The surviving members of the Grateful Dead paid tribute to Bill Walton, the beloved NBA Hall of Famer and dedicated Deadhead who passed away at 71 from cancer. The band’s offshoot Dead & Company shared a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing their sorrow and honoring Walton’s memory. They described him as an “irreplaceable force and spirit in our family,” highlighting his deep love for the band and attending over 1,000 shows.
Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann also shared their own emotional statements about Walton. Weir thanked him for the friendship and memories they shared, along with his colorful commentary and Hall of Fame presence. He posted photos with Walton and reminisced about the good times they had together. Hart described Walton as the best friend he ever had and emphasized his importance in their lives. He shared a touching message that Walton had sent them regularly after their shows, expressing gratitude for the music that shaped his life.
Kreutzmann revealed that Walton had asked him to share certain stories only after his passing, hinting at the deep connection they shared. He expressed his grief over Walton’s death and described him as their number one fan. Kreutzmann reminisced about the special seat in the audience where Walton would always stand, feeling the music and sharing that moment with him. He ended his tribute with a farewell message, wishing Walton a safe journey home and expressing his love for him. The members of the Grateful Dead remembered Walton not only as a fan but as a close friend who enriched their lives with his presence.
In conclusion, Bill Walton was more than just an NBA Hall of Famer; he was a beloved figure among fans of rock band Grateful Dead known for being passionate about music. His impact on their lives was significant enough to be recognized by members of the band who paid tribute to him after his passing away from cancer at age 71.
The surviving members of Grateful Dead expressed their sorrow through social media posts while paying homage to Bill Walton’s memory by describing him as an “irreplaceable force” in their lives.
Bob Weir thanked Bill for being an important figure in shaping many memories together while Mickey Hart highlighted how much he meant to them by sending messages regularly after shows.
Bill Kreutzmann also paid tribute to Bill by sharing some intimate moments they spent together before he passed away.
Overall, it is clear that Bill’s legacy will live on forever through those who knew him best – even if it’s just through music that shaped so many lives together.
