In a sombre start to Sunday's broadcast, BBC Breakfast presenter Luxmy Gopal shared the tragic news that Bob Weir, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band Grateful Dead, had passed away at the age of 78.
A Live Broadcast Announcement
Just minutes into the live programme on January 11, Gopal, alongside co-host Ben Thompson, informed viewers of the musician's death. She revealed that Weir had died following serious health complications, including cancer and underlying lung issues, as confirmed by a statement posted on his official Instagram account.
The family's statement, shared on social media, said the star passed away "peacefully, surrounded by loved ones". It noted he had been diagnosed with cancer in July but had continued to perform during treatment. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed, though the announcement confirmed he had successfully overcome the disease prior to his passing.
A Legacy Spanning Six Decades
Bob Weir's remarkable career began with the formation of the Grateful Dead in 1965. The band quickly became a central force in San Francisco's counterculture movement and enjoyed a prolific career, earning a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Following the death of fellow co-founder Jerry Garcia in 1995, the band took a hiatus. However, Weir remained musically active with various projects, most recently with Dead & Company, which held a celebrated residency at the Las Vegas Sphere throughout 2024 and 2025.
His family's poignant statement reflected his enduring vision: "He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him." It added, "May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads."
Tributes and Family's Request
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from the music world. Slash, guitarist for Guns N' Roses, posted a simple "RIP" with a broken-heart emoji. Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder shared a lengthy tribute, recalling being "blown away" by Weir's performance at Woodstock and expressing gratitude for their collaboration.
Weir is survived by his spouse, Natascha, and daughters Shala and Chloe. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time while expressing their appreciation for the "outpouring of love, support, and remembrance" from fans across the globe.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
