Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder and rhythm guitarist, dead at 78
(VOVWORLD) - Veteran rock musician Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead's rhythm guitarist who helped guide the legendary psychedelic jam band through decades of change and success, has died at age 78, his family said in a statement on Saturday.
 Bob Weir poses at the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole) |
He was diagnosed with cancer in July and "succumbed to underlying lung issues" surrounded by loved ones, according to the statement, posted on Weir's verified Instagram account. It did not mention when or where he died.
Along with his late fellow Grateful Dead co-founder and lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, who was at the center of the universe for "Deadheads," as diehard Dead fans are known, Weir was one of the group's two frontmen and main vocalists for most of the band's history.
It was Weir who sang the verses on the band's trademark boogie anthem, "Truckin'," and who wrote such key songs as "Sugar Magnolia," "Playing in the Band" and "Jack Straw."
The youthful, ponytailed "Bobby" grew into an eclectic songwriter whose handsome appearance and diverse musical influences helped broaden the band's appeal. British newspaper the Independent called Weir "arguably rock's greatest, if most eccentric, rhythm guitarist."