Phil Lesh, a founding member of “Grateful Dead,” a classical music band founded in San Francisco in the 1960s has died.
Lesh reportedly died Friday, according to a statement released by his family. The cause of death was, however, not disclosed.
According to the statement, the bassist, classically trained violinist and jazz trumpeter passed peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his family and full of love.
The statement which was shared on the deceased icon’s Instagram handle stated that Lesh brought immense joy to everyone around him, leaving behind a legacy of music and love.
The music professional was meant to be the next contact to be made by MusicCares, an organisation dedicated to offering assistance to music professionals needing financial or other kinds of assistance.
Sadly, his death comes two days after MusicCares named the Grateful Dead its Persons of the Year for 2025, citing Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation and the music band’s 60th anniversary among other philanthropic initiatives.
It had also stated that the dead will be honoured in January at a benefit gala ahead of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Although the actual cause of Lesh’s death has not been ascertained, it was gathered that he had previously survived bouts of prostate cancer, bladder cancer and a 1998 liver transplant which was said to have been necessitated by what was described as the debilitating effects of a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking.
Throughout his years, Lesh, who was recognized as a critical member of the Grateful Dead kept a relatively low public profile. He rarely granted interviews and would neither speak to the audience nor his fans.
He was widely known for his thundering lines on the six-string electric bass. His input often provided a brilliant counterpoint to lead guitarist Jerry Garcia’s soaring solos and anchored the band’s famous marathon jams.
“When Phil’s happening the band’s happening,” Garcia once said.
Phillip Chapman Lesh, born on March 15, 1940, in Berkeley, California, was the only child of his parents, Frank Lesh, an office equipment repairman and his wife, Barbara.
He died, leaving behind his wife, Jill and sons, Grahame and Brian, who are both musicians. The duo played with the Terrapin Family Band.
