The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, who passed away at age 78 on Saturday, January 10, got to perform with many other famous musicians over the course of his 60-year career. He even made a surprise guest appearance at a 2016 concert by legendary Beatles star Paul McCartney.
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The show took place at Fenway Park in Boston on July 17. Weir had just performed at the famous ballpark the previous two nights with Dead & Company, so he happened to be in the area.
As seen in a fan-shot video, McCartney had just finished performing his classic Beatles ballad “Yesterday” at the start of his encore when he brought Weir onstage.
After strapping on his bass guitar, Sir Paul told the audience, “We’re gonna invite someone here onstage. He’s somebody I’ve never played with before, and I’ve always wanted to. He’s gonna help us rock for you. From the Grateful Dead, it’s Mr. Bob Weir!”
Before kicking into the tune, Weir approached the mic and asked the crowd, “How many of you all were here last night?” eliciting a big cheer from the audience.
McCartney then said, “Okay Bob, let’s rock, man,” and launched into a rocking version of Wings’ 1972 hit “Hi, Hi, Hi”. Weir strummed and riffed along to the tune, and also added some backing vocals to the choruses.
At the end of the song, McCartney shook Weir’s hand and said to the crowd, “What’s that, the Grateful Beatles or the Beatles Dead? Something like that.”
Weir wasn’t quite done with his guest appearance, though.
McCartney Played Another Song With Weir, and a Local Sports Star Joined the Fun
Weir stayed onstage as McCartney introduced another celebrity.
“We have a little surprise for you here,” Sir Paul announced. “There’s somebody’s gonna come onstage here. This is a guy who doesn’t normally get on the stage to sing and that […] but he can move. This guy is Rob Gronkowski. The Gronk!”
The New England Patriots’ star tight end then hit the stage, high-fiving Weir and McCartney.
“What’s up, Boston!” Gronk shouted. “Give it up for the living legend, Sir Paul!”
McCartney, Weir, and Paul’s band then ripped into The Beatles’ classic 1968 song “Helter Skelter,” as Gronkowski played air guitar and danced along.
It’s worth mentioning that Weir was no stranger to performing Beatles songs in concert. The Grateful Dead, Dead & Company, and Weir’s solo groups all covered Fab Four tunes over the years.
Weir died of “underlying lung issues” following a battle with cancer.
(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images; Photo by John Medina/WireImage)
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