The news of Bob Weir’s passing on Saturday, Jan. 10, struck especially deep for Don Was, the Grammy-winning producer and president of Blue Note Records who had shared the stage with Weir as a member of Wolf Bros since 2018. The legendary musician and co-founder of the Grateful Dead died at 78 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind an immeasurable musical legacy.
A Familiar Moment of Grief Before the Music Began
For Was, the timing of the news felt hauntingly familiar. Much like when Weir continued performing with Ratdog after Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Was learned of his bandmate’s passing just as he was preparing to step onstage. About an hour before his Pan-Detroit Ensemble was set to perform at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he received the call. Fighting back tears, Was chose to share the news directly with the audience before the first notes were played.
“All I could think about was the night Jerry died and Bob still played,” Was later explained. “He believed that the best way to deal with grief was through music — by lifting people’s spirits. I knew that’s what he would have wanted.”
“Get Out There and Play”
Before the band launched into their set, Was reminded the crowd of Weir’s unwavering philosophy. If Weir had been there, Was said, he would have insisted they play — and play with everything they had. Honoring that spirit, the group went forward with the performance, pouring raw emotion and soul into every note.
A Friendship Rooted in Trust and Fearlessness
Was first met Weir in the 1990s through Ratdog bassist Rob Wasserman. Though years passed, the connection endured. In 2018, Weir reached out with an idea inspired by a dream involving Wasserman, who had died two years earlier. From that moment, Wolf Bros was born — a trio built on instinct, trust, and musical bravery.
Reflecting on their bond, Was admitted he knew Weir was ill but never doubted his resilience. “He always pulled through,” Was said. “He was fearless — in music and in life. That’s what he taught me: give it everything, then push a little further.”
Carrying the Music Forward
Beyond performing together, Was played a key role in shaping Weir’s later career moments. He appeared on Wolf Bros’ live albums, served as music director for the Grateful Dead’s 2024 Kennedy Center Honors, and helped connect Weir and Mickey Hart with John Mayer — a meeting that eventually led to Dead & Company.
Even in their final exchanges, the conversation centered on music and future plans. “We were talking about playing,” Was recalled. “I really believed he might get better. If anyone could, it was him.”
“The Music Never Stopped”
During the Pan-Detroit Ensemble’s ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of Blues for Allah, the band opened that emotional night with “The Music Never Stopped” — a song Was called one of Weir’s finest. For Weir, the continuation of the music mattered deeply. He wanted it to live on long after he was gone.
That sentiment echoed in Was’ heartfelt social media tribute later that evening, where he described Weir as a musician who approached every show with courage, curiosity, and soul — creating joy and comfort for audiences night after night.
A Legacy That Lives On
The loss resonated throughout the music community, including Pan-Detroit saxophonist Dave McMurray, who had collaborated with Weir on several occasions. Like many others, McMurray struggled to believe the news, calling Weir an inspiring presence and a joy to play alongside.
In the end, Don Was Reflects on Bob Weir, Remembering His Bold and Fearless Bandmate not just as an icon, but as a friend who lived his truth through music. Though Weir is gone, his songs, his spirit, and his insistence that the music never stop will continue to echo for generations to come. 🎶