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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced swift criticism on social media after her appearance at a public tribute honoring Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir in San Francisco’s Civic Center on Saturday. The 85-year-old self-proclaimed “Deadhead” drew attention for what some viewers described as unusual behavior during the memorial event.
Thousands gathered to celebrate Weir’s life and legacy after his passing earlier this month at age 78. The tribute attracted longtime fans of the band, notable musicians, and political figures from the Bay Area, where the Grateful Dead has deep cultural roots.
During her remarks, Pelosi occasionally stumbled over her words while reflecting on Weir’s impact. “Bobby Weir was not just a magician, musician – a magician too – he was a force of nature,” she said at one point in her speech. The former Speaker also used the platform to deliver a political message, holding up a “vote” sign while telling the crowd, “Bobby really loved democracy, he loved our country. You know what he wanted everybody to do? Vote!”
Pelosi’s bright magenta suit stood in stark contrast to the predominantly black attire worn by others on stage, drawing particular criticism online. Social media users quickly took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to comment on her appearance and demeanor during the event.
“Is Nancy Pelosi drunk at the Bob Weir Homecoming?” one user wrote, while another commented, “Nancy Pelosi wearing a very somber magenta on stage at Bob Weir’s funeral.” Others questioned her presence at the memorial altogether, with one user asking, “Why is Nancy Pelosi speaking at this Bob Weir memorial?”
The former Speaker was also seen swaying and singing along as musician John Mayer performed the Grateful Dead classic “Ripple” during the ceremony. “My bingo card today didn’t include Nancy Pelosi singing ‘Ripple’ along with John Mayer at the Bobby Weir send off,” another social media user remarked.
The public tribute featured several notable musical performances, including appearances by folk icon Joan Baez and country singer Wynonna Judd. The event was a significant cultural moment for San Francisco, where the Grateful Dead formed in 1965 and became one of the most influential bands in American rock music history.
Weir, who died on January 10, was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and remained active in the music scene long after the band’s official dissolution following the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995. According to a statement from his family posted on Instagram, Weir “transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could.” The statement added that he ultimately succumbed to lung problems.
Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987, announced in November that she would not seek re-election when her current term ends in 2027, bringing a close to her decades-long career in the House of Representatives. During her time in Congress, she became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the position from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
Representatives for Pelosi did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the criticism of her appearance at the memorial event.
The tribute to Weir underscored the Grateful Dead’s enduring cultural significance and the deep connection between the band and San Francisco’s cultural and political landscape. Despite the controversy surrounding Pelosi’s participation, the event succeeded in bringing together thousands of fans to celebrate Weir’s musical legacy and profound impact on American music.
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9 Comments
As someone invested in the mining and energy sectors, I don’t have a strong opinion on Pelosi’s appearance at the Weir memorial. While her remarks and outfit may have seemed out of place to some, the focus should be on celebrating Weir’s life and music, which brought people together across divides.
I’m curious to hear more about Weir’s political views and how they may have evolved over the years. Given the Grateful Dead’s countercultural roots, it’s not surprising Pelosi wanted to highlight his support for democracy. But the memorial didn’t seem the right venue for that kind of message.
Pelosi’s choice to highlight voting and democracy at the Weir memorial is puzzling. While Weir was known for his political activism, the event should have been about celebrating his musical genius and cultural impact, not pushing a partisan agenda. Her outfit also seemed out of place.
As a mining and energy investor, I don’t have a strong opinion on Pelosi’s tribute performance. Weir’s music brought people together across divides, which seems like a positive legacy. Whether Pelosi’s remarks were appropriate is subjective, but the focus should be on honoring his life and work.
I’m not a Pelosi supporter, but I think the online criticism of her behavior at the Weir tribute is overblown. As a longtime Deadhead, she likely just wanted to connect with the crowd in her own way. While the political message was questionable, the event was about honoring an important figure, not scoring political points.
Pelosi’s decision to use the memorial for a political message seems questionable. While Weir was known for his support of democracy, the event should have focused on honoring his life and music rather than promoting a partisan agenda. Her bright outfit also stood out in an odd way.
Pelosi’s appearance at the Weir tribute is an interesting intersection of politics and music. While her behavior may have seemed out of place to some, the Grateful Dead have long been associated with progressive causes. It’s understandable she wanted to celebrate Weir’s legacy in her own way.
As a longtime Deadhead, I’m glad Pelosi came to pay tribute to Weir. His music and spirit transcended politics. While her speech had some awkward moments, she was likely just trying to connect with the crowd in her own way. The online criticism seems a bit harsh, in my view.
Interesting to see Pelosi attend this tribute for Weir. While her speech seemed a bit awkward at times, it’s understandable she wanted to celebrate his legacy and encourage civic participation. Not everyone may agree with her politics, but Weir’s music brought people together across divides.