Grateful Dead Members Laud Bill Walton as Band’s Biggest Fan and ‘The Best Friend I Ever Had’
variety.comChris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Members of the Grateful Dead and its currently playing spin-off group, Dead & Company, have taken to social media after the death of basketball legend Bill Walton to share their grief and love for the man who was considered the Dead’s biggest celebrity superfan.
Dead & Company, which is in the midst of a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere, posted a collective statement as well, on top of those of individual members. “Fare you well, fare you well, we love you more than words can tell,” the band posted. “Bill was an irreplaceable force and spirit in our family.
Father Time, Rhythm Devil, biggest deadhead ever. Over 1000 shows and couldn’t get enough. He loved this band and we loved him.
We will miss our beloved friend, @BillWalton, deeply. Rest in peace and may the four winds blow you safely home.” The reference to “Father Time” alludes to how the Celtics great dressed up and played that role during a 2015 New Year’s Eve show by Dead & Company in Los Angeles, pictured above, and at earlier shows by Dead offshoot groups, as seen in the photo montage posted on Instagram.
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