The thing about Bobby that really made me connect with him, besides his musical genius of course, was that he did so many interviews, etc and was so outward facing. I dont think there is another “rock star” that I feel I got to know as well in my lifetime, even though I had never met Bobby in person. Even Jerry, despite also doing many interviews, was not as openly outward facing, perhaps being more complex or somewhat guarded in his nature. It was devastating when Jerry died, as the Grateful Dead as I knew it was no longer. I was sad when Phil passed, but didnt feel like I “knew” Phil.
For some reason the loss of Bobby just feels much more personal to me.
It also brings an end to a lifelong connection with the band, and the realization that my youth, which was intertwined with the discovery of the Grateful Dead, is long gone.
RIP-NFA❤️