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Thousands fan, friendsand family gather in san franciscoPay tribute to revered guitarist and legendary band co-founder Bob Weir at the Civic Center on Saturday Grateful DeadHe died last week at the age of 78.
public memorial Saw an eclectic gathering from music icons John Baez and John Mayer Speaking from a makeshift stage, four Buddhist monks opened the spiritual door with prayers in Tibetan. Mourners placed long-stemmed red roses on altars decorated with photos and candles and wrote heartfelt notes expressing their love and gratitude for his musical journey.
Many of the messages included a strong request for Will to greet fellow founding member, singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia died in 1995, and bass guitarist Phil Lesh died in 2024. Attendees like Ruthie Garcia echoed those sentiments. Ruthie Garcia, a fan since 1989 and no relation to Jerry, said: “I’m here to celebrate Bob Weir. Celebrate him and help bring him home.”
The celebration attracts energetic fans from all walks of life, from those with traditional braids and tie-dye (some rely on walkers), to young couples and men in their twenties. A father with his six-year-old son is passionate about passing on his love of live music and the close-knit Deadhead community to the next generation.
native bay areaIn 1965, at the age of 17, Will joined the Grateful Dead band (then known as the Warlocks) in San Francisco. He was instrumental in writing or co-writing and singing lead vocals on iconic Dead songs such as “Sugar Magnolia,” “One More Saturday Night” and “Mexicali Blues.” Although he is often considered less bohemian than his bandmates, he later grew a long beard similar to Garcia’s. The Grateful Dead’s unique sound, a fusion of blues, jazz, country, folk and psychedelic music characterized by heavy riffs, attracted a loyal following of “Deadheads” who toured with the band. The band continued for decades after Garcia’s death, later evolving into Dead & Company, starring John Mayer.
Darla Sagos from seattle In the memorial, he noted that Will’s health deteriorated after Dead & Company performed in San Francisco last summer. “We hope everything goes well and we get more music from him,” she shared. “But we’re going to keep playing music, all of us and everyone who’s going to play.” Sagos and her husband, Adam, plan to make sure their one-year-old grandson grows up immersed in music.
Will passed away on January 10, through his Instagram account, confirming he had overcome cancer but died of underlying lung problems. His wife and two daughters attended Saturday’s event. His daughter Monet Weir described his death as sudden and unexpected, adding that her father had always hoped that the deceased’s music and legacy would live on after him. “American He believed music could unite,” she said, ending with a poignant message: “The show must go on. “