Thousands of individuals gathered at San Francisco’s Civic Center on Saturday to commemorate the life of Bob Weir, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead who passed away at the age of 78 last week. Musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer addressed the crowd on an improvised stage in front of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium following a Tibetan prayer by four Buddhist monks. Attendees brought long-stemmed red roses and left them at an altar adorned with candles and photos, expressing their love for Weir and thanking him for his musical journey.
Many fans also conveyed messages for Weir to greet fellow Grateful Dead members Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh, who had passed away before him. The event attracted fans of diverse backgrounds, including those with long dreadlocks and tie-dye attire, as well as younger attendees and families passing on their love for live music and the close-knit Deadhead community to the next generation.
Bob Weir joined the Grateful Dead, initially known as the Warlocks, in San Francisco in 1965 at the age of 17. He contributed to the band by writing, co-writing, and singing lead vocals on notable tracks such as “Sugar Magnolia,” “One More Saturday Night,” and “Mexicali Blues.” Despite his distinct appearance compared to other band members, Weir later sported a long beard similar to Garcia’s.
The Grateful Dead’s music blended elements of blues, jazz, country, folk, and psychedelia in extended improvisational performances, attracting dedicated Deadheads who followed the band on tours. Even after Garcia’s passing, the group continued to perform, eventually evolving into Dead & Company with John Mayer joining the lineup.
Following Weir’s unexpected death due to underlying lung issues, his daughter, Monet Weir, emphasized his belief that music could bring people together, stating, “The show must go on.” Weir’s Instagram account announced his passing on January 10, revealing that despite overcoming cancer, he ultimately succumbed to health complications. Survived by his wife and two daughters, Weir’s legacy lives on through his music and the enduring spirit of the Grateful Dead community.