Bob Weir: Thousands of Grateful Dead fans pay tribute to co-founder, guitarist in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The Bay Area paid respect and sent a final goodbye to the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir on Saturday

Thousands of fans, fondly known as deadheads, gathered at San Francisco’s Civic Center Saturday for a public memorial honoring the rock and roll legend who died last week.

Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist Bob Weir made his final journey through San Francisco, a precession carrying the late rock legend’s casket, moving up Market Street, deadheads getting emotional.

“I just saw an angel. That guy saved our lives,” said Grateful Dead fan Michael Burns.

He’s credited with helping craft the band’s unique sound that became synonymous with the 1960s counterculture movement.

MORE: Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead and Bay Area native, dies at 78

“Just to see Bob go by with the ‘Ace” on the hearse, a longtime fan, feeling grateful,” said Kate Lyst.

At Civic Center, thousands of deadheads showed up for Weir’s homecoming, proving to the Weir family just how much he was loved.

“Thank you for coming, my darling. Maestro, I imagine you feel the same way when Jerry died,” said Natascha Weir.

Weir died Jan. 10 at age 78 from underlying lung issues after beating cancer.

“He gave us music that reminds us we belong to one another. After the final note ends, thanks Bob,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

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“He helped create a sound that became a language or culture and became a sense of community,” said Representative Nancy Pelosi.

Dead & Company’s John Mayer led the crowd, singing the Dead’s classic, “Ripple.”

“Bob took a chance on me. He staked his entire reputation on my joining the band with him. He gave me a musical community. He gave me this community,” Mayer said.

The Dead’s music was born in San Francisco and loved by millions worldwide.

“The music never stops. It’ll last forever,” said Ken Christy.

Organizers estimate 20,000 people attended the public memorial for Bob Weir.

The tributes to Bob Weir didn’t end at Civic Center.

He was also honored in the San Francisco neighborhood that helped make the Grateful Dead so iconic.

A gathering took place at “Love on Haight,” the artist collective in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury area.

Weir and the Grateful Dead lived in the neighborhood when they got their start, and were a critical part of the counter-culture scene in the area in the 1960’s.

MORE: Fans celebrate life of Grateful Dead co-founder, guitarist Bob Weir with musical tribute in SF

A memorial to Weir grew outside the house on Haight st. where band members once lived.

Scott Guberman organized the tribute.

“Deadheads” have been leaving flowers, cards and other mementos to pay their respects to the music legend.

You can watch the full service via San Francisco Government TV here.