On January 17, 2026, thousands of fans, friends, and fellow musicians gathered in San Francisco to celebrate the life of Bob Weir, co-founder and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, who passed away on January 10, 2026 at the age of 78. The memorial at Civic Center Plaza was filled with music, memories, and heartfelt tributes.
One of the most emotional moments came from John Mayer, who gave a moving eulogy. Mayer, who first joined Weir in Dead & Company in 2015, shared stories of their friendship and musical collaboration. Despite being 30 years younger, Mayer spoke about how much he learned from Weir — from trusting the moment on stage to building a sense of community through music. “He taught me, among many other things, to trust in the moment,” Mayer said, bringing tears to many in the crowd.
After the eulogy, Mayer joined Dead & Company bandmates — including Mickey Hart, Jeff Chimenti, and Oteil Burbridge — for a beautiful performance of “Ripple”, one of the Grateful Dead’s most famous songs. Fans sang along, creating a sense of togetherness that mirrored Weir’s own approach to music: shared, joyful, and full of life. The memorial also featured prayers from Buddhist monks and personal tributes from Weir’s family, including his wife Natascha Münter and daughters Monet and Chloe.
Bob Weir’s influence went far beyond his guitar playing. He helped shape the Grateful Dead’s unique sound, blending rock, folk, jazz, and psychedelia. Even after the deaths of fellow bandmates Jerry Garcia in 1995 and Phil Lesh in 2024, Weir continued to carry the band’s spirit through collaborations and performances, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans.
Fans, known as Deadheads, described Weir as a person who was both calm and fierce, deeply thoughtful but always full of energy on stage. His music and his philosophy of connecting with people through sound will continue to inspire and bring people together for years to come.
The memorial wasn’t just about saying goodbye. It was a celebration of a life well-lived, a reminder of how music can unite communities, and a tribute to a man whose legacy will never fade. Bob Weir may be gone, but his music, his spirit, and the joy he brought to the world will live on forever.