The passing of Bob Weir on Saturday, January 10, struck a particularly somber chord with Don Was. As a Grammy-winning producer, President of Blue Note Records, and Weir’s steadfast collaborator in the Wolf Bros since 2018, Was shared a bond with the Grateful Dead co-founder that went far beyond the stage. Weir died at the age of 78 following a courageous battle with cancer.

In a poignant twist of fate, the timing of the news mirrored a defining moment in Weir’s own life. Just as Weir learned of Jerry Garcia’s passing in 1995 while preparing for a gig, Was received the call about Weir just an hour before he was set to perform with his Pan-Detroit Ensemble at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fighting back tears, Was broke the news to the audience before the first of two scheduled sets.

“My mind immediately went to the night Jerry passed and Bob chose to play regardless,” Was remarked. “He always maintained that the best way to navigate grief is to create music that lifts the spirit. I knew that’s exactly what he would have expected of us tonight.”

Addressing the crowd before the music began, Was recalled Weir’s indomitable spirit. “If he were standing here right now, he’d tell us to get out there and just play. So, we’re going to give this show every ounce of soul we have. That is the only way to honor him.”

The creative partnership between Was and Weir traces back to the 1990s, when they were introduced by their mutual friend, the late bassist Rob Wasserman. The formation of the Wolf Bros in 2018 was sparked by a dream Weir had, in which Wasserman—who passed in 2016—appeared and suggested Was take his place in a new trio alongside drummer Jay Lane.

Reflecting on Weir’s character, Was described him as a visionary who remained undeterred by his illness. “He was a dear friend. Even though I knew he was struggling, I just assumed he would pull through because he always did. He was as fearless in his fight for life as he was in his musical explorations. He taught me to give everything and always push boundaries.”

Was played a pivotal role in the modern Grateful Dead ecosystem, serving as the musical director for the band’s 2024 Kennedy Center Honors and their 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year gala. He was also instrumental in the birth of Dead & Company, having introduced John Mayer to Weir and Mickey Hart. Up until a month ago, Was and Weir were still exchanging messages, planning future performances for the coming year.

To open Saturday’s set, the Pan-Detroit Ensemble chose the quintessential anthem “The Music Never Stopped.” Was noted that Weir took great pride in seeing his compositions evolve through new arrangements. “We talked often about the music outliving the original members. He was adamant that this legacy continue. Though he is gone, his songs and his impact are eternal.”

In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Was expressed the depth of his loss: “Playing with Bobby in the Wolf Bros for the last seven years was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Every night was a transcendent adventure into the unknown. He didn’t just play notes; he played for the joy and comfort of the audience. It was a profound honor to be his bandmate and his friend.”

The sense of shock was echoed by saxophonist Dave McMurray, a frequent guest with the Wolfpack horn section. “It doesn’t feel real,” McMurray admitted. “I’ve spent the last few days immersed in his music. Being around him was a masterclass in creativity. He was a giant, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared his space.”

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