The world continues to mourn the loss of Bob Weir, and that includes his band Dead & Company. The members of the Grateful Dead offshoot each released heartfelt tributes to Weir, who died at 78.
The band released an official statement on Monday, featuring a photo of Weir playing with Dead & Company at the Sphere in Las Vegas (they performed a 30-date residency there in 2024, followed by an 18-date run the following year). “Our beloved Bobby is enjoying the rewards for a life well lived,” the post read. “See you down the road Ace…we love you.”
However, in addition to their collective tribute, the band members — singer-guitarist John Mayer, drummers Mickey Hart and Jay Lane (who replaced Bill Kreutzmann in 2023), bassist Oteil Burbridge, and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti — released individual statements. Check them out below.
John Mayer
“Okay Bob,” the guitarist wrote, in a short but heartfelt message. “I’ll do it your way. Fkn’ A…Thanks for letting me ride alongside you. It sure was a pleasure. If you say it’s not the end, then I’ll believe you. I’ll meet you in the music. Come find me anytime.”
Oteil Burbridge
“I can’t think of anyone that needed to play live music any more than Bob,” the bassist said. “It went past devotion, past dedication, past obsession. It seemed to me more like self identification. I think he felt it is what and who he was. I also cannot think of anyone who played more live shows. We could depend on it like the sun coming up.”
“Thank you Bob for pulling me into your orbit,” he added. “There are no words that could ever encompass the last ten years we shared together. I’m so blessed to have been a part of it all. And thank you for being so generous with your time and sharing yourself with so many of us younger musicians. It does my heart good to see so many pictures of you with so many musicians that weren’t in the Grateful Dead. Thank you for including us. There is no higher form of musical grace.”
He concluded: “Lastly, a friend of mine noted that it was sad that Bob died at just 78 years old. I told him I thought Bob packed at least 146 years into it.” Read the full statement here.
Mickey Hart
The Grateful Dead drummer wrote that Weir was his first friend in the band. “Bob Weir was a little brother to me for almost 60 years,” he said. “We lived together, played together, and made music together that ended up changing the world.”
“Bob had the ability to play unique chords that few others could. Long fingers, that’s the difference,” he added. “Jerry once told me that the harmonics Bob created became an inspiration for his own solos. When all of us were entrained, rhythm section, guitars, and voices… it was transcendent. What was a lifetime of adventure boils down to something simple — we were family and true to the music through it all….Still cannot believe he’s gone. I miss you so much already, dear friend.”
Jay Lane
The drummer characterized time as “before Bob” and “After Bob” in his tribute. “Good morning its day one AB,” he wrote on Facebook. “There was BB and now this new reality AB. I’m so fortunate. So much love. So much. Bob Weir my man. My homie. My bandmate.” He added: “Shouldn’t have been me but he gave me a chance and showed me the world.”
Jeff Chimenti
The keyboardist wrote a touching tribute to his bandmate on Tuesday, acknowledging the statement had taken him some time. “This is written much later than thought would be, as I’d go from having endless words on hand, to a numb mind void of thought with the shock and utter sadness on the sudden passing of Dear Friend…Brother…Mentor…Bobby Weir!”
“I’m just reflecting on the fact that 29 years ago (more than half of my life), you graciously welcomed me into your world and ‘family’ to be able to be your bandmate on all the different bands/projects over the years and get to share in the many, many magical nights of music and unparalleled life experiences together that I would not have had otherwise! What an amazing ride!!” Read the full statement here.
