Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead Co-Founder and Bass Pioneer, Dies at 84
Phil Lesh, founding member and bassist of the Grateful Dead, has passed away at age 84, surrounded by family. His death was confirmed by his family via social media, though specific details were not disclosed.
Phil Lesh performing on bass guitar
A classically trained trumpeter, Lesh switched to bass at Jerry Garcia's request when joining the Warlocks, which later became the Grateful Dead. His unique, self-taught style with jazz influences helped define the band's signature sound. Lesh co-wrote several of the band's iconic hits, including "Truckin'," "St. Stephen," and "Box of Rain."
The Grateful Dead performed from 1965 until Jerry Garcia's death in 1995. Throughout his career, Lesh faced health challenges, including a liver transplant in 1998 and bladder cancer in 2015.
After the Grateful Dead, Lesh remained active in music, publishing his memoir "Searching For The Sound: My Life With the Grateful Dead" in 2005. With his wife Jill, he opened a restaurant and live music venue in 2012. His last major appearance with the band was during their 50th anniversary Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago in 2015, performing alongside Phish's Trey Anastasio.
Just prior to his death, the Grateful Dead were named MusiCares Persons of the Year for 2025, recognizing the contributions of original surviving members Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, and the late Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan.
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