Vince Welnick’s journey took him from the groundbreaking artistry and theatrics of The Tubes to the legendary stage of the Grateful Dead.. This is not just a story about a keyboardist—it’s a story about a man whose career experienced the highest highs and lowest lows.. It’s about the moments that defined him, the music that flowed from his heart. Welcome to Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story. This is a journey through the life of a musician whose light shone brightly. It’s a story of artistry, friendship, mental health, and the search for peace. I’m your host, and I invite you to join me as we explore the legacy of Vince Welnick, a man whose music touched many, and whose story deserves to be told.
This episode explores Vince Welnick's final years, his time with the Grateful Dead, and the impact of Jerry Garcia's death, featuring interviews with Laurie Welnick, Fee Waybill, and others, as they reflect on his life and legacy.
4 Jun 2025
The Audition
Laurie Welnick details Vince Welnick's intense preparation and emotional journey as he auditions for the Grateful Dead, while Fee Waybill, Michele Rundgren, and others reflect on his talent in this interview episode.
28 May 2025
Bonus Content: Unreleased Interview with Vince Welnick from 1989
Vince Welnick shares insights into his musical journey, life on tour with Todd Rundgren, and his artistic drive in this unreleased 1989 interview conducted by Bill Salom.
7 Apr 2025
Try to Feel It-The Rundgren Years
Episode four looks at the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Vince. We explore the breakup of The Tubes' original lineup and Vince Welnick's exciting transition into new musical territory. After Fee Waybill's departure, the band attempted to move forward with a new lead singer—but it wasn't the same. Vince, ever the survivor, found fresh creative ground performing with Todd Rundgren on his "Nearly Human" album and tour, including a song penned by Vince and Laurie, "Feel It." This new direction in Vince's music is sure to intrigue and excite fans.
This episode is a treasure trove for fans, featuring intimate interviews with key figures in The Tubes' and Vince Welnick's journey. You'll hear from Laurie Welnick, Fee Waybill, Todd Rundgren, Michele Rundgren, and Bobby Strickland, each sharing their unique perspectives and memories. The episode also includes a rare archival interview with Vince from 1992 and a special snippet from a studio session with Vince and Todd. These interviews will bring you closer to the music and the people behind it.
It also sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Vince's career-his opportunity to try out for The Grateful Dead. This significant event will be explored in the next episode, promising an exciting continuation of Vince's musical journey.
Special Thanks to:
Laurie Welnick
Fee Waybill
Todd Rundgren
Bobby Strickland
Michele and Todd Rundgren
The Tapes Archive
Roger Steel (for studio material from Nearly Human)
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
21 Mar 2025
The Foster Albums: Fame, Friction, and Fallout
Episode 3 of Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story explores The Tubes' transition from A&M Records to Capitol Records and their collaboration with producer David Foster. The episode covers how the band struggled financially despite being a strong live act, the industry pressure to produce a hit, and the impact of working with Foster, who transformed their sound but also caused internal conflicts. Host Thom Jennings delves into The Tubes' SCTV appearance, their experiences with Foster, and how band members, particularly Vince Welnick, reacted to the commercial compromises. The episode concludes with reflections on what could have been if they had continued with Foster versus their decision to return to Todd Rundgren.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Vince Welnick
The Tubes
David Foster
Capitol Records
A&M Records
SCTV
Fee Waybill
Prairie Prince
Music Industry Conflicts
1980s Rock
"Talk to You Later"
"Don't Want to Wait Anymore"
Todd Rundgren
Session Musicians
Record Label Pressures
7 Mar 2025
White Punks and Wedding Bells
In this episode, host Thom Jennings explores Vince Welnick’s early days with The Beans, the band that would evolve into The Tubes. Through archival interviews and insights from Vince’s widow, Lori Welnick, the episode paints a vivid picture of their life in San Francisco, from living in a rundown Victorian house to the formation of The Tubes and their eventual signing with A&M Records.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the band's theatrical stage shows, their struggle to gain mainstream recognition, and how industry figures like Bill Graham and Rick Wakeman played a role in their career. Lori shares touching personal memories, including Vince’s dedication to piano practice, their unique marriage proposal, and her decision to put her own career on hold for their relationship. The episode also explores the band's infamous antics, such as their provocative stage performances and their controversial gig opening for Led Zeppelin, which led to clashes with industry figures.
As The Tubes moved through the late '70s, their connection with Todd Rundgren deepened, setting the stage for their transition to Capitol Records. The episode ends with a preview of what’s to come, including Vince’s time with Todd Rundgren’s band and The Tubes’ appearance on SCTV.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Music sourced from archive.org
Vince's mom voiced by Lyn Kalnitz from an article Vince's Mom wrote.
My son, a member of the Tubes (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1980/mar/06/my-son-tube/)
21 Feb 2025
Echoes from the Lounge: Meeting Vince Welnick
The debut episode of Missing Man: The Vince Welnick Story introduces Vince’s early years in music, his pivotal role in The Tubes, and his lasting influence on rock and roll. Host Thom Jennings recounts his first encounter with Vince in 1985, setting the stage for an intimate exploration of the musician’s life. Featuring interviews with drummer Prairie Prince, Tubes frontman Fee Waybill, and Vince’s wife, Laurie Welnick, this episode captures Vince’s brilliance, humor, and the deep connections he forged with those around him.
Keywords:
- Vince Welnick
- The Tubes
- Grateful Dead
- Rock history
- Keyboardist
- Missing Man Podcast
- Prairie Prince
- Fee Waybill
- Laurie Welnick
- 1970s rock
- 1980s rock
- Classic rock
- Music documentary
- Rock legends
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Music sourced from archive.org
Vince's mom voiced by Lyn Kalnitz from an article Vince's Mom wrote.
My son, a member of the Tubes (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1980/mar/06/my-son-tube/)
20 Feb 2025
Vince Welnick-Her Son and Member of the Tubes
Vince's mom, voiced by Lyn Kalnitz
My son, a member of the Tubes (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1980/mar/06/my-son-tube/)
19 Feb 2025
Preview Clip: Vince's Vision
13 Sept 2024
Trailer: Missing Man-The Vince Welnick Story
Who has been a guest on Missing Man-The Vince Welnick Story
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Laurie Welnick
Fee Waybill
Michele Rundgren
Vince Welnick
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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