With the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir helped the world appreciate rock & roll in a new way, writing songs that breathed new life onstage as the group jammed. Together, they engineered a lifestyle centered around a true freedom of spirit. Along the way, Weir made friends and attracted admirers both within the music world and outside of it. Since news of Weir’s death broke on Saturday, tributes have been pouring in from around the world.
TV personality Andy Cohen fell in love with the Dead in the Eighties and attended his first concert by the band in Wisconsin. “Bob Weir wasn’t The Other One, he was That Guy,” Cohen wrote on Instagram. “He was impossibly beautiful and wildly fiery, intense and passionate.” In his tribute, Cohen thanked Weir for appearing on his talk show, Watch What Happens Live. “He came on WWHL a few times and when he talked about Jerry’s passing he referred to it as ‘checkin’ out,’” he wrote. “That felt so graceful a way to put it, and a testament to the fluidity of all us in this world.”
Don Felder, the former Eagles lead guitarist, posted a photo of himself with Weir. “I first saw Bob at Woodstock with the Grateful Dead and was blown away by that whole band, and the musicianship,” he wrote. “I feel so blessed to have been able to have him sing on ‘Rock You’ from [Felder’s solo album] American Rock ‘n’ Roll. Until we meet again, amigo.”
Don Was, who has played with Weir in the Wolf Bros for the past seven years, called the collaboration “one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life.”
“Night after night, he taught us how to approach music with fearlessness and unbridled soul – pushing us beyond what we thought was musically possible. Every show was a transcendent adventure into the unknown. Every note he played and every word he sang was designed to bring comfort and joy to our audiences,” he continued. “The music he helped create over the last 60 years will continue to be felt for generations. As he sang in one of my favorite Dead songs: the music will never stop.”
“Bobby to me was like an imaginary character from some ancient cartoon, both fictional and hyper-real, a mystical song wizard, chiseled into reality rock…. ageless, like clouds or music or mountains…,” wrote Michah Nelson. “i learned a lot about music by playing along to Grateful Dead records, studying his unique rhythm playing… It was always a memorable experience whenever he would pop in to jam….Here we are nerding out about something (music probably) backstage at the Fillmore West a couple years ago before one of those jams.. we will all miss yu, Bob… seeya up the road…”
Primus’ Les Claypool called Weir, “one of the nicest humans Ive ever met in the music world.”
“We lost a champion today. Bob Weir, one of the nicest humans Ive ever met in the music world. A legend on many levels,” he wrote.
In a lengthy statement, Michael Franti looked back on their close friendship, saying, “We shared the stage many times and he was always eager, wildly curious, and ready to try anything.”
“The first time we played together was at a Peace Concert my team put on after the events of 9 11. We were joined by Flea on bass and Woody Harrelson on vocals. Bobby looked like a kid in a candy store playing with such a wonderfully odd crew. I could not believe that 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,” he continued. “In recent years I loved watching his fitness reels and his dedication to becoming his strongest self. He was hilarious, caring, wildly creative, and a true genius all at once. I am blessed for the time we shared and for all the beauty he brought into this world.”
He concluded: “Growing up in the Bay Area, Bobby was such an icon and ever present figure. It’s hard to think of him not being there. Rest in love Bobby. I will miss you.”
Sean Ono Lennon posted a photo of himself with Weir playing music. “It was a great pleasure and a privilege to know you, brother,” he wrote.
Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo shared lyrics from the Grateful Dead’s hit “Sugar Magnolia,” writing, “walking in the tall trees/going where the wind goes/blooming like a red rose/all caught up in sunlight.” He ended his message with, “Thank you, Bob,” and a red rose emoji.
Nancy Wilson said the world would be a “sadder place” without Weir, adding, “He spread a life time of magic around and always had that twinkle of good nature in his eyes. His good vibrations will never end. He gave such a gift to us all. Light all the candles and listen to the songs. One angel among us has sadly gone.”
“God Bless Bob Weir,” wrote Billy Corgan.
Slash posted a photo of Weir with his leg in the air and included a broken-hearted emoji.
Weir’s family confirmed the musician’s death on Saturday. He was 78. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir,” the statement began; a date of death was not immediately available. “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.”
