Additional Coverage:
- Grateful Dead’s Bobby Weir looks ‘forward to dying’ months after the loss of Phil Lesh (themirror.com)
Grateful Dead founding member Bobby Weir recently reflected on mortality and the future of the band following the passing of bassist Phil Lesh in October 2024. Lesh’s family confirmed his passing at age 84, stating he was surrounded by loved ones.
In a candid interview, Weir, 77, expressed his grief, comparing Lesh’s passing to the earlier loss of Jerry Garcia. “Phil made it to his eighties. Jerry didn’t, and there was a lot that Jerry had to offer that he didn’t get to offer,” Weir lamented.
When asked about his own mortality, Weir offered a surprisingly optimistic perspective. “I look forward to dying,” he shared, viewing death as the “last and best reward for a life well-lived.” However, he reassured fans he has no immediate plans to retire, stating, “I’ve still got a lot on my plate.”
Lesh’s death leaves the future of the Grateful Dead uncertain. While the band has been inactive since 1995, there had been discussions of a reunion to mark their 60th anniversary.
Weir described the unique musical connection between the band members, saying, “We speak a language that nobody else speaks.” He explained their intricate interplay, noting how subtle cues could lead to spontaneous musical explorations.
However, he acknowledged, “There just aren’t enough of us left now to do that anymore.”
Despite the uncertainty, Weir continues to perform. He recently completed an 18-show residency in Las Vegas with Dead & Company, a spin-off group featuring Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti.