In a crowd filled with tie-dye and flowers, thousands gathered Saturday under the bright blue Bay Area sky clapping, playing tambourine and chanting “you know my love will not fade away” to honor the late Grateful Dead guitarist and vocalist Bob Weir.
The memorial event, dubbed “Homecoming,” brought together fans, friends, family members and dignitaries to honor the artist, and highlight his legacy as a musician who built community with his art and hoped to make the world a better place.
“It’s about love. … You could see people from all walks of life – a cowboy, a hippy and whatever – all getting along. … There’s this sense of peace and tranquility and we need more of that,” said Eric Hoffner of Los Gatos, 66, who said he had been following the band around the country since 1976. “It’s not the end of an era, it’s another step in the road.”
Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead and one of the defining figures of psychedelic rock and the jam-band movement, died on Jan. 10 of lung issues after battling cancer, according to a statement from his family. He was 78.
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Weir co-founded the Grateful Dead in 1965 in Palo Alto. Over the years, the band built the most famously devoted fanbase in rock history – known as the Deadheads – mainly through constant touring and a commitment to changing up the setlist on a nightly basis so that no two Dead shows were the same.
On Saturday, Deadheads came in from places such as Southern California and Eugene, Oregon, and beyond to attend.
Magnolia Grieco, 37, drove more than 6 hours from Santa Monica to honor Weir.
“If this music has been a part of your life, I can’t imagine how you couldn’t be here,” said Grieco.
From her 84-year-old father to her 2-year-old nephew, Grieco said Grateful Dead’s music had brought together her family and others in the community.
“I mean Bob Weir united generations,” said Greico, who has a Grateful Dead lightning bolt tattoo on her arm.
Many echoed that sense of unity, saying that Weir’s legacy and that of the band was to bring people together.
Grateful Dead fan Greg Hansen, of San Rafael, who has attend several hundred shows, hands out roses at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
“It was the music, the ethos of kindness,” said Greg Hansen of San Rafael, who handed out roses to offer in honor of Weir’s passing. He said he had been a fan since 1968 and first saw the group playing in small clubs rather than stadiums. “They gave their lives to making their fans’ lives better. … This is a great way to send him off.”
At Saturday’s service, groups of friends and collaborators shared messages in person and virtually – from Gyuto monks chanting in saffron robes to videos from Willie Nelson and speeches from Joan Baez and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called Weir “a force of nature” and “one of the great dreamers” who was “restless … curious and kind.” She sniffled as she spoke of the artist who had such an impact on the Bay Area and worldwide.
“The music will never stop, the love will not fade, and the light you brought into this world will continue to guide us like a familiar melody we carry with us wherever we go,” said Pelosi.
John Mayer, who had played with Weir for years as part of Dead and Company, described Weir as an invaluable mentor who took a chance to allow him to “study under a master.”
Dead & Company lead guitarist John Mayer speaks at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
“He gave me a musical community, he gave me this community,” said Mayer, holding back tears. “We’ve only begun to make sense of what’s gone missing. … Thank you maestro, you’ve changed my life and I will love you forever.”
Bandmate Mickey Hart offered a speech full of laughter in remembrance of “the band clown” who was constantly breaking the rules and pushing boundaries. Hart said Weir enchanted him from the moment he first heard him play.
“He was singular. … he was not a copy of anyone before,” said Hart.
Hart – like many on the stage and in the crowd – spoke of Weir’s vision of a musical legacy that could last 300 years, promising that the music and the community that had evolved around it would live on far beyond Weir’s death.
“He had that kind of vision. He knew that the songs would have a life of their own, not because of us, but because of you,” said Hart to the crowd.
Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart speaks at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Weir’s family – his wife, Natscha Münter, and daughters, Chloe and Monet Weir – ended the program by speaking of his role not only as a father and a musician, but also as an activist who believed in the power of music to change and connect.
Eldest daughter Monet Weir highlighted her father’s role as an activist and an advocate for human rights, who, despite being a staunch Democrat, frequently referred to “our friends the Repubs” and hoped for unity.
“Even when people disagree, they should try to work together to build a better humanity,” she said. “Music can bring us together in these divided times – keep listening to the music.”
As Saturday’s memorial came to a close, the mix of family, friends and dignitaries joined with the thousands in attendance to sing “Ripple” in homage to the late musician. While bubbles and smoke rose above the swaying crowd and many wiped away tears, the lyrics echoed out into the bright, warm afternoon: “Would you hear my voice come through the music? Would you hold it near, as it were your own?”
Bob Weir’s daughter Monet, flanked by her mom Natascha Münter, left, and sister Chloe, right, speaks at her dad’s memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s wife Natascha Münter, blows a kiss to fans from his hearse as they arrive for a memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Dead & Company lead guitarist John Mayer speaks during the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans console each other at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart speaks at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fan Ramona Erskin, of Sacramento, attends the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Buddhist monks chant at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Dead & Company lead guitarist John Mayer plays “Ripple” during the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans Arlon Owensby, of Seattle, and Andrea Harold, of Sacramento, dance at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A sign near the stage at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fan Mike Loskutoff, of San Francisco, attends the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart, left, musician and activist Joan Baez, and others, on stage at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A hawk flies over the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans Michael and Maddy Krantz, of San Francisco, attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s daughter Monet, flanked by her mom Natascha Münter, left, and sister Chloe, right, speaks at her dad’s memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fan Alexis Lacivita, of San Francisco, center, and others attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A Grateful Dead fan displays a sign and roses as Buddhist monks chant at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A hearse containing the casket of the Grateful Dead’s co-founder Bob Weir arrives at a memorial for him at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to to Weir, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s wife Natascha Münter, center, with daughter Chloe, left, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and daughter Monet, far right, along with others, watches a hawk fly as Dead & Company guitarist John Mayer plays the Grateful Dead song “Ripple” during her dad’s memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Dead & Company lead guitarist John Mayer plays “Ripple” at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A Grateful Dead fan wipes away a tear with a rose at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A Grateful Dead logo and decorations on Station 12’s fire truck at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans are emotional as they attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart speaks at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans John Peknik, and his daughter Scarlet, 4, of Sacramento, attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Musician and activist Joan Baez, right center, and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi hug at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Buddhist monks chant at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans take part in a small march to the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s wife Natascha Münter, center, flanked by her daughters Chloe, left, and Monet, right, take part in a 108-second moment of silence at her dad’s memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fan Stephen Ramirez, of Antioch, attends the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s wife Natascha Münter, center, flanked by her daughters Chloe, left, and Monet, right, speaks at his memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi displays a poster at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A Grateful Dead fans smokes a joint at the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans celebrate during the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Bob Weir’s wife Natascha Münter on stage during a memorial for her husband at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Grateful Dead fans Anthony Terranova, of San Diego, and Tessie Whitemore, of Los Angeles, attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Musician and activist Joan Baez dances on stage as the Grateful Dead song “One More Saturday Night” is played at the conclusion of the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the band’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Members of he Hell’s Angels attend the Bob Weir memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
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Bob Weir’s daughter Monet, flanked by her mom Natascha Münter, left, and sister Chloe, right, speaks at her dad’s memorial at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Thousands of people gathered to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s co-founder and guitarist, who passed away on Jan. 10. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)