Grammys Tribute to Grateful Dead's Bob Weir Sparks Backlash

Some fans felt the memorial segment did not properly honor the late musician's legacy.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:15pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 68th Grammy Awards included a tribute to Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who passed away in January at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. While many fans praised the acknowledgment, others were upset that Weir did not receive a live musical performance in his honor, unlike other artists such as Ozzy Osbourne and D'Angelo.

Why it matters

Bob Weir was a pioneering guitarist and songwriter who helped define the Grateful Dead's iconic sound over the band's decades-long career. As one of the most influential musicians of his generation, some fans felt the Grammys did not properly recognize Weir's immense contributions to rock music.

The details

In a pre-recorded clip, Weir's Dead & Company bandmate John Mayer praised the musician as "a messenger" whose songs would "remain a roadmap for a better, more meaningful life." However, some fans took to social media to express disappointment that Weir did not receive a live tribute performance, unlike other late artists honored during the ceremony's "in memoriam" segment.

  • Bob Weir passed away on January 10, 2026 at the age of 78.
  • A public memorial for Weir was held in San Francisco on January 17, 2026.

The players

Bob Weir

Co-founder and guitarist of the iconic rock band Grateful Dead, who passed away in January 2026 at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.

John Mayer

Musician who performed with Weir in the band Dead & Company and paid tribute to him during the Grammys ceremony.

Oracle Park Seagull

The official Twitter account for the seagull shown during San Francisco Giants games, which criticized the Grammys for not having a live musical tribute to Weir.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bob was a messenger, not only for the music he made with the Grateful Dead, but for the tapestry of influences that birthed it: rock, folk, blues, R&B and country. Bob has left us, but the songs he sang will remain a roadmap for a better, more meaningful life.”

— John Mayer, Musician

“Grammys could have had John Mayer tribute to Bob Weir and the Dead. They chose not to.”

— Oracle Park Seagull (Twitter)

What’s next

The Grammys have not announced any plans for a future tribute to Bob Weir, but some fans are hoping the organization will find a way to more fully recognize his musical legacy.

The takeaway

The mixed reactions to the Grammys' tribute to Bob Weir highlight the enduring influence and passionate fanbase of the Grateful Dead, whose music continues to resonate decades after the band's heyday. While the televised memorial segment acknowledged Weir's importance, some felt the Grammys missed an opportunity to truly celebrate his iconic status within the rock music pantheon.