Bob Weir and Wolf Bros brought the spirit of the Grateful Dead to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series, delivering an intimate four-song set that showcased both Weir’s solo work and classic Dead repertoire. Joined by drummer Jay Lane and bassist Don Was, with special guest Mikaela Davis on harp, Weir opened with “Only a River” from his 2016 album ‘Blue Mountain’ before moving through Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” then switching to electric guitar for “Bird Song” where the rhythmic interplay between Weir and Davis highlighted his singular guitar style developed over decades alongside Jerry Garcia. The performance closed with “Ripple,” the timeless sing-along from the Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty’ album, turning the Tiny Desk into a space where hope and optimism filled the air through music that continues to connect generations of listeners.
The music world mourns the loss of Bob Weir, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the Grateful Dead, who passed away on January 10, 2026 at age 78. His family announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously battling cancer and succumbing to underlying lung issues. His daughter Chloe Weir wrote, “Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music.” For over 60 years, Weir’s unique guitar style, heartfelt songwriting, and enduring spirit helped build one of the most beloved musical communities in history. As we celebrate his remarkable life and legacy, here are 78 things you might not have known about this extraordinary musician, storyteller, and cultural icon.
78 Things You Might Not Have Known About Bob Weir:
Bob Weir was born Robert Hall Parber on October 16, 1947 in San Francisco.
He was given up for adoption by his birth parents and raised by Frederic Utter Weir and Eleanor Cramer Weir in Atherton, California.
Weir was kicked out of both preschool and the Cub Scouts as a child.
He struggled in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia throughout his childhood.
Weir was expelled from nearly every school he attended, including Menlo School in Atherton.
He attended Fountain Valley School in Colorado, a school for boys, and was eventually asked to leave the school. According to The Guardian, he struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia.
It was at Fountain Valley School before leaving, though, is where he met John Perry Barlow, who would become his most frequent lyricist.
Weir began playing guitar at age thirteen after unsuccessful experiments with piano and trumpet.
On New Year’s Eve 1963, an underaged 16-year-old Weir was wandering the back alleys of Palo Alto with a friend looking for a club that would admit them.
They heard banjo music coming from Dana Morgan’s Music Store and followed it inside.
There they found 21-year-old Jerry Garcia, who was oblivious to the date and waiting for students to arrive.
Weir and Garcia spent the entire night playing music together and decided to form a band.
The band was originally called Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions.
They later renamed themselves The Warlocks before finally becoming the Grateful Dead.
Weir said about The Beatles’ influence, “What we saw them doing was impossibly attractive. I couldn’t think of anything else more worth doing.”
At 16, Weir was the youngest member of the original Grateful Dead lineup.
He was often referred to as “the kid” in the early days.
Weir was still in high school when he joined the band.
Phil Lesh and Jerry Garcia had to promise Weir’s mother they would make sure he got to school every day and home safely after gigs.
Weir eventually moved into the communal Dead house at 710 Ashbury Street in San Francisco.
He shared a room at 710 Ashbury with Neal Cassady, the trickster hero of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.”
In the fall of 1968, Weir and Ron Pigpen McKernan were temporarily kicked out of the band for not pulling their weight musically.
The incident led to a period of significant growth in Weir’s guitar playing.
Phil Lesh described Weir’s playing as “quirky, whimsical and goofy.”
Lesh noted Weir’s ability to play chord voicings on guitar with only four fingers that one would normally hear from a keyboard with up to ten fingers.
Weir’s unique guitar style was strongly influenced by hard bop pianist McCoy Tyner.
He cited artists as diverse as John Coltrane, the Rev. Gary Davis, and Igor Stravinsky as influences.
In the late 1970s, Weir began experimenting with slide guitar techniques.
He derived much of what he did on guitar from listening to piano players.
Weir often played little fills, riffs and figures instead of straight chords as the band’s rhythm guitarist.
His musical tastes ranged from Chuck Berry to cowboy songs to R&B and reggae.
Weir’s first solo album ‘Ace’ was released in 1972.
The Grateful Dead performed as the band on ‘Ace,’ though they were credited individually.
Keith Godchaux and his wife Donna were included in the ‘Ace’ lineup, both of whom would join the band by the album’s release.
“Playing in the Band” from ‘Ace’ became one of his most well-known songs.
In 1975 and 1976, Weir played in the Bay Area band Kingfish with friends Matt Kelly and Dave Torbert.
In 1978 he fronted the Bob Weir Band with Brent Mydland, who joined the Grateful Dead the following year.
In 1980 he formed the side band Bobby and the Midnites.
Weir wrote the song “The Other One” about his introduction to both LSD and Neal Cassady.
He wrote such key Grateful Dead songs as “Sugar Magnolia,” “Playing in the Band,” and “Jack Straw.”
Many of his best-known songs were co-written with his old school friend John Perry Barlow.
Weir sang the verses on the band’s trademark boogie anthem “Truckin’.”
Shortly before Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Weir formed RatDog Revue, later shortened to RatDog.
In RatDog, Weir performed covers of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and Willie Dixon.
In 2008 he performed in two Deadheads for Obama concerts.
In 2009, Weir and Phil Lesh formed a new band called Furthur, named in honor of Ken Kesey’s famous psychedelically painted bus.
In 2011, Weir founded the Tamalpais Research Institute, also known as TRI Studios, a high-tech recording studio and virtual music venue.
In 2012, Weir toured with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Jackie Greene as the Weir, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio.
On April 25, 2013, Weir collapsed onstage during a Furthur performance at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York.
In 2014, the documentary “The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In early July 2015, Weir joined the other original living Grateful Dead members for three shows at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead” concerts marked 20 years nearly to the day since the band’s final concert with Jerry Garcia at the same venue.
In late 2015, Weir teamed up with Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti to form Dead & Company.
Dead & Company played their final tour show on July 16, 2023 at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Dead & Company announced a concert residency at Sphere in Las Vegas in January 2024.
The Sphere residency was extended from eighteen shows to thirty shows, ending in August 2024.
In May 2016, Weir was a guest speaker and performer for the second annual Einstein Gala in Toronto.
In June 2016, at the Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival, Weir received the first ever Les Paul Spirit Award from the Les Paul Foundation.
Weir received the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville.
In September 2016, Weir released a new album of cowboy songs titled ‘Blue Mountain.’
The ‘Blue Mountain’ album was inspired by his time working as a ranch hand in Wyoming when he was fifteen years old.
In 2018, Weir formed a band called Wolf Bros with Don Was on upright bass and Jay Lane on drums.
Wolf Bros later expanded to include Jeff Chimenti on keyboards and Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar.
They also added a horn and string section called the Wolfpack.
In 2022, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros launched a series of performances with symphony orchestras.
They performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Stanford Symphony Orchestra, and others.
A June 21, 2025 show was scheduled at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
In 1967, Weir was arrested with Ron Pigpen McKernan for possession of marijuana at the band’s communal home.
Weir remained single throughout his years with the Grateful Dead.
He lived for several years with Frankie Hart, a former go-go dancer at the Peppermint Lounge in New York.
Frankie Hart was allegedly the inspiration for the song “Sugar Magnolia.”
On July 15, 1999, Weir married Natascha Münter in Mill Valley, California.
Together they had two daughters, Shala Monet Weir and Chloe Kaelia Weir.
Weir was a long-term vegetarian and advocate for animal rights.
He was influential in the founding of Farm Sanctuary.
In February 2004, Weir won the Scripps Howard Super Sage Award for most accurately predicting the Super Bowl score.
Weir was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2025, which he successfully overcame before succumbing to underlying lung issues.
His final performances were at Golden Gate Park in August 2025, celebrating 60 years of the Grateful Dead, which his family described as “not farewells, but gifts.”
In May 1989, Jerry Garcia and Bobby Weir showed their human side in a lighthearted TV ad encouraging donations for AIDS research ahead of their Oakland show. Captured in multiple takes, the clip balances humor with purpose, reflecting how rock’s biggest figures used their visibility to support urgent causes while staying unmistakably themselves.
Live Nation has confirmed that the “City Pop Waves” series continues with a headlining run from the legendary Japanese artist Anri. Known globally as the Queen of City Pop, she brings her “Timely Tour” to the United States for two exclusive performances this May. The schedule includes a stop at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York followed by a night at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. These dates follow the massive success of previous series installments and highlight the enduring global demand for the sophisticated, sun-drenched sounds of the 1980s Japanese music scene.
The tour focuses on the landmark 1983 album ‘Timely!!’, a record that remains a cornerstone of the genre. Audiences will hear definitive tracks such as “I Can’t Stop the Loneliness,” “Shyness Boy,” and the perennial favorite “Remember Summer Days.” These compositions utilize lush arrangements and infectious melodies that have found a massive new audience through recent digital resurgence. This production marks a rare opportunity to witness a genre-defining pioneer performing her most celebrated material in a premier live setting. This tour is a vibrant celebration of nostalgic brilliance brought into the modern era with flawless execution.
The “City Pop Waves” initiative serves as a dedicated platform for iconic Japanese musicians to reach international fans. This series recently featured sold-out performances by Masayoshi Takanaka and includes the upcoming debut foreign concert by Taeko Onuki at The Wiltern this February. Anri’s inclusion in the lineup reinforces the series’ commitment to presenting high-caliber talent that shaped the sonic landscape of Tokyo and beyond. Every performance in this series emphasizes technical precision and the timeless appeal of the city pop aesthetic.
Tickets for the May dates are available now, including various VIP packages for dedicated collectors. These premium options offer autographed tour posters, exclusive gift items, and early access to merchandise shopping. The arrival of the “Timely Tour” in the U.S. represents a major milestone for fans of international pop history. By securing these legendary venues, Live Nation ensures that the intricate production and vocal excellence of Anri receive the grand stage they deserve.
Tour Dates:
Feb 07: Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern (Taeko Onuki)
Tangerine Records continues the celebrated Tangerine Master Series with the arrival of ‘No One Does It Like… Ray Charles!’ which gathers mid-1960s singles and non-LP tracks into a single cohesive album. This restoration project, overseen by The Ray Charles Foundation, captures the 17-time Grammy winner during an era of immense creative output and vocal dominance. The track list features “My Baby Don’t Dig Me” and a top 10 rendition of “No One,” showcasing a range that spans from gritty soul to sophisticated pop standards. This release provides a factual record of a prolific period when Charles operated with total artistic independence.
The collection includes an exclusive essay by cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib, who describes the music as a universe of feeling where the blues are mixed with longing and desire. This project sits alongside other recent reissues in the series, such as the 1970s crossover classic ‘Love Country Style’ and the 1963 milestone ‘Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul’. Each album has been fully restored and remastered to maintain the integrity of the original recordings while providing the best possible audio quality. These songs serve as a testament to the period when Charles built his own business infrastructure to ensure he answered only to his own musical instincts.
‘No One Does It Like… Ray Charles!’ features the following tracks:
My Baby Don’t Dig Me
Without Love
The Brightest Smile in Town
Hide Nor Hair
My Baby (I Love Her, Yes I Do)
No One
Don’t Set Me Free
Something’s Wrong
At the Club
Worried Life Blues (Someday Baby)
Who You Gonna Love
My Heart Cries For You
The reissue of ‘Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul’ marks the first time the album has been available on vinyl in over half a century, featuring the hit song “Busted.” Meanwhile, ‘Love Country Style’ highlights the artist’s ability to transform standards like “Ring of Fire” into gospel-tinged soul anthems. Every note captured in this series emphasizes a dedication to technical excellence and emotional honesty. The Tangerine Master Series stands as a definitive and authorized archive of a career that reshaped the music industry. Listening to these remastered works is a direct encounter with a once-in-a-century vocal powerhouse at his absolute peak.
Nintendo has teamed up with Laced Records to release the expansive score for ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ on vinyl, with a scheduled arrival of June 19, 2026. This collaboration offers two distinct physical editions, including a double LP and a massive eight-LP box set featuring archival artwork from the original development team. The comprehensive 130-track box set has been newly remastered for the vinyl format, with each disc sequenced around core game themes such as the exploration of Hyrule and the liberation of the Divine Beasts. The limited-edition versions feature blue and gold splatter effect heavyweight discs housed in a rigid board dual slipcase, ensuring a high-quality tactile experience for collectors.
The musical palette of this release highlights the intricate work of composers Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, Hajime Wakai, and Soshi Abe. The double LP edition focuses on thirty-four essential tracks, including notable cues like “Overworld (Day)” and “Hyrule Castle,” which utilize delicate piano and rhythmic tension to define the game’s atmosphere. This release represents one of the first major instances of a Nintendo soundtrack receiving a vinyl pressing outside of Japan. Every arrangement captures the transition from quiet open-world discovery to the complex, alien sounds associated with Sheikah technology. This collection is a stunning sonic monument to one of the most significant landscape scores in modern gaming.
Pre-purchases for the colored vinyl collections are available through the My Nintendo Store and Laced Records, while the standard black vinyl will be accessible through select retailers. These editions provide a physical connection to the Kingdom of Hyrule through high-fidelity audio and curated visual design. Beyond these vinyl sets, the soundtrack remains accessible through the Nintendo Music app for Nintendo Switch Online members. The physical release serves as a definitive archive of the music that accompanied the final days of the Great Calamity. Every disc in the sequence functions as a chronological journey through the vast wilderness of the game.
The specific focus on heavyweight vinyl and wide-spined outer sleeves reflects a commitment to premium manufacturing standards. By organizing the tracks thematically, the collection mirrors the emotional arc of the player’s progression through the Shrines and beyond. Fans can secure these sets directly from flagship locations in New York and San Francisco while supplies last. The attention to detail in the printed inner sleeves and alternative splatter effects makes this a central piece for any music library. This project successfully translates a digital masterpiece into a permanent, physical format.
Eli Young Band marks over two decades of musical partnership with the release of their short-form documentary titled “This Is Eli Young Band” available now on YouTube. The twenty-six-minute film, directed and edited by Jeff Ray, traces the journey of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson from their early days at the University of North Texas to their status as multi-platinum hitmakers. This visual history includes rare footage from their first studio sessions and exclusive interviews with industry figures George Couri and Scott Borchetta. The narrative highlights the group’s transition from the Denton college bar scene to massive tours supporting legends like Kenny Chesney.
The documentary reflects on the creation of their four number-one singles and the recording of their latest independent album ‘Strange Hours’. For this new collection, the band returned to Panhandle House Studio in Denton to capture a sound that bridges their Texas-country roots with a matured perspective. The film captures the specific energy of a lineup that has remained unchanged for twenty-five years, emphasizing the personal bonds that sustain their professional longevity. This cinematic look at their career serves as a factual record of their rise through the country music ranks and their 2012 ACM Award victory.
Currently, the group is on the road for their headlining “Strange Hours Tour,” bringing a setlist packed with fan-favorites like “Small Town Kid” and “Crazy Girl” to audiences across the country. These live performances showcase a band in peak form, delivering the high-energy showmanship that defines their reputation. The tour coincides with the milestone anniversary of their debut album ‘Level’, reinforcing their connection to the Texas music scene that first embraced them. Seeing this band command the stage after two decades proves exactly why they remain a staple of the genre.
The story concludes by focusing on the band’s commitment to building a lasting musical legacy. Every chapter of their career, from the breakout success of “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” to the production of ‘Strange Hours’, points toward a goal of enduring quality. By maintaining their original membership and returning to the studios where they first started, Eli Young Band continues to validate their position as industry veterans. The documentary provides a clear view of the men behind the music and the dedication required to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
Gibson has launched the Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard to coincide with the highly anticipated return of Oasis and their “Live ’25 Tour” schedule. This specific model replicates the guitar used during the initial stages of this monumental rock reunion, bringing the signature sound of the nineties into a modern production run. The instrument features a non-weight-relieved mahogany body topped with a maple cap and a slim mahogany neck tailored to the artist’s specific preferences. This release represents a significant expansion of a legendary partnership, making a piece of British music history available to guitarists worldwide.
The hardware on this guitar includes chrome-covered P-90 Soapbar pickups that are hand-wired to individual controls for a distinct tonal range. Professional grade components like the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure stable intonation and reliable performance during heavy use. A black five-ply pickguard and silver reflector knobs provide a sharp visual contrast against the classic body shape. This guitar is a gorgeous and rugged tool built for the demands of a global stadium circuit.
Gallagher’s influence is evident in every design choice, from the specific fretboard radius to the signature reproduction decal located on the back of the headstock. The inclusion of a hardshell case ensures the instrument remains protected during travel between venues or studio sessions. Musicians can find these limited edition models at Gibson Garage locations in London and Nashville or through authorized online dealers. The build quality emphasizes a raw and authentic connection to the era that defined a generation of guitar music.
The technical specifications cater to players who value a traditional feel combined with unique electronic configurations. By utilizing a rosewood fretboard with medium jumbo frets, the neck provides a smooth surface for both rhythmic playing and lead work. This guitar avoids common weight reduction techniques to maintain the natural resonance and sustain associated with vintage mahogany builds. This release stands as a concrete celebration of a cultural phenomenon and a vital piece of equipment for any serious stage performer.
British rocker Chez Kane marks a powerful return to the spotlight with “Tongue Of Love,” the debut single from her third studio album titled ‘Reckless’ arriving March 27, 2026. This track delivers a playful and bold exploration of desire, supported by a brand new official visualizer. The composition highlights a sharp melodic firepower that has become a signature of her evolving discography. This music radiates a massive arena-ready energy that instantly commands the room.
The creative partnership between Chez Kane and producer Danny Rexon of Crazy Lixx reaches new heights on this upcoming release via Frontiers Music Srl. Rexon handles the writing and production duties, ensuring a seamless blend of classic glam influences and crisp modern standards. ‘Reckless’ features a diverse range of sonic landscapes, moving from high-velocity bangers to sophisticated slow-burners. The instrumental arrangements provide a thick foundation for soaring vocal performances that define the current melodic rock revival.
This project represents a significant personal milestone for Kane as she stepped into a more collaborative role during the writing process. The development since her previous record, ‘Powerzone,’ is evident in the confident delivery and expanded emotional range found within these new tracks. Every arrangement on the album benefits from a hands-on approach that prioritizes high-octane hooks and slick guitar work. This collection of songs stands as a definitive statement of artistic growth and vocal dominance.
The chemistry captured in the studio translates into a record that feels entirely authentic to the golden age of hard rock. By focusing on infectious choruses and a no-holds-barred attitude, the music successfully bridges the gap between nostalgic swagger and contemporary grit. The result is a high-energy experience that rewards listeners with pure, unadulterated rock and roll spirit. This album is a masterclass in how to modernize a classic sound with charisma and technical precision.
Anna von Hausswolff has unveiled “Aging Young Women,” a striking collaboration with Ethel Cain that marks the final preview of the ‘ICONOCLASTS’ album. This track centers on the heavy intersection of church organ and dual vocal harmonies to address the weight of unfulfilled aspirations. The composition moves with a deliberate and mounting tension, utilizing a full string ensemble and saxophone trills from Otis Sandsjö to build a massive sonic architecture. This duet stands as a monumental pillar of the record, showcasing a sophisticated blend of ritualistic atmosphere and melodic clarity.
The album arrived this past October via YEAR0001 and represents a significant expansion of von Hausswolff’s creative boundaries. Recorded alongside producer Filip Leyman, the project features guest appearances from Iggy Pop and Abul Mogard, creating a diverse palette of textures. The songs navigate between brass fanfares and intimate vocal deliveries, exploring the reimagining of personal symbols and autonomy. This music possesses a shimmering, iridescent quality that demands attention through sheer scale and tonal depth.
‘ICONOCLASTS’ features the following tracks:
The Beast
Facing Atlas
The Iconoclast
The Whole Woman feat. Iggy Pop
The Mouth
Stardust
Aging Young Women feat. Ethel Cain
Consensual Neglect
Struggle With the Beast
An Ocean of Time feat. Abul Mogard
Unconditional Love feat. Maria von Hausswolff
Rising Legends
Live performances across North America and Europe provide an opportunity to witness these compositions in a physical space. The upcoming Spring tour includes stops in San Francisco, Toronto, and Brooklyn, where von Hausswolff leads a selected ensemble on organ and keys. These dates follow a comprehensive winter run through major European cities and festivals. Every performance translates the dense studio layers into a visceral and anthemic experience.
The artistry displayed on this record confirms a fearless approach to maximalist composition. By integrating pop sensibilities into sprawling, experimental structures, the work achieves a rare balance of accessibility and complexity. The collaboration between these distinct voices creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape that remains etched in the mind long after the final note fades.
Tour Dates:
Jan 21: Knust, Hamburg – Germany
Jan 22: Columbia Theatre, Berlin – Germany
Jan 23: Paradiso, Amsterdam – Netherlands
Jan 25: Thekla, Bristol – United Kingdom
Jan 27: YES, Manchester – United Kingdom
Jan 28: Islington Assembly Hall, London – United Kingdom
