John Mayer Delivers Stirring ‘Ripple’ at Bob Weir’s Memorial Event
John Mayer honored Bob Weir with an emotional performance at his public memorial on Saturday in San Francisco. The event took place at Civic Center Plaza, drawing thousands of fans from the Grateful Dead community.
Heartfelt Eulogy and Tribute
Mayer began by highlighting a significant connection with Weir. Both musicians share the same birthday, October 16, but were born three decades apart—Weir in 1947 and Mayer in 1977. He described Weir as a cultural icon and shared his own perspective on their contrasting backgrounds.
“In the 30 years that preceded me, Bob had become a countercultural icon,” Mayer reflected. He emphasized Weir’s deep understanding of music, soul, and creativity, contrasting it with his own analytical approach.
Years of Friendship
The friendship between Mayer and Weir blossomed during their time together in the band Dead & Company. Mayer mentioned the trust built over a decade, as Weir taught him to embrace the moment while Mayer introduced Weir to planning. “Bob took a chance on me,” he expressed. “He staked his entire reputation on my joining a band with him.”
- Connection: Weir invited Mayer into his musical community.
- Trust: They learned from each other’s strengths.
- Legacy: Bob Weir’s influence on Mayer was profound.
A Moving Farewell
Mayer became emotional as he discussed Weir’s legacy. He shared insights into how Weir lent him his songbook and helped him understand the essence of the songs they performed. As he concluded his tribute, Mayer quoted Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” saying, “listen to the melody because my love is in there hiding.”
| Performance Details |
|---|
| Location: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco |
| Date: Saturday |
| Song: “Ripple” (performed live) |
The memorial concluded with a performance of “Ripple,” a classic from the American Beauty album. This song has rarely been performed live, making it a poignant choice for Weir’s send-off, celebrated by friends, family, and fellow musicians, including Mickey Hart and Oteil Burbridge.
As the community gathered in remembrance, Mayer’s tribute resonated deeply. It highlighted the enduring impact of Bob Weir’s music and spirit on countless fans and fellow artists alike.
