed each other again.

Or so we thought.

Late that evening, we posted a selfie from the show in the Facebook group. The next day, Walt commented, laughing that he had unknowingly ended up in the background of our photo.

It seemed only fitting that our first real conversation would happen here, for China Cat Chat.

Recently, we sat down with Walt for an 15-minute conversation about music, community, and the winding road that led him into the Grateful Dead family. It's a warm, funny discussion filled with stories that remind us why this community is unlike any other.

🎥 Click to watch the full interview on YouTube​

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If you've spent much time around Deadheads, you've probably heard the term "old head", or "touch head". More recently, another phrase has emerged: "CoBro."

Walt proudly counts himself in the CoBro camp. (As do I).

Although he came to the music later than many fans, his enthusiasm is unmistakable. During our conversation, he shares the unexpected journey that led him from discovering Dead & Company to becoming one of the people helping foster San Antonio's growing Dead community.

It's a story that proves there's no "right" time to get on the bus.

Along the way, we talked about how the Grateful Dead continues to connect people across generations. Walt shared stories about friendships he's made through the music, meeting fans whose memories stretch back to the earliest days of the band, and watching younger listeners discover the songs for themselves.

One story involving his granddaughter perfectly captures what it means to pass this music from one generation to the next.

Of course, no conversation with a fellow Deadhead stays serious for long.

We traded a few favorite memories from Shakedown Street, laughed about the wonderfully unexpected characters you only seem to meet at Dead shows, and reflected on why it's often the people, not just the setlists, that stay with us long after the music ends.

As a guitarist himself, Walt also talks about the songs he loves to play, the bands he enjoys seeing around Texas, and why he'd love to see San Antonio develop an even stronger local Grateful Dead music scene.

By the end of our conversation, Walt shared an idea that really stuck with us. It wasn't about concerts or collecting memories. It was about taking the spirit of this community and carrying it into everyday life.

It's a fitting way to close a conversation that, more than anything, is about connection.

We're grateful Walt took the time to sit down with us, and we think you'll enjoy getting to know him as much as we did.

We'll see you further on up the road.

🎧 Walt's Favorites

One of the best parts of getting to know another Deadhead is discovering the songs that have become part of their journey. Here are a couple of Walt's favorites.

​Jack Straw​

For Walt, Jack Straw was and is a favorite, and will always be tied to his first Dead & Company show in Austin in 2017. It was the opening song of the night—and the beginning of a journey that would lead to new friendships, unforgettable concerts, and a deeper connection to the Grateful Dead community.

​Mama Tried​

A longtime guitarist, Walt still enjoys picking up his guitar and playing Merle Haggard's Mama Tried. It's one of those songs that reminds us how naturally country music has always found a home in the Grateful Dead songbook.

-China Cat Chat Pick-

​Dear Mr. Fantasy / Hey Jude​

Since Walt's Grateful Dead journey began with Dead & Company, we couldn't resist including one of our favorite performances from that chapter of the music. John Mayer's soaring solo during Dear Mr. Fantasy into Hey Jude at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO - July 1, 2023 is one we'll keep coming back to.

💧 A Ripple Moment Before We Go

Near the end of our conversation, Walt shared a simple idea: celebrate the spirit of the Grateful Dead not only by listening to the music, but by giving something back.

Spend one hour making your community a little better.

Volunteer if you can. Pick up litter at your favorite park. Drop off a few items at a local food pantry. Help a neighbor with a project. Buy someone lunch.

It doesn't have to be big.

Just leave one place, or one person, a little better than you found them.

NFA 🌹🌻

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More soon. Stay kind...

Todd & Michelle

​China Cat Chat​

💌 Got a Story to Share?

We want your tales from the trail! Whether it’s a recipe from Shakedown Street, a memory from the lot, your all-time favorite show, or just a lyric that’s stayed with you—we’d love to hear it. China Cat Chat is for Deadheads, by Deadheads, and your voice makes this community what it is.

We’re also always looking for folks to interview in upcoming issues. If the music has touched your life in a special way, or you’ve got a perspective to share, drop us a line!

Tell Us Your Story | Be Interviewed