Bobby Weir, just 17 years old when he co-founded the Warlocks, was one of the very few people who was at every single Grateful Dead show. Joining up with Jerry and Pigpen in 1964, and soon after Billy and Phil, with Mickey soon to follow, the Grateful Dead were defined by each of the unique musicians and voices these guys brought to the stage. And Bobby was as unique as they come.
A guitar player unlike any other, and a songwriter who created some of the most interesting, exciting, and oddly-timed songs in rock history, Bobby was also the unabashed rock star in the Grateful Dead. His list of contributions to the Grateful Dead repertoire is way too long to list, but songs like Sugar Magnolia, Truckin', Jack Straw, Cassidy, Looks Like Rain, Playing In The Band, Weather Report Suite, The Music Never Stopped, Estimated Prophet, Feel Like A Stranger, Hell In A Bucket, and Throwing Stones are just the tip of iceberg of his songwriting magnificence.
When Bobby had a spare moment both during the Dead's 30 year performing career and after, he was always working on exciting, different projects like Kingfish, Bobby & The Midnites, Weir & Wasserman, RatDog, The Other Ones, The Dead, Furthur, Dead & Company, Wolf Bros, symphonic collaborations, recordings, performing. He never sat still, and was always moving forward, an inspiration to us all.
Watching Bobby do anything was always a joy, as he embraced life around him. First and foremost, his family gave him immense happiness. Being on stage and performing for us all showed us a man who loved to bring smiles to our faces. He didn't do anything halfway, always giving it his all.
For 60 years, Bobby has been a huge part of the soundtrack to our lives. His kindness, generosity, and musical contributions have made our world a better place. โ David Lemieux
Photo by Adrian Boot @ Retro Photo Archive
It is with profound sorrow and eternal gratitude that we wish a grand farewell to our dear friend Robert Weir. Bob was always full of restless hope and a burning desire to do good in this world. He once said that his success was due to the ever-present sense of adventure that was the very heart of his music and that the hearts of his audience resonated with the same rhythms. His adventure will continue on with all those he inspired over his incredible life.
We know the big reunion on the other side will be felt as a surge of joy in the cosmos. And we hope everyone joins us in a big wolf howl farewell for our @BobWeir. Thank you for the amazing ride.
Sincere condolences to Bobโs beautiful wife Natascha and his lovely daughters, Chloe and Monet. We love you so much and are pleased to have grown close over the years despite life on the road. We honor this cosmic entanglement within the band and all of those around us; we love you.
Love and joy to everyone,
The Garcia Family
๐ท Adrian Boot / Retro Photo Archive | Rosie McGee | Herb Greene | Peter Simon