Keyboardist Rob Barraco, who has performed regularly as a member of Phil & Friends and The Other Ones, will play bass for Ratdog on its upcoming mini-tour, which kicks off tonight. Regular bassist Rob Wasserman is currently pursuing other projects. Ratdog publicist Dennis McNally says that there is no bad blood between Wasserman and founding guitarist Bob Weir and they still plan to play together at a Rex Foundation Benefit on March 28 at Marin Civic Auditorium in San Rafael, CA.
As for Barraco, He has always had a secret passion for playing the bass, says McNally. Back in his days with the Zen Tricksters, Rob occasionally filled in on bass. Fans may also remember that he played acoustic guitar on Stella Blue with Warren Haynes during his solo set at this past summers Grateful Dead Family Reunion at Alpine Valley in East Troy, WI.
Last night, Barraco made his debut as Ratdog bassist at a private party at 4th and B in San Diego, CA. Blues Travelers John Popper made a guest appearance, adding harmonica to Odessa, Dear Prudence, Brown Eyed-Women and Truckin.
Ratdogs mini-tour begins tonight at Nitas Hideaway in Tempe, AZ. The band plays Friday at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson, AZ, Saturday back at 4th and B and Sunday at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA.
Plans are currently underway for a Ratdog tour in April, although it is not yet known who will play bass for those dates.
The official website is www.rat-dog.com.