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.”
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.
“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. And Jim Marshall, the famed photographer who shot Weir numerous times over the years, posted a carousel of iconic photos of the musician.
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.”
