Bob Weir

American musician

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July 18, 2026

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Bob Weir was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as a cofounder of the Grateful Dead. This influential San Francisco-based group, formed in the mid-1960s, blended psychedelic rock with jazzy improvisation. Despite having few radio hits, the Grateful Dead became one of rock's most successful touring bands, inspiring a devoted fan base known as the Deadheads. Weir, who played rhythm guitar, was recognized for his innovative playing and cowrote many songs. After the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995 following the death of Jerry Garcia, Weir continued to perform with various iterations of the band and other projects. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Weir passed away in January 2026.12

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John Perry Barlow
…where he became friends with Bob Weir, future guitarist for the Grateful Dead. He then studied at Wesleyan University, graduating with a degree in comparative religion in 1969. In 1971 Barlow began writing lyrics for the Grateful Dead, and with Weir he later penned such songs as “Cassidy” and “Mexicali…
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…where he became friends with Bob Weir, future guitarist for the Grateful Dead. He then studied at Wesleyan University, graduating with a degree in comparative religion in 1969. In 1971 Barlow began writing lyrics for the Grateful Dead, and with Weir he later penned such songs as “Cassidy” and “Mexicali…
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Grateful Dead
…9, 1995, Forest Knolls, California) Bob Weir (born October 16, 1947, San Francisco—died January 2026) Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan (born September 8, 1945, San Bruno, California—died March 8, 1973, San Francisco) Phil Lesh (born March 15, 1940, Berkeley, California—died October 25, 2024, Marin, California)
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…9, 1995, Forest Knolls, California) Bob Weir (born October 16, 1947, San Francisco—died January 2026) Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan (born September 8, 1945, San Bruno, California—died March 8, 1973, San Francisco) Phil Lesh (born March 15, 1940, Berkeley, California—died October 25, 2024, Marin, California)
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