Bob Weir, founding Grateful Dead guitarist, dies aged 78

Independent.co reports founding Grateful Dead band member Bob Weir has died aged 78, according to a statement on his Instagram page.

The Instagram statement said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir." It added: "He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues." The statement also said: "His loving family, Natascha, Monet, and Chloe, request privacy during this difficult time and offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance."

Weir joined the group, then known as the Warlocks, in San Francisco in 1965 when he was 17. He was honoured with Kennedy Centre Honours, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Grateful Dead were known for blending rock, jazz and folk and released songs including 'Uncle John’s Band', 'Casey Jones' and 'Touch Of Grey'; in June last year Weir played his first London show in more than two decades at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and his band, Wolf Bros.

Key Topics

Culture, Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, San Francisco, Kennedy Centre Honours, Royal Albert Hall