Bob Weir and Ratdog Come to the Wellmont

Bob Weir: A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the Wellmont Theater.

A man that needs little introduction, the rhythm guitarist that helped to craft the jam music scene and sang sweet songs to rock our souls: Bob Weir. He is coming to the Wellmont Theater in Montclair. The famous Grateful Dead singer/guitarist is scheduled to perform on Feb. 20, along with his acclaimed group Ratdog.

Weir was one of the founding members of the prolific band the Grateful Dead. From 1965 to 1995, the Grateful Dead toured constantly. They released 22 albums. They also invented a whole new genre of rock music. Their fans were famous for their devotion and determination to see as many shows as possible. It’s obvious that Grateful Dead truly cares for their fans. Some of them following the band on tour from show to show. The Grateful Dead nearly single-handedly create the jam music scene. They were also responsible for creating an environment for people to form a new cultural movement for themselves centered around the Dead and their concerts, now coming to the Wellmont Theater.

Bob Weir was one of the members of the band to be in every lineup. Weir and Jerry Garcia shared the vocal responsibilities for the band. They were the band’s most prolific songwriters. In 1994, Bob Weir was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the band. This was a great privilege and honor.

The Grateful Dead called it quits in the year of 1995. Following the death of their lead guitarist and singer, Jerry Garcia. It was a tragic thing they all faced. Fortunately for the fans, many of the members of the band continued on forming solo projects of their own. Weir was no exception. He was contributing to a number of different bands, most notably forming his group Ratdog.

Ratdog consisted of  Rob Wasserman on string bass and Matthew Kelley on guitar as well as Jay Lane of Primus on the drums. Ratdog began playing extensively during the summer of 1995 going into the following year. Combining Grateful Dead tunes with a lengthy list of covers, Bob Weir and Ratdog became a staple in the Jam music scene. The current lineup for the band coming to the Wellmont Theater is intriguing. It includes Steve Kimock on guitar and Robin Sylvester on bass.

Bob Weir also has created an online concert video series at his home studio. It is called Tri Studios. He invites famous musicians to play. Bob has embraced the digital age and makes these podcasts available on the Internet. Also available with HD sound and video. Notable performances include Slightly Stoopid, Karl Denson, Tea Leaf Green, Widespread Panic and Warren Haynes. Make sure to check out calendar.

After the show at the Wellmont Theater, there are a lot of great restaurants to visit in the area. If you are a fan of Asian food, try Spice II Thai restaurant, Chatni Indian restaurant and Azora Japanese are all great stops. If you are in the mood for something else, try Acappello Ristorante or Cuban Pete’s might be right for you. Montclair doesn’t disappoint.

Bob Weir is a legend in the music industry. His band Ratdog has been rocking venues since 1995. This is looking to be a promising night for Deadheads and newcomers alike. Come out and hear the legendary singer. They will play all the classics, and even some new songs as well. You won’t regret coming. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat in the house. Tickets start at $29. They are also available online at livenation.com.

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