Former Grateful Dead Bassist Phil Lesh Dead at 84
Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images
Former bassist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh, has died at the age of 84, according to a post on his Instagram page. He reportedly passed away peacefully on Friday with his family surrounding him.
“Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning,” Lesh’s account said in a statement. “He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love. We request that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”
Lesh was with the Grateful Dead through their entire 30-year run, forming in 1965 before splitting up in 1995 after the death of Jerry Garcia. After the Grateful Dead, Lesh was a member of several spinoff projects with other former band members, including The Other Ones, The Dead and Furthur. He also had his own solo project, Phil Lesh and Friends, which featured a rotating lineup of other musicians from bands such as the Allman Brothers Band, the Black Crowes and Phish.
