Phil Lesh, the co-founder and bassist of Grateful Dead, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old. Lesh was born in Berkeley, California, in 1940 and started his musical journey as a violinist before switching to trumpet. He later became the bassist for the Grateful Dead, a band that became a staple in San Francisco’s counterculture and psychedelic rock scene.
Lesh played on all of the Dead’s studio albums and live recordings, contributing not only as a bassist but also as a songwriter. After Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Lesh formed his own band, Phil Lesh and Friends, and continued to perform with various Grateful Dead offshoots. He also opened a popular venue called Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California, where he often performed with his sons.
Despite battling multiple health challenges over the years, including a liver transplant and surgeries for prostate and bladder cancer, Lesh remained dedicated to his music. He saw performing as essential as food and drink and valued the wisdom and experience that age brought to his musical journey.
Following his passing, surviving Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann penned a heartfelt tribute to Lesh, expressing their love and condolences to his family. They acknowledged Lesh’s irreplaceable presence in the band and the profound impact his music had on their lives.
The Grateful Dead’s official social media accounts also shared tributes to Lesh, with fans and fellow musicians honoring his legacy and the influence he had on the music world. Lesh’s unique bass playing style and songwriting contributions were recognized as integral to the Grateful Dead’s sound and success.
In his lifetime, Phil Lesh left behind a legacy of music and love that continues to inspire fans and musicians alike. His passion for performing and his dedication to his craft were evident throughout his career, and his influence on the music industry will be felt for generations to come.