There have been so many amazing tributes to Bobby, an overwhelming amount of love going to the man who deserves it the most. I would like to pay my respects and share a bit for those interested…
It was September 1987 when my friends dragged me from college to the Cap Center to see the Grateful Dead for the first time. From the parking lot, to that little square tab, to the show…thank you Bobby for introducing us to the Grateful Dead, to the family and to the scene. We were a bit lost and then we were found. You brought music, love and passion to millions and you did so selflessly.
Bobby was not only a great musician, he was a great human. He focused on improving himself and the world around him. As a founder of The Rex Foundation he spent 30+ years supporting small non-profits that focused on social change, he supported protecting the Rain Forests he was always pushing to get out the vote with HeadCount. He was out there, he cared, it was not all about him, it was about the community.
Many chose Jerry songs, I was more of a Bobby guy, arriving to the scene in 1987, I was a 'touch of greyer'. My inner gooney bird was driven by songs like Playing, Estimated, Truckin’, Throwing Stones, Hell in a Bucket, and The Music Never Stopped. We were a part of something, it all mattered, it was magic. Bobby not only opened my eyes and soul, he and the Grateful Dead paved the way to my career with jam bands and fellow music lovers.
There was no greater honor and career highlight than for Bob Weir to join us six times at the All Good Music Festival & Campout. It was a dream come true. Going full circle from that 1st experience to 20 years later hosting Bob Weir & Ratdog in 2007 and then again in 2009 was mind blowing to say the least. It seemed like positive feedback from the Bob Weir camp about All Good must have sparked interest from Furthur who joined us in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Plus, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby ft Brandford Marsalis shined on All Good in 2012.
Being fortunate enough to have met Bobby and hang with him a little, he truly was one of us, he knew he was lucky to be where he was and was able to share that without pretension. At the All Good Festival, we were escorting Bobby from the main backstage area to The Ropeadope Stage in the campground, and the van got stuck in the mud. Bobby was the first one to jump out to help, that’s who he was, and then 10 people yelled “get back in the van Bobby”.
We owe Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead everything. We’ll miss you Now and Forever, may the Music Never Stop and may the four winds blow you safely home. RIP.
Tim Walther
All Good Presents
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