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Grateful Dead's singer-songwriter-guitarist Bob Weir died on January 10. The 78-year-old was a founding member of the American rock band Grateful Dead alongside
band mates Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan since 1965. His family posted on Instagram that Weir died after battling cancer and other lung issues. The guitarist was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025. Music legend Bob Dylan also shared a statement about Weir and his impact on his career. Dylan spoke about Weir's kindness and support after his child was diagnosed with kidney disease.
Bob Weir dies at 78
On Instagram, Weir's family posted the sad news, sharing that he had courageously beaten cancer but "succumbed to underlying lung issues." The social media post went on to say, "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music."
Weir is survived by his wife Natascha and daughters Monet and Chloe. His family requested privacy and thanked fans for their love and remembrance of Weir.
Bob Dylan pays tribute to Bob Weir
In a statement, Bob Dylan shared that he was deeply saddened by Weir's death. He wrote, "He inspired me in so many ways as a musician, an activist, an athlete and mostly a friend. We shared the stage many times and he was always eager, wildly curious, and ready to try anything. The first time we played together was at a Peace Concert my team put on after the events of 9 11. We were joined by Flea on bass and Woody Harrelson on vocals. Bobby looked like a kid in a candy store playing with such a wonderfully odd crew. I could not believe that a true giant in music made time to stand in a park with a few hundred people and help us send a musical message of peace."
The singer-songwriter pointed Weir's inherent kind nature and stated, "He moved me deeply with the concern he showed for me and my family at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley. Just that day we have received the news that my middle child had just been diagnosed with a kidney disease that later required a transplant. I was distraught. Bobby came backstage before the set, talked with me, and sat with me as I cried. I will never ever forget that."
More about Bob Weir
Weir recorded three solo albums, including the 1972 album Ace. He was also part of the band side projects as Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites, and RatDog, and played under the group rubrics the Other Ones, the Dead, and Furthur after the band disbanded after Garcia died in 1995. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead.
