Phil Lesh, Co-Founder and Bassist of the Grateful Dead, Dies at 84

Grateful Dead co-founder and bassist Phil Lesh has died at the age of 84. A statement posted on social media announced that Lesh “passed peacefully” on October 25th, surrounded by family and love. “Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves a legacy of music and love. We ask that the Lesh family’s privacy be respected at this time,” the statement added. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Lesh was born on March 15, 1940, and began his musical journey as a violinist before switching to trumpet in high school. Fascinated by avant-garde classical music and jazz, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he wrote for the big band and held the first trumpet chair. Though he didn’t complete his degree, it was at Berkeley that he met future Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten.

After leaving Berkeley, Lesh studied with composer Luciano Berio and worked as a recording engineer. He eventually met Jerry Garcia, a musician from a bluegrass background. Despite their different musical paths, they connected, and Lesh soon joined Garcia’s band, The Warlocks, as bassist—a role he had not previously held.

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The Warlocks evolved into the Grateful Dead, with Lesh, Garcia, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron McKernan forming the core lineup. The band quickly became a staple of the psychedelic scene with their improvisational, experimental live shows. Known for his melodic and adventurous bass lines, Lesh’s unique style was a crucial element of the Grateful Dead’s sound.

After the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Lesh continued performing with spin-off groups like The Other Ones and The Dead, as well as leading his own project, Phil Lesh and Friends. He also founded Terrapin Crossroads, a music venue in San Rafael, California, where he regularly performed.

Lesh faced multiple health battles, including prostate cancer in 2006 and bladder cancer in 2015, undergoing further surgery in 2019. His resilience and dedication to music continued despite these challenges.

Earlier this week, MusiCares announced that the Grateful Dead will be honored as the 2025 Persons of the Year, and they will also be celebrated as part of the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing their lasting impact on music and culture.

 

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