The death of Bob Weir on Jan. 10 felt like the loss of a family member to many of the Grateful Dead's fans.
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Known as "Deadheads," they would travel across the country to see the group perform. Many would tailgate in the parking lot, sharing recordings of past performances. The guitarist co-founded the band six decades ago.
Today, the Grateful Dead remain one of the world's most popular bands, with more than 2.1 million monthly streams on Spotify. The group's latest iteration, Dead and Company, played 48 shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with each one largely sold out.
For Wynonna Judd, especially, the loss is deeply felt. Known as one half of the mother-daughter duo The Judds and an acclaimed country singer in her own right, she paid tribute to Weir on social media.
How Did Bob Weir Come To Know Wynonna Judd?
Judd and Weir shared a genuine musical bond, performing together several times. Five years ago, Weir joined Judd's band to play a set filled with classics from both the Dead and The Judds, including a cover of "Why Not Me." They would go on to record the Grateful Dead classic "Ramble on Rose" in 2020.
"They say that when the student is ready, the teacher appears," said Judd at the time. "Robert Weir showed up in my life just in time! And I am so very thankful to have yet another opportunity to celebrate our musical gifts together!"
Weir Showed up for Judd When She Needed Him Most
In her remembrance, Judd shared a personal story about her friend on social media after Weir's death. It's a touching story of a friend who comes in right when we need them the most.
"When Mom passed, we held our {private} celebration of life in Nashville," she writes. "Sir Robert got the call & showed up with no questions asked. No publicity, no cameras, not even an expectation for him to take the stage—but he insisted on showing up in the best way he knew how. He joined the stage with my family, friends, and musical peers. I will FOREVER honor the friendship that turned into family."
The post features a collection of images of Judd and Weir together. She ends her tribute by saying, "The world lost a legend, I lost a friend."
You can read the full social media post here.
