UPDATE: Thousands of fans gathered Saturday, October 14, 2023, in San Francisco to honor the late Grateful Dead guitarist and vocalist Bobby Weir, who passed away on January 10, 2023, at the age of 78. Under a vibrant blue sky, attendees filled the venue with tie-dye attire, clapping and chanting, “you know my love will not fade away,” during the memorial event dubbed “Homecoming.”
The emotional gathering highlighted Weir’s significant legacy as a musician dedicated to building community and spreading love through his art. “It’s about love. … You could see people from all walks of life – a cowboy, a hippy and whatever – all getting along,” said Eric Hoffner, 66, from Los Gatos, who has followed the band since 1976. “It’s not the end of an era, it’s another step in the road.”
Weir co-founded the Grateful Dead in 1965 in Palo Alto, California, and became a defining figure in the psychedelic rock and jam-band movements. The band is renowned for its devoted fanbase, the Deadheads, cultivated through extensive touring and a unique setlist each night. Fans traveled from as far as Southern California and Eugene, Oregon, to pay tribute.
Among the attendees was Magnolia Grieco, 37, who drove over 6 hours from Santa Monica. “If this music has been a part of your life, I can’t imagine how you couldn’t be here,” she stated. Grieco emphasized Weir’s ability to unite generations, saying, “Bob Weir united generations,” and showcased her Grateful Dead lightning bolt tattoo.
The event featured heartfelt tributes from friends and family, with notable speakers including Nancy Pelosi, who called Weir “a force of nature” and highlighted his impact on the Bay Area and beyond. “The music will never stop, the love will not fade, and the light you brought into this world will continue to guide us,” Pelosi said, visibly emotional.
Musician John Mayer, who played alongside Weir in Dead and Company, expressed profound gratitude. “He gave me a musical community, he gave me this community,” Mayer said, holding back tears. “Thank you, maestro. You’ve changed my life and I will love you forever.”
Bandmate Mickey Hart shared a mix of laughter and nostalgia, recalling Weir as “the band clown” who constantly pushed boundaries. Hart reflected on Weir’s vision, stating, “He had that kind of vision. He knew that the songs would have a life of their own.”
Weir’s family, including his wife Natscha Münter and daughters Chloe and Monet Weir, concluded the program, emphasizing his role as a father, musician, and activist. Monet underscored her father’s dedication to unity, urging attendees to continue listening to music to bridge divides.
As the memorial concluded, the crowd joined together to sing “Ripple” in tribute to Weir. Bubbles and smoke filled the air as attendees wiped away tears, embodying the spirit of love and community that Weir fostered throughout his life. The moving lyrics echoed: “Would you hear my voice come through the music? Would you hold it near, as it were your own?”
The outpouring of love for Bobby Weir underscores his lasting impact on music and the lives he touched. Fans and friends alike left the memorial, inspired by his legacy and the belief that the music—and the love—will endure.
