THE GRATEFUL Dead bassist Phil Lesh has died at 84, leaving a legendary mark on rock & roll in his decades-long career.
The musician’s death was confirmed on Friday by his family, who were alongside the beloved star during his final moments and “surrounded” him with love.
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Phil’s official Instagram account confirmed the sad news and said in a statement: “Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead passed peacefully this morning.
“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 & love.
“We request that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”
The founding member of the Grateful Dead was 84, and is survived by his wife Jill.
Their unparalleled loyalty to one another and the band’s messages of peace created one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in the music industry, known as Deadheads.
The Deadheads immediately paid their condolences and flooded the rock icon’s page with sweet comments.
“Thank you Phil. Say hi to Jerry for me,” one wrote, referencing famed Grateful Dead lead vocalist Jerry Garcia – who passed in 1995.
“Rest in Peace Phil, so incredibly grateful for you! May the four winds blow you safely home,” another said.
“May the four winds blow you safely home, Phil. Thanks for helping write the soundtrack to my life,” a third expressed.
“Thank you Phil for the music, the message, and the love. Gone but not lost,” a fourth commented.
Bravo boss Andy Cohen, who has not been shy about his lifelong love for the Grateful Dead, reposted the news with a heartbreak emoji.
Jerry, rhythm guitarist Bob Weir, drummer Bill Kreutzmann and Phil were the primary members of the band that stayed together for decades.
Phil, born in 1940 in Berkley, CA, was the band’s oldest member.
He grew up wanting to compose music, not yet interested at all in performing, and studied at the nearby university UC Berkeley.
However, he dropped out after only a semester to focus on his music career.
It was while partying during his late teens and early 20’s that led him to meeting fellow founding members Tom Constanten and Jerry.
After running into Jerry on-and-off for years, in 1964, he invited Phil to play bass – an instrument he had not yet played, in his band at the time, Warlocks.
The following year, Phil played his first show with the Warlocks at the Bikini A-Go-Go – a small venue in Hayward, California.
Shortly after, the Warlocks morphed into the band fans now today as the Grateful Dead.
The band was officially formed in Palo Alto, CA in 1965.
Phil described their sound as “electric chamber music.”
The Grateful Dead released thirteen studio albums, nine contemporary live records, and other projects during their 30-year career.
After the death of lead singer Jerry in 1995, the group officially disbanded.
However, the surviving members would reunite for special performances and tributes here and there.
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In 2015, the supergroup Dead & Company was formed with the additions of John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane.
The group currently has a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere – where they play in a dome of psychedelic colors.