'A Star Wrangler'

"I’ve never knew a person so in tune with the cosmos. Who was so mystical and smart and mysterious, alluring and radiant," Strings writes of his friend and Grateful Dead guitarist following news of his death

Billy Strings paid tribute to Bob Weir following news of the Grateful Dead guitarist’s death Saturday at the age of 78.

“We are all completely devastated  but I also can’t help but feel like he is at total peace and more magical now than he ever was. I’ve never knew a person so in tune with the cosmos. Who was so mystical and smart and mysterious, alluring and radiant,” Strings wrote on social media.

“He was a star wrangler .. a celestial skysage who traded fear for wonder. Now he is riding the northern lights and skipping barefoot between the constellations… We took a while to try to understand the news and then told some beautiful stories about our times with him.. but eventually we decided to pick ourselves up and got back to recording our music because that’s what he would have wanted us to do. As he said ‘There’s work to be done.’” 

Strings collaborated with Weir onstage on a number of occasions over the past half-decade, including most recently — and finally — at the Dead 60 shows in San Francisco in August 2025, where Strings served as opening act before joining Dead & Company for “Wharf Rat.”

“I’ll always cherish the memories I have of Bob .. of hanging out in his hotel room and him showing me his record collection and mobile recording rig. Sitting there listening to kind of blue in silence. Soaking in the frequencies. Of him busting into ‘when I paint my masterpiece’ at my wedding.. and in an instant he turned the place into a joyous musical celebration. It was the greatest gift anyone could have given us,” Strings wrote.

“He was always ready to ‘Kick up a fuss’ He always had boundless time and knowledge to share with everyone and was truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. The world is a better place because of him. I’m extremely grateful to have crossed paths with him in this life.”

Strings joins the chorus of celebrities, musicians, politicians, and many more who honored Weir following news of his death.

Trending Stories

“Words are hard to find in these moments.. I just know that he has had such a profound impact on so many of us and we will all carry that onward into the horizon until we someday meet again,” Strings wrote.

“Heavens choir just gained a beautiful new voice. There is joy in knowing he is with some of his old friends again.. singing and laughing and playing beautiful songs.”