When Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir died at the age of 78, the world of rock lost more than a legendary guitarist. It lost an adventurous spirit, a bridge between generations of musicians, and a friend whose wisdom and warmth extended far beyond the stage. Among the many heartfelt tributes pouring in, Sammy Hagar — the flamboyant hard-rock singer best known for his time with Van Halen and his solo career — delivered one of the most poignant and revealing remembrances of their unlikely friendship.
Hagar, 78 himself, and Weir were born just two days apart — a coincidence that seemed to foreshadow a bond both surprising and enduring. In a message shared on social media after Weir’s passing, Hagar wrote that “a couple decades ago we made a deal we were going to live to be 100, then get together and decide if we were gonna take it any further.” The last thing Hagar said to his friend, he recalled with a rueful laugh, was: “Hey, I thought we had a deal.” The silence that followed reminded him that Weir had already lived a life so rich it seemed almost timeless.
Their friendship was indeed a study in contrasts: Hagar, the exuberant showman and tequila entrepreneur; Weir, the thoughtful, soulful guitarist whose work with Grateful Dead helped define an entire counterculture. Yet, their relationship was built on mutual curiosity, deep respect, and a shared love of music. One of their most memorable moments together came in March 2022, when Weir joined Hagar’s band The Circle onstage at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. The two jammed through Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away and Led Zeppelin’s Rock & Roll, a surreal convergence of rock worlds that made headlines because of its sheer spontaneity and joy.
Their collaborations didn’t stop there. In May 2025, during Hagar’s residency in Las Vegas, Weir appeared again — this time stepping in during a performance of Bad Motor Scooter, the hard-charging anthem from Hagar’s early band Montrose. As fans watched, the pair turned the stage into something that looked less like a planned concert and more like two old friends reconnecting through their instruments.
In his tribute, Hagar captured both the depth of his affection and the humor that defined their connection:
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“Am I gonna miss Bob? #YouBet”
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“Did I love Bob like a brother? #Yup”
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“Was Bob a wonderful friend to have? #F—inA”
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“Did Bob and I have some good fun together? #MoreFunThanAFroginAGlassOfMilk”
Those words reflect a friendship that transcended musical genres and generations — one rooted not in similarity, but in an appreciation for life’s strange, sweet harmonies. Hagar’s message ended with love, prayers, and “godspeed” to Weir’s family and friends, a testament to the profound impact his friend had on those around him.
As tributes continue from across the musical world — from country artists like Margo Price to fellow rock legends remembering Weir’s influence — Hagar’s words stand out as a reminder that even the most unexpected friendships can become life-long treasures.