Bob Weir dead: Tributes pour in for Grateful Dead guitarist
Tributes from far and wide across the music industry are pouring in after Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir passed away at the age of 78.
Weir’s tragic passing was confirmed by a statement published on his official social media accounts, which read: “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.”
Reflecting on his career, the statement pertinently noted, “Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music.”
As such, friends from across the industry have shared their tribute to the Grateful Dead co-founder. Former Eagles guitarist, Don Felder, reflected on the first time he saw Weir play in a post on Facebook post.
“I first saw Bob at Woodstock with the Grateful Dead and was blown away by that whole band, and the musicianship,” Felder wrote. “I feel so blessed to have been able to have him sing on “Rock You” from American Rock and Roll. Until we meet again, amigo.”
Singer-songwriter and lead guitarist of Phish, Trey Anastasio, paid tribute to his close friend and touring partner: “This one really hurts. I really loved him,” He began.
Anastasio continued, “He was a sweet, kind, gentle friend, and I never believed this would happen so soon.” The long post also recounted some cherished memories.
Michael Franti shared a lengthy post of his own, writing, “He inspired me in so many ways as a musician, an activist, an athlete and mostly a friend.”
Reflecting on a performance they gave together after the events of September 11th, Franti called Weir, “a true giant in music made time to stand in a park with a few hundred people and help us send a musical message of peace.”
Bob Dylan also posted a tribute to Weir, whom he deemed “a very unorthodox rhythm player” in The Philosophy Of Modern Song, with a photo of the pair on stage together.
Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson shared that the world would be a “sadder place” without Weir. She also wrote, “He spread a lifetime of magic around… His good vibrations will never end.”
Sean Ono Lennon also posted a photo which showed the pair playing music together, writing on X, “It was a great pleasure and a privilege to know you brother.”
Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins also took to X to offer his condolences, writing simply, “God Bless Bob Weir.”
Primus frontman Les Claypool deemed Weir “one of the nicest humans I’ve ever met in the music world,” describing him on Instagram as “a legend on many levels.”
TV personality Andy Cohen, who was instrumental to the band’s success after discovering them in the 1980s, shared a moving tribute on Instagram. “Bob Weir wasn’t The Other One, he was That Guy,” Cohen wrote, “He was impossibly beautiful and wildly fiery, intense and passionate.”
He also noted the way Weir had previously discussed the death of Jerry Garcia: “He referred to it as ‘checkin’ out,’” Cohen wrote. “That felt so graceful a way to put it, and a testament to the fluidity of all us in this world.”
Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth also took to Facebook to share lyrics from the Grateful Dead song, ‘Sugar Magnolia’: “Walking in the tall trees / Going where the wind goes / Blooming like a red rose / All caught up in sunlight.” He added, “Thank you, Bob,” accompanied with a red rose.
Additionally, New York’s Empire State Building shone tie-dye, in “honour of the life and legacy of Bob Weir.”
Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha Münter, and their two children, Monet and Chloe. The family “request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance.”
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