Late NBA great and renowned Deadhead Bill Walton was given a heartfelt tribute during a captivating performance by Dead and Company at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 30. The touching moment occurred during the band's rendition of "Fire on the Mountain," as the Sphere's immersive screen displayed a virtual scrapbook featuring nostalgic Grateful Dead memories.

The crowd erupted with cheers as a photo of Walton wearing a tie-dye Dead shirt appeared on the screen. As Dead and Company jammed out to "Fire on the Mountain," a montage of photos unfolded, highlighting Walton's cherished moments with the band over the years. The photos depicted him alongside band members, enjoying shows from the crowd's perspective, and even dressed as Father Time during Dead and Company's New Year's Eve performances - a nod to the character Bill Graham used to portray on similar occasions.

Walton, who passed away on Monday, May 27, at the age of 71 after battling cancer, received tributes not only from the basketball world but also from surviving Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann. Weir expressed his gratitude for Walton's friendship, years of colorful commentary, and for embodying a Hall of Fame-worthy existence.

John Mayer, a member of Dead and Company, also paid tribute to Walton, thanking him for helping him find his place within the Grateful Dead universe after joining the band. Mayer acknowledged Walton's kindness, encouragement, and friendship, which played a vital role in his acceptance within the Grateful Dead community.

Walton's unwavering devotion to the Grateful Dead was legendary. Throughout his life, he reportedly attended over 850 shows and even volunteered to sort recyclables for the band. Additionally, he became a familiar sight at basketball games, often donning tie-dye shirts to announce the matches. Walton further solidified his connection to the Grateful Dead by hosting his own show on the band's SiriusXM channel.

In 2021, Walton was posthumously inducted into the Dead's "Hall of Honor," an accolade he regarded as the most significant distinction of his remarkable career. As tributes continue to pour in from all corners, Walton's legacy as both a basketball icon and a revered Deadhead is sure to live on.

The special tribute during the Dead and Company concert served as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between Bill Walton and the musical legacy of the Grateful Dead.