Bob Weir, the guitarist who co-founded the Grateful Dead, has died aged 78. Weir, a cornerstone of the California psychedelic rock group and many of its offshoots, passed away after a battle with cancer and lung issues, according to a post on his Instagram.
According to the tribute post on social media, he 'transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.' The post mentioned, There is no final curtain here, not really. Only the sense of someone setting off again, emphasizing his hopes that his legacy and lengthy catalogue will live on.
He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him, the post continued. "May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads.”
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Weir's big break came in 1965 with the founding of the Grateful Dead. Within a few years, they became a force within San Francisco's distinctive counterculture, blending psychedelia with folk and Americana. They are recognized as pioneers of jam bands.
The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy's in 2007. After the loss of co-founder Jerry Garcia in 1995, Weir continued performing with various spin-offs, including Dead & Company. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in July, Weir persevered, performing through his treatments, according to family statements.
His family, including wife Natascha and children Shala and Chloe, requested privacy but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans.
Tributes began to come in late Saturday from fellow artists and musicians, with the Empire State Building lighting up in tie-dye colors to honor him. Fellow musicians like Slash and Don Felder posted heartfelt memories, praising Weir's musicianship and their personal connections.
Former publicist Dennis McNally reflected on Weir's unique sense of humor and his lifelong devotion to music, stating, He had a very off-kilter, unusual sense of humour that was dry and funny. The road was his life, and music was his life.\
According to the tribute post on social media, he 'transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.' The post mentioned, There is no final curtain here, not really. Only the sense of someone setting off again, emphasizing his hopes that his legacy and lengthy catalogue will live on.
He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him, the post continued. "May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads.”
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Weir's big break came in 1965 with the founding of the Grateful Dead. Within a few years, they became a force within San Francisco's distinctive counterculture, blending psychedelia with folk and Americana. They are recognized as pioneers of jam bands.
The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy's in 2007. After the loss of co-founder Jerry Garcia in 1995, Weir continued performing with various spin-offs, including Dead & Company. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in July, Weir persevered, performing through his treatments, according to family statements.
His family, including wife Natascha and children Shala and Chloe, requested privacy but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans.
Tributes began to come in late Saturday from fellow artists and musicians, with the Empire State Building lighting up in tie-dye colors to honor him. Fellow musicians like Slash and Don Felder posted heartfelt memories, praising Weir's musicianship and their personal connections.
Former publicist Dennis McNally reflected on Weir's unique sense of humor and his lifelong devotion to music, stating, He had a very off-kilter, unusual sense of humour that was dry and funny. The road was his life, and music was his life.\
