In Memoriam: Bob Weir 1947-2026
Bob Weir, the iconic guitarist, singer-songwriter and co-founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family announced on social media
Weir’s passing marks the end of a remarkable musical journey that spanned more than six decades and helped shape the sound of American rock music.
Born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco in 1947, Weir picked up the guitar at a young age and quickly became a defining voice of his generation. In 1965, while still a teenager, he joined the band that would become the Grateful Dead — initially called the Warlocks — alongside Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann and Ron “Pigpen” McKernan.
As rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Weir’s distinctive playing and warm stage presence helped give the Dead their singular identity, blending rock, folk, blues, psychedelia and improvisation in performances that became cultural touchstones.