Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, an infamous Democrat and self-proclaimed “Deadhead,” spoke at a public memorial tribute for Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who died January 10, 2026, at age 78 from lung issues after beating cancer. The memorial was held at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza.
As background, when announcing the death of the beloved rock star, his family posted, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could.”
Reacting to the news of Weir’s passing in a post made on her social media, Pelosi said, “Deeply saddened to learn of Bob Weir’s passing. A dear friend and a San Francisco icon as a founder of the Grateful Dead, Bob’s music brought people together in joy and community for generations.”
Continuing her comments about the deceased rocker, Pelosi added, “His legacy will live on through every soul he touched and every moment of connection his music created. Paul and I send our condolences to Natascha and his entire family with gratitude for the joy he shared with the world.”
Then it was announced that Pelosi would speak at a memorial event for him. Announcing that event, the Capital Theatre said, “Please join us at Garcia’s tomorrow for a free show with members of the Stella Blue Band as we celebrate the life and music of Bob Weir. We’re grateful for the chance to be together, to laugh, cry, hug, and keep the music going. Thank you, Bobby.”
The star-studded event was attended by thousands, including Joan Baez, Wynonna Judd, John Mayer, and others. Pelosi praised Weir’s legacy but stumbled over words, sang along to the music, held up a “VOTE” sign tying him to democracy, and drew online backlash for her demeanor, bright magenta outfit amid black attire, and cynical political messaging.
“Bobby Weir was not just a magician, musician – a magician too – he was a force of nature,” Nancy Pelosi said during her speech at the memorial, “[Weir] gave me this sign, and I’ll show it today, because I said Bobby really loved democracy, he loved our country.”Turning to cheap political theatre, she added, “You know what he wanted everybody to do? Vote!” while displaying the “vote” sign.
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As could be expected, many weren’t huge fans of her speech. “Is Nancy Pelosi drunk at the Bob Weir Homecoming?” one user joked on X. Adding another objection, one user said, “Nancy Pelosi wearing a very somber magenta on stage at Bob Weir’s funeral.” Asking a pertinent question, a post read, “Why is [Nancy] Pelosi speaking at this Bob Weir memorial?”
Expressing a shared sense of loss, Grammy Award-winning Steve Stevens reacted, “Losing Bob Weir is another reminder that all of the founders of the electric rock generation are leaving us. Once they are all gone, it’s the end of the guys and girls that fought the good fight.”
He added, “Stood for something other than the almighty dollar. Stood up against war, against racism, against greed. The Dead drummer Micky Hart lived above me briefly as a kid. We reconnected in the late 70s and I sat onstage at MSG. There are no fans like Grateful Dead fans. I dedicate this post to not only Bob but you Deadheads out there. Bless you for loving the music.”