Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir dies at 78 after cancer diagnosis

His death was announced in a statement that reflected on his six-decade career and enduring influence

Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead and one of the most influential figures in American rock music, has died at the age of 78.

His death was confirmed in a statement shared on Instagram on Saturday, January 10. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues,” the statement read.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by his daughter, Chloe Weir, the message reflected on his six-decade career and enduring influence. “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,” it said, describing his work as creating “a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them.”

The statement also detailed Weir’s final months, noting that he was diagnosed with cancer in July. “Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park,” it said, adding that the performances “were not farewells, but gifts”.

Weir co-founded the Grateful Dead at the age of 16 after meeting Jerry Garcia, alongside Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreutzmann. The band released 13 studio albums and developed a devoted following known as Dead Heads. Although the group formally ended in 1995 following Garcia’s death, Weir continued performing with related projects including The Other Ones and The Dead. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha, and daughters Monet and Chloe. His family requested privacy, stating, “May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”