Bob Weir the guitarist, singer and founding force behind the Grateful Dead has died at the age of 78.

A statement shared on Weir’s official website and Instagram page confirmed he died peacefully and surrounded by family after battling cancer and developing underlying lung issues.

The tribute described him as a “guiding force” whose creativity helped reshape American music across six decades.

Born Robert Hall Parber in San Francisco in 1947 Weir struggled at school due to dyslexia but music quickly became his anchor.

In 1964 a chance meeting with Jerry Garcia led to the formation of the Warlocks soon renamed the Grateful Dead.

Weir was the youngest member of the original lineup and was often referred to as “the kid” yet his role became central to the band’s identity.

He sang the verses on Truckin’ and wrote or co-wrote some of the Dead’s most enduring songs including Sugar Magnolia, Playing in the Band and Jack Straw.

As rhythm guitarist Weir developed a distinctive style weaving riffs and melodic fills rather than sticking to traditional chords drawing inspiration from piano players rather than rock guitarists.

After Garcia’s death in 1995 Weir refused to let the music fade.

He built a long solo career with RatDog, joined multiple Dead reunions, and later co-founded Dead & Company in 2015.

The Grateful Dead’s fanbase more commonly known as "Deadheads" followed the band for decades considereing their concerts as a communal experiences rather than hit-driven events.

Weir is survived by his wife Natascha and daughters Chloe and Monet.

With his passing drummer Bill Kreutzmann becomes the only surviving original member of the Grateful Dead.