In the days since Bob Weir‘s death, the members of Dead & Company have each shared tributes to their beloved bandmate, reflecting on decades of friendship, music, and the profound impact he had on their lives.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge posted one of the most extensive remembrances, capturing the essence of who Weir was as both musician and man.
“I can’t think of anyone that needed to play live music any more than Bob,” Burbridge wrote. “It went past devotion, past dedication, past obsession. It seemed to me more like self identification. I think he felt it is what and who he was. I also cannot think of anyone who played more live shows. We could depend on it like the sun coming up.”
Burbridge described Weir’s distinctive presence, noting that his mannerisms when speaking were “just as singular as the way he played guitar, sang, composed and lived day to day.”
In the aftermath of the news, Burbridge found himself talking with guitarist Jimmy Herring about their favorite Bob Weir songs—”a silly premise with so many songs to choose from,” he acknowledged, but one that helped him realize “just how deep our history went.” He couldn’t decide between “Looks Like Rain” and “Cassidy”.
“Thank you Bob for pulling me into your orbit,” Burbridge continued. “There are no words that could ever encompass the last ten years we shared together. I’m so blessed to have been a part of it all. And thank you for being so generous with your time and sharing yourself with so many of us younger musicians.”
Burbridge extended his condolences to Weir’s wife Natascha and daughters Monet and Chloe, and concluded with a challenge that seemed to embody Weir’s spirit: “If there is anything we can do to thank and honor Bob for all that he gave us it would be to fully live our life. At some point we’re all going to be gone. This life is such a gift, such a golden opportunity. Please don’t let someone else define it. Let it proceed by it’s own design. Follow that inner voice and go for broke!”
When a friend noted it was sad that Bob died at just 78, Burbridge had a different perspective: “I told him I thought Bob packed at least 146 years into it.”
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Keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, who played with Weir for nearly three decades, shared his own heartfelt tribute, describing how he went from “having endless words on hand, to a numb mind void of thought with the Shock and utter Sadness.”
“29 years ago (more than half of my life), you graciously welcomed me into your world and ‘family’ to be able to be your bandmate on all the different bands/projects over the years and get to share in the many many magical nights of music and unparalleled life experiences together that I would not have had otherwise,” Chimenti wrote. “What an amazing ride!!”
He expressed gratitude for Weir’s faith in him and the lessons learned over their years together: “In addition to your belief in me, you taught me so much about music and just life in general! As a result, I am a better person for it and I can’t THANK YOU enough for that and am ETERNALLY INDEBTED!!”
Chimenti concluded with the hope that their musical journey was only interrupted, and not over: “I know our journey is on ‘pause’ for now and you are once again with your ‘Family’ in the Heavens, but I will see you again My Friend!! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!! RIP DEAR BROTHER BOB!!”
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Drummer Jay Lane‘s tribute was brief but powerful, marking the passage into a new era.
“Good morning its day one AB,” Lane wrote, referring to “After Bob” versus “Before Bob.” “There was BB and now this new reality AB. Im so fortunate. So much love. So much. Bob Weir my man. My homie. My bandmate. Shouldnt have been me but he gave me a chance and showed me the world. Love to Natascha Monet Chloe. Day one.”
John Mayer and Mickey Hart have also shared tributes to Weir, which can be read in separate articles dedicated to their remembrances:
John Mayer, A Man Of Many Words, Says Farewell To Dead & Co Bandmate Bob Weir With Just A Few
Surviving Grateful Dead Members Honor Bob Weir: “We Were Family”
Dead & Company also shared a post to the band’s official social media accounts, reading:
Our beloved Bobby is enjoying the rewards for a life well lived.
He was a singular force, leading us through song and celebration as only he could.
An unparalleled artist, Bob gave his entire life to storytelling, and never wavered.
We know he will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him, loved him, and everyone who has found peace, comfort, and inspiration through his music – as they will until the end of time.
We send our love to his family, friends and Dead Heads everywhere.
See you down the road Ace…we love you.
– Dead & Company
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The outpouring of love from Weir’s bandmates reflects not just the loss of a legendary musician, but of a mentor, friend, and brother who touched countless lives through his generosity, his singular artistic vision, and his unwavering dedication to the music. As Burbridge noted, Weir is now “with his brothers and sisters again on the other side.”