Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir: tributes pour in after his death at age 78

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Bob Weir, guitarist and one of the founders of the Grateful Dead, has passed away at the age of 78, according to a post on his official Instagram account on Saturday.

Weir died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a battle with cancer and complications from lung problems.

Soon after tributes started popping up.

Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, posted on Instagram about the passing of Bob Weir. He recalled seeing Weir perform with the Grateful Dead at Woodstock and being incredibly impressed. Felder also expressed his gratitude for Weir’s contribution to his song ‘Rock You’ from the album ‘American Rock and Roll,’ and said he’ll cherish the memory of him. #FreeAtLast #GratefulDead #BobWeir

Musician Michael Franti, a longtime friend and frequent collaborator of Bob Weir, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram page.

I was very saddened to learn about the death of Bob Weir. He was a huge inspiration to me – not just as a musician, but as an activist, athlete, and, most importantly, as a friend.

We performed together on stage many times, and he was always enthusiastic, incredibly curious, and up for anything. I first played with him at a peace concert my team organized after 9/11. Flea played bass and Woody Harrelson sang with us. Bobby seemed thrilled to be playing with such a unique group of musicians. It was amazing to me that such a legendary musician would take the time to play in a park for a small crowd and help us share a message of peace through music.

Over the years, we kept in touch and even played music together again with our good friend Sammy Hagar while advocating for a solar energy bill in California – which thankfully passed! He often joined my band onstage, and they invited me to play with them as well. Every time we played together, it felt truly special.

He also shared how Bob supported him after his child was diagnosed with kidney disease.

He recalled a particularly touching moment when Bobby showed genuine care for him and his family while they were at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley. They had just learned that his middle child had been diagnosed with a kidney disease that would eventually require a transplant, and he was understandably upset. Bobby came to speak with him before the show, listened, and stayed with him while he cried – a gesture he said he’d never forget.

I always enjoyed watching his fitness videos and admired how committed he was to getting in shape. He was incredibly funny, kind, imaginative, and a genuinely brilliant person.

‘I am blessed for the time we shared and for all the beauty he brought into this world.

Bobby was a beloved and constant presence in the Bay Area, and it’s hard to imagine life without him. We’ll miss him dearly. Rest peacefully, Bobby.

News of Weir’s passing was shared on his Instagram, and many celebrities left comments expressing their condolences and honoring his life.

Andy Cohen shared a heartfelt message, saying Bobby’s music and the love of his fans will keep his memory alive. He called Bobby a true gift and expressed his love to the Weir family.

Aaron Dessner shared his deep gratitude for the music and the opportunity to have known and worked with this incredibly unique artist.

Maggie Rogers shared the title of her song, ‘forever and ever,’ and Margo Price posted a loving message to Bobby, saying she was thinking of him and sending her eternal affection.

Bob is survived by his wife, Natascha, and their two daughters, Shala Monet and Chloe Kaelia.

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Bobby Weir. He passed away peacefully with family by his side. While he had successfully fought cancer, he ultimately passed due to complications from existing lung problems.

The statement described Bobby as a hugely influential artist who fundamentally changed American music. His work wasn’t just entertaining; it created a deep emotional connection with listeners, fostering a sense of community and belonging that has resonated with fans for generations.

His music and lyrics weren’t just sounds; they built complete stories. He invited listeners to connect with their emotions, think deeply, explore new ideas, and find a sense of community.

Last summer, Weir received a cancer diagnosis just before performing a series of concerts at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

He started playing music at 16 after being drawn to a Palo Alto music store by the sound of a banjo. There, he met Jerry Garcia, who was playing at the time, according to reports.

They spent the entire night playing music together, which led to the creation of The Grateful Dead. Along with Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann, they became the band’s original five members.

Weir was born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, and was adopted as an infant. 

Growing up in the Bay Area, he faced difficulties with learning and behavior, which were later understood to be related to undiagnosed dyslexia.

He started playing guitar at 13 and performed at local folk clubs. 

In 1965, he connected with Garcia at a music store in Palo Alto, and together they started a band initially called Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions. This group later evolved into the Warlocks, and finally became known as the Grateful Dead.

Weir took a short break from the band in 1968, but he came back and continued to help create their unique sound, which blended country, rock, and spontaneous musical improvisation.

Following the passing of Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan, one of the original members of the band, in 1972, Bob Weir began singing more often and writing more of the band’s songs.

He put out several solo albums, like “Ace” and “Heaven Help the Fool,” and also played in various bands throughout his career, including Kingfish, the Bob Weir Band, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, Furthur, and The Other Ones.

He also became a leader in the band, helping to steer its course when Garcia struggled with health and addiction issues.

Despite the unexpected death of Garcia in 1995 at the age of 53, Weir continued to perform and make music, keeping the band’s legacy alive.

He led RatDog, a band that played both classic Grateful Dead songs and new originals. Later, he became known for performing songs originally sung by Jerry Garcia with several bands formed after the Grateful Dead, such as the Other Ones, the Dead, and Furthur.

In 2013, Bob Weir collapsed on stage during a Furthur concert. The next year, his band RatDog cancelled several shows, and he later revealed he was battling an addiction to prescription pain medication.

It was incredible to see him back on stage! After all those years, he rejoined Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann for the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary shows in 2015 – those ‘Fare Thee Well’ concerts were just magical. As a longtime fan, it felt like a dream come true.

That incredible night actually sparked something amazing – the birth of Dead & Company! Seeing John Mayer join up with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and all the folks who’ve been with the Dead for years was just… wow. It felt like the spirit of the band was truly carrying on, and I’ve been a devoted fan ever since.

The band successfully updated their music for a new generation, concluding their ten-year journey with a ‘Final Tour’ in 2023 and a series of performances at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

In December 2024, Bob Weir and the rest of the band were recognized at the Kennedy Center, following the passing of bassist Phil Lesh two months prior.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I was so touched to see the final performances happen in August. Dead & Company played three incredible shows in Golden Gate Park, beautifully celebrating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary – it was a truly special moment for fans.

He is survived by his wife of over twenty years, Natascha Weir, and their daughters, Monet and Chloe.

After the loss of Brent Mydland, and with the previous deaths of Keith Godchaux and Donna Jean Godchaux, only Mickey Hart, 82, and Bill Kreutzmann, 79, are still alive from the Grateful Dead’s earliest days.

The announcement of his passing emphasized his desire for the band’s music to live on for centuries. He often talked about building a legacy that would last 300 years, wanting the songs to be remembered long after he was gone.

‘May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads.’

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2026-01-12 01:35