On January 10, the music industry took a moment to celebrate the legacy of Bob Weir, as the cofounder of the Grateful Dead, passed away at 78 years old. Having battled several health issues over the last few months, Weir never stopped performing. Shocked and thrilled over the legacy he created with the Grateful Dead, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member took the stage one last time in August. Unknown to Weir and fans, it was his last concert. But what was the last song he ever performed?
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Dead & Company took the stage on August 3, 2025, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The group had already performed two shows celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead and its 60th anniversary. Throughout the night, the group entertained fans with classics like “I Know You Rider”, “They Love Each Other”, and “Brick House.”
With the night featuring a few special guests like Trey Anastasio and Grahame Lesh, the son of Phil Lesh, who was the bassist for the Grateful Dead before passing away in October 2024, it concluded with the 1987 classic “Touch of Grey.”
Again, not a single person knew at the time that “Touch of Grey” would be Weir’s final performance. Unlike the celebration that surrounded Ozzy Osbourne at the Back to the Beginning concert, Weir saw his performance in San Fransico as just another concert. But, just like the musician, the night became part of Grateful Dead history.
The Grateful Dead Honor Bob Weir
Released as the first single from the album In The Dark, “Touch of Grey” explored themes of endurance and optimism, even when facing hard times. It also touched on the chaos of life and the inability to stop the aging process. While fans share touching tributes about the impact Weir had on their lives, the final words of “Touch of Grey” offered them some peace – “We will get by.”
Among the countless tributes that poured in since Weir passed away, the Grateful Dead posted a picture of the musician standing proud in front of the pyramids. Highlighting his achievement in music, the band also touched on the man off the stage.
“Watching Bobby do anything was always a joy, as he embraced life around him. First and foremost, his family gave him immense happiness. Being on stage and performing for us all showed us a man who loved to bring smiles to our faces. He didn’t do anything halfway, always giving it his all.”
Thankful for the laughs, friendship, and memories, the Grateful Dead closed the message with the knowledge that Weir not only left a legacy in the music industry but the “world a better place.”
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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