Bob Weir, Grateful Dead Founding Member, Dead at 78

"He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues."

"[H]e grew into a sort of second frontman: affable and workmanlike, the guy onto which the audience could project themselves, his easy relatability a natural foil to Garcia's gnomic mystique."

"Really hard to know what to say right now. Just an absolute giant of American music."

Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead and later a leader of Dead & Company, died at age 78. Family posted that he transitioned peacefully, had beaten cancer, and then succumbed to underlying lung issues. Weir profoundly influenced rock, psychedelia, and jazz and modeled a decades-long career in music. He evolved into a relatable second frontman whose presence contrasted Jerry Garcia's mystique. He continued touring with former bandmates, led Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, and released solo work including Ace and Blue Mountain. Phil Lesh, another Grateful Dead co-founder, died in October 2024.

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