Interview with Rob Derhak from moe. – New Jersey Stage
Moe. is gearing up for their highly anticipated Born to Fly tour, which kicks off on February 5, 2026, in South Burlington, VT. The tour will include a special 3-night run in South Burlington as well as a 4-night run at the Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA from March 4-7th, making it one of their most extended residencies. The band will also be performing at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ on April 11th. With more than three decades of music and life under their belts, these jam band veterans are ready to hit the road once again.
Before the tour begins, I had the opportunity to chat with Rob Derhak, the band’s bassist. When asked about his excitement for the upcoming Superbowl, Rob expressed his full support for the Patriots. Despite moe.’s origins in Buffalo, NY, Rob’s allegiances lie with the Patriots, particularly when the Bills are having a lackluster season. He mentioned that his ideal way to celebrate the Superbowl involves watching the game with family, enjoying some good food, and of course, savoring some buffalo wings.
Describing the music of moe., Rob emphasized that they are not a mainstream band but rather have elements that harken back to classic rock acts like the Allman Brothers and Pink Floyd. Although they are often labeled as a jam band, Rob highlighted their improvisational style while categorizing them as a classic rock band at heart. Sharing his musical influences, Rob cited artists ranging from Steely Dan and Led Zeppelin to Men at Work and Big Country, showcasing his diverse taste in music.
Reflecting on the recent passing of Bob Weir, Rob spoke glowingly about the Grateful Dead frontman’s influence on him and the band as a whole. He shared heartwarming stories of their interactions and how Bob reached out to him during his battle with cancer, offering support and encouragement. Rob also touched on his evolving role within the band, noting that he has shifted from being a front man to focusing more on steering the ship and providing a foundation for the music.
The conversation transitioned to moe.’s latest album, “Circle of Giants,” in which Rob discussed the songwriting process and collaborations within the band. With advancements in technology allowing for remote collaboration, the band members exchange ideas and work together to bring songs to life. Rob detailed his role in crafting the song “Bat Country” with fellow bandmate Nate Wilson, showcasing the collaborative spirit within moe.
When discussing the differences between moe. in the studio versus on stage, Rob explained that while the studio allows for more precision and pre-planning, their live performances embody spontaneity and improvisation. With a penchant for switching up their setlists and playing songs differently each night, the band strives to capture the essence of their music both in the studio and on stage.
As moe. hits the road for the Born to Fly tour, Rob shared insights into the band’s rituals for maintaining energy and enthusiasm night after night. Vocal exercises and a commitment to delivering an authentic performance help keep the band engaged and connected with their audiences, ensuring that each show is a unique and memorable experience. With over 35 years of music-making behind them, moe. continues to evolve and thrive, bringing their infectious energy and passion to fans across the country.