Bobby Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78

Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, according to a statement released by his family.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir,” the statement said in a release on Saturday. “He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.”

Weir was a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who co-founded the Grateful Dead in 1965. The band became one of the most influential acts in U.S. jam and psychedelic rock, known for improvisational live performances and a devoted fan base known as Dead Heads.

Weir remained an active touring musician for more than 60 years. The family said Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July last year and began treatment before returning to the stage weeks later for a three-night performance at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

“Those performances, emotional, soulful, and full of light, were not farewells, but gifts,” the statement said. “Another act of resilience. An artist choosing, even then, to keep going by his own design.”

Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha, and daughters Monet and Chloe.

“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,” the family added. “Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”