Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir to sing National Anthem at Dodge/Save Mart 350


by John Cardinale


SONOMA, Calif. -- Legendary singer/songwriter Bob Weir will sing the national anthem at Infineon Raceway for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event, June 27.


Weir is best known for forming one of the Bay Area’s most legendary musical groups, the Grateful Dead, which also featured the late Jerry Garcia. Weir secured his place in history as co-vocalist and guitarist for the Grateful Dead, with such classics as “Truckin,” “Sugar Magnolia” and “American Beauty.”


The group, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, was formed in 1965 and still tours to this day. Weir, who was born in San Francisco in 1947, also plays with his current band, RatDog. Weir has also performed the national anthem for the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Raiders.


Most recently, Weir released a two-CD retrospective on his legendary career entitled “Weir Here” in March. The package includes 26 songs he has recorded over the past 33 years, both in concert and in the studio.