Rob Wasserman, master bassist and collaborator to many, mostly notably Bob Weir, with whom Wasserman founded RatDog in 1995, passed away today. Earlier in the afternoon, Weir revealed that his longtime friend had been hospitalized and was “facing a serious struggle.” Later, Weir confirmed that Wasserman had passed in another post:

_I’m devastated to pass along that Rob Wasserman lost his struggle today, and we have lost a beautiful friend and artist. I can still hear the sound of his bow playing those strings unamplified and pure. It’s one of the most glorious sounds I’ve ever heard, and the music and warmth he gave us will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched._

Along with his musical relationship with Weir, which also included many duo performances, Wasserman collaborated with a slew of artists, including Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, David Grisman, Neil Young, Lou Reed, Branford Marsalis and more. His 1990 album, _Duets_, which was part of his _Solo, Duets and Trios_ trilogy, was nominated for three Grammys and won one for his song “Brothers” with Bobby McFerrin. He also had recently played in the Keller Williams Trio. Weir and Wasserman had collaborated since the ’80s and, even though the bassist left RatDog in 2002, the longtime friends continued to share the stage as part of Scaring the Children. Wasserman also participated in a variety of RatDog reunions since 2012.

“Weir, Williams and others have already shared their thoughts on Wasserman via social media”:http://www.relix.com/news/detail/bassist_rob_wasserman_passes_away