What do Gavin Newsom, John Oates (Hall & Oates), and Alex Skolnick (Testament) have in common? Brace yourself. THEY’RE ALL DEADHEADS.
On January 10, 2026, the world was rocked to hear the news that Grateful Dead/Dead & Company leader Bobby Weir had passed away at 78. I’m not going to hijack this piece (I’ll have my own soon), but anyone who knows me knows what a huge Deadhead I am and have been since 1995. This one hurt REALLY fucking bad but that aside, it was so much fun (and tears) compiling these tributes to Bobby Weir. These tributes took up 13 pages in MS Word, and I had to stop at some point because I knew I could be doing this for hours.
It’s amazing to me, but not really surprising, that Bobby touched so many people of many different walks of life. Politicians, musicians, actors, TV hosts, news anchors are just a few of the diverse professions of people who cherished the music and the legacy of the Grateful Dead. This will take a while to read, but trust me, it’s worth reading.
RIP Bobby “Ace” Weir
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The Dead Family
John Mayer (Dead & Company)
“Okay Bob. 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.”
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Mickey Hart (Dead & Company)
Bob was a little brother to me for almost sixty years. He was my first friend in the Grateful Dead. 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. 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.”
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Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company)
I can’t think of anyone that needed to play live music any more than Bob. 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.
He was so unique as a human and a musician. His mannerisms when he spoke were just as singular as the way he played guitar, sang, composed and lived day to day.
After I got the news I was talking with Jimmy Herring about which Bob song was our favorite. A silly premise with so many songs to choose from, but a catalyst for remembering him. It helps one realize just how deep our history went. (I still can’t decide between Looks Like Rain and Cassidy for whatever it’s worth.) Some people can write songs that just never get old.
Thank you Bob for pulling me into your orbit. 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.
Lastly if there is anything we can do to thank and honor Bob for all that he gave us it would be to fully live our life. At some point we’re all going to be gone. This life is such a gift, such a golden opportunity. Please don’t let someone else define it. Let it proceed by it’s own design. Follow that inner voice and go for broke!
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Jay Lane (Dead & Company)
Good morning its day one AB. There was BB and now this new reality AB. Im so fortunate. So much love. So much. Bob Weir my man. My homie. My bandmate. Shouldnt have been me but he gave me a chance and showed me the world. Love to Natascha Monet Chloe. Day one.
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Grahame Lesh
From as early as I can remember, Bobby was the kindest “uncle” I could ask for. I was so young when Jerry passed, so my memories of my dad with his musical brothers are mostly with him & Bob. I loved getting to spend time with the two of them. They always seemed to act like teenagers together, as if they were back in Menlo Park in 1965 and no time had passed.
When I began playing music myself he was so supportive. My friend Evan reminds me that Bob came to our…junior year?..high school talent show where we played Sugar Magnolia, and he was thrilled with how we played it and so complimentary about the performance. From that moment to nearly 25 years later inviting me to join him and Dead & Company in front of thousands & thousands of people this past summer – he has always been so encouraging to me and others like me up there making music and joining in the fun. And of course, top of mind these days is how loving and wonderful Bobby & Natascha (and Monet & Chloe!) were to all of us in the wake of my dad’s passing, and how protective they all were to Claire & I at the Kennedy Center Honors and MusiCares. I send all of my love to them. We share so much unique life experience, and this is one more that we all experience.
Fare thee well, Ace. F’kn A
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Zion Rock Godchaux (Boombox/son of Donna and Keith Godcheaux)
A couple of months ago Bob messaged me to say how sorry he was about my mom’s passing. And that he wanted me to send him some BoomBox tracks because he hadn’t heard our music. This was a big a deal, and one of the high points, as my whole mission in life was to reflect back to the world that which was blasted point blank into my soul by Weir himself among others. I wanted him to know I did my best to not waste it. So I sent him a few songs.
I had no idea it would be the last time I would speak to him in this dimension. His musical influence in my life incalculable.
Play on Bobby-
Artists/Celebs You Probably Didn’t Know Were Deadheads
Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister)
I saw the Dead more times (30) than any other band. 27 times between 1969-1972
I saw them as an opening band (30 minute set!!) open for Janis Joplin and Country Joe & the Fish.
I met Bob in 2017 at the D’angelico guitar store in NYC. I told Bob that my memory was that they tuned up, played 1 song and said goodnight. He said “that sounds about right” and then he laughed!! Really nice guy.
Safe Travels, Bob.
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Sammy Hagar
Bob and I were born just two days apart. A couple decades ago we made a deal we were going to live to be 100, then get together and decide if we were gonna take it any further. One of the last things I said to Bob was “Hey, I thought we had a deal.” His lack of response made me realize I was on my own on this one because Bob was already way past 100. He was 100 when I met him. Always the elder, the wise old soul. He had a pocket full of sayings that he used to simplify a conversation.
Am I gonna miss Bob? #YouBet
Did I love Bob like a brother? #Yup
Was Bob a wonderful friend to have? #FuckinA
Did Bob and I have some good fun together? #MoreFunThanAFroginAGlassOfMilk
My love, heart and prayers, go out to the family and friends for the loss of this wonderful soul.
godspeed.
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Alex Skolnick (Testament)
There are folks far more qualified than me to pay tribute to Bobby Weir, so I’ll mostly leave it to them. But I’ll just add a few words of my own.
Growing up in Berkeley, it was hard not to feel a little bit overwhelmed by Deadhead culture (and it’s been said that the 80s metal scene was partially a reaction to it, and Woodstock/Summer of Love culture in general). From the the colorful encampments that would pop up all over town when the the band had a show in town, to the year round incense and tie-dye vendors on Telegraph Avenue who seemed to have “Trucking” and “Casey Jones” on a constant loop.
Yet at some point, it became clear that there was much more to the Grateful Dead’s music, especially live. It might have been while listening to an indie radio station, hearing live recordings of “Slipknot” (no relation to the nu-metal band of the same name), which was so prog and jazzy, I thought it might be 60s King Crimson. And as my ears become more fine tuned as an experienced player and listener over the years, I grew to appreciate the depth of the band’s grooves, interaction and group dynamic.
Like Lindsay Buckingham or Malcolm Young, Bob is someone whose parts seem much simpler than they are until you try to learn them. Not flashy (especially next to Jerry Garcia who could be, but always organically) but as perfectly stated by avant garde guitarist @elliott_sharp: “to those who could hear, his (Weir’s) approach was endlessly inventive with melodic fragments morphing into riff and chordal sequences”
The diversity of tributes pouring in for Weir speak for themselves. From jazz masters Ron Carter and Branford Marsalis to superproducer/musician/Blue Note label head Don Was (all occasional collaborators) to hard rockers like close friend and next door neighbor Sammy Hagar, to members of Primus to the most important names in blues and country not to mention pop stars and politicians anof course, the entire jam band world, a movement for which he and the other OG GD members can be created with instigating. He was also true role model for how to be a musician in the later stage of life, who never stopped being creative, recording, performing.
PS I’ll just add that there is so much Dead music out there including some that is not great (by the band’s own admission) so it can be difficult to navigate. A good track for Dead skeptics to check out is “Estimated Prophet” from live at Cornell.
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Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)
“God Bless Bobby Weir.”
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Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
“Losing Bob Weir is another reminder that all of the founders of the electric rock generation are leaving us. Once they are all gone, it’s the end of the guys and girls that fought the good fight,” he wrote. “Stood for something other than the almighty dollar. Stood up against war, against racism, against greed. The Dead drummer Mickey Hart lived above me briefly as a kid. We reconnected in the late ’70s and I sat onstage at MSG. There are no fans like Grateful Dead fans. I dedicate this post to not only Bob but you Deadheads out there. Bless you for loving the music.”
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Joe Satriani
It was an honor to know you and share the stage with you. Safe travels. R.I.P. Bob Weir
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Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth)
“Walking in the tall trees/going where the wind goes/blooming like a red rose/all caught up in sunlight.” Thank you, Bob,”
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Les Claypool (Primus)
“We lost a champion today. Bob Weir, one of the nicest humans Ive ever met in the music world. A legend on many levels.”
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Nancy Wilson (Heart)
“This guy was such a hero. The world is a sadder place without him in it. He spread a life time of magic around and always had that twinkle of good nature in his eyes. His good vibrations will never end. He gave such a gift to us all.”
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John Oates (Hall & Oates)
“From mountain biking in Montana to playing with the Dead at Madison Square Garden, to jamming together at Sweetwater and the Ryman Auditorium, I’ll never forget his aura, presence, and musical energy. Rest in peace, Bobby.”
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Andy Cohen (Bravo Network)
Bob Weir wasn’t The Other One, he was That Guy. He was impossibly beautiful and wildly fiery, intense and passionate. Nobody forgets their first Dead show and mine was in 1986 in Alpine Valley, Wisconsin. Bob was just a speck on the stage from where I was, but man was his voice fierce and smooth… it felt like rays of sunshine were coming out of his mouth. And though I was all the way in the back I clocked his jean shorts and tan legs. Eleven years ago when Dead and Co. hit the road, Deadheads worldwide were gifted our songbook performed live in stadiums again. It felt like Brigadoon. I feel SO BLESSED to have gotten to know Bob and the equally wondrous Weir family through my friendship with John. He came on WWHL a few times and when he talked about Jerry’s passing he referred to it as “checkin’ out”. That felt so graceful a way to put it, and a testament to the fluidity of all us in this world. Bob checked out but his music is going to live gloriously forever, and so will he. One of the absolute coolest and best to ever do it.
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Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
“I had the pleasure of knowing Bob a little bit, and he was a truly sweet person.
The last time I saw him was at the Forum in LA at a tribute for Robbie Robertson and The Band.
Bob came out solo and did a beautiful version of “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” It was very moving. He will be missed.”
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John Fogerty
“Thanks for taking us all along on the musical trip, Bob. I’ll never forget sharing the stage with you especially that night in Oakland in ’89, I’ll miss you, Bob Weir. Rest easy.”
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Brandi Carlile
“Tonight I’m thinking about all our friends in music young and old and how Bob Weir had time for all of us… he came to our shows, helped us write songs and got so many of us out on stage to jam and just stand in his light. What a nurturing way-paving soul.”
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Don Felder (ex-Eagles guitarist)
“I first saw Bob at Woodstock with the Grateful Dead and was blown away by that whole band, and the musicianship,” he wrote. “I feel so blessed to have been able to have him sing on ‘Rock You’ from [Felder’s solo album] American Rock ‘n’ Roll. Until we meet again, amigo.”
Politicians Who are Deadheads
Nancy Pelosi
Deeply saddened to learn of Bob Weir’s passing. A dear friend and a San Francisco icon as a founder of the Grateful Dead, Bob’s music brought people together in joy and community for generations.
His legacy will live on through every soul he touched and every moment of connection his music created. Paul and I send our condolences to Natascha and his entire family with gratitude for the joy he shared with the world.
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Gavin Newsom (California Governor)
“Bob Weir was a true son of California who helped create the soundtrack of a generation. He was — and will always be — a king of psychedelic rock. Bob will be deeply missed, and his music will forever live on.”
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Rep. Wiley Nickel
When I stood on the House floor to recognize the Grateful Dead after Dead and Company’s final show, it was because the music shaped so many of our lives — including mine. Bob Weir was at the heart of that magic, his music brought people together in a way few things ever have.
The Usual Suspects (The Jam Bands)
Allman Brothers Band Family
The ABB family has lost another kindred soul, Bob Weir. He was a true musical brother we shared many nights on stage with. It was always a pleasure to explore a song with Bob – he will be missed. His contribution to music is under-appreciated, as he was surrounded by exceptional technical guitarists. Bob’s sense of rhythm and phrasing brought a unique sound to our musical world. We will all miss you, Bob. Say hi to the guys for us. It Won’t Be Long Before We Will All Be There, together again.
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Warren Haynes
RIP Bob Weir— Not how any of us wanted to start this year— this is a major loss to the world of music and to our extended family. Losing Bob this close to losing Phil is quite a blow.
Bob was an enigma— a beautiful enigma. As the youngest member of the Grateful Dead he brought, as they all did, his unique personality and take on music into the mix. The Grateful Dead was the true epitome of ‘the whole being greater than the sum of its’ parts’ and as great as each of those parts was, the whole was truly a synergy that happened to exist as its’ own enigma in the beginning but grew in a space and time based on the dedication to a like-mindedness at a moment in musical history when everything lined up in a way that could never happen again. They learned and grew together, in a way that can only be described as familial, and what they discovered, through psychedelic exploration and experimentation, led to not only an approach to music that had never been taken before but to the creation of a whole new genre of music.
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Lukas Nelson
“I can’t find the words for the loss right now. I’m not sure I will. But I miss my friend, Bob Weir.”
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Bruce Hornsby
“Bobby Weir was one of my favorite musician friends, and for that matter, one of my favorite people anywhere. Always a warm, jovial presence, but with a mischievous look in his eye, he was ready with banter, a quip, a wise-guy crack or bon mot most all the time… This hits hard. We just worked together in 2025 on some new music and had a joyful time with it. This piece, a song I wrote with Robert Hunter, will stand as our mutual final collaboration, and I will always cherish it, along with all the times we played together through the years, from 1988 until last year. Sometimes it was pretty freaking magical.”
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Don Was (Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros)
I can’t believe that Bobby’s gone – it seemed like he’d outlast all of us. Playing with him in the Wolf Bros over the past 7 years has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. Night after night, he taught us how to approach music with fearlessness and unbridled soul – pushing us beyond what we thought was musically possible. Every show was a transcendent adventure into the unknown. Every note he played and every word he sang was designed to bring comfort and joy to our audiences.
The music he helped create over the last 60 years will continue to be felt for generations. As he sang in one of my favorite Dead songs: the music will never stop.
It was an honor to play in his band and to be his friend. Heartfelt condolences go out to Natascha, Monet and Chloe and to all of the fans who considered him to be next of kin. We’ll miss him forever.
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Micah Nelson (Particle Kid)
“Bobby to me was like an imaginary character from some ancient cartoon, both fictional and hyper-real, a mystical song wizard, chiseled into reality rock…. ageless, like clouds or music or mountains. I learned a lot about music by playing along to Grateful Dead records, studying his unique rhythm playing… It was always a memorable experience whenever he would pop in to jam….Here we are nerding out about something (music probably) backstage at the Fillmore West a couple years ago before one of those jams.. we will all miss yu, Bob… see ya up the road.
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Michael Franti (Spearhead)
“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,” he continued. “In recent years, I loved watching his fitness reels and his dedication to becoming his strongest self. He was hilarious, caring, wildly creative, and a true genius all at once. I am blessed for the time we shared and for all the beauty he brought into this world.
Growing up in the Bay Area, Bobby was such an icon and ever present figure. It’s hard to think of him not being there. Rest in love Bobby. I will miss you.”
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Trey Anastasio (Phish)
Sad to hear that my friend Bobby has passed on. This one really hurts. I really loved him. He was a sweet, kind, gentle friend, and I never believed this would happen so soon.
I knew Bobby for many years, but it was in the lead-up to Fare Thee Well that we really became close. I went out to his beach house, and we spent three nights there alone, just the two of us: playing guitar, cooking scrambled eggs, listening to records, working out, talking, and walking on the beach. We went out to dinner together, and he let me drive his new car. That was also when I first met Tascha, whom I love so much. Tascha, my heart is with you, Monet and Chloe today.
Bobby told me incredible stories about his life during those days at the beach house. He told me how he was still in high school when the first acid test happened. When it was over, the sun came out, and he had to do his math homework as he raced back to school on the train. He said after the second or third acid test, he looked down at his homework and said, “Nah.” And that was it. The rest of his life was on the road, in the Grateful Dead and other bands.
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Goose
From our very first Playing in the Sand to every moment that followed, it’s hard to put into words what your presence has meant to us. You didn’t just open a door for us, you welcomed us into a lineage, a spirit, and a way of approaching music that is rooted in freedom, trust, and deep respect for the song.
Standing onstage with you was never just about collaboration. It was about connection. About listening. About learning what it really means to show up for the music. To let it lead and reminding us that this isn’t about ego or generations or genre, it’s about honesty, curiosity, and the endless conversation that music allows us to have with one another.
Thank you for your generosity, your trust and the lessons you taught us without ever needing to say them out loud. And most of all, thank you for the music, the music that continues to guide us, challenge us, and remind us why we fell in love with this in the first place.
We are endlessly grateful to walk even a small part of this path alongside you.
Thank you Bobby and may you Rest in Peace. Our thoughts are with your family and all who loved you.
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Jack Johnson
Bob Weir shared so much love and light with the world through his music. It’s what we all need right now. Sending lots of love to his beautiful family. See you down this winding road…
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Joan Osborne
So long my friend. Thank you for your many kindnesses to me. I will miss you.
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John Popper (Blues Traveler)
So many times…so many places…so much I learned…so much I’ll remember…whatever remnants remain lost or forgotten still happened & live within the marrow of any who tried…not to let him down…rather to soar w/in what might be no larger than a simple pocket…though so vast a space might never be fully explored…& there he was home.
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Stephen Marley
Blessed Earthstrong to a great legend and friend Bob Weir! “How long must we trod these winding roads…”
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Aaron Neville (The Neville Brothers)
The Grateful Dead welcomed the Neville Brothers like family. We did quite a few shows with them; got to hang out with Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, thanks to the late great promoter Bill Graham who introduced us and got us on the shows. I’m happy that we were on the planet at the same time and I’m sure that Bob is jamming with all the rest of the greats up there.
Rest in peace Bob.
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Jim James (My Morning Jacket)
“Thanks, Bobby for showing us the way.”
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Jason Isbell
Bobby Weir was so kind to me. I never met anybody like him, musically or otherwise. Proud of the little bit of time we spent together and grateful for the music he shared with everybody.
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