Bassist and founding member of the legendary rock band dies at the age of 84

Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of the legendary rock band Grateful Dead, has died. He was 84.

Lesh's death was announced on Friday, October 25, on the late musician's Instagram page.

“Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed away peacefully this morning,” the post reads. “He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought great joy to everyone around him and leaves a legacy full of music and love. We ask that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”

Lesh grew up in the eastern suburbs of San Francisco, California, according to his profile on the Grateful Dead website.

He learned the violin before switching to the trumpet and turning to “cool jazz”. According to his profile, Lesh later composed avant-garde music in Stockhausen's empire.

Lesh joined the Grateful Dead in 1965 after meeting fellow founding member, the late Jerry Garcia, at a Warlocks show at a pizzeria in Menlo Park, California. Lesh played with the band throughout its 30-year career. Lesh was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 1994.

“Phil Lesh, one of the most powerful intellects and most extraordinary musical talents in rock history, redefined what the bass could sound like and, in doing so, significantly influenced the sound of the Dead,” reads Lesh’s profile. “Instead of being part of the rhythm section, Phil's bass was a low-end guitar, and his improvised interplay with Garcia and (Bob) Weir made the Dead the not-quite-rock rock band that it was.”

After the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Lesh started his side project Phil Lesh and Friends, playing the band's music as well as songs by the group members.

Lesh later performed with the band Furthur from 2009 to 2014 alongside former Grateful Dead bandmate Bob Weir. In 2014, he stopped touring but continued to perform with the Lesh family band until early 2024.

According to his profile, Lesh is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, Jill, and his two sons.