Bob Weir, co-founder of the legendary Grateful Dead, passed away on Saturday, January 10, at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. The news deeply affected Don Was, the Grammy Award-winning producer and president of Blue Note Records, who had also been Weir's bandmate in Wolf Bros since 2018. Was received the somber call about an hour before he was set to perform with his own group, the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and tearfully shared the news with the audience.

Reflecting on Weir's enduring spirit, Was recalled how Weir himself had dealt with Jerry Garcia's death in 1995 by playing music, emphasizing that grief is best met with good music and uplifting spirits. "He just said that the way you deal with grief is good music and lifting people’s spirits, and I know that’s what he would’ve wanted tonight," Was told Billboard. He conveyed this sentiment to his audience, stating, "If [Weir] were here right now, he would say, ‘Get out there and f---ing play!’ So we’re gonna play the show… and we’re just gonna give it as much soul as we can give it. I know that’s what he would have wanted."

Was's connection with Weir began in the 1990s, through their mutual friend, Ratdog bassist Rob Wasserman. In 2018, Weir contacted Was, sharing a dream where Wasserman (who had passed in 2016) instructed Was to take his place. This led to the formation of Wolf Bros, a trio featuring Weir, Was, and drummer Jay Lane. Was described Weir as a dear friend, expressing his shock despite knowing Weir's health struggles: "I knew he wasn’t well, and I just assumed he was gonna be all right. I was planning on playing more shows, even though I knew he was sick, because he always pulls it off. He was fearless musically and fearless in this fight for his life. That’s what I learned from him — give it everything, and push it one step further."

Beyond his role in Wolf Bros' two live albums, Don Was served as music director for significant Grateful Dead events, including the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony and the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year gala. He also played a pivotal role in the formation of Dead & Company by introducing Weir and Mickey Hart to John Mayer. Was had been in recent communication with Weir, texting about future musical plans just a month prior, holding onto hope for his recovery.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, currently embarking on an 11-week tour, has been commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's Blues for Allah album since October. In tribute to Weir, they adjusted their Saturday set list to open with "The Music Never Stopped," a song Was hailed as "one of the best songs [Weir] ever wrote." Was noted Weir's strong desire for the music to continue even after the original band members were gone, asserting that despite his passing, "His music and his legacy will [go on]."

Was also posted a heartfelt message on social media before the second show, reflecting on the profound impact of playing with Weir in Wolf Bros: "Playing with him in the Wolf Bros over the past 7 years has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. Night after night, he taught us how to approach music with fearlessness and unbridled soul… Every note he played and every word he sang was designed to bring comfort and joy to our audiences." He extended condolences to Weir's family and fans, affirming, "The music he helped create over the last 60 years will continue to be felt for generations. As he sang in one of my favorite Dead songs: the music will never stop."

Dave McMurray, Pan-Detroit saxophonist and a member of Was (Not Was), also expressed his profound sorrow and disbelief. McMurray, who records for Blue Note and contributed to Dead covers, had the privilege of playing with Weir, including guesting with the Wolfpack horn section that often accompanied the Wolf Bros. "I was so lucky I got to be around him, and he was so cool and so great to play with. I saw (the news) on Instagram and it’s just freaked out. It doesn’t seem real," McMurray shared with Billboard, underscoring the deep impact Weir had on his fellow musicians.