SAN FRANCISCO
Thousands of fans, musicians, and admirers gathered Saturday at San Francisco’s Civic Center for a heartfelt public celebration of Bob Weir, the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist and co-founder who died last week at 78.
The memorial outside the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium blended spiritual reverence with communal joy. Four Buddhist monks opened with a Tibetan prayer before musicians like Joan Baez and John Mayer took the stage.
Fans carried long-stemmed red roses, leaving them at an altar adorned with photos and candles, and penned notes thanking Weir “for the journey.”
Many messages asked him to say hello to departed bandmates Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh, reflecting the profound continuity of the Dead’s legacy.
The crowd mirrored the band’s timeless appeal: veterans in tie-dye with walkers stood alongside young couples, men in their 20s, and fathers introducing their children to the music and community.
“I’m here to celebrate Bob Weir,” said longtime fan Ruthie Garcia, unrelated to Jerry. “Celebrating him and helping him go home.”
More than a tribute to one musician, the gathering felt like a final, joyful communion for the tribe he helped create—a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Deadhead community.
By James Kisoo
