John Mayer is revealing his secret to getting pumped up before Dead and Company concerts ... saying Hall of Famer Bill Walton showers him in compliments!!
The 45-year-old musician opened up on his relationship with the former big man during Walton's "Throw It Down" alternative NBA broadcast on Monday ... explaining how the diehard Grateful Dead fan gets him ready to hit the stage before shows.
"When Bill gives you advice, he looks you dead in the eye and everything stops," Mayer said.