Grateful Dead Archivist Remembers ‘Unabashed Rock Star’ Bob Weir

Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux remembered Bob Weir in a tribute posted on the band’s official social media pages.

“Bobby Weir, just 17 years old when he co-founded the Warlocks, was one of the very few people who was at every single Grateful Dead show. Joining up with Jerry and Pigpen in 1964, and soon after Billy and Phil, with Mickey soon to follow, the Grateful Dead were defined by each of the unique musicians and voices these guys brought to the stage. And Bobby was as unique as they come,” Lemieux wrote following Weir’s death at the age of 78.

“A guitar player unlike any other, and a songwriter who created some of the most interesting, exciting, and oddly-timed songs in rock history, Bobby was also the unabashed rock star in the Grateful Dead.”

For over a quarter-century, since the death of the Dead’s original archivist Dick Latvala (or Dick’s Picks fame) in 1999, Lemieux has held the reins of the band’s extensive vault and later became the Dead’s legacy manager.

“He never sat still, and was always moving forward, an inspiration to us all. Watching Bobby do anything was always a joy, as he embraced life around him. First and foremost, his family gave him immense happiness. Being on stage and performing for us all showed us a man who loved to bring smiles to our faces. He didn’t do anything halfway, always giving it his all,” Lemieux wrote of Weir.

“For 60 years, Bobby has been a huge part of the soundtrack to our lives. His kindness, generosity, and musical contributions have made our world a better place.”

While Lemieux’s statement was posted on the band’s official social media, the Dead’s surviving members, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, have not yet commented on Weir’s death. However, dozens of artists, celebrities, collaborators and more have shared tributes to the late guitarist.

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