Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies aged 78
Guitarist Bob Weir, one of the founders of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78.
Weir, the cornerstone of the California psychedelic rock band and its many offshoots, passed away after a battle with cancer and lung issues, according to a post on Instagram.
Noting his hopes that his legacy and long catalog will continue, the post says, “There is no final act here, not really. There’s just the feeling that someone is starting out again.”
The post states that he “transitioned peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
“He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him,” the post continues. “I hope this dream lives on for future generations of Deadheads.”
With a career spanning over 60 years, Weir’s big break came with the formation of the Grateful Dead in 1965. Within a few years they had become a force within San Francisco’s characteristic counterculture.
Their style quickly began to shape rock music; It blended psychedelia and 1960s drug culture with musical tones combining folk and Americana. They are considered one of the pioneers of jam bands.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammys in 2007.
The group was officially discontinued in 1995 with the death of co-founder Jerry Garcia.
However, Weir has appeared in various side projects, including Dead & Company, which resides at the Las Vegas Sphere in 2024 and 2025.
Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July and continued performing even while receiving treatment, according to a post on his page.
“Emotional, soulful and full of light, these performances were not a farewell, but a gift,” the post reads. “Another act of endurance. An artist who even then chose to proceed according to his own design.”
The posts add that he beat cancer before his death. It’s unclear what type of cancer he was diagnosed with.
His family, including wife Natascha and children Shala and Chloe, requested privacy but said they appreciated the “feeling of love, support and remembrance”.
Late on Saturday, compliments started pouring in from our musician friends. Even Empire State Building in New York City It honored the rock legend by shining with batik colors to commemorate him.
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash posted a photo of Weir playing on stage. “RIP,” she wrote with a broken heart emoji.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder posted a lengthy tribute.
“I first saw Bob with the Grateful Dead at Woodstock and was blown away by the entire band and musicianship,” Felder said, sharing a photo of himself with Weir on Instagram.
“I feel so lucky that I was able to make him sing ‘Rock You’ from American Rock and Roll. Until we meet again, my friend.”
His former broadcaster Dennis McNally spoke to BBC News about his music and the fun memories they shared.
“He had a very off-kilter, offbeat, dry and funny sense of humor,” he said. “The road was his life, the music was his life.”
Playing and serving music “That’s what he was put on Earth to do, and he did it to the fullest,” he said.
