The music world is in mourning following the death of Bob Weir, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the iconic band Grateful Dead. He was 78 years old.
His passing was confirmed in a statement posted to his official Instagram account on Saturday. The message revealed that Weir died peacefully, surrounded by his family and close friends.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir," the statement read. "He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues."
A Flood of Heartfelt Tributes
News of his death prompted an immediate and emotional outpouring from fellow musicians and celebrities who knew him both as an artist and a friend.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder shared a photograph of the pair on Instagram, recalling being "blown away" seeing Weir perform at Woodstock. "I feel so blessed to have been able to have him sing on Rock You from American Rock and Roll," Felder wrote.
Musician and close friend Michael Franti posted a lengthy, moving tribute. He described Weir as an inspiration "as a musician, an activist, an athlete and mostly a friend." Franti shared poignant memories, including how Weir comforted him backstage at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley after Franti learned his child had been diagnosed with a serious kidney disease. "Bobby came backstage before the set, talked with me, and sat with me as I cried. I will never ever forget that," Franti wrote.
In the comments of the official announcement, television host Andy Cohen wrote: "Bobby will live through the music and the people who love it around the world forever." Musicians Aaron Dessner, Maggie Rogers, and Margo Price also shared their condolences.
The Enduring Legacy of a Rock Pioneer
Bob Weir's remarkable musical journey began in 1965 when, as a 16-year-old, he followed the sound of a banjo into a Palo Alto music store. There he met Jerry Garcia. The impromptu jam session that night sparked a creative partnership that would change music history.
Together with Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann, they formed the band that would become the Grateful Dead. Weir's rhythm guitar work and evolving songwriting became a cornerstone of the band's unique fusion of folk, country, rock, and psychedelic improvisation.
After the deaths of Pigpen in 1972 and Jerry Garcia in 1995, Weir took on a greater leadership role, determined to keep the music alive. He fronted numerous projects including RatDog and Furthur, and was instrumental in the landmark 50th-anniversary "Fare Thee Well" concerts in 2015.
This celebration led directly to the formation of Dead & Company with John Mayer, which introduced the Grateful Dead's vast songbook to a new generation. The band concluded a decade-long run with a final tour in 2023.
Weir's final public performances came in August 2024, when Dead & Company headlined three shows at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park to mark the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary.
A Life of Resilience and Family
Born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, he was adopted as an infant and grew up in the Bay Area. He struggled with dyslexia and behavioural challenges before finding his calling in music at age 13.
His life was not without personal trials. In 2013, he collapsed on stage and later acknowledged a struggle with prescription painkiller addiction. He recovered and returned to performing with renewed vigour, famously sharing his fitness journey with fans in recent years.
Bob Weir is survived by his wife of over two decades, Natascha, and their two daughters, Shala Monet and Chloe Kaelia.
With his passing, following the earlier deaths of Garcia and Phil Lesh (who died in October 2024), only Mickey Hart, 82, and Bill Kreutzmann, 79, remain from the Grateful Dead's original founding lineup.
The statement from his family fittingly captured his vision: "He often spoke of a 300-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads."
