Thousands of individuals gathered at San Francisco’s Civic Center over the weekend to commemorate the life of Bob Weir, the revered guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, who passed away at 78. Joan Baez and John Mayer, musicians, addressed the crowd on a makeshift stage following a Tibetan prayer by four Buddhist monks. Fans carried red roses and left them at an altar adorned with photos and candles, expressing their affection and gratitude through colorful notes.
Attendees also sent messages to the late Jerry Garcia, a fellow singer and guitarist, and Phil Lesh, the bassist, both of whom were founding members preceding Weir in death. Weir, who joined the Grateful Dead at 17 in 1965, was known for his contributions to iconic Dead songs such as “Sugar Magnolia” and “One More Saturday Night.” The band’s music, encompassing blues, jazz, country, folk, and psychedelia, captivated audiences through lengthy improvisational performances.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including long-time Deadhead fans with dreadlocks and tie-dye attire, as well as younger attendees and families passing on a love for live music. Weir’s daughter, Monet, shared that his passing from underlying lung issues, following a battle with cancer, was unexpected but emphasized his desire for the Dead’s legacy to endure. Embracing the belief that music unites people, she echoed her father’s sentiment that “the show must go on.”