He was one of the nicest, such a sweetheart. I like to watch old interviews and backstage videos of the band, and YouTube is a goldmine for that. Perry was such a nice and friendly guy, always in a good mood, being funny, making the others laugh. The kind of guy who doesn’t try to be the center of attention nor bully the others. From all I have read about the band, I have the impression the nicest ones were Pearl, Perry and Roger.
It is so sad he died so young, just 65, and on the 24th of all days. Couldn’t be sadder. I’m so sorry for his wife and family.
Saw him when Letterman had a drummer week, when he had a different big name drummer solo with the band each night.
Neil Peart was great. During the interview segment, he said he’d been studying jazz because of its complexity, expression and creative freedom. Really good dude.
a big loss for many people. I never was a fan of the Dead, but that was more to do with their followers than with the band themselves. he is leaving quite a legacy behind.
I am a Deadhead. I have been one since my first ever concert where they headlined a massive show including several bands.
I know the Dead intimately, having seen them play many, many times, and having spent immeasurable hours listening to and dissecting the intricacies of their absolutely original music.
Bob Weir was the second singer in the Dead. He was also the rhythm player who devoted himself to developing complex chordal accompaniment to Jerry’s soaring solos. Bob started as a kid who knew nothing about playing guitar until his teacher, Jerry Garcia, taught him the fundamentals. That was how their lifelong bond was forged.
Bob was a truly great guy. Humble although accomplished. Along with Jerry, he formed the heart and soul of a band beloved and followed by millions of fans all over the world. And, no, not nearly all of them were “dirty hippies.” Deadheads come from every stratum and walk of life. Those who got the Dead know why they were special.
Yes, as much as Jerry, Bob WAS the Dead.
Infinite peace and love to you, man. You and the band touched so many grateful souls. Now you have taken your righteous place in the big band. A fucking great rhythm player is always a welcome addition. Keep on truckin’, brother.
For anyone interested in learning about Bob, there is a great documentary on Netflix titled The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip Of Bob Weir. It is worthwhile.
I’m watching the documentary again right now, raising a glass to uniqueness, heart and soul. Long may it live
For those who know and care, the documentary is a salve for the soul. Bob is there, and so is the entirety of the Dead. It is a fantastic historical tribute to a cultural phenomenon whose like will not be seen again anytime soon, if ever again.
Before I was a goth, or a punk, I had a best friend. She and I are still close 37 years later. In high school, she was a Deadhead and I went a different direction(s) but we were always best friends. I went to see the Dead and Pink Floyd with her and drug her to see Skinny Puppy and the Cure. I’ve never been a big Dead fan but I can sing along to a lot of their stuff because of Katie and remember rushing over to her house to console her the day Jerry passed. Sorry to hear about Bob and I’m reaching out to her tonight like she did with me when Bowie died.
Thanks for the heads-up. I didn’t know about this docu. Added to my Watchlist. My first Dead show was in S.F. in 1970. I was stationed at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. My g.f.’s mother had a house above the fog in Larkspur. We used to spend the weekends up there and catching shows around S.F. and Berkeley. It was a great time. And I still managed to get my T.S./Crypto security clearance!!!
Yeah right there with @itsratso and @faydout on this one - both of their descriptions could be me too (with different people, obviously). You couldn’t get away from the Dead in Portland - rabid fans everywhere and it did put me off them. Plus Jam bands are not my thing. Still, tons and tons of close friends and family that loved them and are sad today.
I get them (probably better than it sounds like I do) and respect them a lot for doing their thing (the whole thing).
My first Dead show was in S.F. in 1970. I was stationed at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. My g.f.’s mother had a house above the fog in Larkspur. We used to spend the weekends up there and catching shows around S.F. and Berkeley. It was a great time. And I still managed to get my T.S./Crypto security clearance!!!
