Do you remember the moment when you thought, “We’ve made it?”

I don’t remember the exact date, but it was sometime in the mid-70s, and we were doing our first “Day on the Green” concert at the stadium in Oakland, California. It was an annual production by Bill Graham. I remember looking out at that sea of humanity and thinking, “Well, I guess this is about as big as it gets.” Of course, I was wrong. It got bigger and it continues today.

Still at the top of your game, do you feel the pressure to keep achieving the same level of success?

At this stage, I don’t think any of us feel a whole lot of pressure to stay on top – which is precisely why we can. In the early days, we thrived on pressure, but now we’re allergic to it.

Does the songwriting process differ today than in the earlier days?

Our songwriting processes haven’t changed significantly since 1971. The changes that have occurred are primarily due to technology. Sometimes, songwriting is not quite as organic as it was in the beginning, but as long as the end result is the same, it doesn’t really matter how you get there. We’ve always had multiple ways of getting songs written.

Who are your favorite musicians?

Everybody in the group has a pretty wide spectrum when it comes to influences and favorites. Speaking just for myself, my tastes run from Chopin to Randy Newman; Robert Johnson to Ray Charles; Merle Haggard to the Beatles; Billie Holiday to Bonnie Raitt to Joni Mitchell. I’m all over the musical map, but if something is good, it’s good.

Since you’re performing at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, we’d like to talk about Las Vegas for a few minutes: What was your favorite time in Las Vegas?

I don’t remember. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, isn’t it?

Aside from performing, what are your favorite things to do in Vegas?

I like to do a little gaming, now and then, or per-haps take in a show or have a fine meal. I also like to get out into the desert occasionally. Lake Mead is beautiful.