TL;DR
Bob Weir, a co‑founder, singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, has died at 78. His family said he had beaten cancer but died after underlying lung problems; a date of death was not immediately provided.
What happened
Bob Weir, a founding member, vocalist and distinctive rhythm guitarist of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. The statement said he had previously defeated cancer but ultimately succumbed to underlying lung issues and that he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones; a specific date of death was not immediately available. Weir’s career spanned six decades: he co‑founded the band with Jerry Garcia after meeting him in the mid‑1960s, contributed key songs and arrangements to landmark 1970 albums Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, and wrote Dead standards that included tracks from his solo record Ace. He performed in numerous side projects over the years—Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, Dead & Company and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros among them—and continued touring into the 2020s. His final onstage appearances were a three‑night Golden Gate Park run marking the band’s 60th anniversary; the family said he had been diagnosed in July and began treatment weeks before those shows.
Why it matters
- Weir helped shape the Grateful Dead’s sound and repertoire, contributing enduring songs and an unconventional rhythm‑guitar style.
- The Grateful Dead were a central force in American rock and the jam‑band scene; Weir’s death represents the loss of a principal architect of that legacy.
- His long public career and multiple post‑Dead projects kept the band’s music in active circulation, influencing later generations of musicians and fans.
Key facts
- Age at death: 78.
- Family statement: he had beaten cancer but succumbed to underlying lung issues; he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
- A specific date of death was not immediately available in the family statement.
- Born October 16, 1947, in San Francisco and raised after being given up for adoption.
- Co‑founded the Grateful Dead after meeting Jerry Garcia; the group evolved from Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions to the Warlocks and then the Grateful Dead.
- Contributed to the band’s key 1970 albums Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty and wrote Dead standards that first appeared on his solo album Ace, including 'Playing in the Band' and 'Cassidy.'
- Led and joined multiple side projects across decades, including Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites, RatDog, Dead & Company, and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.
- Suffered health and addiction struggles in later years, including an onstage collapse in 2013 and admitted dependence on painkillers; he continued performing afterward.
- Final performances: a three‑night Golden Gate Park engagement marking the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary; those shows were described as his last onstage appearances.
What to watch next
- Official announcements regarding funeral or memorial services — not confirmed in the source
- Statements or tributes from surviving bandmates and collaborators — not confirmed in the source
- Any plans for preserving or curating Weir’s musical archives and songbook — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Jam band: A musical group known for lengthy improvisational performances and fluid setlists that often blend rock, jazz, bluegrass and other genres.
- Rhythm guitar: A style of guitar playing focused on chordal accompaniment and groove rather than single‑note lead lines; it supports the song’s harmonic and rhythmic structure.
- Kennedy Center Honors: An annual U.S. arts award recognizing lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
- RatDog: A band formed and led by Bob Weir after the Grateful Dead, performing Dead material and original songs.
- Dead & Company: A post‑Grateful Dead touring group that included former Dead members alongside guest musicians to perform Grateful Dead repertoire.
Reader FAQ
When did Bob Weir die?
A date of death was not immediately provided in the family statement; the announcement confirmed his passing at age 78.
What was the cause of death?
His family said he had beaten cancer but ultimately succumbed to underlying lung issues.
Was Bob Weir still performing recently?
Yes. The source reports his final onstage appearances were a three‑night run in Golden Gate Park marking the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary.
Did he receive major honors late in life?
In December 2024, the Grateful Dead’s surviving members were recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, a recognition noted in the source.
OBITUARY BOB WEIR, GRATEFUL DEAD CO-FOUNDER AND GUITARIST, DEAD AT 78 "Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," family says announcing musician's death By…
Sources
- Bob Weir has died
- Bob Weir, Guitarist and Founding Member of The Grateful …
- Bob Weir, Grateful Dead Founding Member, Dies at 78 of ' …
- Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies aged 78
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