Bob Weir, a founding member of the iconic Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement released on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Weir, known for his distinctive rhythm guitar playing, emotive vocals, and songwriting, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
According to the family's statement, Weir had been diagnosed with cancer in July 2025 and had been undergoing treatment. While he had "courageously" battled and overcome the cancer, he ultimately "succumbed to underlying lung issues".
Born Robert Hall Weir in San Francisco, Weir met Jerry Garcia at the age of 16 and the pair formed a folk duo called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. This evolved into an electric rock band called the Warlocks, which then became the Grateful Dead. Weir was the youngest member of the band. Alongside Garcia, bassist Phil Lesh, organist-vocalist-harmonica player Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and drummer Bill Kreutzmann, Weir shaped the sound of the San Francisco rock scene and the burgeoning counterculture movement.
Weir's unique rhythm guitar style, intertwined with Garcia's lead, became a signature element of the Grateful Dead's sound. He wrote or co-wrote many of the band's most beloved songs, including "Sugar Magnolia," "Jack Straw," "Playing in the Band," and "Weather Report Suite". He also sang lead vocals on iconic tracks such as "Truckin'".
The Grateful Dead's improvisational live performances and devoted fan base transformed them into a cultural phenomenon. Weir remained a constant presence throughout the band's various iterations and reunions, including the Other Ones, the Dead, Furthur, and Dead & Company. Even after Garcia's death in 1995, Weir continued to perform and keep the Grateful Dead's music alive for generations of fans.
Beyond the Grateful Dead, Weir also explored other musical avenues, releasing solo albums and playing with bands such as Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites, and Bob Weir & Wolf Bros. In recent years, Weir & Wolf Bros performed a series of symphonic concerts.
Weir's final performances were a series of three shows in his hometown of San Francisco in July 2025, celebrating 60 years of music. His family described these performances as "not farewells, but gifts," showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Bob Weir's impact on American music is undeniable. His artistry, songwriting, and dedication to the Grateful Dead's community have left a lasting legacy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 with the rest of the Dead.
