Sammy Hagar shares moving tribute to close friend Bob Weir: “Bob and I were born just two days apart”
Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar has honoured the late Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, who was a close friend.
Weir, who co-founded Grateful Dead in 1965, died on January 10th, aged 78. In a statement, his family revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before Dead and Company played three huge shows in San Fransico last summer.
The Weir family said, “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.”
They also added of his heroic final shows at Golden Gate Park celebrating 60 years of Grateful Dead, “Bobby’s final months reflected the same spirit that defined his life. Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park.”
Since news of his passing, the music world and beyond have been united in grief, with everyone from Bob Dylan to Billy Corgan, and even the Empire State Building, honouring Weir.
On January 11th, Hagar, who performed with Weir on several occasions throughout his career, took to his website to write, “Bob and I were born just two days apart. A couple decades ago we made a deal we were going to live to be 100, then get together and decide if we were gonna take it any further.”
He also recalled one of his final conversations with Weir, sharing, One of the last things I said to Bob was ‘Hey, I thought we had a deal.’ His lack of response made me realize I was on my own on this one because Bob was already way past 100.”
The rock icon powerfully continued, “He was 100 when I met him. Always the elder, the wise old soul. He had a pocket full of sayings that he used to simplify a conversation.”
Hagar added, “Am I gonna miss Bob? #YouBet. Did I love Bob like a brother? #Yup. Was bob a wonderful friend to have? #FuckinA. Did Bob and I have some good fun together #MoreFunThanAFroginAGlassOfMilk.”
His emotional message concluded, “My love, heart and prayers, go out to the family and friends for the loss of this wonderful soul. Godspeed.”
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.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.