Thousands of Deadheads gathered at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Saturday to pay respect to Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Bob Weir. Weir died on Jan. 11; he was 78 years old. Fans came from across the country and the world to celebrate the life and legacy of Weir as his band’s music filled the air. One group of fans, known as the Wharf Rats, handed out 10,000 roses at the memorial. The Wharf Rats are a sober community within the greater community of Grateful Dead fans.”We’re here to celebrate and mourn and just love each other. That’s the essence of what the Grateful Dead has done for all of us here,” said Don Bryant of Boston. Bryant co-founded the Wharf Rats.Roses and memorabilia were laid at an altar in Civic Center Plaza. Photos of Weir and his family filled big screens, and speakers included S.F. Mayor Daniel Lurie and Joan Baez. A video played messages from fellow musicians like Willie Nelson and members of the San Francisco 49ers.”It’s the people, it’s the movement, it’s the love,” said Vanessa Mueller from South Florida. “It’s just an amazing, amazing group of people. Group of hippies.”
SAN FRANCISCO —
Thousands of Deadheads gathered at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Saturday to pay respect to Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Bob Weir. Weir died on Jan. 11; he was 78 years old.
Fans came from across the country and the world to celebrate the life and legacy of Weir as his band’s music filled the air.
One group of fans, known as the Wharf Rats, handed out 10,000 roses at the memorial. The Wharf Rats are a sober community within the greater community of Grateful Dead fans.
Sarah McGrew, Hearst TV
Fans laid roses at an altar for Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Bob Weir. Weir passed away on Jan. 11. He was 78-years-old.
“We’re here to celebrate and mourn and just love each other. That’s the essence of what the Grateful Dead has done for all of us here,” said Don Bryant of Boston. Bryant co-founded the Wharf Rats.
Roses and memorabilia were laid at an altar in Civic Center Plaza. Photos of Weir and his family filled big screens, and speakers included S.F. Mayor Daniel Lurie and Joan Baez. A video played messages from fellow musicians like Willie Nelson and members of the San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s the people, it’s the movement, it’s the love,” said Vanessa Mueller from South Florida. “It’s just an amazing, amazing group of people. Group of hippies.”