Bob Weir remembered by thousands at San Francisco gathering

Thousands gathered at San Francisco's Civic Center on Saturday to celebrate Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member who died last week at 78. Musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer spoke and fans left roses and notes at an altar of photos and candles.

Thousands gathered Saturday at San Francisco's Civic Center to celebrate the life of Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead guitarist and founding member who died last week at age 78. The event opened with a Tibetan prayer led by four Buddhist monks and featured speakers on a makeshift stage near the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer addressed the crowd while fans placed long-stemmed red roses at an altar of photos and candles and wrote notes expressing thanks. Attendees included longtime Deadhead fans, younger concertgoers, and family members, with Weir's wife and two daughters in attendance. Known details: - Thousands gathered at San Francisco's Civic Center on Saturday to honor Bob Weir, who died last week at 78. - Joan Baez and John Mayer spoke at the event after four Buddhist monks opened with a Tibetan prayer. - Fans placed red roses and notes at an altar of photos and candles; some asked Weir to say hello to fellow Grateful Dead members Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh. - The crowd included long-time Deadheads, younger fans, and families; Weir's wife and two daughters were present at the gathering. - A statement on Weir's Instagram announced his passing, saying he beat cancer but died of underlying lung issues, and his daughter Monet Weir described his death as sudden and unexpected. Summary: The gathering served as a multigenerational public farewell and highlighted the enduring community around the Grateful Dead's music. Undetermined at this time.