Thanks to relentless touring, constant musical evolution and a passionate fan base, the Grateful Dead - who existed from 1965 to 1995 - did not have to rely on producing hit records. In 1964 at age 16, he met Bay Area folk musician Garcia, with whom he formed the Warlocks, who soon morphed into the Grateful Dead. The group's first album, "The Grateful Dead," was released in March 1967. By the time of the band's two famous 1970 albums, "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty," Weir was a key contributor. As the band's rhythm guitarist, Weir often played little fills, riffs and figures instead of straight chords.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 11, 2026 03:58 UTC