In a new interview with Billboard, Trey Anastasio and Bob Weir dished on all things Chicago as the duo talked about how the Grateful Dead’s Fare The Well anniversary shows at Soldier Field came to be and what fans can expect from the three night run.

As far as Anastasio’s initial recruitment to the celebration, the guitarist said that he received a “heart-warming letter” from Lesh saying that he and the other three members hoped he would do it. “I didn’t hesitate for a second to say yes,” Anastasio said. He also talked about the studying involved in taking the helm on these shows, saying, “I’ve been listening and rediscovering and it’s been really, really fun. I’ve been going through the history a little bit. About a week ago I decided to start listening to 1968, ’70, ’71 — early Dead, with Pigpen and everything, and it’s incredible stuff. Then I started moving forward in time and playing along with the guitar, relearning the songs.”

Anastasio also said that Weir and him have been exchanging emails recently and will soon get together to start practicing. “After that the seven of us will hole up in a room and play through the tunes. I can’t wait,” said the Phish frontman.

As for Weir, he addressed his health issue in the interview, mentioning that he has a shoulder issue but acknowledges, “I’ve got a way of working with it now.” One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is if this is indeed the last shows for the band. “We’ll see,” Weir says. “I’ve got some miles left in me, but I’m sure everybody does. I’m the youngest of the guys.”

Weir also discussed Anastasio’s selection, saying “Trey’s well schooled in the style of music we play — listening intently to what’s going on and reacting meaningfully to what other people are playing. If there’s a key shift or modality shift within a given section, you can hear that and relate, as I say, meaningfully.”