Bob Weir

I get so tired of people describing his approach to guitar as "weird". Even Dylan’s statement repeated this ignorant perspective. Weir’s ongoing challenge was figuring out how to create parts that complimented but did not overlap with the lead guitar, bass and piano. It’s to his credit that he was able to develop his unique style. He had a great ear and boundless musical curiosity and with the likes of Garcia and Lesh flanking him onstage, the barre was set high. And, given the band’s unique approach, who could he possibly have copied?  He often cited McCoy Tyner as an influence and indeed, his approach is more closely akin to Jazz comping than the typical Rock rhythm guitarist bashing away at barre chords. Garcia characterized his musical relationship with Weir as an ongoing "conversation", which is indeed, more a Jazz player’s perspective. Weir’s approach could be judged as unconventional for Rock but in the context of the Dead, made terrific musical sense. In this regard, it was not "weird".

@ericrhodes1 - I was at that 'Live Life Love' thing for Bill Graham at GG Park too. My favorite part was Bob and Jerry coming out with John Fogerty, who played Creedence songs for the first time in a very long time. 

@stuartk - the first 4 letters in 'weird' spell..... 

@larsman I remember that well. What a day that was! 

@stuartk Regarding Bobby's unusual approach, I just figure a C sharp is a C sharp no matter where you put it. More than anything, he made me want to listen more intensely.

Bobby was 16 when he met Jerry and formed what would become the Grateful Dead. For those of us who appreciated the adventurous musical trip he and the band took us along on, Bob was a bright light and a major part of our culture.