Dead & Company Honor Bill Walton During Las Vegas Sphere Show

Beyond his illustrious profession as an NBA legend and sportscaster, Bill Walton was a enormous Deadhead. The 6′ 11″ center died on Monday (May 27) at age 71 following a battle with cancer, and the surviving members of the Grateful Dead paid tribute to their greatest fan throughout Dead &amp Company’s residency show at Las Vegas’ Sphere on Thursday (May 30).

During their functionality of 1978’s “Fire on the Mountain,” the screen of the Sphere showed a montage of photographs of Walton hanging out with the band, wearing the merch and a lot more. The tribute also featured a spectacular show of Walton’s jersey quantity, 32, adorned in tie dye and roses.

See the photographs by way of Dead &amp Company’s Instagram right here.

Earlier this week, following the news of Walton’s death, the band paid tribute to the late athlete in an Instagram post on the Dead &amp Company feed, saying, “Fare you well, fare you well, we love you more than words can tell. 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.”

The post continued, “We will miss our beloved friend, @BillWalton, deeply. Rest in peace and may the four winds blow you safely home. .” The post incorporated numerous pics of Walton in tie dye outfits at Dead shows more than the years, such as occasions he’s worn elaborate, colorful costumes — most notably a “Father Time” outfit for Dead shows on New Year’s Eve.