Bobby Weir , a founding member of the Grateful Dead , died last Saturday, the 10th, at the age of 78, after a battle with cancer.
The musician's family released a statement via social media. Read below:
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bobby Weir. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after bravely overcoming cancer as only Bobby knew how. Unfortunately, he succumbed to pre-existing lung problems.".
For more than sixty years, Bobby was on the road. Guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead, Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose singular artistry reshaped American music. His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was like a warm ray of sunshine that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a sense of family that generations of fans carry with them. Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong
Bobby's family also reported that, even after being diagnosed in July, he maintained the demeanor that marked his entire career. The artist began treatment a few weeks before returning to the stage in his hometown, where he performed three commemorative shows in Golden Gate Park , celebrating 60 years of his career. According to the statement, the shows were not farewell performances, but represented a conscious choice to continue performing and sharing music.
The text also highlights Bobby's commitment to the continuity of his repertoire and artistic legacy, designed to transcend generations. The family states that they do not see his passing as a definitive end, but as part of a journey marked by resilience and dedication to music. Finally, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe requested privacy at this time and thanked everyone for their expressions of support, emphasizing the importance of honoring his memory through music and the spirit he left as a legacy.
Bobby Weir was one of the founding members of the legendary band Grateful Dead. Since the band's formation in 1965, he became one of rock's most influential rhythm guitarists, shaping not only the band's sound but also the very culture of American music.
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