Sun Jan 18 21:30:00 UTC 2026: ### San Francisco Bids Farewell to Grateful Dead Legend Bob Weir
The Story:
Thousands of “Deadheads” gathered in San Francisco on Saturday, January 18, 2026, to pay tribute to Bob Weir, co-founder and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, who passed away the previous week at the age of 78. A procession carrying Weir’s casket moved through Market Street, culminating in a public memorial at Civic Center. The event drew fans from across the country, highlighting Weir’s profound influence on music and the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The memorial featured speeches from figures like San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Representative Nancy Pelosi, along with a performance by Dead & Company’s John Mayer. Weir was also honored in Haight-Ashbury, the neighborhood where the Grateful Dead began.
Key Points:
- Thousands of “Deadheads” attended the public memorial for Bob Weir at San Francisco’s Civic Center.
- Weir died on January 10, 2026, at age 78 from underlying lung issues.
- John Mayer of Dead & Company performed “Ripple” at the memorial.
- Nancy Pelosi spoke, highlighting Weir’s contribution to creating a sense of community.
- A gathering and memorial grew outside the house on Haight Street where the band members once lived.
- Organizers estimated that 20,000 people attended the public memorial.
Key Takeaways:
- Bob Weir’s death marks the end of an era for the Grateful Dead and its devoted fanbase.
- The large turnout at the memorial underscores the band’s lasting cultural impact, particularly in San Francisco.
- The event highlights the enduring power of music to create community and inspire generations.
First Piper 