The music world is in mourning following the death of Bob Weir, the iconic co-founder, rhythm guitarist and vocalist of the legendary psychedelic rock band, the Grateful Dead. Weir passed away at the age of 78 due to underlying lung issues, a statement confirmed on Saturday. This news comes just over a year after the death of the band's bassist, Phil Lesh.
A Chorus of Tributes from the Music World
News of Weir's passing prompted an immediate and heartfelt outpouring of grief and admiration from fellow musicians and devoted fans alike. He was celebrated not just for his immense musical talent, but for his unique character and generous spirit.
Television personality and noted Deadhead Andy Cohen recalled his first Grateful Dead concert in 1986, describing Weir as "impossibly beautiful and wildly fiery". He wrote on Instagram that while Weir may have been a distant figure on stage, "his voice was fierce and smooth", adding that his music and legacy would "live gloriously forever".
Trey Anastasio, frontman of Phish, offered a poignant reflection, calling Weir "the last actual hippie". He fondly remembered Weir's endearing humility, noting how he would deflect compliments about his guitar playing with self-deprecating humour. Anastasio was among the many artists who shared the stage with Weir in his later years, including during the final shows of the Dead & Company project last August.
Remembered as a Mentor and a 'Beautiful Human'
For a younger generation of musicians, Bob Weir was a revered mentor and an open-hearted collaborator. Country artist Margo Price called him a "musical guru" with a mystical aura, while bluegrass star Billy Strings cherished private moments, like listening to records together in a hotel room. Strings also shared the joyful memory of Weir spontaneously performing at his wedding, instantly transforming the event.
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers expressed deep gratitude for the kindness Weir showed her early in her career, welcoming her into a musical philosophy centred on "community and connection and soul". She celebrated him as a "beautiful human" who blazed a trail of creativity.
Brandi Carlile highlighted Weir's unwavering support for artists of all ages, thanking him for attending shows, helping write songs, and inviting so many to "stand in his light" on stage. Even music legends like Bob Dylan publicly acknowledged their peer, posting a photograph of the two performing together.
The Enduring Legacy of a Counter-Culture Icon
Bob Weir was a foundational pillar of the Grateful Dead, a band that became the soundtrack for the 1960s and 70s counterculture and spawned the famously dedicated fan community known as Deadheads. As a key songwriter, his work was integral to the band's vast and enduring catalogue.
Having recently survived cancer, his death from lung-related complications marks the end of an era. The only surviving original members of the Grateful Dead are now drummer Bill Kreutzmann and percussionist Mickey Hart. However, as the tributes make clear, the spirit, music, and influence of Bob Weir—the fiercely passionate, humble, and endlessly curious artist—will resonate for generations to come.
