Voting Station

Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan

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Musician

The Resume

    (September 8, 1945-March 8, 1973)
    Born in San Bruno, California
    Played keyboards and harmonica and sang with the Grateful Dead (1965-73)

Why he might be annoying:

    He got his nickname from his dubious hygiene, which also got him banned from the local pool when he was in high school.
    He began drinking at age twelve and died of complications from cirrhosis of the liver a decade and a half later.
    He and Bob Weir were temporarily fired from the band for refusing to rehearse (October-November, 1968).

Why he might not be annoying:

    His extended workout on 'Turn On Your Lovelight' was a highlight of early Dead shows.
    Although initially hurt when the Dead added second keyboardist Tom Constanten, the two became such good friends that he served as best man at Constanten's wedding.
    Jerry Garcia said that despite his biker image, 'He was really lovable, really fun. He was a sweetheart.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 61 Votes: 55.74% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 83 Votes: 51.81% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 287 Votes: 42.16% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 83 Votes: 53.01% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 149 Votes: 59.73% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 136 Votes: 52.94% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 84 Votes: 44.05% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 12 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 93 Votes: 49.46% Annoying