Dwight Yoakam Interviews Bob Weir on SiriusXM

Don’t miss tonight’s live chat with Grateful Dead co-founder on channel 349 at 8pm PT/11ET

By Poulami Nag

Dwight Yoakam revs up his radio series with a special episode featuring Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. As part of his ongoing program Greater Bakersfield—which airs on SiriusXM’s channel 349—Yoakam sits down with the legendary guitarist this evening for an in-depth conversation about music, legacy, and the Bakersfield sound that influenced them both.

Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat

On “Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat,” the country star brings his ‘cosmic roundup and rodeo’ to satellite radio audiences. The show, curated and produced by his D Team, blends Yoakam’s signature insights with a rotating roster of artists who helped shape American music. Tonight’s installment, recorded at an intimate session caught by Emily Joyce Photography, promises plenty of storytelling from two icons who built their careers on breaking genre boundaries.

In a recent social post, Yoakam’s team wrote: “Don’t miss it! Listen to Dwight’s interview with music icon @bobweir on Greater Bakersfield tonight! Tune in to Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat on @siriusxm radio (ch. 349) at 8pm PT / 11pm ET.” That caption—shared on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLDrqXCM7z3/)—sets the stage for what fans can expect: a deep dive into songwriting, touring tales, and the quirks of life on the road.

Bob Weir’s Legacy

Bob Weir co-founded the Grateful Dead in 1965 and has since become synonymous with improvisational rock, folk, and Americana. Over six decades, he navigated the band through countless lineups and cultural shifts, leaving indelible marks on the jam scene. His solo work and side projects—including RatDog, Billy & the Kids, and Dead & Company—continued that spirit of collaboration and musical exploration.

For Yoakam, whose own 40-year career spans country, rock, and acting, Weir represents a kindred spirit. Both artists emerged from countercultural movements—Bakersfield’s honky-tonk boom in the 1980s for Yoakam, and the psychedelic panorama of 1960s San Francisco for Weir. Their conversation is expected to touch on influences ranging from Buck Owens to Bob Dylan, and the ways in which artists find connection onstage.

Past Highlights

This week’s Bob Weir episode follows a string of memorable interviews on the network. In May, Yoakam spoke with country-rock pioneer Chris Hillman of the Byrds; actors-turned-singers such as William Shatner also dropped by; and country legend Larry Gatlin returned for Part 2 of their discussion. Each broadcast is replayed on SiriusXM, ensuring fans nationwide can catch up on insights that span genres.

Listeners can revisit these past episodes through Yoakam’s Instagram shouts—like this post about Chris Hillman—and on the SiriusXM app. The show’s rotating schedule often features snippets of rare recordings, unheard demos, and candid moments that rarely surface elsewhere.

Looking ahead, Yoakam’s live performances continue to sell out across the country. Just last week, he took the stage at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama, before moving on to venues in Southaven, Mississippi, and Camdenton, Missouri. While the radio show runs concurrently, the singer toggles his touring schedule, embodying his longstanding philosophy of mixing studio work with the immediacy of live music.

Fans tuning in tonight should set their alarms: Greater Bakersfield airs at 8pm PT and 11pm ET on SiriusXM channel 349. For a behind-the-scenes look at the recording, head to Dwight Yoakam’s official Instagram feed, where photographer Emily Joyce shares candid shots of the two musicians in conversation.

Yoakam’s ability to bridge country roots with rock icons like Weir underscores the enduring appeal of cross-genre dialogue. Whether you follow Yoakam for his Bakersfield twang or Weir for his psychedelic improvisations, tonight’s show promises insights into two generations of musicians who helped define what American music can be.

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In 2020, Dwight Yoakam released an album titled 'Dust & Gold,' further displaying his songwriting and musical evolution.
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Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag
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