Bob Weir, co-founder and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir,” his family announced on Saturday (Jan. 10). “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.” Born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco on October 16, 1947, he formed the Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia on New Year’s Eve 1965. As co-lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Weir helped build the band’s 60-year musical legacy. He continued performing after Garcia’s 1995 death through various projects including RatDog, Dead & Company – the third band to play a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas – and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. His final performances were three nights at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in August 2024, celebrating the Dead’s 60th anniversary.
In addition to New York’s Empire State Building being lit up in tie-dye colors to honor Weir, tributes have come in from Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, wrote “Rest in peace, Bobby. Thank you for all the gifts you brought into the world, and for all the love you gave to so many of us. Your spirit lives on forever.” While Margo Price called Weir “a sage–a profoundly wise, musical guru who taught me so much about songs, art, melody, meditation and being in the moment.” Billy Strings wrote “Heavens choir just gained a beautiful new voice. There is joy in knowing he is with some of his old friends again.. singing and laughing and playing beautiful songs,” while , Brandi Carlile said“You left every part of the world you touched better than you found it. The moments I got to spend with you are true treasures to me now 💔.” Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha, and his daughters Monet and Chloe.