The Grateful Dead Once Nearly Lost Two of Its Founders
- - The Grateful Dead Once Nearly Lost Two of Its Founders
Lauren AndersonJanuary 11, 2026 at 2:44 AM
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Before Bob Weir became one of rock’s most beloved rhythm guitarists, he was part of a moment in Grateful Dead history that has long been wrapped in rumor, myth, and conflicting memories.
In the middle of 1968, the band was transitioning from its early folk-blues roots into a more experimental psychedelic direction. At that time, Grateful Dead co-founders Weir and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan were effectively out of the band.
The details remain fuzzy, with historians and fans alike debate exactly when or how long either man was absent. But most accounts agree that both were sidelined as the group wrestled with its musical identity.
When other members said they didn’t have the heart to enforce the decision, band manager Rock Scully spoke of concerns about Weir’s playing and Pigpen’s fit with the emerging sound. Some shows from late 1968 featured performances under alternate names like Mickey and the Hartbeats, suggesting that internal tensions had indeed reshaped the lineup for a moment.
"To find out one of my favourite GD shows was a few days before Bobby and Pig were ousted for lack of commitment and creativity is surprising to say the least," one passionate Redditor said.
Another pointed out how the move was "something less severe than a formal termination, but a bit more stern than a 'you'd better shape up' warning." Whatever the case, that brief split had lasting effects.
It helped prompt keyboardist Tom Constanten to join the band later that year, bringing avant-garde influences to albums like Anthem of the Sun. It also resulted in the cancellation of planned tours and encouraged other side projects. All of this fed into the Dead’s evolution during one of its most creative eras.
Weir and Pigpen ultimately returned to the group, but the episode underscored the Grateful Dead’s restless drive to reinvent itself.
Weir’s death at 78 in January 2026 marks the end of an era. The co-founder, who helped define American psychedelic rock and carried the Dead’s spirit long after Jerry Garcia’s death, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer and lung issues.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
