Bob Weir, Founding Member of the Grateful Dead, Dead at 78

Bob Weir - Photo by Chloe Weir

Bob Weir, guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed his passing on January 10, 2026. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, following health complications related to cancer treatment and ongoing lung issues.

Born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco in 1947, Weir co founded the Grateful Dead in 1965 at just 17 years old alongside Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. The band went on to become one of the most influential and enduring acts in American music history, known for its improvisational live performances and fiercely devoted fan base known as Deadheads.

As the band’s rhythm guitarist and one of its primary vocalists, Weir helped shape the Grateful Dead’s unmistakable sound. His songwriting and performances were central to the group’s identity, contributing to many of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs. His approach to rhythm guitar was widely regarded as innovative, blending jazz influenced chord voicings with folk and rock sensibilities.

Bob Weir

Following the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995 and the band’s official conclusion, Weir continued to carry the Grateful Dead’s legacy forward through numerous projects, including RatDog, Furthur, and Dead & Company. His commitment to live performance and musical exploration never waned, and he remained an active presence on stage well into his seventies.

In 2025, the Grateful Dead celebrated their 60 year legacy, with Weir participating in emotional performances that many fans viewed as a celebration of both the music and the community the band created over decades.

Bob Weir Live on eTown

Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha, and their two daughters. His passing marks the loss of one of the final pillars of the Grateful Dead’s original lineup and closes a remarkable chapter in American music history.

Bob Weir’s influence will continue to resonate through generations of musicians and fans, carried forward by the songs, recordings, and live performances that defined a lifetime devoted to music.